8 things you didn’t know about me

And maybe you don’t WANT to know, but Collin Douma has asked me, so here goes.

1. I am related to Athenagoras, Patriarch of Constantinople.
(As my late mother would say: “That and 50 cents will get you on the subway.” Of course today it’s more like $3.)

2. My first career was as a systems analyst. I thank my mentor Tony Halaris for introducing me to technology (an IBM 360 – w00t) when I worked as a student in the Computer Center at Iona College in New Rochelle, New York. (See the photographic evidence.) After several years in IT, I switched gears to study magazine journalism at Ryerson in Toronto. I’ve had my own practice, Trafalgar Communications, since then.

3. Early in my second career, I wrote prolifically for parenting magazines and even penned a parenting book (still in print). Do I consider myself a parenting expert? NO!

4. I grew up in Astoria, Queens (home of Archie Bunker), but was fortunate to go to a private Catholic girls’ high school on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Some of those “girls” are still my best friends today.

5. I gave birth to my second daughter at home. By choice.  And I wish I had done so the first time around.

6. Offer me a hunk of cherry cheesecake, a slice of apple pie or a bowl of wholegrain pretzels, and I’ll pick the pretzels every time.  Yes, I am addicted to salt. Perhaps I was a sea creature in a former life.

7. Years ago, I attempted to become bilingual and diligently studied Spanish in high school and college. Sadly, my Spanish skills have languished since I moved to Canada in 1983. My French isn’t that hot either.

8. Every night, no matter how late I get home, I must read before going to sleep. I just finished The Best Laid Plans by Terry Fallis – a very nicely written humorous political novel.

I’m tagging Lee Hopkins, Heidi Miller, Terry Fallis, B.L. Ochman, Luke Armour, Sue Horner, Michael Seaton and Tod Maffin.

Comments

[Terry Fallis]

Very interesting to learn more about you Donna. I don't hear Queens in your mellifluous podcast voice! I'll get started on my eight... and thanks for reading my humble novel.

[Donna Papacosta]

Hey, Terry, I had to work to get rid of the Queens accent, but I can retrieve it at will.

Look forward to your 8.

[collin]

That photo is hard core!

[collin]

That photo is hard core!

[Michael Seaton]

I'm still waiting for the Lynn Spears parenting book. Likely will be found in the comedy/humor section.

[Paull Young]

Where on the UES was your school Donna? I'm living at 82nd and 1st now.

I also reckon that that pic was taken today in your podcasting studio & you just turned on the black & white effect...

[Donna Papacosta]

LOL on the Lynn Sears book, Michael.
Collin, I hope you are referring to the computer.
Paull, you flatter me re the photo. As for the school, although built in the Paleozoic Era, it still stands on E. 65th Street just east of Lexington: St. Vincent Ferrer. I actually took my daughter there for a visit a couple of years ago.

[Allan]

Nice picture.
I like the new look as well.
No wonder you're included.

Interesting career path/choices.

[Donna Papacosta]

Geez, Allan, this is the first and only time, I'm sure, that I'll be on the same list as Barack Obama and Miss Egypt. ;-)

[Sam Grant]

I think I'd like a copy of that parenting book! I read a couple of your articles Donna and though you say you're no parenting expert you have often described how good communication between parents is vital in raising happy children. And you are, most definitely, a communications expert! Somehow all our past experiences contribute to our present - though I haven't worked out how Lee's toilet-seat trimming experience has done so - yet...

[Sue Horner]

Re: #1 - fortunately there is no resemblance!
I'll get to work on my eight too.
Sue

[RichardatDELL]

Im reading Terry's book too :-)