Wednesday, September 17, 2008

This is Me

Every few weeks in our Ward's Primary our "Sister Friendly" (Does every ward have a Sister Friendly?) spotlights one or two of the children and teachers. Last week she spotlighted me. She read off some the answers I filled in on a sheet we passed around to all the kids at the beginning of the year. I remember trying to fill in that spotlight sheet and having such a hard time. I don't like to talk about myself and especially don't like to have to answer questions like "What are you especially good at?" or "What do other people like about you?". I don't mind the "What is you favorite food?" or What is your favorite color?" type questions. I thought it was kinda funny because as Sister Friendly read the clues the kids couldn't guess who it was of course but finally settled on Sophie. People are always telling me that we look alike, but I really don't see it. Most people would agree that her personality is more like my husbands. I do admit I play a large role in her likes and dislikes because of what I choose to expose her to but only to a certain extent. She is definitely her own girl. But this isn't supposed to be about her. I am supposed to talk about me.

I think I have a hard time answering the "What are you especially good at?" question because I don't really consider myself really good at anything. I have always thought of myself as a jack of all trades but master of none. I do a lot of things well but nothing stands out as my particular talent. I can draw but am not an artist. I can cook but am not a Betty Crocker. I can do crafts but am no Martha Stewart. I think when I answered this question on the spotlight sheet, I said something like "I learn new things easily". I consider this a talent. I catch on to things quickly. I usually only have to be shown things once before I can do it on my own. (The key word here is shown. I am very visual. I don't follow directions or patterns well. I need pictures!) Not that I am going to master the skill but I am proficient enough to do the job.

When it came to that other hard question.... I don't think I ever answered it. I left the "What do other people like about you?" question blank. I couldn't think of anything that would make any sense, especially to a room full of primary kids. When they answer that question it is usually something like. I am funny or friendly or nice. None of those answers seemed to fit. Not that I can't be funny or friendly. But I don't know if that is why people like me. I am sure some people don't even think of me as friendly. I tend to be shy and not want attention so I don't jump into conversations with others quickly and easily all the time especially those I don't know well. I also don't usually talk unless I have something I need to say.
The only thing that came to mind in answer to this question was something along the lines of "I do my job or duties". I pull my weight and then some, when given assignments (remember I am the jack of all trades). But even this hasn't totally been the case recently. At times I have let some of my balls drop because I am juggling too many things.

I know I am going to have to fill in a lot more of these spotlight questionnaires so I am going to have to come up with some better answers. But for now THIS IS ME.


7 comments:

Jennifer @ Fruit of My Hands said...

Wow, those are hard questions to answer! I don't like being the center of attention like that either.

Montserrat said...

Your dependable, take time for your children, a teacher, a learner, a musician -- and that's just from reading your blog! I'm sure on meeting you in real life we'd all be amazed at how great you are. :D

Thanks for participating!

Bibliophile said...

Read your Patriarchal Blessing--that should tell you some of the talents that you have. You have a LOT of talents.......someday I will list some for you, but I have to get to the grocery store....:-)

DesertHen said...

It is hard when the attention is on "you"....I don't like that either.......but I sure enjoyed reading your post.....you did a wonderful job.....=)

This was my first stop at your blog, but I will be back....=)

Mrs. O said...

I love that you recognize your gift for learning new things easily, that's a great one!

Anonymous said...

I've loved reading everyone's entries for this. It is really hard to put ourselves into words, isn't it. I'm really shy in person too, blogging has helped with that oddly enough. We have a lot in common though (and I'm so glad we found each other, I hope we can meet in person some day). I think it's great that you catch on to things quickly, that is truly a gift. I think you're good at exposing your children to so many wonderful things, and that influence will be so powerful in their lives. I look up to you as a mom and a homeschooler.

Sonja said...

I really enjoyed reading this! I always dreaded interviewing for a job because inevitably they ask what your strengths and weaknesses are. What are you suppose to say?? :)

I see you as a wonderful mom, sensitive person, and dedicated wife and home schooler. I appreciate your honest writing and enjoy reading the many learning experiences you share with us!

ps. I do think you and Sophie look a lot alike!