I know a lot of people hate these “X things about yourself” memes, but I’m not one of them.

Because I love talking about myself. Monique Stuart appears to know that, because she (cough, cough) hit me with the Filthy Blog Pox. One symptom of which is: spewing eight random things about yourself.

So here goes:

1. My wife was a boxer when I met her.

2. We have four children: the only grandkids on either side of our family. Which means we get the grandparents for Every. Single. Holiday.

3. I drink between one and two pots of coffee per day.

4. I spent a year in the Army studying Russian, just before the coup attempt in Moscow led directly to the downfall of the Soviet Union. Idiots. Russian linguists in the Army were like gold coins before that. After that, we were a dime a dozen.

5. I spent another year writing a series of daily articles on Wisconsin history for the Racine Journal Times. No byline. I started it as an intern, finished it as a freelancer.

6. My favorite fruits and vegetables are (in no particular order): horseradish root, mustard seed, garlic, peppers and onions (sautéed or grilled), and peanut butter.

7. I’m trying to lose some weight, because a couple pairs of my slacks have gotten a little too snug.

8. I once received a sign from God.

Hey, I’m feeling better already! Quick, before I’m all well again: I’m going to share with…Carol, and Gatordoug, and of course Grandpa Steve. You’re going to catch it sooner or later. Might as well get it over with.