Clarissa came in with Kristin after school today. Her mom was in Philadelphia having tests to see why she's in so much pain. Apparently she donated a kidney four years ago ... to her uncle. Now the area under the scar is hurting her. Anyway, she wasn't home yet and so Clarissa left a note telling her mother she'd be here.
I was napping this afternoon. I have a tendency to do that now. Sometimes I am just so sleepy I've got to lie down and other times it's more a matter of getting away from it all and relaxing. When I got up, I heard Clarissa's mom talking in the living room.
TB looked like he was going to start vibrating in a minute. He was very red in the face and C's mom just kept chatting away merrily. I can see where Clarissa gets it. Well, I stepped into the conversation and TB looked like he was going to pass out, he was so relieved.
C's mom stood and talked to me for over a half hour. I asked her if she'd like to sit and have something to drink. "No thanks, I'm fine, I've got to get going," she'd answer but then she didn't. Get going, I mean. She is a very friendly person and I'd like her except she is a bit like Mr. & Mrs. NN ... yak yak yak.
Finally she left and went home. Clarissa stayed to play with Kristin. She has the attention span of a small puppy. She'd be interested in one thing and five seconds later she'd want to do something else. And then she got bored and wanted to play with our computers! Kristin deftly sidetracked her from that.
The next oldest, brother Alex, came over to collect Clarissa about an hour later. Not too long after that, he came back and said he needed to borrow a tool for his mom. She needed to make a screw or something. TB wisely said he doesn't lend tools out to anyone.
"I've got a bad feeling about this," said TB.
I do, too. It's sort of the way I felt when one shelter family was staying in the church and asked for help in a bunch of ways. Not a problem ... except then they stole from the church.
That's why I felt guilty about my feelings yesterday. I felt like I was being too suspicious and maybe I am. Then again, maybe I'm not!
1. Define the ideal characteristics of good role model. Why did you pick these characteristics?
A good role model is honest, courageous, tenacious, patient, and a good mentor. I picked those characteristics mostly because these are traits I?d like to have. Not only that, a good role model should be someone people could look up to. I know I could not admire a liar or a bitter person. I would think you?d need courage and tenacity to be able to get over some of life?s hurdles. And to be patient and a good mentor ? well, how else would you pass the traits on to someone else?
2. Who was your role model when you were a child? Why? Does this person still have role model appeal to you? Why or why not?
Unfortunately, I don?t think I had any female role models as a child. When I was a teenager, I admired Senator Margaret Chase Smith and Rachel Carson. I admired them because they stood up for what they believed, even if the causes were unpopular. As a child, I admired actor John Wayne. He was tall and strong and despite a gruff exterior, he was a very caring person underneath it all. All three have role model appeal to me. All were good people and there's been no skeletons in their closets that I'm aware of!
3. Which celebrity is a good role model? Why? Who isn't and why?
If James Stewart was alive, I?d choose him. Here was a man who stayed married to his wife in decadent Hollywood, was a gentle and kind person who served in the armed forces during the second world war. He was a wonderful actor.
I will choose Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward. They?re another long time married couple in Hollywood. They?ve had successful careers and they do good works. Paul Newman has a line of food products and he donates the profits to charities. Joanne Woodward has been very active in environmental issues. They give of themselves, they don?t just keep the money they earn and snort cocaine or something.
Who is not a good role model is Michael Jackson. He?s been in the news this week. He?s been arrested on charges of child molestation. He is a terrific entertainer and has a beautiful voice but ? something is not right there. He admits to sleeping in bed with boys. He says it?s not sexual but come on, he?s 45 years old. I think he is twisted but I feel sorry for him. I saw a movie about his life years ago and it seems like he was abused as well.
4. Have you ever been told that you were someone's role model? What happened? If this hasn't happened to you, how would you feel if you found out that it was so for a friend, family member, colleague, etc.?
Yes, when I was a certified interpreter a lot of the younger people in interpreter training programs said I was their role model. I was flattered but also embarrassed. I didn?t think what I did was any big deal. I enjoyed mentoring very much.
5. Who is your role model now? Why?
Oma, Rich?s grandmother. She is one strong lady. She?s been through so much and yet she perseveres and doesn?t give up. She has lost her husband, daughter, oldest grandchild, brothers, infant sister and her mother. She still has faith in God and she is still a gentle woman. She takes everything that comes her way saying "This too shall pass." She's never become bitter about anything that's happened to her.
hyuk hyuk! me again!! On the idea of role models, i think you _are_ a role model to many people. maybe they don't say it, but i'm sure plenty of people wish they were as patient, honest, and brave as you. maybe not as brave as oma b/cuz you haven't been through as much. but at the same time, think of your life. you've been through plenty but you make it through the day without breaking someone's neck. your mood quite often affects other people. when you're happy, people seem happier and you are a wonderful teacher. people at school keep saying to me "you're so patient. how can you do this without blowing up?" and my answer is, my mom. basically, you've taught me so much and i hope i can pay it back someday.
Posted by: Heidi at November 23, 2003 12:49 AM