I've been tagged!

My friend, Larissa, tagged me on her blog! So here are the rules: I have to tell 7 random things about myself and then tag 7 friends. Let's see...

1) I love the oldies! - Growing up, my mom and dad taught me and my brothers to appreciate the music that they loved when they were younger. My friends and I used to make up dances to songs like "Splish, Splash" and "Peggy Sue." To this day, I know the words to tons of songs, and I love the "American Graffiti" soundtrack!

2) I collect smashed pennies - You know, the smashed pennies that you can get from machines at tourist attractions? At first, I would get them when I was younger because they were a souvenir that cost only 51 cents. Now that I have quite a few, I try to get one at every memorable place I visit.

3) I won $1000 in elementary school - When I was in 5th grade, I entered the "Tylenol: Hot Ideas For School" essay contest. My idea was to turn our school courtyard into a mock rain forest, complete with trees, animals, waterfalls, and other vegetation. I'm not sure that I thought about the climate difference between places like Costa Rica and Enid, Oklahoma, but someone up at Tylenol must have liked my idea. I won $1,000 for myself and $1,000 for my Monroe Elementary school. That was a lot of money back then! (it still is!)

4) I am the shortest out of my siblings - Yes, that's right! At 6'00" I remain the shortest out of my siblings! I have two brothers who both tower over 6 feet, a step-sister that's ~6'1" or 6'2" and a step-brother that's over 6 feet. My step-siblings and I don't even share the same parents!! Watch out for us...we're one giant clan!!

5) I got to see George Bush (the first one) up close and personal - In 6th grade, our elementary school had a news program called "KWN: Kid Witness News." Since my hometown of Enid, Oklahoma was home to Vance Air Force Base, President Bush flew in for some event (I don't even remember). Anyway, me and another boy in my class were "stationed" at the Air Force Base to film the President's arrival and report info to the student body. I didn't get to meet him or shake his hand, but here's something interesting....I wrote him a letter on my pink stationary to tell him that I had the same type of dog as his dog "Millie." (English Springer Spaniel) Anyway, I gave the letter to one of the secret service men and asked if he would deliver it to the president. About a month or two later, I received a personal letter from George Bush himself, with an 8x10 photograph of Millie. What a special treat!

6) I laid a wreath on the "Tomb of the Unknown Soldier" - In 8th grade, I participated in a student trip to Washington, D.C. I was one of 4 students who were chosen to participate in the ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery to lay a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It was quite an honor, and there were tons of visitors there to watch.

7) I got to march in the Rose Parade - When OU went to the Rose Bowl in 2003, I was in the Pride of Oklahoma Marching Band. As part of the band, I got to march in the Rose Parade...a 5 1/2 mile-long parade! That's a long time when you're marching in step and playing your instrument! The Rose Bowl and Rose Parade are known for showcasing bands. It's one...if not the only...football game in which the entire band halftime show is televised. Who was the Grand Marshall that year? The beloved Mr. Fred Rogers from "Mr. Rogers Neighborhood." I grew up watching this TV show, along with Sesame Street, so it was so special to see him up close and personal.

Well, if you've made it this far, you've learned a few new things about me! I am going to tag Megan, Emily, Amy, Abby, Leah, Melody, and Amanda. What are some interesting facts about you????