50 Random Facts About Me

50 Random Facts About Me
I have to admit, I think that it is very important as a writer to connect with you—my readers. Lately, I am noticing that this blog is getting more traffic than usual and I feel like it is only fair as a content creator to share a little more about myself. To be honest, I have always been a big fan of these "top random facts about me" lists because it allows you to discover more about a person, especially a person you admire and respect. I have found myself relatively busy lately, I want to share some facts about myself with you. Without further ado—here are 50 random facts about me.

1. I am an Iranian-American. I am of Persian descent, but was born here in the United States (California) and have lived here my entire life. I have visited every single state and have lived in over 10 of them. 

2. I have been a vegetarian for over half of my life. I started when I was 15, but stopped when I was 17 before making the permanent change in my early 20's. Additionally, I was a vegan for almost three years and a fruitarian for 6 months. 

3. The permanent change going from eating a lot of meat and seafood started as a bet between me and my sister during Thanksgiving over a decade ago. She said, "Sarah, I bet you cannot stop eating meat." Ever since then, I stuck with it and have been eating plant-based since. 

4. When it comes to politics, I have always leaned towards the Independent side of the spectrum. Lately, I have been embracing the conservative side politically and support our current president--Donald J. Trump. He has done a lot for America and the American people. I have lost friends because of my political views. 

5. Theology and religion is something that has always been discussed in my household. I attended bible school as a child and went to church three times a week. I was named after Sarah in both the Qur'an and the Holy Bible, as my father is Muslim and my mother is Christian.

6. When it comes to religion, I embrace both Hinduism and Christianity faiths. For a minor period, I was Agnostic, as I was hoping to find the light and knowledge at the end of the tunnel. I realize now that these two religions make sense to me the most. Currently, I am both a Hindu and a Christian. 

7. I am more extroverted than introverted, but do not find myself to be either-or. If you were to define me, I would say I am an extrovert. I am social. 

8. I’m an avid lover of all things good, great, and amazing, as I am true lover of life. I believe everything in life happens for a purpose and a reason. I believe it’s vital to be true to yourself and respect those good people who come into your life. I also believe it’s important to ignore those bad people who attempt to ruin your life with lies, hate, and blame. In the end, you get what you give and what you always comes back to you. Karma and dharma are very real. 

9. I am polyglot and speak several languages proficiently and fluently. 

10. According to my father—Nader Shah Afshar, one of the most powerful rulers of Iran during the 16th century is one of my long-distant relatives. My father inherited some of his valuables which have been passed down through generations. 

11. As hard as it is to admit, I was a victim of abuse as a child. I don't want to get into too much detail nor give this any attention at the present, but it is a fact about me that thought I would share. Although a darker fact, it is still a fact. The man who abused me was my mother's housekeeper's perverted grown son. I was just a child (four years old) and the abuse lasted for several years. 

12. Music is something I truly love and am passionate about. Not only do I love to sing, but I am also a creator. I have created songs where I recorded the vocals using my iPhone memo, created all parts, and put everything together. I love to play the piano and I enjoy listening to others too.

13. College or university was one of my favorite times in my life. I had the best time in college. It was the complete opposite of high school, which I hated. I met some of the greatest people ever in college and learned so much along the way. If you have never been to college, you need to go. 

14. I do not have any full or biological siblings. I have two younger siblings who share different parents. I have a half-sister who resides here in the United States, who is the second child to my mother and a half-brother who lives in Iran, who is the fourth child to my father. My biological father has step children from his former and current marriage. 

15. As a child, my mother put me into baton twirling. Additionally, I learned ballet so I could learn to spin fast. I spent many years as a competition baton twirler throughout my childhood years. I have the trophies and ribbons from my time as a champion.

16. My favorite television show of all time is Breaking Bad. I have yet to see any show come even remotely close to the league this show was in. Maybe the Sopranos, Better Call Saul, or Dexter. When I was on Netflix, I decided to binge-watch the entire five seasons before actually watching the final season on television. 

17. I was hit by a drunk driver while riding my bike to the Humane Society to take pictures. I attempted to walk away from the accident and limped my way into the emergency room. Although I didn't suffer any permanent injuries, at the time I was in excruciating pain and could not sit for a month. A month later I was riding my bike again and going to the gym daily. 

18. Currently, I work for a publishing business as a business development manager. This is the first time I have ever worked in this industry outside of the world wide web. Do I like it? Yes. As of late, I have become a workaholic with a golden work ethic dipping into the realm of the beauty industry, including cosmetics and the food business. 

19. In 2011, I tried out for X Factor USA and made it through to the next round, where I received the famous golden ticket. I went with the beginning of Christina Aguilera's "Ain't No Other Man" before diving right into Adele's "Rolling In The Deep". Shortly after, I sang Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen. This was the first time I ever tried out for any reality show. 

20. Although my friends say I am a renaissance woman, I am often dubbed the "Jane" of all trades simply because I have such a wide-range variety of interests and everything I enjoy, I am relatively good at. I always feel motivated to do something, even when I don't feel like doing anything at all. 

21. When I was in fifth grade, I learned and memorized every single American state from A-Z. Starting with Alabama and ending with Wyoming, I learned how to say all states in alphabetical order, in a one-minute time frame. And still til this day I can recite the "fifty nifty United States from the thirteen original colonies." 

22. I have only had very few boyfriends in my life. My current relationship started in May of 2018 and has lasted almost two years now. I am not the type of woman who goes from man-to-man, as I believe happiness comes from one person. The idea of starting over makes me cringe, especially how I view relationships in general today.

23. When it comes to height, I am short as I am only 5'2-5’3. And although my weight has fluctuated a lot in life, I have managed to stay the same size since I was 15-16 years old. Right now I weigh 130 and wear a size 5.

24. I was teased in elementary school for being an early developer or bloomer. I got my period at the age of 10 and I wore a 32B bra size during this time. I would wear baggy clothes to school to try and hide myself to avoid getting teased by the other kids. 
Sarah Afshar Home

25. When it comes to traveling, I have been all over. However, there are many things I haven't seen yet which I have always wanted to see. If I frequent certain destinations, I never create an itinerary which is probably not the wisest thing. I always say I will do something or see something and end up getting lost in the moment by doing something else. 

26. My favorite tea in the world is Thai Bubble Tea. My second favorite is Masala Chai followed by Persian rose. I love tea and find myself enjoying sweeter varieties versus the savory, earthy types. 

27. When I was a toddler, I walked into my babysitter's cigarette. She was built like a bowling pin and was holding it near her hip. The doctors told my mother I would be permanently blind. Today, I have near-perfect vision and the glasses you see me wear on occasion are only to view long-distances, but I don't wear them much. 

28. I don't have a favorite food, as I love all food. As long as it is plant-based and vegetarian, of course, I can get into it. Some of the worst foods I have ever tried I learned to actually love and appreciate later on. Cilantro or coriander is one of those foods. 

29. Godfather, the original is a movie I know too well. I know this movie so well, I can recite it word-for-word. I think I have watched this movie more times than I can count. Okay, maybe not that much but enough to memorize the entire film.

30. High school was one of the worst times in my life. I hated high school. I was bullied relentlessly for no reason and had only a few friends the entire time. If they hated on me for my style, they would attack me for always answering questions in the classroom. 

31. After my grandmother (my mother's mom) passed away in 2004, I was so depressed I didn't leave my house for two months. I felt all alone. I felt like a prisoner trapped inside of my soul. I felt like I was living underwater. During this time I experienced what real depression felt like. 

32. I have Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (or OCD). I brush my teeth after every single meal and I wash my hands religiously. Although it is under control, it is somewhat habitual. Don't get me wrong, I am not afraid to get my hands dirty. But I don't want dirty hands either.

33. If you know me, you know that I love virtually every single type of music under the sun. I think I love rock music the best and I think I dislike Polka music the most. Rock has always been my favorite genre. Blues come in a close second. 

34. When it comes to shampooing and conditioning my hair, I like to use a different one every time I wash my hair. And lately, I have been conditioning my hair first before washing it with shampoo. The steps have become reversed, but this has worked in my favor because it has made my hair look amazing. I recommend everyone utilizing this regimen. 

35. I have a razor-sharp intuition. Because of this, I am rarely wrong. My instincts, which I trust immensely—rarely ever fail me. I have a gift for seeing through things and separating fact from fiction. Often (not always) when I sleep I’ll have dreams and visions of what has happened and what will happen. 

36. When it comes to phones, I have only ever used the Apple iPhone which I have owned for the last decade. I have never used an Android or any other type of phone. Why? I am so used to the Apple format and find their products some of the best I have ever used. 

37. After almost drowning as a child, I taught myself two years later how to swim. I decided I wasn't going to allow my fear of water to overcome me and at the age of 11, I decided to dive right in the deep end of the pool, shortly before swimming to the top.  

38. I can leg press 800 pounds. When I first started at the gym, I could barely do 45 pounds. I spent every day in the gym for months without the help of any protein powders, creatine, or post-workout substances. I achieved this in only a few months' time frame, but I spent at least two hours in the gym every day. No rest days. 

39. When it comes to television and movies, I can appreciate them if they are good and love them if they are amazing. I use to be the type to leave the television on or let a movie play when I was preoccupied with something else, but now I am more into documentaries and non-fiction series, as well as, podcasts. I tend to write with earplugs in. 

40. After surviving sexual assault in my early 20's by a predator, I found comfort in martial arts. I learned how to box by the national arm wrestling champion in his dive gym and learned various forms of MMA to defend myself from attackers. 

41. I have suffered from eating disorders sporadically over half my life. I use to have a very love/hate relationship with food before realizing food was never the enemy. Eating the right food is key, as is being active also which I know now and heavily embrace.

42. After being teased in elementary school for having bushy eyebrows, I walked to the local store and bought tweezers with the money that I earned from doing chores around the house. Moreover, I bought a mirror and a Vogue magazine and plucked my brows myself because my mother refused, as she said I was too young. I bought the magazine as a "how-to" guide. 

43. Joe was my first real boyfriend, as I met him when I was just 17. After several months, we parted ways where we were reunited almost two decades later. We rekindled our romance in the Spring of 2013 before splitting up in December of 2016. We remain friends, but are no longer in contact. I have only had very few boyfriends in my life and believe it or not have only dated a few people. 

44. My dream job growing up was to be a businesswoman and/or entrepreneur. I always appreciated business, even as a child. Willy Wonka was one of my biggest inspirations. My second job choice was to be an actress. I never pursued acting, but did act in a couple of school plays. Needless to say, I am a businesswoman at present. 

45. I have had my identity stolen several times on the internet. I have been a victim of identity theft, as well as, online impersonation. One case was so bad because I found out the person who was behind it all was an actual friend of mine who I never suspected. A hard lesson that needed to be learned. 


Random Facts
46. I have been a victim of cyberbullying and cyberstalking by an online cabal since 2012. They created numerous blogs about me, posting lies in efforts to intimidate me, discredit me, and devalue me. They informed me that they would attack me if I supported the woman who I originally interviewed. They have been harassing me since. All because they disagree with what I have to say about a crime case and my stance on the theory. Recently, I was interviewed by Fort Worth Weekly regarding this. 

47. When writing with the now-defunct website Examiner, I was the number one content producer in beauty for over three years straight. I joined Examiner shortly after Yahoo! eliminated the Voices platform. Examiner closed just two years after Yahoo! closed that platform. 

48. In college, I never received any academic education in writing or journalism. I was a business major. I didn't start writing professionally until 2007, where my first gig was with Associated Content. Shortly after, I sold two articles with Constant Content to a trade journal. I took two journalism courses through Coursera (English for Journalism and English for Media Literacy) via University of Pennsylvania online and received certificates for both courses. 

49. The first time I ever went jet skiing was in 2009 where I spent four hours of my life exploring the beautiful body of water in McCall, Idaho at the Mile High Marina. I never fell off of the jet ski. It was one of the greatest times in my life. I've made it a tradition to jet ski every single year. When the weather gets better, I will go back because where I live now (Meridian) is only 30 minutes away. I was living in Georgia at the time, but visiting family in Montana. 

50. I have so many interests, but lately, my favorite is cooking and eating. I can cook virtually everything, but I prefer to cook foods which I can eat—plant-based and vegetarian, of course. Although I believe home is where the heart is, the kitchen remains one of my favorite places in my house.

I just shared 50 random facts about myself. It was a lot of fun. I honestly think I could probably add some more, but I think these will do for now. Now it is your turn. I would love to know more about you. Although you don't have to share as many, please do share at least a few in the comments section. 

Thank you for reading and have a wonderful day. #RandomFacts 

Comments

Kimberlie said…
It was very interesting to learn about you. I would love to be able to speak that many languages. I'm so sorry you experienced bullying and online harrassment. It seems all those challenges led to creating a strong, well rounded person. I've always wanted to learn MMA.
Hazlo Emma said…
Sarah,
What an authentic profile?
It is like a book on who you really are!
Your purpose and destiny are already aligning themselves, despite the tough and rough patches.
It is quite unfortunate that you had to go through cyberbullying and harassment on social media, but love that you faced them and talked about it. Keep using your voice.
You have inspired me.
Anna said…
Greetings from a fellow workaholic! 😊 It was super interesting to learn more about you.
Anonymous said…
Very touching <3 You are brave and wonderful inspiration for all of us.
Terri Steffes said…
Make this your about you page! It is a wonderful way to get to learn about you.
Anonymous said…
You are an amazing person. I enjoyed reading this. I have to revamp my blog so I think I may just write a post this to start. Great blog!
Anonymous said…
I am deeply sorry that you suffered abuse as a child and a predatory attack as well. Though I don't always agree with you, I am glad you have your voice as a writer. I salute your physical, psychological and emotional strength.
Ann said…
This is such a fun way to let your readers know who you are!
And hey, I love the fact that Willy Wonka was an inspiration for you :)
Unknown said…
Wow! That was inspiring. We should all learn from each other's stories. The lesson you teach is that no matter how hard it may be at times, each and every of us can still achieve what we really want if we are consistent and motivated. Great thing to know, remember and pass on.
A Chronic Voice said…
Those are some interesting facts, always so amazed by how different we all are! Iran is actually tops on my to visit travel bucket list! Its rich history is fascinating, and I'm in love with their architecture! And also always amazed with polyglots - that's pretty neat!
JK said…
Thanks for sharing so much about yourself. I can totally see us having a coffee and chat together. You're very brave for putting yourself out there.
Anonymous said…
You seem like a very great person! It was very interesting to get to know, great way to connect and get your readers to know more about you
Kristine Nicole Alessadnra said…
It was nice to get to know you. I am the same height as you, but I am a little on the skinny side, weighing 115 pounds. I can't believe you can leg press 800 pounds! My goodness, you ARE strong!
Jessica said…
Is great that ypu can speak all those languages. You have some interesting facts.
What a wonderful way to connect with you user-base, and you're so multilingual. So impressive :). Lovely to meet you.
It's nice of you to share many things about yourself :) - Dan "Jay" Reyes
berlin said…
great to have known you even through this only. i am also sorry for knowing about the abuse. you are one brave soul to admit it. all the best to you.
mail4rosey said…
How awesome that you have been to every state. You are lucky to be able to easily separate fact from fiction. That is a gift.
remo said…
It's nice to know about you. You are very brave! All the best for your future.
emman damian said…
It's so cool that you're a polyglot! i speak a lot of languages too and it's an advantage whenever you travel. Amazing! Good job!
Lily said…
I love that you’ve been mostly vegetarian you whole life. I also think it’s pretty interesting you tried out for Xfactor!
Tweenselmom said…
You are a fascinating person. I am intrigued by your personality and I am curious why you loved the film Godfather. I am curios on this film and I think I have to watch it soon.
Michele said…
Wow Sarah..you my friend are talented! You forgot one thing, your heart of gold! You are such a kind and giving woman. You care deeply for others and fight their fights right along side them! I'm glad to call you my friend.
I love reading random facts about people not only the facts are interesting as is but also what facts person chooses to share
Crystal Gold said…
Glad to meet you and know more about you. I feel like I know you already. I'm so.sorry for all you have passed through. They have molded you into the strong woman you are now. I also did a 25 Things You Don't Know About Me on my blog. It's a great way for your readers to know the woman behind the blog.
Amber said…
Wow these are some great facts about you. Number 50 about the assault omg. Glad you survived that!
Anonymous said…
wow, it's so exiting to read this about someone and in this way we can now more about each other. thanks for sharing about yourself and your life.
Kendall said…
Great to get to know you more!
Jackline A said…
I love the idea of this post. It was nice getting to know you more.
Such a cool post and leaning more about you
Anonymous said…
I love your blog. You are a fascinating individual. This is one of my favorite blog posts by you.

Here are my 5 facts

-The 1st time I got pregnant I had triplets. All girls.
-I have 2 other girls. I’m a total girl mom.
-I make money from home and am a stay-at-home mom.
-My blog is in the top 50,000 viewed online. I worked hard to make it there. It is helping other bloggers and I throw some lifestyle into the mix.
-My mom and sad died in a car crash when I was 15. I was raised by my grandparents.
This really reminds me that I need to be more open and sharing on my website! Thanks so much for taking the time to really dive deep!
Delhifundos said…
Good to know about interesting facts about you. You are brave and inspiring. We would love to know more about you
Laura said…
Thank you for sharing fact about you. It's nice to get to know you more x

Alexis said…
Thank you for sharing so much about yourself, it was fascinating to learn so many fun things about you.
SissyMack said…
Such a fun read! I love that you are so proud of your strength!
April said…
I love reading your post-Sarah, and as you do the beginning of your post, it reminds me of my Persian-Iranianx boyfriend. He is similar to you doesn't eat meat, and his father is a Persian, and his mother is a dutch. So his religion is both Muslim and Christian. His uncle is one of the wealthiest people in Iran. As he shared with me before. Moving forward, what a talented individual you are in, and you are born to write your story and make a difference. I can relate to some of your experiences in life, although I don't have a talent like you. Thanks for sharing your facts and glad to know you more.
KatyMalkin said…
Such an interesting life and love your heritage! Thank you for being so open.
Anonymous said…
This was such a good read. Loved it!
Anonymous said…
Wonderful blog post. It inspires me so much.