All you facebookers out there will recognize this list.  Seems it’s gone viral on facebook.  I received many versions of it and today I decided to take the plunge and come up with my list.  Then I figured if I was going to share it on facebook – why not go ahead and put it on the blog?  So here it is in all it’s unedited and unrestrained glory.

But before the voyeur in you dives in, let me share a secret with you.  After 22 years of marriage, there are times when Ron and I seem like we’ve run out of things to say to each other.  We’ve noticed this on vacation a time or two.  I have a much higher need for words than he does.  I think he could contentedly curl up with a book (next to me of course) for days and speak less than a 1000 words a day (now there is an experiment for you!)  I on the other hand I go daft when I don’t get enough… conversation (thanks mom.)

Several years ago we found a way to remedy the conversation issue when at a loss.  We play a game of questions and take turns answering each others queries such as:

• what is an unrealized dream of yours?
• what was your favorite vacation ever?
• what’s on your “bucket list” (things to do before you die?)
• if you could have one more day with someone who has died, who would it be and why?
• who would you go back in history and meet?

The 25 Random Things list made me think of our questioning game.  I think couples should give it a try even if you don’t want to post it on MySpace or facebook.  Share it with each other.  You might find it enlightening, entertaining, and even enthralling.

Conversation also makes for some pretty good foreplay.  If it’s been a while ….since you really talked give this a try….

My List:

1. Gayle is my middle name. My first name is Billie. I was called Billie Gayle until I entered kindergarten. My teacher called me Billie ( I was born and raised in Chicago. Kids didn’t go by 2 names in Chicago. I freaked out because Billy the Kid was boy and I was afraid kids would think I was a boy.) From that day forward I went by Gayle.

2. I went to the same school that the Obama girls went to until 5th grade (the University of Chicago Laboratory School.)

3. My dad died when I was 14. I was at home alone with him when he had a heart attack. It leaves a permanent mark. I would love to really know who he was and what made him tick.

4. I think being married to Ron might have just saved my life (I know – not politically correct, but the truth nonetheless.)

5. I’m pretty sure we have more than one soul mate.

6. My first crush was on Lorne Green (Ben Cartwright from Bonanza.) I obviously was into older men even then.

7. My other career choice besides psychotherapist was actress. I planned to win my first oscar in 1977 (the 50th anniversary of the Oscars.) I haven’t given up on winning one, but it may have to be in another category.

8. Speaking of which I have a “secret” idea for a docu-drama that gives me chills! Sure am glad I know a filmmaker!

9. Having grandkids without having had children of my own makes my heart sing and is a pretty darn big honor.

10. 2008 was one of the most fulfilling years of my life. I met some people last year that I hope will be in my life for fricking ever!

11. My first car was a 1972 Ford Pinto (name Myrtle). I taught myself to drive by watching my best friend’s mother work the pedals of her car. I used to drive Myrtle to driver’s ed and park her a block from the school so my teacher wouldn’t see me. My mother knew all of this.

12. I’ve been with 3 people when they drew their last breath and one of my dog’s died in my arms (not a planned thing at the vet either.)

13. The first time I was ever “french kissed” Crimson and Clover was playing. Every time I hear that song I think of him (and yes I’ve looked for him on fb! Didn’t find him.)

14. I have a huge, gigantic, titanic crush on Captain Jonathan of Deadliest Catch. I have a signed copy of his book, a pink Time Bandit hoodie, and a Time Bandit Jolly Roger tank top. If he showed up on my doorstep, asked me to run away with him, and become a crab fisherwoman, I WOULD give it a second thought.

15. My current favorite fantasy is being interviewed by Stephen Colbert when I’m on the book tour with Ron for MayDecember Secrets (this of course will depend on Captain Jonathan NOT coming to take me away)

16. I share the keys to fb with another friend, either she or I lock up the CST contingent each night.

17. I plan to live in Paris and think I will end up growing very old there and in Berlin. Berlin is my 2nd favorite city.

18. I am a product whore. I love makeup, hairstyling products, skin care stuff, etc. Two facebook friends recently turned me on to Kiehls. It was like trying crack “just once.”

19. I usually kick Ron’s butt when we play tennis on the Wii. I’m in LOVE with my Wii and Wii Fit and use them almost every day.

20. I am much more introverted than my facebook (or blog) would suggest. I am nutty and humorously indecent (aka bawdy ) when I’m not isolating and feeling sorry for myself

21. The Reader recently became my favorite movie of all time. It surpassed Apocalypse Now after 30 years.

22. I am auditorily challenged. I can not do the humdingers in Cranium and get peeved when SparkleCast (my favorite podcast) does a competition involving instrumental clips.

23. My MacBook has changed my life, might possibly be the love of my life (I told you I think we have more than one soulmate) , and has saved me countless hours rebooting and talking to tech support.

24. Many of my clients think I’m psychic – I think I’m just a good dot connector.

25. If I could only eat one prepared food for the rest of my life it would be Kraft Mac Cheese. I had dinner on the Eiffel Tower for my 50th birthday and opted for Mac Cheese and Beef Carpaccio. Besides loving it, I thought the story would play better with Mac Cheese in it. Everything is better with Mac Cheese.

Hoping he or she will “get” the idea.  Why not give them a nudge and share this post?  You can click below on “share this” and send this post via email or put it on your own facebook!