If you met me in person....

[azskyman]

Sorry about the length of this one...but it might be worth reading.

Many people love being able to be anonymous in chatrooms and in forums like these. That way they can be anyone they dream of being. They can play down their faults and weaknesses...heck they can even change their sex, age, size, weight, color, bank balance, or car they drive....all with the click of a mouse! And no one REALLY has to know!

I guess I'd like to think that most people here at Storm2K are actually who they say they are and that unlike some scary places online, we instead learn about each other "from the inside out." That way those darn physical features (extra pounds, crooked teeth, endless freckles, double chin, hairless heads, for example) that would otherwise keep us from ever even saying hello to each other don't even enter into the picture.

And, well, I ask this question. Is it so bad that we check out heart, mind, and soul first? After all...we think of ourselves as pretty darn good people! Interesting people! Talented people! Intelligent people! And yes, maybe even beautiful people!

Still, if we finally had a chance to really come face to face with each other we might be scared to death that we could let someone down...or even disappoint them by how we appear or even how much different we might communicate than we do online.

Well....Phoooey on all that! We're here for fun and camaraderie; friendship and support. That is what is important.

I have actually done this very thing...brought together dozens, even hundreds, of folks who enjoy weather as a hobby. People who never knew each other before they walked in that room except for their knowledge of weather. And, well, some amazing and wonderful things always happened.

Instead of focusing on our differences, our weaknesses, we found ourselves focusing on the things we had in common. And from that point on it became a really great experience...and we didn't want to go back home.

So, I ask of you....each of you...take that "virtual reality" step into the icebreaker party at Storm2K and tell us what you would like us to see about you...

Here's mine....

You'd see a balding guy, a little overweight, and gently aging into his 50's...but one who would have two outstretched arms. One to share a hearty handshake. Another on your shoulder while he looked you in the eyes with a grin on his face and told you just how REALLY pleased...REALLY honored, he is to finally meet you in person. A joke about Storm2K or one of your posts here might follow...and from that point on you'd realize that the fear you felt earlier was beginning to wane. This could be fun after all!

What could I and the others expect from you, my friends? Tell us what you would hope might be our first impression of you that evening. Concentrate not on those things that disappoint you about yourself, but instead on those things you "kinda" like about yourself.

And then wander on over to the punch bowl and see just what our hosts might have added to it tonight.

[breeze]

You'd see a bit overweight 40-ish gal with short salt and pepper
hair, and laugh-lines around her eyes, and a Cheshire Cat grin.
A touchy person...likes to pat you or rest a hand on your
shoulder when talking. Laughs alot due to a silly sense of humor.
Loves to be around people.

(LoL, why do I feel that sounds like an ad on Yahoo Personals?)

Cool topic, azskyman! It'll be interesting to read!

[streetsoldier]

azskyman started this as if giving a party; I would be unable to attend, so I'd have to entertain you here....

If you were to see me in person, you'd behold a slim/average, 6"0", 185 lb. short-haired man, wearing glasses with a clipped moustache, usually a T-shirt, jeans or nondecript trousers, and often no shoes on. On first sight, he'd appear much younger than 51, but on closer examination he'd look tired, and his walk would be labored and slow (if he was able to walk at all that day), sometimes with a very ususual Masonic cane to assist him, and you would be lovingly "attacked" by a blur of apricot toy poogle puppy, who never leaves his side.

He'd try to smile, but it would be wan and thin-lipped...the product of going for years without decent-fitting dentures. And, he'd ask you to listen to his voice, rather than glean anything from his facial expression...this from a lifetime of masking his feelings.

Past that, over an ever-filled pot of coffee, he would be happy for the company, and you'd be surprised at how animatedly he speaks, no holds barred, any subject under the sun; but more, he'd listen more than he spoke...reading you like the seasoned veteran cop he is, although you wouldn't notice.

If you pressed him, he might just be delighted to share some of his collection for your view; explaining each piece in detail, and how it is best employed...after all, he was a teacher, and he loves to inform, educate and entertain visitors, as he once did for secondary students.

But the visit might be shortened, prehaps a slight pained look would herald this...and he would have to retire to rest somewhat abruptly, but grateful for your time and companionship. With apologies, and a wish that you would come again, he'd see you to the door (restraining the poogle from following).

[Arizwx]

Thanks Steve,
Good topic,as per usual and and nice respite from the day's stresses and of course the War.
I decided to take pause here.This is a quality thread from a quality person that I have had the pleasure of exchanging thoughts and ideas,Wx mysteries,Holidays,B Days,Kid Stuff,Diamondback World Series,the Birth of your Grandchild..and all the time,we never missed a chance to remeber how close were are in miles,and so far away at times of great personal loss and tradgedy as I have had this past year.I am confident that you may have seen or sensed a change of sorts,more edgy at times than in the past.The War has also affected me,and to this day,I am resigned that it's ok to be human.I am reminded of your experiences in the Service of this Great Nation.Your sacrifice.I am also reminded of the experience your wife Cathy had in 1967..the Belvedere,Ill Super Cell Tornado from Hell.I am therefore, aware that during great crisis,one needs to remind themselves never to loose the very strengths that you mentioned at the beginning of this thread.Its also best to keep in mind that improvement should never be forsaken for excuse...I never have been one to take that path,rather I will be the first to take responsibilty and then shake that hand,rest my hand on your shoulder,look you straight in the eye..and buy you a drink.All 6 ft,lean,trim and fit. Blonde,Blue eyed and more Nordic Euro looking than anything.You'll know me..I dress my way,have a swagger,confident,and disarmingly charmingly arrogant, love to discuss anything,anytime,anywhere.Never a short hair out of place,or the crease in my jeans ever wrinkled,my shirts are pressed,never a hand shake away from my AZ Sunglasses 8),even at night.I love the sun.I love the Ocean.I love the Mountains and Cathedrals of Snow Laden Sequoia in my beloved High Sierra of California.I'm a West Coast dude...always will be.I'm a Daddy to 3 Boys.I'm 18,28 or 38 all the time.Never younger,never older than.I tend to stand out in a crowd.I don't know why.I wear one Gold Neck Chain,a gift from CJ,I like my music loud,my glass full,my 'ride' always spit polished,I drive fast and always have my leather jacket,my Cocker Spaniel 'Franklin' always looking for the next curve,the next adventure and the next friend to help.I'm honest and direct at times,and coy and pensive at others.I can work a room at an Executive Ball,or be alone...it's complex,it's a Man that has seen too much,not enough,and lusts for more.I've been known to say goodnight reading or working..and when you awake,I'm still up ready to make you Coffee,strong.So,If you want to ride to the Monsoon Wind,I'm the guy.
Let's do that sometime...I'd like that.

[vbhoutex]

You would see someone like Steve with the outstretched arms ready to greet you with a hug and/or firm handshake. Definitely a touchy feely person. Often a big smile, especially when making new friends. I do look like my avatar and I dare not put on a speedo(as if there is one that would fit in this world)! Like Streetsoldier I am ever ready to listen to you and I will look you in the eyes whenever we meet or talk. Like DJ I am a person who is proud of who I am and where I come from and it shows in the way I carry myself, standing upright looking ahead waiting to meet someone, learn something new and observing everything around me. The dirty blond hair and rounded face do not look to be over 50 years old, I guess because I never want to grow up! And with God as my pilot and Jesus as my copilot I am ever willing to share the compassion, love, and sense of security that knowing and loving them has brought to my life. I have been truly blessed in my life!!

[weatherlover427]

You would see a slightly overweight young man who is about to turn 21 and who has a messy bedroom. He enjoys surfing the Internet and mainly hanging out on WxChat, Strom2K, and a site called Neoseeker (I dunno if you've ever heard of it, but oh well). He loves to ride his mountain bike (but only on surface strees), collect old coins, and watch TV (but mostly having it on Mute). His favorite things to do with friends are to go visit old places that he hasn't seen in a long time and to catch up on the latest news from his friends. This particular young fellow has a liking for reciting long words (such as pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis), as well as memorizing long and many numbers (such as 3.14159265358979323846264334197169399... for pi). In fact, he still remembers some of his old phone numbers from 5-10 and more years ago! Given that he is only just going to be 21 on April 27th, that is an accomplishment in some people's eyes. He has recently lost his father due to a heart attack, but he has pretty much healed from that tragic event and is moving on with his life. He would like to someday have a family of at least 2 kids - 1 boy and 1 girl, along with the most beautiful woman ever, inside and out. He also wants a nice big house and a pet dog, preferably a Beagle, Labrador, or a Great Dane.

[Guest]

Wow this is a great topic azskyman - lets see if I can describe how is would be meeting me in person. I am basically a shy person when I initially meet someone for the first time - but once I get to know someone I can be a true friend. I am short (5'2) and always need to lose 10 or 20 lbs. I strive to be a good-listener and sometimes I don't have all the answers and I will tell you too. I'm a little quirky and errentic at times - don't know why - but thats just me. Got married late in life - so I enjoy being a wife and stepmother to my daughter.

I like to joke and smile and tell everyone Hi - I think having a sense of humor makes all the difference in the world.

I have meet one person from the chatroom and that Moncherie - she is from the old talkcity chatroom. Hope this gives you a little more into who I am....

Patricia

[hurricanedude]

hmmm....a rugged, yet strikingly good looking 32 year old white male, I have no shy bone in my body..I speak what I feel and feel what I speak, I would do anything for anyone if I could, but the one thing I need to work on is holding a grudge, Im easy to forgive, but not so easy to forget. I collect baseball and hockey cards and love to go to wednesday night bible study at my church. Give me the outdoors and I'm yours forever..
MIKE

[HoumaLa]

If you were to meet me you would see a short 4'10" cubby person. I'll talk to anyone (my family doesn't like to go to walmart with me i'll talk to everyone). My house is not the cleanest but then we do live here. You'll see curly hair thats not my true color ( it would be salt and pepper). I don't think as myself as old i'm only 41. I'm always in a hurry (boy do i need to slow down). I would probbly have a drink in my hand if it was a gathering cause i love JD.....

[wx247]

If you were to meet me, you would see a slightly overweight 19 year old who has "joie de vivre" or joy of life as it is said in English. I am shy too initially, but once you get to know me you will see I will talk your little head off. Friends always come to me for advice. As a result, I know more about half of this town and college than most everyone else...but I won't tell. I enjoy talking about everything, but especially love discussing the weather (duh, right?), country music, speech/theatre, and current events. I also tend to relate better a lot of time with people older than me than my age group.

Great topic.

[MScoast]

If you were to meet me, you would never believe that I am 29 years old. Most people say that I look between 18-22. I'm short...only 5'0" tall. I have blonde curly hair, but I have this obsession with blow-drying it straight. I'm somewhat shy when I first meet someone...but when you get to know me I am VERY talkative. I can become one of those people who you want to tell to shut up! But hey, I'm from the south...what else could you expect? Most people think I am too sweet...my best friend tells me that I need to learn how to say "no" to people more often, but that's a part of my personality that I can't let go of. You will rarely see me when I don't have my nose in a book, my ear looking like it's permanently attached to the phone, or playing with my kids. I'm very busy all of the time. As some of you know, I have four sons (ages 11, 9. 6, 5), a husband, a full time job running a liquor store with my sister, and I'm a nursing student.

[bfez1]

Interesting topic---but hard to talk about myself
Ok--here goes

I am basically a shy person but once I know you I warm up quickly. I am in my 40's, 5'5" tall, med build, blonde highlights and big brown eyes.
If I am your friend, I am a true friend. Loyal to the end. I love to do nice things for people, makes me feel good about me. Some of my friends call me "prissy" cause I love being a lady, ya know, girlie things, perfume, long nails, polished toe nails, ets.
I am a worrier. I worry about everything. I get my feelings hurt very easy. Love weather. Especially bad weather, storms, freezes, hurricanes but you all know that already. My boss makes fun of me and calls me"chicken little" whenever we have bad weather cause he knows how excited I get.
I love to read, cook, bake, shop, play on the "puter", watch QVC, (don't laugh at me), watch ice skating on tv, being at the beach, country music, George Strait, oldies music, (50's and 60's) not (70's and 80's)
Well, I think that about sums it up, "everything you wanted to know about Bonnie but was afraid to ask".

[Miss Mary]

Great topic Steve!

Here's goes: I'm 47, 5'3", brown hair (gray covered, my natural color though!) cut into a bob, blue eyes, 115 lbs. I look much younger than my age (don't smoke, rarely get a tan, I burn). I was even carded a year ago.....honest! I'd most likely be wearing jeans and a casual sweater (freeze cat here!). I hate wearing shorts. I'm too friendly at times my kids say. Especially with other mom's - always chatting about parenting challenges, etc. So if you'd want to pull your kids pics, I'd be honored to see them! In fact I'd be honored to meet all of you!

Bill.......we'd bring the party to YOU my friend. And after a bit you could rest and visit with us later.

[j]

The first thing you'd notice is I'm not as self assured as I come across on here. I think the internet allows me to vent some incredible stresses in my life. Those stresses can be seen in my always tired looking eyes. Eyes aside, I'm a rather young looking 44. My wife tells me I'm attractive, and the woman she work with all tell her I'm a catch, but I really don't think so. I'm happy to be what I consider to be "average". Some things I've "preached" about, I firmly believe in, and the disgust is easily ascertained from my tone. I consider myself a morally good person, one who wishes things could be simpler, and back to the way they were in the good ole days when children showed their parents respect, and politeness to strangers, elders, and authoritative figures was automatic. I absolutely detest the decline of family traditions and values, and am disheartened over todays youth in general.

I think my mother and father were the absolute best parents to ever walk this earth, and I would do anything to protect them, as would my brothers and sisters. We are a very tight family, and look after each other. I love family.

I'm not an overly religious person (Catholic), but I have taken the teachings of my church that I value, and have lived my life accordingly. If I pray to God, it will be in the privacy of my own home or wihin my mind, for I never have felt that mass prayer was the answer. I joined the Knights of Columbus because of what they stand for, and the goodness within. They are charitable organization founded on the principles of Charity, Unity, fraternity, and Patriotism (and some religion . Although I'm not active since I moved from Massachusetts, I've taken the "goodness" with me.

I absolutely hate to witness an injustice or abuse. I have more than once stepped in and defended a victim. I have more than once paid the price. Sometimes people don't want to be helped.

On the lighter side...I love my Bandit...I love golf, pool, and basketball. I used to practice Martial Arts but its tough getting the **** kicked out of you by choice! I love my wife(#2), and only wish I had found her when I was 20. My life would have been so very different.

Lastly...I never tell people personal things about myself....I don't know what got into me this morning.

[azsnowman]

On the outside, you would see this fairly large man, a little rugged looking, I've been called the picture of a *true mountain man* Snow white hair in a ponytail almost to my rear, a beard that is salt and pepper in color, a large frame, 6'4" 254+ lbs, you might even get the impression that I belong to the Hells Angels, if you saw me on the street, you WOULD pass me by, maybe even cross the street to avoid talking to me (most ppl do, I come off as a REAL hard @$$)

Once you shake hands with me, you find in general, a shy, soft spoken man, who has a slight speech impediment, who has a great love for the Lord and his fellow man. You would find out by simple conversation that I would give you my shirt off my back if you needed it. You would find a man who lives a very simple life, one who doesn't dwell on the material things of this earth, one who cherishs every single moment in life and most of all, a man who loves his wife and family above and beyond anything on the face of the earth!

Dennis

[Arizwx]

I agree Ms BobCut Mary!WE bring it to Bill!Mary,do you remember a couple of years ago?The First Great Armadillo Run?Not the second,the first.
We were meeting at a large park not far from Cincy,I flew in on SongbirdII...and Cantore from TWC and I had to cut the party short,get in the 'Lil Red Corvette,hop on I-75 North to Michigan to intercept a Tornado Outbreak I forecasted?Man...what a Party!Kids,Dogs,Frisbees,Swimming,Fishing,B-B-Qing,a Car Rallye and if I recall,Grand Funk Railroad and Ted Nugent were due to play closeby that weekend.You organized it as the First TWC Outing and Meet Gathering(Cyber of Course!).That eventually led to our outrageous Armadillo 2 Great Storm Chase..Me and Cantore chasing down an F-5 in Songbird,with you and some gals with an OCM in a Red Vette..all the way to Kansas!What a riot!LOL!I remember old friend,the good days.
My Kids were there..even CJ...ah the good times.
That eventually led to Dennis' fabululous Pot Belley 1.Great,wonderful comraderie!
Fact be known though,I have invited Bill,his son Kevin and NJWxGuy(Andy from Philly) to visit me here in Metro Tucson...for a good old fashioned SW Monsoon Chase..hell to Mexico if we have to!I do hope we can,and of course all my Zoni friends are welcome..Dennis,Michelle,Chris & Kahuna(Steve B.) &his son and AzSkyman(also Steve) with Cathy.M2...all the gang.Mexican Food and Cold Cervezas!(Beer de Mexico).Salsa Pico de Gayo,and Rock 'n Roll!Of course,my Franklin will be in tow.I hope Kahuna's pup 'Zig-Zag' can make it as well!Crank up the laptops,the PCS links,the Two Ways,and get me an AFD with Cape at 4000+J/kg .. tops to 60+K ft and a Neg 26C aloft,a dewpoint over 60F and an Easterly Wave.If the 88-D is showing 65+DbZ s off the Mogollon Rim or a Mexican MCS &..we are in 'Soon Heaven!
We shall see how it pans out..But the main point is ...everyone is welcome,and BILL is guest of honor!!!! 8)

[Miss Mary]

"Ms BobCut Mary"?!!! Oh no, another nickname. 2SeamFastball refers to me as Hail Mary! TLC says - Miss Mary! Too funny.....anywho I remember, I remember!!!! What fun we all had. I had my Chat Room Reunion going once too, what fun that was. A virtual reality reunion. The best kind - you could volunteer for the most complicated dish to make and it was a success. And then if you'll recall the chat reunion quickly died.....Sept. 11th happened.

But we sure could start another virtual reality party, Storm2K style! Any creative members out there? I'll help......

[cycloneye]

If you meet me in person I am a guy of 5.8 inches tall with brown eyes and glasses.I like to talk a lot with somebody about anything from weather to politics.

[Arizwx]

If you meet me in person I am a guy of 5.8 inches tall with brown eyes and glasses.I like to talk a lot with somebody about anything from weather to politics.

Ok Luis,
YOU are invited as well!Conmigos!A vamos de Tempesta Tormentas Muy Malo!Si?Verdad!Y Los Ciclones Tropicales y Huracanes del Pacifico, cerca de Arizona del Sur.
Luis...you would love the Spanish flavor here..the Food,the People.The Storms!Vaya conmigos!Alli en Estado 'Baja' Arizona del Sur!
Adios!
El don del Arizwx y mi Perro,'Francisco' aka 'Paco'! 8)

[Amanzi]

Great Topic! So nice to get more insight to my friends here, it really is an honour to meet so many wonderful people in one place!

If you had to meet me in person you would see a 5'5 girl with brown\auburn hair down to her waist. I am very tiny and small boned and weigh 95lbs. I do not look 25 in fact I have been asked if I am 15. I can forget about buying cigarettes or beer without an ID. I look very much like a ballet dancer and always stand with my feet in a ballet position. I live in shorts and shirts. Thats about my wardrobe in total. I look very young, but due to life experience I am old beyond my years. If you had to speak to me, you may say "huh" a lot because of my accent. I have asked for Ice here and ended up being told "we dont sell ass here!"

People's first impression of me is normally that I am cold, formal and etherial. That is of course untill they get to know me. I am painfully shy in new company, but when I do get to know you, you could not find a more loyal friend. I would go to the end of the earth for you and am always here to listen. I consider myself a great listener. I have a very odd sense of humor and love to laugh.

I love my family and spend most of my time with my son, who is my treasure. And of course I spend a lot of time here amoung you wonderful people.

Bill I would bring this party to you my friend. I could spend hours talking to you!
All of you are so special and I would love to meet everyone of you.

Well folks thats me in a nutshell.