A very happy birthday to my mother, Beautiful Bev. I won’t disclose her age but lets just say she’s slightly older than me. My brother’s and I put together a few GTKY questions for you to enjoy. Meet Bosco….
1) You always claim to have always been an angel growing up. What was the thing you did to get you in the most trouble?
One “trouble” activity that I can remember is (when I was in grade school) I beat up the boy down the street for making fun of me and my sneakers. My parents bought me boy (low top) black sneakers as they were sturdier than girls sneakers (I walked on the side of my shoes and ruined them). Back in those days, girls NEVER wore boys low or high top sneakers. Shoes were a necessity not a fashion statement. My parents couldn’t afford to keep buying me shoes.
2) Pick a song that represents you. One from your childhood and one from now.
Can’t pick a song from each era; will pick an artist. Young adult era was Barry Manilow (still like him; last concert your dad and I went to was his–5 years ago); today, I would say Josh Groban…both can sing to me all day, any day. Barry because he is such a great entertainer and I have loved his songs; Josh because of his beautiful voice, humor, and good looks.
3) If there was one thing you would’ve changed about how you raised your children what would it be?
We taught you all to be fair to each other and others; however, we neglected to explain or prepare you for the times when others are not fair back towards you all or don’t try to reciprocate at any time when you continuously do good deeds for them. We regretted these issues many times while watching you all let your friends or others take advantage of you.
4) Of all the dances you’ve seen, what is in your opinion, the weirdest one to ever be a fad
I don’t know any new dances or their titles since I don’t follow that scene any more. However, in my day, I think the weirdest might have been the jerk.
5) What super hero/ cartoon did you want to be growing up?
You are talking to the wrong parent about watching super heroes and aspiring to be like one. If I had to choose from those few female heroes of my youth, I would probably say Wonder Woman. They probably modeled the Wonder Woman character after me because of my raising you four bratz, working full time, traveling for the job, etc. lol
6) If you had the chance to change one thing in your life what would it be aside from giving birth to Jared?
Finishing college immediately following high school. There were many years of discrimination that I went through in the workforce not just because of that fact but also because I was a female. Because of what I went through in the business world, it is very important that all of my children get one or more degrees…if you do it immediately following high school, it is so much easier. It was really hard going to college when I was pregnant with Jacs and then Brett, as well as work full time and keep a house. I wished your dad finished his PhD; all he had left was his thesis which he said would take him another year to write but chose to get married and have a family instead. Not one of my siblings graduated from the same college.
7)When you were 15 was this the life you imagined having?
Yes and no. I was interested in social work back in high school, although I think I would have also enjoyed something in the sports field. However, my dad was so insistent that we get a government job with great benefits as soon as we could; therefore, my high school curriculum followed that path. I think 6/7 of the 8 of us kids in my family started out in the DC or Fed Govt early on; some changed course afterward, but at least 4 of us stayed the course…after all that I went through with your dad’s physical problems the last 10 years, I am sure it was God’s plan having my dad steer me into the Fed Govt so early. Great medical and retirement plans…exactly what was needed at the end of your dad’s life.
Which of your children turned out most like you?
Hard to say as I can see me in each of you. You and Brett have my drive as things don’t come as easily as we would like them to be naturally, so we have to overcompensate in the business/academia world. Brett has my impatience. Brady definitely has my emotional side and need for humor, although mocho Brett surprised me and was the most emotional person the day your father died. Jared has my “social” side; when with close friends, he needs to be the life of the party; however, in a group of people he doesn’t know or aren’t closest buddies, he is an intravert. Overall, I would say Jacqi is now most like me–especially since becoming a mom…you ”
9) If you could live anywhere in the world for a year where would it be?
I traveled so much in the US for so long for my job, I have never yearned to live anywhere in particular or to go overseas (been there a few times). It is not the place where I need to live as opposed to the people with whom I am living with or near. Your father’s and my plan was always to end up in an area that was in somewhat close proximity to all or most of our kids; of course, I had hoped it was also not far from my mom/siblings. Proximity to my family is more important than the place. I would rather look at a familiar face directly in front of me than a seascape or mountaintop. As an example, Hawaii was one of the two most beautiful places we visited; but your dad nor I ever wanted to live there.
10) What tv show best depicts your life?
No one individual show reflects my life. Chicago Fire reminds me of my youth and life as a fireman’s daughter. Roseanne — I just understood her humor and attitude; I think because I came from an unprivileged family and she said everything I felt or would like to say at times but were always told by my parents never to say out loud or do. I miss that show. Big Bang Theory reminds me of the early years of being married to your dad (a brilliant physicist) who I had to ask constantly to “translate” or rephrase his verbiage into plain-speak (aka Bev-speak). He used words I never heard of in typical conversation. Up All Night reflects adult life trying to juggle kids, hubby, and work. Go On reflects my current stage of life–adjusting to life after your dad’s passing and trying not to lean on folks to help me through the stages. Hopefully, my next stage will entail Touched by An Angel (vs 666 Park Avenue).
**Extra Credit: Can you guess who wrote each question?
I can see an overlap of a few questions by multiple kids; however, I think most of them were done by Jacs. Brady #5; Brett #1; Jared-None
Answer: Brady (1-4), Brett (5-7), Jacqi (8-10)
