Fun Facts: 3 tidbits about me

(photo by the amazing Madison Cubbage with @madcubphotography)

This blog has given me many opportunities. While I discussed career aspirations, bucket list travel locations, and fashion trends, I have not discussed myself. At the beginning of this project, I want to show you my perspective on random topics I care about, but to truly understand my mindset, I think it's time to get to know me.

Cue in the Rodgers & Hammerstein's classic song Getting to Know you from the King and I

1. Cilantro taste like soap to me

I am one of those people who hate Cilantro. To me, it tastes like soap. As friends and family flock to Chipotle or Rocco Taco, I am the outspoken person who requests no cilantro in the guac. According to 23 and Me researchers, I have "two genetic markers associated with this aversion. These genetic markers are located near genes that help determine your sense of smell through proteins called olfactory receptors. Some of these receptors detect aldehydes, chemical compounds that are found in soap and thought to be a major component of cilantro aroma." This makes me at a slightly higher than normal risk to viewing Cilantro as substitute for soap. To those that love Cilantro and dismayed by my dislike, I say more for you! To learn more about this "devil's herb," go to https://blog.23andme.com/23andme-research/cilantro-love-hate-genetic-trait/ .

(Gif courtesy of wix.com)

2.. Keeping up with the Kardashians is my not so guilty pleasure

When Kris Jenner announced that The Kardashians/Jenners were ending their show in 2021, ironically, the song Great American Dynasty by Taylor Swift began to play in my head. The Kardashians started their empire with the E! reality show Keeping up the Kardashians. As a master student, I am in awe of how stars Kris and her children Kourtney, Kim, Khloe, Kendal, Kylie, and sometimes Rob use strategic communication techniques to dose fires, promote products and rise to social prominence. The family elevated the reality television genre from an artless gimmick to a nuanced art form.

(Gif courtesy of wix.com)

3. Lou Malnati's Pizzeria has the best pizza.

As much as I liked Emily in Paris (it provided a great dose of escapism at the height of quarantine), the show disrespected one of my favorite restaurants. Lou Malnati's Pizzeria is a Chicago institution which serves its signature Chicago Deep Dish pizza since 1971. This dish is so popular among native Chicagoans and tourists that they offer nationwide delivery on multiple platforms. What makes Lou's pizza different from others is that it synthesizes Wisconsin cheese, California tomatoes, and a Midwestern butter crust to create Midwestern dining's pinnacle.

(Gif courtesy of wix.com)