13 Things . . .

That Freak Me Out!

In honor of Friday the 13th . . . I thought I would make a list of 13 things that I am afraid of:

(There are MANY more than 13 -- but I will limit the list for today's purposes.)

1. The Ocean. Whether I am on it, or just by it . . . I am freaked. (It is even worse if I have kids with me!) My fears may even be in the range of "phobic". I really can't explain it. I have had a few negative experiences (small boat, middle of the ocean -- waking-up rolling in my own vomit), but it does not explain my actual fear of the water. I often dream about the ocean, and drowning -- it was a reoccuring dream as a child. Yet, I have been on many boats (torture, by the way), and I lived in Alaska surrounded by ocean. However, I do NOT enjoy boats (of ANY kind) . . . I would rather go to the dentist and have my teeth pulled. No kidding. I wish I could enjoy the ocean/boats/water/beach, but I just don't know how? But, really . . . who KNOWS what is in there?? I have seen JAWS. Yikes!

2. Spiders. I was never afraid of spiders -- until I moved to a place where they are dangerous. In Alaska, my room was in a basement, and spiders were my friends -- nothing to worry about. I used to pick up Daddy-Long-Legs and pull their legs off (I know, cruel). But now, with Black Widow, Brown Recluse, and Hobo spiders as my neighbors -- spiders make me FREAK! Since living in Idaho, I have seen both Hobo and Black Widow spiders around my house. Ahhhhh!!!

3. Wild Animals. Pretty much any of them -- though bunnies are OK, most of the time. If I am outside, I am always on the lookout for some animal ready to pounce. Perhaps this comes from living in Alaska where you HAVE to be aware of what is around you. I had many encounters with charging-moose while walking home from school. I am particulary afraid of bears, mountian lions, and, of course . . . anything else that could eat me.

4. Driving in the Dark. I actually love riding in the dark, but driving -- not so much. I probably need glasses or something. I just feel like I can't see when it is nighttime? Yes, I do drive at night, but if you could see them -- my knuckles would be white.

5. Public Speaking or Performing. This is a tricky one for me. I actually love to speak in public, and I love to sing in public, too. However, it also freaks me out! After years of speaking and singing you would think the anxiety would disappear, but it hasn't. I really try to embrace my butterflies and my need to run to the bathroom . . . but, so far, no good. Blah.

6. Earthquakes. Again, it is an anxiety that stems from growing up in Alaska. I have not felt one since we moved away, and I am grateful. There was one time, as a child, we had a really strong earthquake, and I was in the shower. I ran out covered in soap and only a towel. After the ground stopped shaking, I did not want to get back in! The ground shaking was a common occurrence, and every time my heart would pound. Earthquakes would happened when I was at church, in school, at work, asleep. Every time I was sure it was going to be the next "big one". (Alaska has had one of the biggest earthquakes in history). In reality . . . it is just a matter of time. Scary!

7. Bridges. Not the kind you drive over in a car, but the kind you walk over. You know, the kind of bridge that is hovering, dangerously, above a deep abyss of doom? Yeah, that kind. I have been on one as a child and holy cow it was scary! I am not sure I could do it now . . . nope, pretty sure I couldn't.

8. Snakes. They, like spiders, are a newly aquired fear. (No snakes in Alaska.) But here, we have them . . . nice and poisonous. I have seen quite a few snakes while out and about, but so far none with rattles. Can you imagine being bitten by a snake? Yikes!

9. Opening a Biscuit Can. You know, the kind that pops? Yeah, I hate that. Freak!

10. The beginning of The Return of the King. When Smeagol turns into Gollum . . . yuck. I can't stand watching it. It is the only part of the movie-series that really bothers me. It does not "scare" me, but it makes me feel weird. I don't like it. Too much of Peter Jackson's horror-movie days seeped into that scene.

11. Fingernails on a Chalkboard. I know it is a common irritant, but wow it hurts me. Just thinking about it makes me cringe. EEEEoooowwwww!

12. Being called on, when I don't know the answer. Hate it. And most likely I won't know the answer, because I am not listening -- I am daydreaming. I am always daydreaming. So, please, just don't call on me. I got nothing! (Funny that I have been a teacher in church for the past 12 years, or so, in some form -- payback for not listening.) :-)

13. Offending Someone. This is complicated. I am not worried if someone disagrees with me and my opinion -- but I never want to hurt a person's feelings. I hate to think that someone is out there in the world, and they think poorly of me -- because of something I have done, or said to them. I know it is impossible to make, or keep, everyone happy . . . but I do NOT like having enemies. (Can't we all just get along?) I love people and I want them to love me. :-) Not being loved -- FREAKS ME OUT!

Happy Friday the 13th!

What are YOU afraid of???