A Little About Me

A Long Time Coming

The first piece of advice a person reads when starting a blog is having the first post be an ‘About Me’. It’s good advice for someone maybe not sure what to write, but when I thought about it, why would readers care about me? They are here to gain information on topics they are researching on writing. This thought is exactly why I skipped an About Me post and instead wrote 5 Exciting First About Becoming a Self-Published Author. Now it’s over 4 years later and I have still yet to write one… until now.

I’m sure throughout the years I've sprinkled in some personal preferences and hobbies but when it came down to it, reading and writing were always at the forefront.

Even so, I had a realization moment that one of my favorite things to do after reading a book is to read the author bio. Who are they, what are they interested in, what makes them tick? All questions I’m sure my readers have wondered through the years. So, what better time to do an About Me than now?

Well, hello, my name is Kali and I like to write(was that too AA sounding?). Storytelling has been at my core since as long as I could remember. In fact, it’s one of my favorite things to do, especially in person. Crafting a story is a talent and the emotion behind it really pushes it to a whole new level. Telling a story to friends and family to get a laugh out of them, or even a shocked look due to a twist is exciting and something I never want to give up.

Writing a story on paper is fun as well but it's much more difficult for me. I’ve always been a horrid speller. Plus the fact I don’t know grammatically what is or isn’t correct is another obstacle I run into often. Pronouncing words comes hard to me even when I’m saying them correctly in my head. I’m pretty sure I have a form of dyslexia but until I go to the doctor to get diagnosed spelling things like necessary or definitely will be the hardest part of my day.

But I’m more than just a writer. I obviously love to read based on the many book reviews I post. Lately, I feel my taste in books has shifted towards nonfiction or very specific books containing main characters with unique traits. Of course if a murder is thrown in it makes the book even better.

I’ve read from a young age. I remember the reading process and let’s just say it wasn’t fun. But then again, I've a hard time being bad at something. I neeeeed to be good at things right away and when I’m not it can be frustrating or embarrassing. That’s how reading felt for me. But once I gained the concept I was off to the races or maybe even better, the library. I read all the time. Anything I could get my hands on I was reading. Except for Goosebumps... after one or two books I was too scared to read more.

Like I mentioned, I had to be good at everything(and still try to be) which meant I was a straight A student. School wasn’t hard for me like some kids, which I’m extremely grateful for. It allowed me to quickly do my homework and set off to have fun with my friends.

I love to collect friends. I have a couple of collections but my friend group is my most prized possession. Throughout the years I've kept friends from different stages of life even ones who have moved away. I’m an only child so it’s important to me to be a good friend and to keep those connections as I didn’t have those when I was younger. (In case you were wondering some of my other collections include fossils, 3D puzzles, ironwood figurines).

With my friends I love to travel. I think I’ve gone on at least one trip with each of my friends even if it was only a few hours away. I’ve talked about my travels here but some of my favorite moments include catching a shark in the Keys, walking through the woodland trails of Portland Zoo, seeing the floor disappear and a river emerge in the Phantom of the Opera on Broadway, and literally freezing off every inch of skin to watch the Northern Lights in Iceland. Moments like these are what I find most memorable and important when it comes to one’s growth.

Bucket lists and goal setting are at the top of the priority list when it comes to personal growth. I’ve been running a group for over seven years where we mentor one another to accomplish our dreams. In fact, the reason this blog exists is because of that group. Each year, we pick a group activity. One year 'write a children’s book' was chosen. Well, to promote the launch of my book, I decided to have a blog to accompany it. Now look at us! Over 4 years later and 150+ blog posts, I would say we are doing pretty good.

When I’m not running the goals group, reading, or writing I love to go thrifting or antiquing. Mostly antiquing. What can I say, I have expensive taste. I usually can pick out the most expensive thing in a room. I don’t know if I would call it a party trick or not but it can hurt my wallet. With my finds, I decorate my house. Usually switching out the decor every quarter to match with the seasons.

Fall is my favorite time of year to decorate and just to be outside. People describe me as ‘nature’ which at first I didn’t understand until my trip to Portland where I felt more comfortable in the woods than I did in the city. Any temperature from 50-68 is my jam plus with the changing of leaves you really can’t go wrong with fall. My birthday might fall in there as well but we’ll come back to that later…cough cough.

I love puzzles which is why for my birthday I usually try to do some elaborate game. One year, I wrote an entire script in which you were the main character seeking to bring back information to be promoted as a professor. Maybe one day I’ll post it. To win you had to do individual challenges. My friends… let’s just say are competitive. But yes, anything with hidden clues or riddles are always a top favorite of mine.

Speaking of favorites, let me rattle off some of mine:

Color: Plum

Food: Shrimp

Number: 19

TV Series: Stranger Things

School Subject: Anatomy

Animal: Dog but I love a good possum

Writing that felt like I was on a first date. The only thing I forgot to add was that I want something serious but no kids. Human kids that is, animal kids are totally fine. Swipe right!

One day I hope to own a corgi and name him something cute like Scotch or Whiskey, or maybe I’ll get two and go with both. I wouldn’t be mad with a husky named Zander or a golden retriever named Mosley either. Whatever comes first, I already have the names picked out which I think is always the hardest part besides the training that is.

Oh man, I think we are nearing the end of this About Me post. I have so much more to say but maybe in another 4 years I can write a part two.

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