41 Random Facts About Me: Birthday Edition

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”

 Helen Keller

Some of you know me as a hip-hop avenger renaissance lady, while others know me just for my travels and language learning. Either way, it's time I share a little bit about myself so you can see what's going on in this coconut of mine.

Here are 41 random facts about me. Hey, they could help you win Jeopardy someday if I ever become a category for being über-famous. A girl can dream.

1. I love salt and vinegar chips.

I’ll choose them over any other flavor unless there’s a bag of Ruffles con Queso. And they have to be the ones you find at the Mexican market. They just hit differently. They are a special treat when I can get them.

2. My first car was a 1974 red Super Beetle named Daisy.

I didn’t even know how to drive when I got her. I literally saw the ad on Craigslist, had money burning a hole in my pocket, and asked my friend Elmer to drive me to get her. He also taught me how to drive stick in the Oakland hills. I named her Daisy because, at the time, I was a super-duper raver girl and loved anything with daisies and happy faces on it—such a GenXer.

3. Speaking of Volkswagens

I’ve had at least six, ranging from a 1960 Mango green walkthrough bus that was stolen one night (also did van life before it was cool in that thing), a slammed 1967 Bug that lost more mufflers than I could count, a 1958 Bug that ended up having all kinds of bad luck, to my gold 1959 Bug, named Ludwig Von Volkswagen. I could write books about all of my VW adventures, like the time my brakes went out on 98th avenue in Oakland, going downhill coming from the 580 freeway, or when my bug had electrical issues, and every time I’d hit a bump on the road, all of my lights would go out.

And to show you how big of a VW fan I am, my first trip across the pond was to Germany for the sole purpose of getting to Wolfsburg. Don’t get me wrong, I was happy to be in Berlin, but I wanted to get to the VW motherland badly. It didn’t disappoint, and I even cried while eating a sandwich on a bench, staring at the old factory. Next time I’ll make it an overnight trip!

4. I’m a huge James Bond fan.

My favorite James Bond? That’s easy, Sean Connery. I love spy movies in general. Another favorite is The Saint with Val Kilmer. The soundtrack is fire, too.

5. Another movie franchise I’m obsessed with is Indiana Jones.

When I was a kid, I wanted to be an archaeologist, travel the world, and go on adventures. Well, I guess I got part of that right.

6. My favorite movie of all time?

That’s a tough one, but I’ll go with GoodFellas and Blade Runner. They are both top-notch.

7. I’m not into chick flicks.

Every time someone mentions The Notebook, I die a bit inside.

8. In high school, my English teacher discovered that I had a knack for writing poetry and short stories.

Still, I had my heart set on becoming a chiropractor, and I used music and writing solely for therapeutic purposes. Throughout my career, I've consistently returned to writing and music.  It's settled, I’m indecisive.

9. I have OCD, ADHD, and Bipolar Disorder

No, that doesn't mean I'm happy one minute and then ready to kill you the next. I actually can’t stand it when people use bipolar disorder as a crutch to act like assholes. I was diagnosed years ago, and it gave me a better understanding of myself. I manage it through healthy eating habits and exercise. I hate taking pills.

The OCD and the minor ADHD were only obvious to my therapist in 2024. I turned down the meds for that, too.

10. I used to have crippling anxiety Or maybe I just learned to Manage It Better?

I couldn’t eat out in restaurants, so I would ask my boyfriend to order food for us because I was too shy to talk to people. It got so bad that I would hyperventilate and pass out sometimes. It cost my parents $800 once for an ambulance ride to take me across the street to the hospital after I passed out at a bus stop.

11. I should have been dead a long time ago.

During the first years of my life, I was in and out of the cardiologist's office. Hospitals scare me for that reason—two attempted kidnappings: one while living in Tijuana and the other in Oakland. White unmarked vans make me ready to fight. I've been robbed at gunpoint twice. This year, I went through hell again, and healthcare in this country is a joke. In any case, the universe has tried, but I'm still here. Blessed. 

12. I love learning and being around people who can teach me something useful. 

I feel the need to learn at least one new thing each day. I'm a hodgepodge of everyone I've met thus far in this journey. With information readily available,  I find it appalling that many people still choose to remain ignorant. 

13. ART! ART! ART! I need to be surrounded by beautiful things constantly.

Food plating is just as important to me as the taste and quality of the ingredients (this is why I love to cook).  When buying art pieces, I look for uniqueness. And I love reading about artists and what inspires them. If I can talk to them personally, even better! I like to decorate and create. Colors, patterns, and textures. GIMME, GIMME, GIMME!! From clothes to home appliances, I see the artistic value in everything.

14. I’m a huge DRAG fan.

Notice I said ‘drag' and not ‘Drag Race,' which I do love, but I’ve been attending drag shows for a while now, and I enjoy going to shows to support local drag queens. I admire their hard work and creativity. Psst…I’m currently watching Drag Race Holland on WOW+. I’m learning drag terms in Dutch. 

15. I’ll try anything once, but…

There are just some things I don’t care to EVER try like balut, durian, and that maggot-filled cheese they’ve got in Italy.

16. If I were being executed, my last meal would have to be …

A five-carne asada taco plate with radishes, escabeche, green tomatillo salsa, and a nice tall cold horchata to wash it down. Due to illness, I have a strict diet, so this is my way of going out, baby!

17. My second favorite food is pizza.

I’m a bit of a plain Jane here with a Margherita pizza, but why would you mess with perfection?

18. My third favorite food is sushi.

Give me like a spicy tuna roll (or any roll with some spice in it) and a whole lot of sashimi. I need that fatty tuna and yellowtail! If I’m super hungry, I’ll add some veggie tempura.

19. I was a vegetarian and vegan for about 10 years.

That ended with a piece of KFC. I know, disgusting. All isn't lost, though. Being a vegetarian (and then a vegan) taught me to check my food labels, eat organic and seasonal food, and practice portion control.  I occasionally eat red meat but prefer chicken and seafood. I found balance. 

20. I love coffee!

I prefer it black if I’m having a drip or cold brew. Otherwise, an almond milk latte is my jam. I can’t do any of those sugary coffee drinks. BLECH! Don’t even start on why I think pumpkin spice lattes are vomit in a cup. 

21. I also love tea!

There are at least 10 varieties of loose and bagged tea in my cupboard. My favorites are Chai, Moroccan Mint, and Genmaicha. 

22. I hate shopping malls (and other crowded places).

The thought of buying clothes at the mall makes me feel queasy.  I prefer to go thrifting and buy from smaller shops around town. I like mixing old with new and a dash of my own flair.

23. Speaking of clothes, scarves.

They are by far my favorite accessory. You’ll see me rocking them on my trips, like everywhere. My most frequently used one is the colorful Marimekko for Target. It just makes me happy.

24. Brow gel, lipstick, and mascara are all I need.

I tend to wear little to no makeup most days, and I’m more about skincare. I have a variety of creams, serums, oils, peels, masks, and other products on my counter. In the office, I frequently use a rosewater facial spray. I also keep one in my bag at all times.

25. My favorite cocktail is…

A Dirty Martini, but I’ll also take an Old Fashioned if I’m looking for a stiff drink. I don't do foo-foo shi-shi drinks, you know, like the candy-tinis, and I'd rather die than be caught drinking a White Claw or a Moscow Mule.

26. Pet Peeves?

Rude and ungrateful people. Would an excuse me or thank you kill you? Sheesh. Another pet peeve is people who want to touch my face or my computer screen. Trust, it's happened before.

27. My favorite holiday is my birthday.

I usually celebrate it with a trip, although in the last few years, some weird things have happened. A tornado in Lisbon? The fall of Hong Kong? Yikes. A nice steak dinner will do. Second favorite? Halloween. I mean, do I need to explain this one?

28. …and if you’re wondering, yes, I have a holiday that I absolutely despise: Valentine’s Day.

An ex of mine decided to regift me some perfume (gross Diesel) and dead flowers. How's that for romance? *eye roll* I've hated the holiday since. On the other hand, my husband doesn't have to worry about getting me anything.

29. I’m a California girl through and through.

I go through avocados like crazy! I prefer the heat to the cold. I’m generally easy-going and want to keep the peace. Drama belongs in a soap opera. If it weren’t for my VW bug, I’d probably be driving a hybrid of some sort. LOL. 

30. I can be pretty granola sometimes, so I’m told.

I love to burn my incense or diffuse oils and just chill. Bad juju be gone! I'm very much a live and let live, mind your own fucking business type of gal.

31. I do my best work at night.

I don’t know why that is, but I feel more in tune with the night. 

32. I have no tattoos!

And it isn’t what you think. I considered getting one, but then I changed my mind. I'd consider something else and then think about whether I’d like it after a few years. Needless to say, I’m a blank slate and that’s how I’ll stay. I did get a tongue piercing when I was younger, but it gave me a lisp, and I took out the piercing after a week.

33. The first time I got on a plane…

Was to attend a Berklee College of Music program focused on music for video games in Boston. I met one of my favorite humans on that trip, too, and have been homies ever since. We have also collaborated on music. FYI: I had Dunkin’ Donuts for the first time and couldn’t stop eating their flatbreads until I flew back to California.

34. I married the kid from the 4th-grade violin class.

It still trips me out. I met my future husband in a music class. We were both shy, so we never said a word to each other. Fast forward to 2005, when my sister convinced me to make a Classmates account. He was the first person I reached out to, and the rest is history. We ended up visiting our music teacher at her store. She was delighted to see us together. 

35. If I could have any power, I’d choose…

Telekinesis. As a traveler, I’m surprised I didn’t say teleportation, but I’ve always been fascinated by the possibility of moving objects with your mind. Shout out to Jean Grey.

36. My favorite color is purple.

But to be honest, just bright colors make me happy. While I find neutrals a good base, especially navy blue, I need to add color and patterns to myself because otherwise, my life feels too plain for me.

37. In my fridge, I always have…

Avocados, eggs, cheese, tortillas, tomatoes, lemons, and hot sauce. If all fails, I can always make myself a good omelet and wash it down with a citron preseé.

38. It’s 2 aM, what am I watching?

Sex in the City reruns if Living Single isn’t on. My husband and I finished watching Boston Legal. Oh, did I tell you that one of my celebrity crushes is James Spader? Well, now you know. Now it's King of the Hill before the reboot in August 2025.

39. I was named after Charlie’s Angel: Jill Munroe.

Yep, that's Farrah Fawcett's character. Elizabeth is my middle name and also my mother’s name.

40. In case you’re wondering about my Zodiac sign and the like…

I’m a Libra, Sagittarius Rising with a Cancer Moon, an ENTJ, and Enneagram 1w3. *wink* I wouldn’t try to psychoanalyze me though, it’s all a fucking mess in there. 

BONUS: If I had an entrance song it would be…

“Stay Fly” by Three Six Mafia. I listen to it anytime I need to lift my spirits.

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