Feeling Reflective...and 41.

Today I am 41. (Say it proud)


I'm not big on celebrating my birthday. It's not that I'm depressed. I got over that at age 29. It's that it's yet another day where the world expects you (pressures you?) to celebrate and party. I like to party when I FEEL like partying, not because it is a specific date on the calendar. And to be truthful, I'm never quite comfortable being the center of attention. I much prefer partying at someone else's birthday party.


So, in the spirit of facing my anxiety on this and making myself the center of attention in my own way, I decided to dig up some of the responses from friends to a recent email questionnaire... about me!


Where Did We Meet?


Natalie: At my job interview with you.

Laura: Bradford Mews Apartments

Eileen: {Company}

Cin: In the neighborhood

{Note to self: I love that I have people that I have known from 15-35 years who responded}


What Was Your First Impression of Me When We Met?


Natalie: I imagine I was terrified - since I was interviewing. And awed. Still am!

Laura: Wow, she is tall like me!!!!

Eileen: Do you think I can remember 15 years ago???? Helpful?

Cin: {No answer...can't blame her - it was 35 years ago!}

{Note to self: Can I really AWE someone? How cool is that?}



Do You Remember One of the First Things I Said to You?

Natalie: I remember one of the funniest (and maybe first because it was early on) things you ever said to me was that your name should be "Hey Wendy" because I always burst into your office and addressed you that way.


Laura: no clue.


Eileen: Probably “shut-up”

Cin: Do you want to play? (yup - met Cin when I was 6!)

{Note to self: Give Natalie and Eileen props for funniest answers, give Cin extra points for a sweet answer that made me think of pigtails, jump-ropes, roller skates, and slumber parties, make a greater impression on Laura!}

What is the Best Feature About Me?

Natalie: You have always been an incredibly supportive person - at work, with your friends, and I know with your family. You were one of the best managers I ever worked for. Oh, and you have a kickbutt sense of humor and wit.


Laura: Your friendship.


Eileen: Caring, loving, supportive, full of advice- all wrapped up into one great person!

Cin: Your smile!

{Note to self - When you need an ego boost, read this!}


Am I shy or outgoing?

Natalie: More outgoing than shy. I don't think you ever liked things like public speaking, but got really good at it with practice.


Laura: You are not really shy, but just hate SFP.


Eileen: You think you are shy, but really are very outgoing. Why else would I be friends with you?

Cin: Outgoing

{Note to self: I have these girls so FOOLED!
People terrify me. I just act like I can handle it
.... AFTER I pop my Prilosec}

Am I a Rebel or Do I Follow the Rules?

Natalie: Rules

Laura: Rule follower

Eileen: RULES

Cin: Follow rules

{Note to self...is it time to start bending some rules? or accept that I'm not a rebel?}

What's your favorite memory of me?

Natalie: I always thought I was a determined person, but I will never forget this one night where we were all working on a client proposal, and I was ready to throw in the towel, but you just wouldn't give up on it and did such amazing, creative, work. You showed the most incredible leadership in the trenches. I was always inspired to learn and achieve more by your example.

Laura: Lots of times. Especially at the cape or Hilton head.


Eileen: There are so many but I will have to say our weekend in Nantucket.

Cin: Camping at Woodstream, Summers in the screened in garage, Sharing my boyfriend/husband, Seeing the little girl stars in your eyes when you saw my brother, Sharing our weddings

{Note to self: When you need nostalgia prompt read this!}

Any special talents?

Natalie: WRITING - you are an amazing writer.

Laura: Great writer. I can't wait to read your book.

Eileen: Hidden interior decorating talents.

Cin: Playing piano, doing laps in your “Kayak” pool and the best under water tea party host, being a forever friend

{Note to self: Start outlining that book, while drapery shopping, and get a tea set for the pool}

If there was one good nickname for me, what would it be?

Natalie: Powerhouse? I think you can do anything you set your mind to.

Eileen: {No answer - I think because it might be unprintable nasty words}

Laura: Wenderina

Cin: Mouse

{Note to self: I've had many nicknames, and they each seem to be tied to the person who gave them to me...not one for all occasions. They include: Wenderina, Bean, Green Eyes, Ween, Nylednew, etc.}

If you and I were stranded on a desert island, what is one thing that I would bring?

Natalie: Books, but add a good bottle of wine and there you have paradise (yes, I know that's two things).

Laura: A good book or DVD.

Eileen: Hostess snack cake. (okay probably a tv)

Cin: A big book.

{Note to self: Yup, yup, and yup.}

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POST SCRIPT:

I asked my hubby to answer it too, just to see what he would say.

Can I hear a big "awwwwww"?? with his answers?



Where did we meet?

Nassau Hall, SUNY Geneseo



Take a stab at my middle name.

SUE


How long have you known me?

7651 Days


Do I smoke: Never! Never! Never!



What was your first impression of me upon meeting?

Is she flirting with me??? She is way too cool to be flirting with me.


Color of my eyes: Green



Do I have any siblings: Yes



What's one of my favorite things to do:

Garden... Kidding! Bowling.... Still Kidding!..... Reading



Do you remember one of the first things I said to you: Hey! What is my room-mate doing on your lap?



What's my favorite type of music: varied.... Much better than when i met you.



What is the best feature about me: How you take care of all the people around you



Am I shy or outgoing: Shy



Am I a rebel or do I follow the rules: You are a "rules" girl



What's your favorite memory of me: Just about any time we spend together.

Any special talents: You make a mean meatloaf



Would you consider me a friend: My Best Friend!



If there was one good nickname for me, what would it be: Sweetie



If you and I were stranded on a desert island, what is one thing that I would bring: books


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I recommend this quiz/exercise for your next birthday. It reminded me of some great memories, reinforced how great the people who surround me are, and gave me a sense that if I accomplish nothing else in this world...I've made some amazing friends and married an amazing guy.

Happy Birthday to Me!