Whatever floats your boat
Nov 19th 2008
Karen RoseOn Writing!
My daughter at college called last weekend. She actually calls more than I thought she would, sometimes just to chat, so I am a happy mom. Anyway, she was so excited because she’d gone to a special symposium 
at the university’s museum – on cuneiform. Now, in case you need a brush up on your Early Western Civ, cuneiform was the first written language, created by the Sumerians about 5000 years ago (give or take). It was later adapted by the people of Mesopotamia. Now you’re remembering, right?
Just nod. That’s what I do when my daughter calls me with all of the wonderful things she’s learned or seen. She was so excited that night – she’d held in her hands a 5000 year old tablet inscribed with cuneiform. Now, I knew this was spiffy, if for no other reason than it was freaking 5000 years old, right?
But it was more wonderful to hear her so thrilled about it. I get to see the world open up, through her eyes. Experiencing her thrill was a rush of its own. Then I started thinking about the things that thrilled me then, and thrill me now.
- At age 8 (give or take), I got to hear a real live astronaut talk to our elementary school about his adventures on the moon. I went home and pored over my planet books (back when Pluto was still a planet, dang it) and re-read The Wonderful Flight to the Mushroom Planet. I wanted to be an astronaut back then.
- At age 13 I won my first writing contest – for my angst-filled book on a girl whose father returns home after years of being a POW in Vietnam. I’d bartered my English-teacher-neighbor free babysitting to get her to type it up (as I hadn’t learned to type then.) It was almost 50 pages long, double-spaced. I waxed lyrical even then, LOL.
- At 19 (on my birthday), I said “yes” when my husband asked me to marry him as we stood on the steps of the US Senate building.
- At 35 I skied down a mountain for the first time. 
Okay, it was the bunny slope, but I went down on two skinny little sticks and lived to tell the tale. (I actually lived to totally embroider this tale from a bunny slope into a double black diamond slope, but I do make my living telling stories, so there you are.) My heart still beats like a kettle drum when I think about how simply exhilarating that was.
- At 37 I sold my first book. Still gives me goosebumps to recall.
- At 26 and 30, I held my newborn daughters. I’m not sure it gets much better than that.
Except when they call from college to tell you, the thrill in their voice, that they just held a 5000 year old piece of inscribed rock that totally floats their boat – because they know you’ll be thrilled, too.
What’s thrilled you over the years? What’s thrilled you most recently? What totally floats your boat?
69 Comments »
69 Responses to “Whatever floats your boat”
colinfirthfan on 19 Nov 2008 at 1:11 am #
At 10 I received a puppy as a pet. My best birthday present EVER. I have had chickens, a kitten (which I was allergic to) and various squirrels but nothin beat my darling puppy.
At 14 I won a high jump competition – twice in 2 different tournaments against a bunch of other schools.
At 21 I saw my eldest nephew for the first time. He was a year old. I fell instantly in love. We weren’t apart for too long for the next two years. (I am still closest to him and his sister. He is 16 now. Sigh)
At 23 I got married to my DH (I was soooo upset that I was moving away and wouldn’t be able to see my nephew as often as I’d like)
At 27 and 31 I had my own two baby boys. An experience I would never trade but don’t want to repeat!
I am thrilled everyday by all the small things that an 8 year old and 5 year old find wondrous. The hilarious questions they ask completely seriously thrill me the most.
LisaK on 19 Nov 2008 at 4:42 am #
At 3 I started to draw little comics and forced my mother with endless crying that she wrote the things into the speech bubbles I wanted the people to say.
At 7 I had my hair cut to shoulder-length for the first time only to realize four or five years later that I want to have the hip-lenth like I had before again.
At 12 I got contact lenses and my braces were finally gone. First step to not being so ugly anymore.
At 15 I went to the gym of my best friend’s father for the first time and until this day, I’m addicted to it.
At 17 I had an A in the first test of my German advanced course and my longtime rival only had a B, hehe. Which showed everybody that I AM BETTER, hahaha.
Okay, I think I should stop here. No other things come to mind at the moment.
Karen, sounds like your daughter has much fun at college. I hope it remains like this!
Lisa H on 19 Nov 2008 at 7:47 am #
Best moments: August 15, 1993 I gave birth to my daughter. It was more powerful than anything I can even imagine.
Feb. 17, 1996 & July 16, 2005 I gave birth to my sons, also moments I will never forget.
Feb 14, 1993 – Married my husband. It was a beautiful wedding.
February 2005 – I went to Paris with a girlfriend. The first time being overseas
June 2005 – graduated from college
June 2008 – got “the call” that my first book would be published.
cail on 19 Nov 2008 at 7:48 am #
wow, such great moments!
At 14 I learned how to jump on a horse
At 17 I found out I was accepted to the best acting college in the country.
At 24 the man of my dreams told me he loved me and got stranded on a desert Caribbean island with him.
I’m blanking on early childhood to early teen years. i did a lot of cool things, like hold moon rock, rappel from rain forest trees and the likes. Growing up in my house was just one big adventure. Since 24 there have been important things like Grad School and stuff, but at the moment, I’m not thinking straight.
cail on 19 Nov 2008 at 7:57 am #
oh, and happy birthday Margaret… big day today, no?
Margaret on 19 Nov 2008 at 7:58 am #
Oh KarenR. That is so lovely about your daughter. It’s a given that you’d be thrilled, of course. By her enthusiasm, her phone call and the fact that she’s reaching out to you as one adult to another. It makes for a big old lump in my throat.
Goodness, I can’t remember all the thrills in my long life. Life isn’t like a box of chocolates. It’s a breath-taking, exhilarating roller coaster ride. Like one of those new, really scary ones. Thank goodness we can’t see into the future to see how high and how low we will go.
Births of my 2 children. Natch. My first grandchild (now 28). Which I got to witness. Taking a chance on love and getting married for a 2nd time.
I haven’t had my coffee yet. So I can’t remember chronologically. But it’s a cold, clear, crisp day here in Amish country. A great day to be alive as Travis Tritt tells us.
Michelle B on 19 Nov 2008 at 8:02 am #
At 9 years old I got to sit in my Grandma’s neighbor’s basement and listen to their adult son’s band. After their rehearsal they let my try all the instruments and I decided then I wanted to play the saxophone. A few months later I had a used sax and private lessons that lead to me getting to play up a grade while my peers were learning to put their instuments together.
At 13 two things thrilled me greatly, my first kiss and on my first sax solo at district music contest I received a Superior rating, first of the next 5 years in a row. It was a banner year as I got my first steady boyfriend who I only saw at school until I turned 16 and we went on our first date.
On my 18th birthday I was given tickets to see Billy Joel in concert. That was incredible.
At 19 cutting a record albumn in a real recording studio with my college Jazz Lab Band.
At 23 I married my college sweatheart who I met in a snowball fight on campus.
At 25, 29 and 33 I had my kids. Each one a miracle that I am still thrilled watching grow and experincing life through their eyes. Too many thirlls to count with them.
I have lots more, but today what thrills me is live music. Doesn’t have to be a major concert, can be even a street musician. Still gets me like the 9 year old listening in the basement.
JudyPatooty on 19 Nov 2008 at 8:06 am #
At age 6, I appeared on television (a local kids program in Dallas called “Officer Friendly”). I’m told that I actually tripped over the “magic doorway” but I don’t remember that part – just meeting Officer Friendly in person!
At age 15, I won the Best Actress award in the district One-Act Play competition (I got a trophy and everything!)
At age 19, I won a 4-year, full tuition, room & board fellowship at college. (It was thrilling for me, but I’m betting it was even more thrilling for my parents! LOL!)
Damn little thrilling until about age 38, when I got my scuba open water certification and went scuba diving in the Florida Keys!
Nowadays my big thrills are usually of the genealogical variety – my last BIG thrill was when I found the birth record of my French great-great-grandfather while researching at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City. I had been searching for any clues about him for years and it was SO exciting to finally find something.
Karen Rose on 19 Nov 2008 at 8:14 am #
Wow, such great moments from you all!!!
ColinFirthFan – you were a high jump champion and raised squirrels. I love that combination!
It’s true – I love the questions and comments kids make on the world. I remember when Oldest was 3 and addicted to those home improvement shows, especially the one where the couple (that weren’t really a couple) can build a whole house in 30 minutes. She decided she would be a house painter, but became very upset at the thought of grown-up complications. “How will I get the money to buy the paint?” she asked, her little face so upset. “And where will I live while I’m painting their house?”
I assured her she could live with me until she raised enough money to buy her own house and that the people she worked for would buy the paint. She was happy again.
Those were the days
Karen Rose on 19 Nov 2008 at 8:18 am #
LisaK – you made me chuckle with your A when your rival got a B. That writing contest I won back when I was 13? I’d moved away from my old neighborhood and hadn’t seen any of the kids from the old school in years. But that night, as I walked up to receive my award – which was a county contest – my old elementary school nemesis came in second.
Sweet
Not that I’m competitive or anything. Not me…
Karen Rose on 19 Nov 2008 at 8:20 am #
Lisa H – oh, you got married on Valentine’s Day – how romantic!! And the day you got “The Call” – fabulous. How can any of us forget that day?
Mine was December 12, 2001. Sweet.
Karen Rose on 19 Nov 2008 at 8:23 am #
Cail – stranded on a Caribbean island and rappelling through rain forests? You are quite the adventurer! And “jumping on a horse” – is this like a rodeo thing or a stuntwoman thing? I must know!
Margaret – oh, thank you. You put into words something I hadn’t. My daughter calling me as an adult – it’s one of those very proud and bittersweet moments. Happy Birthday to you, dear!
And I love that Travis Tritt song, too – It’s a great day to be alive! Makes me want to grin when I hear it.
Karen Rose on 19 Nov 2008 at 8:30 am #
Michelle B – so you are a sax player – how very cool. Did you get a “superior” rating on the kiss, too?
I would have loved to have seen Billy Joel in concert – especially if it was in his grumpier “Go to you-know-where with your own life, leave me alone” phase (before the Brinkley Uptown Girl phase).
I saw Garth Brooks in concert in Cincinnati in the late 90’s. Oh my. It was FANTASTIC. One of the thrills of my life – makes me grin to remember. It was a lottery to just get tickets and my friend Maria stood in line in the cold to get tickets for four of us. We were on row 6 or something like that. Close, people. We were on our feet screaming at the top of our lungs for four straight hours and I remember burning my finger on my friend’s lighter holding it up when he sang “The Dance” which is my favorite of his songs.
The next day none of us could speak a word, from screaming so much. I wouldn’t trade that experience for the world. Thanks for helping me remember that, Michelle!
Karen Rose on 19 Nov 2008 at 8:38 am #
Judy – a child star and scuba diver! I admire your fearlessness. The idea of being under all that water scares the you-know-what out of me.
DH scubas and has dived in the Keys. He says it’s exhilarating and I love hearing him tell me all about it once he’s come home, LOL.
And a full four year fellowship is amazing! I got one, too – from the University of MD back in 1982. Not board though, only tuition, so my parents were probably more thrilled as I continued to live at home, ha!
That kind of relief I felt as a not-so-rich kid – to know the college is paid for – mixes with the thrill of legitimacy. Someone else has recognized how hard I worked for academic excellence. Well done, Judy! That is a thrill indeed!
Karen Hawkins on 19 Nov 2008 at 8:50 am #
Oooohh! What a fun topic! Karen, I’m so glad your daughter is glowing and growing, as the saying goes. She’s obviously inherited your curious nature!
Ok, lemme see if I can play . . .
Age 9, my parents got the first of many foster kids, so it was bunk beds and mac n cheese from then on.
Age 9, one of our first kids was a 9 mo. old who’d been in the hospital twice for ‘failure to thrive’. Ten years later, my parents adopted her and she’s my little sister now!
Age 10, found the library. Fell in love with books and never looked back.
Age 15, discovered Art Buchwald (the Jon Stewart of his time) and fell in love with politics.
Age 17, went to college … and loved it! Got my bachelor’s and master’s back to back.
Got married and then at age 22 and 26, had my kids. Best two things I’ve ever done!
Age 28, got the best job in the world, Dir of Student Activities in a little college in Georgia.
Age 36, while working on my PhD, began writing my first book.
Age 40, seeing my daughter head off to college and having the satisfaction of watching her – like your daughter, Karen – discover the joy of learning. That’s just incredible.
Susan M on 19 Nov 2008 at 8:57 am #
I don’t remember all my thrills but here are a few:
Age 16 – Read my first romance and never looked back. Also the age where I first fell in love.
Age 17 – Became a Christian
Age 18 – Graduated from college
Age 29 – my first apartment (ok I know I was a little old to be still living at home but in my defense it was just me and my mom and I paid her rent.) I also got engaged.
Age 30 – Got the best job with the best boss and got MARRIED!!!!
I’m hoping my next biggest thrill will be a baby. (We’re trying!!)
Margaret on 19 Nov 2008 at 9:17 am #
LOL Susan. Enjoy the trying. That’s almost as good as getting the baby.
Thanks for the birthday greetings, goddesses. It’s one of those big 0 ones. I haven’t thought this much about an 0 birthday since I turned 30 and ended up drunk at a strip club in Dallas. Not stripping!
Do any of you remember Lulu who used to be on the “Hee Haw”? On the hefty side? She was the featured stripper that night. Yes, indeedy, she was hefty. I don’t know how I remember that when I don’t remember how I got home.
And, no, that wasn’t one of the thrills of my life. I ought to be embarrassed about it but it’s funny now. I thought my life was over at 30. I lived well past that, of course. The best was yet to be.
Karen R, I’d be front and center for Garth. Waving my lighter and screaming. Even now at _gulp_ 70. There. I said it and it didn’t hurt a bit. Much.
You all are amazing today. As usual.
Lisa H on 19 Nov 2008 at 9:53 am #
Happy Birthday Margaret!!!!!
Karen H – How are you doing today?
Karen Rose on 19 Nov 2008 at 10:18 am #
Now, Margaret, seeing Lulu in a strip joint bears more recollection, I do believe. Too bad you can’t recollect most of it!
Just keep hanging around on Mt. Oly, dearie, and you’ll stay eternally young in the soul.
Susan, how sweet of you to pay your mother’s rent!
Karen H – every time you talk about your parents’ foster kids I get a little choked up. That bunk beds and mac-a-chee is a remembered thrill speaks volumes for who you are. A true Goddess!
Kathy/Cookiedough on 19 Nov 2008 at 10:18 am #
Happy Birthday Margaret!!!
Freedom Writer on 19 Nov 2008 at 10:29 am #
Happy Birthday Margaret.
Float your boat moments, hmmm..
At 5 I remember my dad waking us in the middle of the night to tell us we had a new little brother. I cried because I wanted a sister, but my brother ended up to be okay.
At 10 I started to write my first story. I still have it saved in my computer.
At 11 I found music on the radio when I spent a couple of weeks at home with a broken leg.
At 17 I graduated from high school and went off to college.
At 23, 25, 28 and 32 I welcomed my children into the world.
At 30 I graduated from college with 3 kids in tow.
At 44 I quit working full time and started writing.
At 45 I got to see my granddaughter birth, and I was the first to hold her in the OR since she was born by emergency C section. She just turned 3 yesterday. We had a nice little party for her.
On my list for the next best thing: finishing my manuscripts, publishing my writing, having my all of my kids move out so that I can have some time to myself. Ahhhhh!
Margaret on 19 Nov 2008 at 10:38 am #
KarenR, one of the things I remember about Lulu’s act was that she a big old padlock front and center on her bikini bottom. She sure could shake that thing.
This was about a year or so before Hee Haw came on. She was a big star on the Dallas strip club circuit. In more ways that one. The only reason I know this is from the newspapers. Trust me. This was my one and only experience of going to a strip club. Lulu was a protege of Jack Ruby’s, but I don’t know if he owned that club or not. He was in prison by then for killing Lee Harvey Oswald.
Goodness me. I need to turn off the Memory Lane bit.
Free, wasn’t holding that precious granddaughter one of the best feelings on earth? I got to do the same thing with my daughter’s daughter. Shannon just turned 24. But she’s still my baby and I was the first to hold her.
Karen Rose on 19 Nov 2008 at 10:40 am #
Freedom, what sweet moments! Congrats to you for making it through college with 3 kids. I am in awe of that accomplishment alone.
I had to blink at first and wonder how old you are if you have your first story in your computer. I didn’t see my first home computer until high school (my friend’s dad had an Apple 2E and we thought his Space Invader game was the most-ut. Most-ut is a Jetsons’ reference in case you are not up on your cartoon trivia.)
Then I see you’re not too different in age than me, and assume you have retyped that old story into your computer. I should do that. My parents found one of my old stories I wrote at 8 or 9 when they were cleaning out their attic. It was a scifi murder mystery of all things, LOL. Twin girls are floored when their father tells them his job is transferring him to MARS!! And when they get there, they stumble on a MURDER!
I’ve got to scan that into my PC or retype it.
I think it would be fun to see again.
Karen Rose on 19 Nov 2008 at 10:41 am #
Keep it going, Margaret. I’m lovin’ this!
Padlocks, Jack Ruby? THis is fascinating stuff.
ct009ct on 19 Nov 2008 at 10:51 am #
Happy Birthday to you
Dearest Margaret, we heart you,
Here on Mt Oly, you keep us jolly
Happy Birthday to you!!!
SheridanLA on 19 Nov 2008 at 10:53 am #
Happy birthday, Margaret!!!!
14 – got my first job – a sno cone stand
17 -selected as photo editor of the yearbook.
18 was chosen to be “Hospitality Director” for the concerts at my college – first show, Pat Benatar.
28 – opened my own store
30 – moved to a new state all by myself (Missouri) – would repeat again to LA at 34
32 – completed my first half century and century rides (50 and 100 miles on the bike)
35-left the country for the first time (Europe)
36 – got certified for diving – then went to Thailand
37 – climbed to the top of Huayna Picchu and watch the clouds part to reveal Machu Picchu below… awe inspiring
37 – also had my first stock photo sold printed in a magazine (Woman’s World)
SheridanLA on 19 Nov 2008 at 10:54 am #
and Margaret… the strip club with the Hee Haw chick?!??! HAHHAHHA I knew I liked you
LauraR on 19 Nov 2008 at 11:04 am #
Happy Birthday Margaret!
Claudia Dain on 19 Nov 2008 at 11:18 am #
Happy Birthday, Margaret! I’m a November baby, too!
Oh, Karen, the brain cells, they’re not used to working so hard!
I’ll have to dig deep and get back to you.
LauraR on 19 Nov 2008 at 11:21 am #
Sorry for the interruption but KarenH have you seen this?
http://omg.yahoo.com/news/peoples-sexiest-man-alive-hugh-jackman/15572?nc
Your man Hugh is People’s Sexiest Man Alive! As if we all needed them to tell us this… heh
LauraR on 19 Nov 2008 at 11:23 am #
Hey KarenH, People has called your Hugh the Sexiest Man Alive. woo hoo!
Margaret on 19 Nov 2008 at 11:26 am #
ATTENTION KAREN HAWKINS!!! This just in. Hugh Jackman is People magazines new Sexiest Man Alive. You have good taste!
http://www.people.com/people/
Now, there’s a thrill!!!
And thanks for all the birthday wishes. Muchly appreciated by moi.
ct009ct on 19 Nov 2008 at 11:31 am #
Wow, you ladies are amazing!!!
Not sure I fit in with all you accomplished women, but here goes:
(these are the ones that stick out this morning)
Age 3 – became the big sister to twin boys (yuck)
Age 4 – my sister came along so closely, they became triplets (lol)
Age 10 – Got my first ID card (dad in army)
Age 13 – won a 3rd place medal in slalom skiing (beginners slope)
Age 15 – got to see Madame Tousands(sp) wax museum in London
Age 17 – graduated HS
Age 18 – got married to my wonderful DH
Age 19 – welcomed my daughter into the world
Age 21 – welcomed my son into the world
Age 30 – graduated from beauty school
Age 36 – bought our first home
Age 39 – quit smoking – DH retired after 22 yrs in army
Age 40 – my first grandchild is born
Age 43 – celebrated 25 yrs of marriage
Age 44 – my 2nd grandson comes along
Age 44 – my third and oldest grandson came into my life through my sons marriage to his mom
Age 47 – my first granddaughter is born
Age 52 – after years of working, going to school, raising her boys, etc – my daughter got her BA in nursing
Age 53 – looking forward to many many more amazing moments
Margaret on 19 Nov 2008 at 11:36 am #
http://www.people.com/people/
elsiehogarth on 19 Nov 2008 at 11:46 am #
Happy Birthday Margaret! Enjoy your day.
Karen, I can understand how excited your daughter must feel holding a 5000 year old tablet. The feeling is just unbelievable.
At 5, I could fluently speak English, French and Spanish.
At 9, I read the Three Musketeers and the Count of Monte Cristo in French. Also my sister Laurie was born. My own personal live doll.
At 22, Graduated college and took a year to travel throughout the Caribbean. Also the lust for traveling began.
At 23, I spent one month, in Egypt, on a dig and it was the best experience ever. Especially after the dig on a 9 day cruise up and down the Nile. At 18, I also bought my first Book of the Dead with all the birthday, holiday and babysitting money.
At 21, I became godmother for the first time. Stephen(29) my NYPD officer will always have that special spot in my heart because he will always be the son that I never had. I guess that’s why I have 7 godsons.
At 30, I got married and 20 years later was legally separated.
Today, at 50, I enjoy the fun, joy and laughter that all my godsons, nieces and nephews give me. Especially, I love Julianna’s laugh.
Freedom Writer on 19 Nov 2008 at 12:05 pm #
Margaret holding my granddaughter was a very emotional experience for me. Especially when I got to show her to my daughter after she was checked over and cleaned up.
KarenR–I turned 48 earlier in November and I carried the hand written pages around with me for decades before typing it into a computer, and now it is on my computer, my flash drive and I have a hard copy. I have most of my writing from over the last 38 years still with me. When making moves it has always been one of my prized possessions. I have lost really nice jewelry over the years, but still have the most of the stories that I wrote during my childhood and adolescence. The stories usually give me a good laugh when I dust them off and read them.
Freedom Writer on 19 Nov 2008 at 12:07 pm #
Sheridan my first job at 14 was in a sno cone stand too!
Kay on 19 Nov 2008 at 12:40 pm #
Happy Birthday, Margaret.
Karen—a walk down memory lane. Hmmmmmm…..
I remember making my family late to see “The Yellow Submarine” movie, because I wanted to watch one of the Apollo lift-offs. I think it was Apollo 10 (my, that dates me) I wanted to be an astronaut until middle school, when I found out how much math you had to know, LOL.
Meeting my Dh—bleeding and crying, no less. He saw me at my worst on our first meeting and STILL wanted to date me.
Marrying my Dh. It will be 20 years in June *sigh*
Holding each my children for the first time. Both of my kids were adopted, so I was tired, excited, jet-lagged and in culture shock, and could not have been happier.
Seeing the look on my oldest son’s face the first time he saw a live wolf at the International Wolf Center. He was 4, and has wanted to be either a veterinarian or wildlife biologist ever since (he changes his mind between the two depending on his current science class)
Watching my youngest son put on glasses for the first time and see BUGS! He was two. He has been fascinated by everything tiny ever since. He has said he wants to be an entomologist since he could pronounce the word.
Recently……Getting an acceptance letter (ok, email) for my first short story to be published and playing in my first piano recital two weeks ago (you have no idea how much courage that took). I get to play in the Christmas recital, too. Much to the embarrassment of my kids, who have been playing since they were 5.
Janae on 19 Nov 2008 at 12:44 pm #
Happy Birthday Margaret!! Have a great day!! I love hearing your stories.
Age 8 – baby sister born 2 months premature; she had to go back in the hospital after her first night home because she stopped breathing. I’ll never forget that morning, waking up before 6 am, knowing something was wrong, and heading over to my parents room to check on her. My mom came out called to my dad to call 911 and her closing the door, so we couldn’t see anything. Then, praying with my other 5 siblings, so that our baby sister would make it. Now, she’s 27 yo with a 3 yo daughter.
Age 18 – heading out to college, being so glad to be out of MT; met and started dating future dh.
Age 22 – getting married
Age 24 – graduating from college
Age 27 and 30 – giving birth to my son and daughter
Age 31 – being my sister’s labor coach because her dh was on his way home from Iraq and seeing my neice being born. Watching and giving birth – 2 completely different experiences, both equally amazing in completely different ways.
Age 32-33 – my daughter walking finally at 18 months after OT and getting a diagnosis of hypermobility. Later that same year standing up for my daughter’s right to speech provided by the state, after she stopped talking when she started walking. At 5 you’d never know that she didn’t start talking, again until she was 3.
Early 30s – rediscovering my creativity thru sewing, decorating, and jewelry making.
Age 35 – being completely ok with where I’m at in life, liking the direction I’m headed, and being able to tell people what I’m thinking without any self doubt.
dbrown3400 on 19 Nov 2008 at 1:02 pm #
Karen H, you must be so proud! Hugh looks very good on the cover and inside the magazine as well.
At 16, I became Puella Notissima for the State of Oklahoma and received a full tuition scholarship to Rice University.
At 22, I wrote my first computer program.
At 25, I went to dinner with Joe Torre who was then with the St. Louis Cardinals.
At 26, my grandmother took me to an Elvis Presley concert. That same year I met my ex. We were divorced 33 years later. In between, I had our two daughters when I was 32 and 37, traveled most of North America and many other places while training computer networks and working for my husband’s company.
This weekend, at 62, I held my beautiful six-month-old granddaughter in my arms and watched her smile.
dbrown3400 on 19 Nov 2008 at 1:04 pm #
Happy Birthday, Margaret. Many happy returns.
Karen Rose on 19 Nov 2008 at 2:05 pm #
Sheridan – Pat Benatar and Machu Pichu? I’m so jealous! MP is one of the places on earth I’ve always wanted to see. I just don’t want to climb the mountain to see it, LOL. Where are the ski lifts when you need them?
CT – what an impressive list! And congrats on quitting smoking. Good for you.
Elsie – you have such an amazing family! And knowing Julianna’s mother, I know her laugh must be joyful indeed. Plus, you own a Book of the Dead. How cool is that?
colinfirthfan on 19 Nov 2008 at 2:07 pm #
Happy Birthday Margaret!
KarenR, I was quite animal mad and a complete tom boy. My mom despaired of me ever climbing off a tree.
I decided early on that being a vet required intimate knowledge of the inside of animals and I didn’t want to go there. Blech!
Karen Rose on 19 Nov 2008 at 2:07 pm #
Kay – congratulations on your recent life coups! (Did I spell that right?) Getting your short story accepted AND playing in your first recital. Nicely done, girl. Playing in front of your kids must have taken incredible courage. Someday soon they will be able to fully appreciate their mom.
Karen Rose on 19 Nov 2008 at 2:09 pm #
Janae – another “nicely done” to you on your advocacy for your daughter. I’ve been there and it can be a spiritually exhausting battle.
But the rewards … pure gold. Good for you!
SheridanLA on 19 Nov 2008 at 2:10 pm #
Karen, Machu Picchu is a lot of walking.. and stairs… but so insanely worth it… then the mountain above it (Huayna Picchu) is a bit of a hike and not for those who have troubles with heights and drop-offs.. but again.. so amazing that it is worth it.
and Pat Benatar was really nice.. especially to an inexperienced college girl. Her manager/handler was another story..
Kay on 19 Nov 2008 at 2:10 pm #
KarenR, right now they are content to ridicule me, but at least they see me trying something new, and difficult, as an adult.
SheridanLA on 19 Nov 2008 at 2:11 pm #
everyone has some amazing life moments.. how cool is that that we all have things to look back on and smile about?
this blog makes me happy.
LisaK on 19 Nov 2008 at 2:12 pm #
Happyhappy Birthday, Margaret! Enjoy your day!
Oh, btw, Janae, something I wanted to ask you for quite a time: How do you pronounce your name?
Kay on 19 Nov 2008 at 2:13 pm #
Oh, I forgot another big moment. My Dh and I got to see Pavoratti sing “Nessun Dorma” and I was close enough to see him sweat! What a moment for an opera buff.
Karen Rose on 19 Nov 2008 at 2:14 pm #
Donna – you were a computer pioneer! Because of folks like you we now have the conveniences most of us take for granted every day.
Kudos on your past and your beautiful granddaughter in the present.
PS – I wrote my first computer program at 19 – on punch cards. I could sigh at that, but I look back with a grin. I missed 8-tracks and slide rules by a few years, but I still got to do punch cards. It’s a piece of history our kids will never truly know.
Karen Rose on 19 Nov 2008 at 2:19 pm #
Hey, Kay, I saw Confederate Railroad sing back in the day. I love their Trashy Women song! Of course I wore my cowboy boots. I wasn’t close enough to see them sweat though.
DH took me, hating every single minute of the concert. I’m so lucky to have a husband who will tolerate music he hates for me! He even went once to the ballet, just because I asked him to. What a keeper.
I’d love to experience Josh Groban in concert – he’s kinda sorta opera.
Karen Hawkins on 19 Nov 2008 at 2:25 pm #
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARGARET! I hope you’ve got something as fun as a hefty stripped planned for your par-tah!
Btw, reading these answers have been fascinating: you guys ROCK! I’m finding out all SORTS of cool things about you all!
And yes, I’m PROUD People Magazine has recognized what we, here at the FROS capital of the world, have known for a long, long time . . . that Hugh Jackman is the sexiest man on earth. I (and my ten copies of the magazine) are dancing with joy. Do you think this is a good sign for my book since he’s the inspiration???? Hmmm. I hope so!
Oh, Karen R, definitely get choked up over my parents — they’ve given their fair share and then some. They are great, incredible humanitarians and are just lovely people, even now. I’m a lucky ‘kid’ to have even been in their house — and I got to be there from day 1!
Also, on punch cards, my computer geek bro has a box of them that he got from a computer lab in college over 10 years ago and he uses them for bookmarks. They’re darn good bookmarks, too.
Karen Rose on 19 Nov 2008 at 2:29 pm #
KarenH, I used my dad’s college punch cards as playing cards when I was a kid.
I think I was a little clueless then, LOL.
Karen Rose on 19 Nov 2008 at 2:37 pm #
Sheridan, this blog makes me happy too. So often we get so mired down in making it through days that we forget to celebrate the thrills in our lives.
Janae on 19 Nov 2008 at 2:59 pm #
LisaK – It’s Juh-neigh.
Thanks KarenR – you described it perfectly.
RachelG on 19 Nov 2008 at 3:20 pm #
Shoes and hand bags totally float my boat. I just bought a pair of boots that zip up the back and are fab.
rachelg
Margaret on 19 Nov 2008 at 3:33 pm #
Karen Rose, is Confederate Railroad’s Trashy Women the same song that Travis Tritt has recorded? I love his rendition.
Karen H, no strippers tonight. Not even a Chippendale. I’m off to have dinner with as many family members as can make it at Red Lobster. My choice of restaurant. I know there are better eating joints in town but I have a lot of emotional interests in what my granddaughter used to call Red Monster. We still call it that.
My late DH & I married on Jan 1, 1976. For years, Red Lobster was the only place open on New Year’s Day. So, that was where we went to celebrate our anniversary. It got to be a habit. After his stroke, he would have been upset at any change. So, it’s got happy memories for me even if they don’t have hush puppies any more. Those were so good!
Lobster, shrimp and an alcoholic drink of my choice. Life is good. Catch you all tomorrow. I love finding out the wonderful things that so many of you have done.
cail on 19 Nov 2008 at 4:35 pm #
OMG. DONNA!! I am SO jealous of your dinner with Joe Torre!! AHHH
Karen, jumping on a horse… you know, like over those white fences.
Karen Rose on 19 Nov 2008 at 4:37 pm #
OH….. I thought you meant jumping ONTO a horse.
That’s a little different.
Karen Hawkins on 19 Nov 2008 at 4:54 pm #
Red Lobster . . . crab alfredo . . . mmmmmmmm. I miss the hush puppies, but aren’t those cheesy garlic biscuits simply heavenly? MMMMMMMMMMMMM!
Judy F on 19 Nov 2008 at 6:16 pm #
age 5 (?) was on the Uncle Al show. (local tv)
age 8 danced on fountain Square (meeting place downtown)
Age 9 got hit by a car.
Age 13 won a sewing award for 4-H (don’t sew anymore)
Age 18 Saw my first Billy Joel concert and age 19 took my first non parent trip with friends. I don’t remember what age I was when I saw the Bee Gees.
Age 20 my first niece was born
Age 23 my one and only nephew was born.
Age 40 took the buy out from my job cause I was afraid if I didn’t I would be stuck there for life. Glad I did it.
I am sure there are more but I am hungry. LOL
Sniff looked for Hugh at the drugstore not out yet
SheridanLA on 19 Nov 2008 at 6:18 pm #
what? no hush puppies at red lobster anymore??? oh, the humanity!
(can you tell I have not been in…. years?)
Judy F on 19 Nov 2008 at 6:33 pm #
I forgot Happy Birthday Margaret.
Karen Rose on 19 Nov 2008 at 9:09 pm #
Judy, I too have danced at Fountain Square! I love that place. It’s a piece of Cincinnati that makes it so unique. And you were on Uncle Al? That was before my time, but I still heard my crowd fondly remembering Uncle Al. That must be a very nice memory.
And you got hit by a car?
Be patient, you Hugh people. He’ll show up on magazine stands near you very soon!
Thanks for sharing your thrills today! It’s been so much fun learning about you all in a different light.
Judy F on 19 Nov 2008 at 9:23 pm #
wow Karen we do share some history.
I still remember being on Uncle Al. Got to wear a dress and everything. LOL
I was crossing the street near a friends house and a car came out of the side street and hit me. Family joke was I did more damage to her car then what was done to me. Cracked her windshield. I just had lots of scrapes and had to get woken up a lot during the night. Luckily nothing major was wrong with me.
Michelle B on 19 Nov 2008 at 11:36 pm #
Sorry I couldn’t chime back in before now. Happy Birthday Margaret!!
Yes, I am a sax player who really doesn’t play anymore. My husband doesn’t understand why I don’t and I don’t explain it well. It was a very important part of my life and I still love music. That Billy Joel concert was in 1978 just as the 57th Street albumn was coming out. I don’t know about grumpier, Karen R., but it was pre-Christie Brinkley. Judy F, where did you see Billy Joel? I saw him in Omaha, Nebraska at the Civic Center.
Tonight I got to attend “Skate for the Heart” hosted by Peggy Fleming featuring Kenny G playing live to several famous ice skaters. Now, I’m more of a Boney James fan when it comes to sax music, but as I said ealier, you can’t beat live music. It was a great show! All of you will be able to see it on TV as they were filming it to air on February 7. The filming process of the show was extremely fascinating.
ladydawgfan on 20 Nov 2008 at 12:16 am #
Sorry I’m so late!!
At 8, I won a nationwide childrens contest to “fix” the Leaning Tower of Pisa. My solution? Tilt the tower back, find the break, and create a new base with concrete. I received a letter and a certificate from people connected with the Tower.
At 14, I held my eldest niece for the first time. She is completing her PHD in some Nuclear medical science of some sort (Where DOES the time go??). Additional nieces and nephews came at ages 16, 17, 18, 19, 27, and 29.
At 15, I completed my first working set of Architectural blueprints. I still have them.
At 17, I got my drivers licence on the first try, much to the surprise of my jerk of a HS drivers ed instructor who spent most of his time grabbing the steering wheel and criticizing/insulting me in front of my classmates.
At 19, I got my first car, a hand-me-down ‘65 Chrysler Newport named Betsy. God, I loved that car!!!
At 31, I walked through a house that I had designed. The most surreal feeling in the world – like physically walking through your imagination!!!
At 40, I graduated with my long awaited Bachelors in Architecture. Now, would someone PLEASE give this 40-something intern a chance to prove herself??!!!
Judy F on 20 Nov 2008 at 5:51 am #
Michelle B I saw Billie Joel In Cincinnati Ohio was ten rows from the stage.