Monday, January 14, 2008

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.}

--------------------

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


-------------


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!

13 comments:

Jen said...

i like this quiz AND I agree - forced celebrations stink!

Mrs. G. said...

These responses are so sweet...particularly your husband's comment about his best days being spent with you.

Happy Birthday. We are almost exactly the same age...two weeks until 41 for me.

KiKi said...

HAPPY HAPPY!! Wish I were there to sing to you in person. Hmm, because you so love attention perhaps I'll send you a singing telegram (lol).

Regarding the quiz - isn't it amazing how we have one idea of how we present ourselves and others see us from a totally different perspective? Love the quiz and will borrow it.

Unknown said...

What awesome responses. What great friends you have! Happy Birthday. I hope this year is wonderful and filled with blessings for you.

Melissa said...

Happy Birthday!!!! And many more!!! It sounds like you have some great friends - I hope you had a good one!

Dr. Monkey Von Monkerstein said...

Happy belated birthday! Here's to many more!

Catch Her in the Wry said...

Happy Birthday. We have so much in common: January birthdays, books, good meatloaf,good friends, good hubby, determined workaholic. Are you my long lost little sister?

A's Mom said...

Happy, happy birthday! That is one thing that I envy about you is that you have friends that you have known since childhood. Atleast I meet some great people along the way with my hubby!

Ian Lidster said...

What an interesting exercise. I'd like to try it. And Happy Birthday to you.

Anonymous said...

Isn't it fun to read how others see you and think of you? **cough, cough**

Liz said...

Sorry I'm late with this, but Happy Birthday!

Boogaloo Dude said...

Oh! I missed your birthday! Happy belated.

I see my bud Corina made it over here. Hi Corina!

Jenn @ Juggling Life said...

You've hit on one of the advantages of getting older--you have friends from every stage of you life.

Happy Birthday.