What do you do when someone says hi to you, and you have No Freaking Clue How Yow Know Them?
The family surprised my grandfather for his 80th birthday. We rented out the local community center’s party room and invited almost 80 family members and friends. When my grandmother led him inside and we all yelled, “Surprise!” he just stood there, staring and blinking at us, like an animal caught in headlights.
Shortly afterward, my mom and I stopped by his table to chat, but I swear he had no idea who we were. Even though he was of sound mind, the shock of seeing everyone together, in a place he wasn’t expecting, was just too much for him to quickly process.
A similar thing happened with my college boyfriend (now my hubby). With the help of his sneaky mother, I surprised him by unexpectedly showing up at his sister’s house. His sister was gone and he had been asked to go let the dog out.
I opened the front door when he neared. For several long moments, he didn’t recognize me. I was supposed to be two states away at college, not standing in his sister’s doorway! It took his brain a little while to reconcile what he was seeing.
The moral of these stories? Your brain craves consistency. When things are out of place, even just a little, it can totally throw you for a loop.
Just so if you don’t remember who I am, I’d like to reintroduce myself.
That way, we don’t have to fake it.
Me:
- Born in the burbs of Chicago, grew up there when it was still possible to drive 10 mins and be out in nature.
- I was an extra in the movie Lucus, with Cory Haim, Winona Ryder, and Charlie Sheen. My best friend at the time was standing right next to me, but in the final film no one could see her. She was livid! Lol! (see image below).
- On most days, I wake up at 7:00 am. But I’m usually not out of bed till after 8. If I get up before that, I’m a superhero.
- My superpower is knowing from a mile away who’s giving out free samples. Of food, not cosmetic sponges. Please don’t hand me a sponge. (These stories stay in Vegas.)
- I worked for Gaia Inc (Gaia TV) when they were just a start up and called themselves Gaiam Inc.
- The easiest job I ever had was watching the art gallery at my university so no one would do anything gross to the art. The grossest job I ever had was being a tour guide at a nuclear power plant.
- I (mostly) retired in 2024 from 1:1 work with private clients. It was scary to give up that major part of my business, but I wanted to spend more time writing my own stuff, like this blog post for you.
- Now, in other ways (like books, courses and workshops), I still help freelancers, authors, entrepreneurs, and other types ending in -preneur. Are you a whatever-preneur or anyone who wants to find their passion? I can help you.
- I’m writing my fourth book now. Love, Loss, and Lizard Poop. Think Chicken Soup for the Soul meets scales.
- I will not apologize for loving reptiles. I’m all for the furry pets too but if I can’t have a real dragon the next best thing is an Argentine Tegu.
- My first book Fill the Gap: How to Manifest from Where You Are Now to the Life You Want just came out with a second expanded edition.
- I’ve had one professional photoshoot. Here’s how I look when I’m in full makeup, when I had pink hair. It’s also how I might look when I’m trying to remember who you are.
There I am. 😅 (screenshot from the film Lucus.)
And you, ?
Want Bonus points? Write and tell me something about yourself, so I can say, “Hey, I know you!”
If you don’t know where to start, what’s one weird thing only friends know about you?
What was the easiest money you ever made?
Do you remember how you come across me? (I always want to know this.)
Or, what one meal would you have for the rest of your life, if you had to eat the same thing for dinner every night?
Mine is pasta a la grecque. Made like my favorite restaurant in Boulder, CO used to make it. And big bad wolf brownies for dessert. (but both gluten-free now)
Xo Tashai
P.S. I really mean it, drop me a comment or email me! I love hearing from you.
P.P.S. I’ve heard that a good way to remember someone’s name is to picture them doing something awkward or sexual when you meet them. Hasn’t worked for me, but I like the idea.