Shocking thing 1: I’ve never seen Harry Potter

Ok, so I don’t think this is that shocking. But every time I tell someone this they act like I just told them I like to kick puppies. Which I don’t btw, puppies are super cool. Teenage wizards – not so much.

Shocking thing 2: I’m totally into conspiracy theories

I feel like this is the least shocking thing about me, especially if you listened to season 1 of the podcast. I’m not saying I 100% believe every conspiracy theory out there but I sure do want to hear about them. I used to be fairly active on Reddits r/conspiracy until it basically just turned into a political shit show the last couple years. Maybe that is the shocking part of this fact – I’m not exactly the stereotypical basement dwelling neckbeard you would expect to find in a Reddit Community like that.

Shocking thing 3: I’m terrified of heights

You wanna see someone go from brave and adventurous to big baby in less than 5 seconds? Put me in a situation where I’m falling or feel like I’m going to fall. Those dropping amusement park rides are what my nightmares are made out of. People have been trying to get me to skydive for years, but if that plane is landing on its own power I’m not jumping out of it. Nope. Not happening.

Shocking thing 4: I used to be a Sunday School teacher

When I was in high school and first graduated I used to teach the little kids Sunday school class at my church. I’m not sure why this shocks people but I have never had someone not look at me slack jawed when I mention that. Maybe because you’re more likely to find me at Sunday brunch than at Sunday school these days – but me and God are still cool. I just don’t enjoy the ‘church people’ that go out to eat after church and treat their waitresses like dirt while tipping them in change if at all. Thats a whole other rant for another day, but if you’ve ever worked in the service industry you know exactly what I’m talking about. That made it a little hard to want to spend my Sunday mornings with people like that.

Shocking thing 5: I enjoy getting dressed up and girlie

I like getting dressed up, wearing heels, doing my hair and my make up and being girlie. Sometimes. Now, on the daily, you’re most likely to find me with my hair up and pretty much just mascara on (my eyelashes are blonde and I look like Kermie with out mascara). But I do own more than a few pairs of heels and some really pretty dresses.

Shocking thing 6: I deleted all personal social media years ago

For someone building a career with social media this is kind of weird right? I deleted Facebook in 2011 and my personal Instagram 2 maybe 3 years ago. Social media stresses me out. I compare myself and my life to everyones highlight reel. Thats part of why I try to be so real and open on all things Coie’s Questions. I don’t ever want someone to compare their bad days to that one time I got a really really good picture. Everyones life path is different and nobody shares the crappy times. I also had to get over imposter syndrome when starting Coie’s Questions and that is still something I struggle with at times.

Shocking thing 7: I haven’t been in a Walmart in 6 years

Theres no real reason. I haven’t been banned or anything. I wish I was so I had a really cool story, but the facts are way less exciting. I last went to Walmart the day before I moved to Hawaii. There wasn’t a Walmart near where I lived so I just didn’t go. After I came back to the mainland it was kinda funny watching people when you mention you haven’t been in a Walmart in a couple years. So I didn’t go back in one. Do I think Walmarts suck? Yes. But thats a story for another day. I’m not out to get them I just prefer not shopping there.

Shocking thing 8: I get nervous in front of the camera

Again, pretty shocking for someone building a career around social media and Youtube right? I am not photogenic and I take about 1 trillion photos for every 2 photos I like. I haaaaate days I have scheduled to get photo content for the blog or Instagram. Thats something I’m working on gettin better at and have been more consistent with this year. I get nervous right before starting an interview but once I get to asking questions I forget the camera is there. But thats mostly because I get super excited about getting to learn new things.

Shocking thing 9: I’ve never been skiing

I want to go skiing. Well, actually snowboarding. But either way I want to fly down snow covered hills with something strapped to my feet. I’ve never been. Partly because I hate the cold (yeah I know its required for snow) and partly because I’ve never had anyone willing to go with me and sometimes doing things by yourself is kinda boring. Sometimes. I really enjoy it most of the time.

Shocking thing 10: My high school principal told me I would fail at life

People that have met me after high school know how determined and strong I am. I’m actually pretty smart too – but I hid that one for a long time. I’m not sure why. So when I tell them my high school principal told me I won’t go anywhere in life they look at me like I’m full of it. I’m not. I didn’t know I had ADD until college so even though I was in advanced classes I never really tried and graduated middle of my class.

Does that excuse Mr. Stark from being a giant turd covered douche? No, it absolutely does not and I’m sure he thinks he did something good by getting letters from me for years chronicling my accomplishments to include being accepted to an Ivy League Law School. That was my petty way of showing him he was dead ass wrong about me and I have since moved on from letting him live rent free in my head.

If you’re reading this Mr. Stark I still think you’re a dick but I’ve forgiven you for making me feel worse about myself in a time where I was struggling with an undiagnosed learning disorder and it was your job to lift kids up and give them a better start in life.