Meet Francine
Francine was one of my first friends in Junior High. We lived a few blocks apart and would walk to and from school together. We started a Care Bear Club together. We listened to records together. We talked about boys together. She was brave enough to let me cut her hair in 7th grade, and then forgiving enough to still be my friend after it was all said and done. She was my roommate for a summer, and was always game for whatever I had cooked up to do.
Francine is wicked smart and funny. And tough. Listen. Junior High and High School are hard on the perfect girls, harder still for the girls who don't live up to the celebrity icon standards. Francine had the opportunity to give in to a handful of stereotypes that would have left her as little more than a statistic, but this girl--this woman carved out her own niche by using her brain and her wit, and was as well-liked, as well-respected, and as popular as a girl could be without donning a cheerleader uniform. I have always looked at her with some awe.
Today, you'd never know there was a time Francine was anything other than successful. On top of the intellect and sense of humor, she is chic and fit, and everything that is stereotypically attractive, right down to her little Tina Fey glasses. I'm proud to know her. You should get to know her, too.
Meet Francine:
Name: Francine
Age: 38 (what's the point in sugar-coating?)
Job Title: International Compensation Consultant Senior
Industry: International Human Resourses
Who are you? I'm a friend, a nerd, an insecure girlfriend. I am a voracious reader, an atheist, a well of sarcasm.
Describe your family: This is a hard one: Traditionally, I have two brothers and two sister. No longer any parents. I get along with 75% of my siblings...my younger brother and sister and I are very close, moreso since the death of my mother. However, I consider my real family my friends. They are the ones I go to first in any crisis or struggle, or when something wonderful happens. Also, a very important part of my family - Newt, my 8 month old kitty, and Zen, my friend Kelli's 17 year old kitty who has been living with me for about 4 years as she travels for work. I will miss him (and so will Newt) when she settles and takes him back :(.
What does the first hour of your day look like? Hit the snooze for an hour before I actually get up.
What does the last hour of the day look like? Talk to Alex.
What makes you feel successful? Well, there is the huge weight loss that I've actually managed (for the most part) to keep off.
What brings you joy? The first cup of coffee of the day, my niece and nephew (Casey and Zach), watching Zen and Newt play, watching the scale go down (even though it will go back up), running, having my family and friends be happy.
Describe yourself in first, sixth, and twelfth grades: First grade: Smart, not yet fat, in New York.
6th grade: Smart, fat, new kid. 12th grade: Smart, fat, new kid.
What advice would you give to yourself at those ages?
1st grade: Chill out, it's only first grade
6th grade: Don't pay attention to what people say. You may think it's important now, but in 20 years, if you remember, you won't care. And if you do, it's your problem.
12th grade: Study harder. You may be smart, but college is going to be a lot harder than you think.
Who do you admire? I admire people who are able to convey their thoughts and beliefs in a smart, logical and eloquent manner, making me understand their issues and feelings, yet not forcing said thoughts and feelings down my throat.
How would you like to be remembered? I would like to be remember as someone who didn't suck. I don't really care that everyone like me. I don't care to be famous. I don't think I'm going to change the world (who really knows, though?) So, I would like to be remembered by those who know me as someone who didn't suck so bad.
