posted March 21, 2009 04:01 AM         

* Childbirth

* Getting on with difficult people

Couldn't I get something more dynamic? I only had 2 children, on purpose, so I haven't maximised the potential of that one.
The other, er, it gets used. If there is a notoriously difficult f-er in the workplace, that's going to be the one who winds up being my partner in a project.

It may sound rude, but I say it to his face, my husband is one of those difficult old f-ers. I have worked with him in business, too. *censored swearing comment*

I'd love to hear the first things that spring to everyone's mind.

posted March 21, 2009 04:30 AM         

Well, I have exceptional use of my feminine muscles. I'm sure that counts.

Next, I can make people laugh. No, seriously, it's true. I can.

I'm great with children. Children love me. God knows why. But they do. Who is going to argue with the under 12 brigade? Losing argument that one.

I'm an exceptional kisser. I don't mind saying so.

I can talk with anyone. There has to be something wrong with them if we can't hold a conversation. I do have low tolerance for people who constantly communicate with one syllable replies. And even less tolerance for those who just grunt.

I just let people be who they are - no pretenses, no bu11shit, just be who you are.

Oh, and I have a knack for computers.

posted March 22, 2009 05:12 AM         

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Well, I have exceptional use of my feminine muscles. I'm sure that counts.

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What is my greatest talent?

I'm not sure it's any one thing, or if it is that it is easily definable.

Now that I read past PA's initial answer I find a lot of commonality.

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I can talk with anyone. There has to be something wrong with them if we can't hold a conversation. I do have low tolerance for people who constantly communicate with one syllable replies. And even less tolerance for those who just grunt.

I just let people be who they are - no pretenses, no bu11shit, just be who you are.

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This is why I considered Dave Matthews Where Are You Going for your theme song. The chorus matches what you wrote there. The ability to be around people without them attaching a meaning to you, while you subtley stand by them, and prop them up if necessary. It's a good trait. I think I share it.

___________________

Back to me and my talent(s).

I think the most readily observable are creativity and willingness to serve.

By no means am I someone who volunteers to do everything, but in the things that I do I am very adept at providing support, and if that involves my creative talents then it's even better.

posted March 22, 2009 07:39 AM         

Other talents: working with people: making them feel comfortable, listened to, calming them.

posted March 22, 2009 07:44 AM         

And your ability to bring sense to any given situation. You wear your heart on your sleeve. I think that's quite an honourable thing. Something I wish I could do.

posted March 22, 2009 08:08 AM         

That's really a very lovely thing to say. I've guarded my heart dearly over the years, but it sure has been tested!!! I need to get new sleeves, perhaps. My current ones are worn thin

posted March 22, 2009 03:46 PM         

I agree about Koi's integrity too. It's a mighty fine quality and she makes it look so easy

posted March 22, 2009 10:11 PM         

(OTOH, I'm unlikely to have all the toys most other people feel they need to get by, or a big health plan that can be held over my head and discontinued when I lose my job which would happen when I really needed it anyway, but that's so not a problem for me. I look forward to the cob home I hope to own one day, one that I hope to have completely paid off for within a couple of years or less.)

I've always been resourceful. I recall being that resourceful and independent at age 5, and Granny tells me that she knew I was going to be the type who could & would take care of myself since I was 2.

I've always been good with kids, too. I'm not even sure why. Even the "impossible children" seem manageable, even sweet, when I babysit them. I'd guess it's because I can walk that fine line between being too permissive and too authoritarian. Or that I'm usually not that patronizing & don't sweat a lot of stuff kids say, ask, or do the way many adults will (and keep up enough with children's shows & music to actually talk about that if they wish). One little girl even said she felt safe when I was around and her mom mentioned that the girl didn't have nightmares on nights I babysat (I think I know why, but I'll keep my mouth shut). And I don't fear messiness, though I try to keep things clean (I like a sign my granny has that says, "This house is clean enough to be healthy but messy enough to be comfortable").

Which is good, because not only do I do a little babysitting on the side, but I also work as an independent contractor for a birthday entertainment supplier. I'm also planning on supplementing my income in the near future by taking girls in my neighborhood to the Hannah Montana movie for a small fee by desperate parents who don't want to see it yet again.

(This is a small amount of my income, but it helps. I've also gotten into volunteering with local holiday parties for children and/or tweens. Perhaps the most impressive feat I've done was when I was the ONLY volunteer at a library reading program to actually show up and I, along with 2 librarians, had to handle over a score of children, including taking them to the beach across a busy street, when we were counting on at least a half dozen others for help! The librarians sang my praises, though that was the most frustrating time I ever had with children.)

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I only had 2 children, on purpose, so I haven't maximised the potential of that one.

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posted March 23, 2009 07:47 AM         

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PA i can see you being great with kids!

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Oh, man, that is such a huge compliment. Thank you.

I have always wanted to have a go at photography. It's one of those that is always in the back of my thoughts to try at some stage. Don't know if it will ever happen though. I don't know why, but I feel that that would be a really good avenue of expression for you, like you could be of note there professionally.

posted March 23, 2009 09:14 AM         

This doesn't mean I don't get very angry myself sometimes.

I am good at being friendly, and thinking of small details which might add to people's comfort, eg if someone new starts at work I will be go out of my way to be friendly and make sure that they know stuff and don't have to embarrass themselves by having to ask where the toilets are etc. The new person would always know where to go for a sandwich on their first day. I think this is a hangover from being an extremely shy child who was never given much information, I often felt extremely disorientated, and I would hate anybody to feel like that as an adult. I often don't do things as an adult because I'm not sure of the specifics first. I need to know details upfront. I was like that yesterday, I went for my first sauna/steam room. I phoned them up first and they were very vague. I was firing questions at them "So, what do I wear, do you provide towels etc?" and when I got there nobody really showed me where to go, or where the sauna was after you got out of the changing room. I could feel the blood pounding in my head just like it did when I was little, and I wanted to run out of there.
Never assume people know the protocol. Never underestimate how not knowing the protocol and feeling ashamed can limit people's willingness to try new things. If you're in the service industry it is your DUTY to explain. I have worked in the service industry a lot. I think my talent is knowing what that means.

I am good at reading something quickly and comprehending its meaning. At age 7 my "comprehension skills" were that of a 16 year old - I have the primary school record of it. People always give me documents to read over and ask for my opinion on content, organisation, structure, clarity etc. Lots of third house planets I guess helps.

posted March 23, 2009 03:36 PM         

I have had so many near-death accidents some intentionally others not so much..

posted March 23, 2009 05:50 PM         

Yes, l think photography would be good for me if i ever get the time!!!

A book on soul mates - now there's an idea