Since I’ve revamped my blog recently and will be expanding, I wanted to allow you all to get to know me a little better.

Aside from what you can discover about me in my “about” section, here are some lesser-known things you may not know that will help you get to know me a bit more. Who knows… we might have a ton in common!

1. I’m a huge sci-fi and fantasy addict

Most girls like to binge-watch romantic comedies and reality television, but I prefer anything that’s set in an alternate reality or involves unrealistic aspects. Harry Potter? Yes, please. Once Upon A Time (or anything that relates to Disney)? Yes, please. All superhero shows (especially DC!)? Yes, please.

Have fun watching the Kardashians or the Bachelor… I’ll be binge-watching Runaways!

2. I will talk to anyone 

I have conversations with wait staff, new coworkers, gas station attendants… you name it. It’s still up in the air on whether I force conversation out of these people or if they genuinely just feel comfortable talking to me because I’m always smiling at strangers. I befriend anyone and everyone and love to connect with new people who share something in common with me. My problem is that I tend to find a common interest, even if it’s the smallest thing, with everyone.

3. I prefer reading over television, and books over movies

Never trust someone who tells you a movie was better than a book. That means they didn’t actually read the book and are, therefore, not a credible source. Sorry, not sorry.

4. I write poetry and fiction stories

 

Despite my cheery personality, my poetry is a bit darker but serves as a beautiful outlet to help me cope whenever life gets tough. My fiction is a lot lighter and more fun to write, but doesn’t feel as fulfilling as writing poetry does. Some people read my poetry and are surprised I wrote it because I’m always so upbeat and happy and the poetry… well it isn’t always the peppiest thing you’ll read. Think: Whiskey Words & A Shovel meets Pillow Thoughts.

5. My middle name does a great job of encompassing my core value

Hope

Hope. I’m not sure why my mom picked this as my middle name, but it represents me really well. Hope tends to pour out of me, even when I don’t want it to. It bites me in the butt sometimes because I allow myself to get my hopes up for everything and fantasize about these amazing concepts I hope to bring to life and then get disappointed when they don’t happen, but it also serves as a constant reminder to always stay positive and have hope that things will work out the way they are supposed to.

6. My biggest fear is of mascots

Remember when you were in high school and had to go around the room and share a fun fact about yourself as an icebreaker? Well, this was always mine. That, and the occasional “today is my birthday!” because my birthday would fall on the first day of school (yay, September babies). Anyway… I’ve had this irrational fear of mascots and pretty much any type of costume since I was a baby. There’s a picture of me as a child in the arms of someone dressed as a giant snowman and I’m screaming and terrified. Guess I never grew out of that.

If you’re looking for a laugh, picture this: I was a cheerleader in high school and college. Now picture the one smol cheerleader sprinting down the track when the mascot came too close to her. Yup, that was me.

Also, your assumptions are right that Halloween is my least favorite holiday because of all the creepy costumes!

I finally (sort of) conquered my fears this past summer when I took the plunge and went to Disney World with my best friend, Erika. I loved Disney so much and was devastated that I couldn’t go because I was afraid of the characters, but I decided to tough it up and go on the trip and I’m so glad that I did. It was so magical and everything I could’ve asked it to be. Goofy was still pretty terrifying though — he was HUGE and so so jumpy and… goofy.

7. I love plants but always kill them somehow

I think I over-nourish them with too much love (and too much water, perhaps… I always assume they’re just thirsty!) Oops.

8. I have a Maltipoo named Misty

Okay, this isn’t the most interesting fact, but I love her and want to share an adorable picture of her with the world! I got her my senior year of college and treat her like my child so I guess that makes me a doggy mommy.

9. I read more Fanfiction than I read actual novels

Considering I do annual book reviews, this is saying a lot. I won’t even try and deny the fact that I have at least two or three tabs open on my phone at all times that are wlw fanfics. I love that anyone around the world has the potential to take characters that already exist and turn it into something entirely new and wonderful. I think I enjoy it so much because I already allow myself to develop such a big connection to characters I watch on television and being able to read stories about them in other situations really intrigues me.

10. I spend the majority of my money on new technology

I’ve always been a tech geek. Something about it just makes me so happy. Whether it’s the newest wearable tech, smart home device, or just the latest and greatest iPhone, I need to have it. Sorry, wallet.

11. I have OCD

I always knew I had OCD but never truly came to terms with what it meant until I was out of college. When someone thinks of OCD, they think of someone who cleans a lot or washes their hands obsessively. What they fail to forget is the odd compulsions like feeling like I’m off balance if I don’t step on the same number of cracks in the sidewalk with my left foot as I do with my right foot… or that unsettling feeling of panic when I know something is out of place and I can’t fix it. I found ways to manage it on a day-to-day basis by sticking to my set routines, but sometimes life throws a wrench in my path and I still struggle to remain calm in those situations. Luckily, people are relatively understanding (or try to be understanding) and take me seriously when I’m not always okay.

12. I find pleasure in cleaning, planning and organizing

Although it’s not completely unrelated to my OCD, I just like to be tidy in general. I joke to my friends that I’d be willing to organize their rooms, closets, apartments, etc. if they paid me — especially if they pay in food. I compulsively clean and my space is always tidy and in order, whether it’s my home or my desk at work. I also have an obsession with planners, calendars, to-do lists, and journals. I’ve tried bullet journaling and different methods and love to experiment and find new ways to keep my life on track in the most efficient manner. People have asked me how I manage to stay organized 24/7 and I usually type everything out for them. If you want any tips on best apps to use or organization methods, let me know and I can do a post on it!

13. I have a not-so-secret obsession with Sophia Bush

She’s my role model and inspiration on a daily basis. I have a “What Would Brooke Davis Do” framed quote in both my bedroom and on my desk, she’s my phone wallpaper, I’ll watch anything she’s in just because she’s in it, I follow her activism efforts and find them admirable and moving, and I have more pictures/gifs of her on my phone than I do of myself.  Why have a boring role model when you can stan a legend like Sophia? 🙂

 

 

I hope this helps give all of you a little more insight into the mind of Courtney Hope Klauber. I also hope this helps you connected with me on a more personal level so you can get a better feel for my voice and personality going forward.

What’s a fun fact about you that nobody knows? Let me know in the comments and I’d be happy to learn more and have a conversation!