I have a history of resisting peer pressure.  Actually, I have a history of rebelling against it.  When I was pregnant, everyone told me I'd be having a boy - I was shaped like *this,* carrying him like *that,* sick because it was a boy, etc. 

By month eight, I was secretly hoping "he" was a "she" just to prove everyone wrong. 

I got the last laugh!

However, I've been tagged more than once in this blogging meme, so I'm playing this one time.  Mostly out of respect and deference for Donna C. because of all she gives to the homeschooling community, especially those homeschooling only one.  Hugs, Donna!

However, I *am* breaking the chain.   I used to throw away chain letters, too.  And I seldom forward anything that asks you to.   Actually, I may only be doing this because I wanted folks to learn a new word (see above). 

So, here goes!  Eight random thoughts or whatever about myself.

1. Well, speaking of new words, I don't get the chance to learn new ones very often these days.  Maybe it's because I'm so erudite (!) OR maybe it's because I'm teaching a second-grader?  Anyway, my most recent new word is pertinacity - derived from pertinacious.

Hawthorne seems to have been fond of this word.  I've listened to audio versions of two of his short stories in the past week.  Both have featured "pertinacity" - a word I'd never encountered before. 

And now I've encountered it in Poe as well - it's used in "The Pit and the Pendulum."  Must have been a term much in vogue in the early 19th century.

2. I strongly dislike exercise.  Having said that, my new regimin involves rising at 6:45 daily and walking for 30 minutes (at a 4mph pace).  The first week nearly killed me, but I love having all the newfound time early in the day.  School is going better, too, because we are starting earlier. 

However, no more posts at 2 am, I fear. 

3. I would have said, "I hate exercise" in point 2, except I always hear my mother say, "Hate is a strong emotion.  You should say 'strongly dislike.'"  She was right, of course.  But I do think "hate" is better for point number 2 above.

4. My favorite dark chocolate is Valrhona's Noir Amer 71%.  Critical information, that.

5. A sad random fact - I'm halfway through this list and I have no idea what to put down for the remaining four points.  Oh, well, now three points.  :)

6. We still haven't started Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in our house yet. 

I'm not entirely certain I *want* to read, and finish, the last book.  I have admired the character of Harry Potter since the beginning and I'm sorry to see his story end (in whatever fashion). 

7. For the record - I think Dumbledore was right about Snape and Snape will be vindicated in the end.  If you know, please don't tell me!

8. It has taken me about a week to get around to doing this.  Let this be a warning to others who want me to play games on my blog - I'm no good at it!

Cheers!