One thing that has always made me laugh about Tara is that "I know more than I'm letting on" smile / smirk that she often has on her face. You know the one? Even in grade 8 when most kids look somewhere between stunned and baffled, Tara always had this confident, bemused look to her. Sometimes I'd wonder: "have I done something amusing or embarrassing up here? What's that girl smiling at?".
Tara has a very relaxed disposition to her. She is laaaaiiiid baaacckk! I love it! Even when she is experiencing (her version of) stress, deadlines, demands, etc Tara always seems in complete control. She will sometimes complain about all her work (school and otherwise) but it's hard to feel very sorry for her (sorry Tara!) seeing as she doesn't seem very bothered by it herself. hehehe. It's a great trait, Tara: the ability to not get overly stressed / not to take life too seriously. Never lose that!
One thing I love about Tara is the good-natured way that she talks about and teases her friends. I have heard her say things to (and about) Tiana, Mallika, and others that could be construed as poking fun (I suppose it IS poking fun) but she always does it with great affection. She is obviously a very good and very loyal friend.
My favourite Tara story: this past summer we had relatives visiting from France. We decided to take them out for dinner downtown. My wife decided she wanted to go to the Cactus Club at English Bay. It was a beautiful Friday evening and we did not have a reservation. I told Zan: "there is NO way we are getting in" but she was determined.
So we show up at the restaurant and Tara is the hostess outside. I ask for a table for four and she apologetically informs me that the wait will be around an hour. I ask if we can leave our name, go for a walk and come back in an hour.
Tara: I am very sorry, Mr. Wadge. But Cactus Club does not allow this. One person must remain on the premises.
Me: Oh well. Thanks anyway, Tara. I guess we will go somewhere else.
Tara (looking determined): one second
Zan (to me): what's going on?
Me: I'm not sure
Tara (loudly): Wadge for four. This way please.
V.I.P. treatment!!! YES!! Our teenage relatives were so impressed!! Thanks Tara. Would you believe, this is NOT a common occurrence for a high school math teacher?
Tara, you are such a kind, thoughtful, and interesting person. You have always seemed older than your years (and I still feel that about you). I'm so happy to be teaching you again this year. I always enjoy talking with you (thanks for the many times that you have made me laugh) and I will miss you next year. All the best to you, TM!!