The_Odd_One

I'm a 40something yo woman, married with kids and a Border Collie mix.

I studied psychology and followed that up with a master in criminal investigation. Nowadays I work as a behavioral scientist in youth healthcare. Besides psychology I like history and reading. I also like true crime stuff.

I'm into metal and hardrock, mostly old grunge stuff like Nirvana. My favorite band is pain of salvation. I own a record player but would love to own more vinyl.

Besides my hobbies I have a huge list of things I would also like to get good at one day and that I practice at times, such as drawing and sewing.

I have a love for vintage stuff, especially in clothing, furniture and decoration (although my husband won't let me buy too much stuff, since he can only see junk where I see potential). I also own a lot of shoes, mostly heels that I refer to as my 'sitting down shoes', because I mostly just wear my sneakers or boots.

I also love food and cooking, as well as growing my own veggies in our garden, especially tomatoes and peppers. My favorite chef is Nigella Lawson (I love the randomness). I enjoy eating with friends and family (better not to mix those) at large tables, like an Italian setting. My favorite flavours are chocolate, cinnamon and almond.

I have a special place in my heart for the quirky, odd and dark stuff. For example: Alice in Wonderland, Emily the Strange, Adam Oehlers, Crows, Black cats. My best friend is an artist. And I have a gallery of pictures, cards with quotes and art at the walls surrounding my desk at home. There's always room for one more!

My ambition is to write a historic novel (a bestseller preferably ;)). And I'm currently working on getting that project started. It will be about how the women in a family carry certain ways and feelings into the ages.

My favorite countries are: Scotland, Greece and Thailand. And I love the beach, not to lie in the sun, but to walk on the waterline. I'm also really fond of planning my vacations: getting a lonely planet and putting it full of markers and post-its is my favorite pastime. Travel books are never boring. They are a guide to dreaming your future and a way into another culture. Once abroad I try to stay as far away from tourists as possible and find the hidden gems.

I have a great love for reading and books. And I don't mind if they are secondhand. It adds to the charm. I'm one of those people that browse through the bookshelves at someones home (if allowed of course).

My daughter is into stuffed animals, drawing and dogs. My son is into lego and anything else he can build. He also loves to be outside. Oh and the dog can destroy almost any toy you can think of, but is obsessed with balls. You really don't need to get them anything, but I know some gifters like to, so that's why I mention it.

If I have anything to say about the gift you will get me, it's this: I really appreciate all the love that goes into giving and for me it's really the thought that counts, so I get the most satisfaction from noticing my santa paid attention to what I like, not the amount of the gift. So feel free to do whatever you want and don't feel like you have to do something huge or expensive. I also love homemade stuff and home made art. I also try to be a bit more into sustainability and eco friendliness.