YOU KNOW THAT RANDOM THINGS MEME ?

I was tagged by Heather, having heavily hinted that I'd like to play too ! I can't guarantee eight things, as I shall, as always, wing this post.
I had intended to write this post days ago, but was floored by a killer migraine last weekend. It started on Saturday, or possibly friday. It's a blur. Sunday was spent under scrunched up, hooded, eyebrows, trying to stop too much light getting into my eyes, and feeling my tender brain ricochet around the old cranium every time anyone did more than whisper. I was rendered unable to think. A state I really do not like. I've had some seriously painful, knotted shoulder days, but seem o.k. now. Not sure what brought that on. I viewed those as a past feature of my late teens, early twenties.
That could have been my first random thing !

1. Each player starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.
2. People who are tagged need to write their own blog about their eight things and post these rules.
3. At the end of your blog, you need to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.
4. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog

I don't believe in enforced participation, so shan't tag. Just let me know if you want to play and, like me, have been left feeling friendless, waiting to be tagged. :0]

1. I'm an artist. Well, I say that, but haven't touched paint, charcoal or pastel since before the Chick was born. I believe I will again, not least because I really miss life drawing. I think like an artist. My life, my inner world, is awash with colour. I can pick a perfectly matching thread without a piece of fabric for reference. A useful trick.
I should sew more...

2. I used to make all my own clothes. Before the chick was born. I have some nice pieces of fabric awaiting time and inspiration. I recently bought a new Pfaff machine, at less than half price. It replaced the old Singer machine I had. My father bought it for my mother the month after my brother and I were born. It was a secondhand, hand cranked [!] machine which had a motor, and light, fitted to the side. It was a lovely machine. It weighed a ton. I, twice, carried it into town to be serviced, then home again. Years ago. I think I stretched my arms.
It recently developed the unnerving habit of going like the clappers at odd moments, when you hadn't even touched the foot pedal.
I do like my Pfaff. It's a non oil model.
I should sew more...

3. I used to be very sporty. You know. Physically active.
This always astounds people. I wasn't always this fat and decrepid you know !
I did ballet, taking exams, until we started on points.
Too painful.
I got bronze, silver and gold medals in ballroom and latin american dancing. I have rythmn in my soul.
I hate that just walking now takes thought and effort.
Every wednesday evening I went swimming. I loved diving for the rubber brick, and could swim a length under water. Saturday was riding. In Richmond park. Jumping fallen logs on, once I was deemed good enough, a handsome but willfull hunter. I broke my arm really badly in a fall. A stirrup leather snapped mid jump and I did the one thing you shouldn't. Put my hand out to save myself. Snap ! Didn't put me off ! Sundays, until I was thirteen, were spent skating. I had dancing lessons, which I enjoyed.
I played lacrosse at school, generally in defense. I stood in for the goalie once. Never again. I also loved to play tennis. So much so that I did tennis summer school for a couple of years.
I absolutely hated all the sports teachers I ever met. Sadistic to the core, as a rule.

4. I was a very heavy smoker when I met Allan. 40-60 a day. Rolled my own to save money. I gave up the easter before we got married. Allan has never smoked. He didn't ask me to stop, but I didn't feel it was fair on him.
I just stopped.
Just like that.
Decided.
Stopped.

I can't tolerate the smell of cigarette smoke !
I used to party really hard too ...

5. I went to school with Nigella Lawson.
No comment.
I went to very posh girls schools. Changed school for sixth form. My parents didn't have to pay fees as I passed the exams, every year, to have a direct grant assisted place.
I was, socially, out of my depth, surrounded by ambassador's daughters and the generally well healed ! I never invited friends home, for reasons too numerous to list.
I am one of life's great under achievers !

6. I always wanted a big family. Six children to be precise.
Isn't that ironic ?

7. It's our twenty fifth wedding anniversary this July ! Only old people celebrate silver wedding anniversaries. His mother predicted that we'd last less than a year. My mother had a strop because I wouldn't just live with him, and get it out of my system !
Ha, ha, ha !
My heart still misses a beat as he pulls up outside the house. I really love my miserable, old git ! Men change once they hit 45. They start chuntering to themselves as they wander about complaining about all the stuff they have to do. in their deeply unattractive, tatty old slippers. They also stop eating fruit and veg on request.
It's brain damage due to long term exposure to testosterone.
Seriously, Allan is a lovely bloke. He has his moments. So do I !

8. I love knitting and spinning ! Just need to do more of it. Really. A lot more.