25 random facts

  1. When I was born, my mother wrote a poem about my birth (titled, appropriately enough, "Natasha"). Said poem was published in the first ever issue of Ms. Magazine and is now on a list of "recommended readings" for the naming ceremonies of Jewish baby girls.

  2. I have never liked the name "Natasha," but I have happily accumulated a host of nicknames, including, but not limited to Tash, Tashi, TK, T, Tush, Tushi, Topashopa, Squash, Tango, Sparky, Natty, Kinsky, Friend, and Smiley.

  3. The first riddle I ever wrote, age 3: Q: "Why is a riddle happy?" A: "Because it lives in a boot."

  4. My first crush was John Travolta, after I saw the movie "Grease." I can still sing every song from that soundtrack, and I'm not embarrassed about it.

  5. I spent many days of my kindergarten career dressed as Tinkerbell.

  6. When I was young I never had a Barbie, but I had many baby dolls, all of whom I named Suzie (pronounced “Soooooooooozie.”).

  7. I grew up in a house with no TV and no junk food. I spent most of my time at other people's houses, watching General Hospital and eating Oreos.

  8. I still have every note ever passed to me in junior high, sitting in a box in my closet.

  9. The first time I got drunk was on half a Purple Passion wine cooler.

  10. I don't eat anything creamy or cheesy except for ice cream and mozzarella.

  11. I have wanted to be a writer ever since I read Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret.

  12. I cry at weddings—all weddings—even if I don’t know the bride and groom.

  13. I played rugby in college and was given the award, “Most Likely to Tackle You and Still Smile.”

  14. I was once paid $300 to be in a Buns-of-Steel Infomercial.

  15. I do not have—nor have I ever had—buns of steel.

  16. The strangest compliment I’ve ever received was from a guy who told me that if he could choose anyone to cannibalize it would be me because I have “the ideal blend of fat and muscle.”

  17. Dream job: owning and running a summer camp in Maine.

  18. Irrational fear: bathing suits.

  19. Food I couldn’t live without: chocolate.

  20. Random skill: no-handed cartwheel.

  21. Spiritual age: 13.

  22. I met my husband on a blind date. That night, I called my mom to say, "I just met the man I'm going to marry."

  23. Becoming a mother has been, bar none, the proudest accomplishment of my life.

  24. I read to my kids every day, without fail.

  25. If I could only hear four words for the rest of my life, they would be, “I love you, Mommy.”