tell my favorite 43Ters my 5 favorite things about them

I can hardly believe that I have not yet written one of these for Kitty. I truly admire and adore her and think that she is both a dear friend and an excellent role model. If you have not already met Kitty, you owe it to yourself to do so. Happy Birthday, Sweetie!

She’s a Great Teacher: Kitty has been a phenomenonal cooking instructor to me. By this, I don’t just mean that I have been able to successfully make everything she has taught me how to make, though that I have been is certainly due to her teaching and culinary skills. There is much more that makes her a truly great teacher. First, my lessons with her started because I mentioned I didn’t know how to cook and she offered to teach me. That speaks volumes about what a giving person she is, but it also shows that she loves sharing her talents with others and helping them get the same pleasures she does. Similarly, she communicates her passion through her lessons in a way that has allowed that same passion to rub off on me. Moreover, she goes the extra mile to make sure her lessons are clear, she gives praise when it is deserved, and I have no doubt that the first time I royally screw something up, she will provide honest, constructive, sensitively phrased criticism. If Kitty were to ever decide that she wants to teach professionally, I would be proud to call her my colleague.

She’s Open: One of things I most appreciate about Kitty is how open she is. She regularly displays courage and vulnerability by sharing some very personal and very sensitive stuff with all of us. Many of those entries, but not all of them, come from her Heal my Heart goal, the entries under which often inspire me and help me heal my own heart by discussing things that I can relate to and vocalizing similar demons to the ones I am battling myself. I truly admire and value her willingness to share her true self with all of us on here and am grateful for her willingness to allow me to get to know her.

She’s Giving: Kitty is truly one of the most giving souls I have had the pleasure to meet on here. In addition to the other gifts mentioned elsewhere in this entry that she gives us, she also regularly gives from her heart. I have often posted entries or comments on here that expressed something that was bothering me. Kitty regularly takes the time to answer those concerns and give me some advice and in the case of my recent fears, help me not feel so silly about them. I have noticed her doing this with others as well. The past four months have been made much easier for me through the efforts of several people on here, and Kitty is definitely one of those people. I have often seen entries from 43Ters expressing anger or sadness over something, only to find a comment from Kitty following it that gives that same combination of encouragement and advice. Whether it be a friendly word, a cooking lesson, or a powerfully written entry, almost every day since she and I have met has brought me a gift from her.

She’s Artistic: I truly love Kitty’s artistic side. While many of her goals reflect this artistic side, she often displays it in her everyday life as well. From things like the Frieda Kahlo onesie she bought for her little peanut to the beautiful photographs she shares with us, Kitty regularly fills my life with artistic beauty. In addition, she is a great source for conversation about art, music , literature, and many other forms of creative expression. She has a sharp mind with much to offer to any conversation that she chooses to join.

She’s Excited to Become a Mother: My absolute favorite thing about Kitty is easily the excitement she shows about becoming a mother. I love listening to her share that excitement, I enjoy seeing all of the cute stuff she has bought for her little peanut, I look forward to her sharing new baby bump and sonogram pictures, and I get teary when I read about her write about the love she already feels for her baby. Every baby should be so lucky to be born to a mother who loves it as much as Kitty not only will love hers, but clearly already does.

The subject of my admiration this time is my soon to be roadtrip buddy Tink. I have so thoroughly enjoyed getting to know her over the past six weeks or so. Here are just 5 of the reasons why.

1. She loves language: I haven’t met many people who love words and vocabulary as much as I do. Tink is a wonderful exception to that rule. She has a razor sharp mind and an unlimited vocabulary, both of which never fail to make talking to her a true pleasure. When it comes to intellectual discourse, she is a true maestro.

2. She’s genuinely caring: Just take a look at her current and completed goals and you will see a plethora of them that involve wishing people well, sending someone prayers and hugs, helping other people, or fighting for a cause. She genuinely cares about other people and wants to make other people’s loads lighter than they are. Perhaps the only thing more endearing to me than an sharp mind is a selfless heart. Tink has been blessed with both of them.

3. She Knows How to Party: Not only has she promised me an amazing party when I finally accept her generous offer of hospitality, but she is simply tons of fun. She makes me smile and laugh every day with her developed and distinguished sense of humour. She is truly a laff riot.

4. She’s a Woman of Adventure: I don’t think a day has passed that she hasn’t told me about some amazing adventure she has been on. Seriously, she has had oodles of fascinating journeys and experiences that I have been lucky enough to read about. I look forward to hearing her stories and am eagerly anticipating the day I get to listen to her tell me some of them in person. Even more, I hope one day to go on a roadtrip with her and live one of her adventures with her.

5. She’s True to Herself: One of the things I admire most about her is how strongly she stays true to herself. Tink has her own personality that makes her the joy to know that she is. She gives people herself and treats everyone like friends. She has the ability to make a conversation on here feel like a face to face conversation. I’ve never met anyone else quite like her, but I sure am glad that I have had the chance to get to know her. Her entries have their own unique voice that simply make me want to get to know this amazing woman even better.

Whether she’s going by Venus, Sis, or Sister Golden Hair, Venus is one of absolute favorite people here on 43T. Her art, her words, and her warmth never fail to put a smile on my face. here are 5 things that I particularly admire about her.

1. She’s an Artist: When I say she is an artist, I am, of course, primarily talking about the beautiful, insightful paintings that she shares with all of us lucky 43Trs. However, I am talking about other things as well. Her writing, her Youtube videos, even her avatars all demonstrate that they have been constructed with the eye of an artist. I love how she puts so much of herself in her art. It gives it a sense of authenticity that I don’t often feel with other paintings. Her art makes me think about all sorts of things and almost always forges a connection with my own life. I also love how many of her paintings show a literary inspiration. From The Awakening to “The Yellow Wallpaper,” her art often reflects her love of reading.

2. She’s a Poetess: I am using the female term here because so much of her poetry displays a powerful femininity. The same can be said of her art, but I don’t know a female specific designation for artist. Her poetry is often uplifting, sometimes sad, but always poignant. I rarely read a poem of hers whether it be a haiku, a magna poem, or any other type, that does not conjure up images in my mind . Her poems never fail to provide one of the highlights of my day.

3. She’s self-aware: I love reading her entries on why she’s a catch. Those entries always have her talking postively about herself and discussing one of her many good traits, yet she never sounds at all big headed or full of herself. Sounding both complimentary of oneself yet genuine and modest at the same time is a tough trick, yet she accomplishes it.

4. She’s positive: While she has never been anything less than sweet and uplifiting in her comments to me, I am thinking more of the general feeling that she exhibits. Obviosuly, her gratitudes and entries about good things in her life are postive, but there is more to it than that. I don’t know exactly how to explain it, but there is a positive energy that just seems to flow from her entries and her comments.

5. She loves being a Mom: A few days ago when she wrote her entry on defining herself, she put Mom in all capital letters, thereby suggesting that to be a term that she particularly identifies with. I love hearing her talk about her children and seeing how much she loves and adores them. The joy she obviously takes from being a mother is really heartwarming, even to a single guy with no children of his own. I have a special level of admiration for women who truly love being a mother and who put everything they have into raising, cherishing, and taking care of their children. Venus certainly qualifies as someone who is worthy of that admiration.

I think Unc may be the most misunderstood user on 43T. Those of us who took the time to get to know him know what a great guy he is. Those who didn’t, fuck ‘em if they can’t take a joke. Here are 5 things I most respect about him. Don’t worry Unc, I’m going to try and keep the flowery language at a minimum and keep your reputation intact.

1. He’s honest: If I have talked to him about it, I know where he stands on it. I truly appreciate that. Even when we don’t agree (Islam for example) and even when he gives me a truth that is hard to swallow (his views on how many of my students care for example), I always value his opinions. He enjoys open dialogue, something that is damn hard to find nowadays.

2. He cracks me up: I know his brand of humor isn’t for everyone, but I at least think he is fucking hilarious. His jokes, his avatars, his photoshopped pictures, all of it. Even some of his goals, like the one about re-introducing the word rat bastard into conversaton, crack me up. I think his humor is a lot like George Carlin’s. It either pisses you off or cracks you up.

3. He knows his shit: Unc doesn’t just rely on loud opinions and jokes to make his points. He actually puts facts into what he says. Even when I do disagree with him, he makes a damn fine case using actual evidence. For a while, I thought it would be great if he had a radio show, especially if he let me be his co-host, but I realized that wouldn’t do. All of those assholes on talk radio are just hot air. Actual intelligent discussion seems to have no place there.

4. He tells people how he feels: It is rare to find men who are open with others about how they feel about the women in their life and about their children. It is also rare to find men who openly appreciate the women in their life and their children. Of all the things I respect about Unc, these two traits are definitely the things I respect the most.

5. He taught me how things work in Tijuana: I could make this a serious point about how he is willing to give me all sorts of advice about anything that he thinks I should know. However, instead, I think I will just let this serve as a way to ensure that his reputation isn’t damaged too much.

Coming Soon: My five favorite things about my favorite goddess.

I have been away from this goal for way too long. I think I will do several of these this week. I am going to do two at once and point out my favorite things about Seren and Unc. If 43T were a high school, they would definitely be the Prom Queen and King… and the couple that everybody wondered if they were permanently attached to one another. LOL I’m going to give each of them their own entry, but because I am gentleman, it’s ladies first.

1. She is aptly named: No matter how much my mind is racing or no matter how upset I am about something, she has the ability to calm me down in less than the time to read one comment. I don’t know how she does it, because nobody else can relax me that quickly, but I am grateful that she can.

2. She honestly cares: She describes herself as a walking heart. I think that in many ways that is accurate. She always has time to help others and never even suggests that it bothers her. You don’t often find genuine empathy and altruism, but she definitely has it.

3. She’s wise: She never fails to give incredible advice. She always has a perspective that I would have never seen with my hyperlogical way of looking at things. Not only does she seek people out to give them advice, but the advice she also takes the time to make sure that the advice she gives is helpful.

4. She’s fun to talk to: She can take a conversation so many ways, but I always really enjoy talking to her. Whether we’re talking about poetry, school, or anything else, conversation with her is always a good time.

5. She’s strong: When read some of the things she’s been through, it really amazes me that she has been able to find the strength that she has. I don’t want to embarrass her by reconuting any of those things here. Instead, I will just say that I truly admire her and respect her for all of the perserverance and strength that she has shown.

Up Next: MY favorite thing’s about Seren’s other half.

The point of this entry is to list my 5 favourite things about Elizabeth aka Voltaire_not_hair

Simply put, she is a prime example of the delightful people that one can meet on this site. This list is just scratching the surface and doesn’t even touch on her impeccable taste in music.

1. She has a perfect record of elicting at least one laugh and at least smile from me for every entry and comment that she has posted. Seriously, she’s hilarious and her optimism and good nature spreads so much happiness.

2. Her magnificent observations about every day, but little noticed, sights, sounds, and experiences, like the sound high heels make, or the sound of boots scraping against ice, or her recent observation on balling up aluminum foil show the beauty that can be found in every day life.

3. She is incredibly positive and uplifting. Even when I post some of my more negative entries, she always finds a positive spin to put on things. I have a lot more confidence now and am starting to believe all of the nice things so many of you have said about me because of her constant positive reinforcement.

4. She’s always up for silliness. Whether it’s our nerd contest or just plain chatting, she’s always up for fun and games. However, she’s also a great source of academic conversation as well. I’ve never had a conversation with her on here that was less than fantastic.

5. She combines intelligence with generosity. If you look at her goals and her entries, you’ll see a strong combination of places where she reveals and culitivates her intelligence and places where she shows her giving spirit through the selfless things she does for others from Christmas Caroling to feed the hungry to taking the time to give the type of tour that she would appreciate. In Harvey, Jimmy Stewart talks about how you can either be smart or pleasant. Elizabeth is proof you can be both.

My “Fan Club,” as mandiej puts it, has given me such an amazing new outlook on myself. I’ve told all of you as a group how much I appreciate all of the wonderful support and the growing self-confidence you’ve given me. However, I also want to tell each of you individually what I find so fantastic about each of you. So, I am going to randomly post my 5 favorite things about my favorite 43Ters.

I want to emphasize that the order is going to be random and I am going to get to all of you eventually. I’m not ranking you. All of you are wonderful and I look forward to hearing from all of you every day. I only have one complaint about all of you. Almost all of you live too damn far away! Central Kentucky can be a lovely place to live. Cheap real estate :)

My next post for this goal will feature my first honoree: My fellow partner in nerdiness, Liz.

PS: I’ve also added a new goal that will allow me to get to know each of you better. Please play along!