a.m. postscript: 25 Random Things for My Son to Know

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

25 Random Things for My Son to Know

There was a list circulating Facebook that asked the user to list 25 random things that would be interesting for others to know about him/her. I refused make such a public list in Facebook, yet here I am doing it for on my blog.

I enjoy being a mother more than I ever imagined. I am so happy when my son laughs or sighs or kicks his legs. It makes my day when I come home from work and he catches sight of me and breaks into a huge smile.

I love travel…any travel. I was as excited to visit the St. Louis Gateway Arch as I was to take a boat ride down the Amazon River.

Parents should give their children the freedom of choice when it matters. My parents would've preferred I went to a different college, or that I traveled to less risky places than South Africa, or that I lived closer to home after college. I'm glad I don't need to expend energy resenting them for imposing their will.

I will drop everything for my good friends.

I comb the web for free stuff and bargains. My friend K. and I developed this habit when we worked together thirteen years ago at Greenwich Associates. You can call it one of my passions.

I am politically correct. And I think people should stop making excuses for why they shouldn't have to be considerate of other people's feelings/race/culture/point of view.

I am remarkably lazy. I'm not exaggerating.

I expect people to upkeep their grammar and writing even if it is an email or text or blog or tweet.

I was blase about wedding planning and did not think it was "the most important day of my life." If it had been, I would've been upset that I hadn't accomplished more before getting married.

I do not subscribe to any particular religious belief, but I believe in being a good person, following your fate, and accepting the consequences of your actions.

I am not an academic snob until you force me to be.

I am annoyed by people who say they can't pronounce a "foreign" sounding name or word.

I have an unbelievable memory, which is sometimes a curse. I will remember exactly what people say and I know when people contradict themselves.

I live my life with empathy and without hypocrisy. When you want to open your mouth to tell someone how they've wronged you, think about how you've wronged them. Then, shut it.

If you want to engage me in a fight, then remember that I have a good memory and that I will hold a grudge.

My husband amazed me on our very first date. I called my college friend W. afterward and told him that I thought this guy was too smart for me.

My father is still the smartest person I know.

I am equal to my husband in intelligence, life experience, and our marriage. I hope my son seeks the same.

I did not leave my heart in San Francisco, but it was one of my best life experiences to live there on my own for four years.

My biggest regret is not studying abroad while in college.

I hope my son learns from my mistakes and appreciates his Indian heritage sooner than I did. I am proud of my culture and my parents, but it took me a while to get here.