The Patron Saint of Flexibility

My daughter knows me so well. My Christmas gift from her this year was a page from an 1883 dictionary with a transparent image of Gumby and Pokey printed across the center of the page. Gumby has long led my cartoon cadre of patron saints, reminding me to be flexible in all things. In addition to Gumby, in my studio I keep a figure of Felix the Cat, who reminds me to be resourceful, and Rafiki who reminds me to be wise. I've been looking for a Mighty Mouse action figure to remind me that small people can do mighty things, and Sponge Bob Square Pants, to remind me to be childlike.

Five annoying things about me

This week in LitPark, Susan Henderson asked a simple question: What are your five most annoying habits. This caused me to sit back for at least ten seconds to consider mine. Here is what I posted at LitPark:

1. I am a clutter magnet. I have a beautiful, roomy office with several storage cabinets and cubbies, but my desk always looks like someone dumped a box of assorted business materials, files, pens, and other unusual items all over it. As I gaze over at it, I can see the following:
   
   . A small can of Play-Doh (orange).
   . Broken things: two digital cameras, a cell phone, a watch, and a light bulb.
   . A flying fish car intenna flag from Catalina Island
   . My cartoon mentors: Gumby (flexibility); Felix-the-cat (resourcefulness) Rafiki (wisdom), and Sponge Bob (humor).


2. I am a compulsive reader, especially when dining alone. I will read anything within eyesight and will get fidgety if there is nothing to read. When I am reading a novel, I slip out of this world and into the author's world so completely I lose interest in my own world--even my own writing, which is why I seldom allow myself to read novels when I am working on my own.


3. I am a crackberry addict, who has been known to check email in business meetings, read blogs while dining alone (see number 2, re: compulsive reader) or write notes about the coming week during church.


4. I am a computer geek to the detriment of my physical wellbeing. I would rather play at my computer than go to the gym with my husby. Because I also love to eat, this annoying habit is very noticeable to everyone who sees the extra fluff around my face and body.


5. I accelerate fast, stop fast, and generally push my car and myself to the limit whether or not it's a hop across town or a long road trip. If you read between the lines, this is also a metaphor of my life.

What are your five most annoying habits? Tell us here and then swing over to LitPark and share them with the gang at the park.