Barbara Bird Schneider
Marital Status:
Married 24 years
Children?
Erik 23, Will 19
Grandchildren?
No, I'm too busy
Education:
BA Hartwick College
Occupation:
Which one? Currently Yoga instructor
Volunteer and Professional Activities:
Did all the school stuff (ran the ski program), American Diabetes Association, a little church time, Local theater, did a habitat for humanity gig
Current hobbies and interests:
Trying to start my new life sans kids.
What percentage of your hair is visibly gray (is this a trick question?)
I actually don't know. Olga tells me to just "keep thinking like a blonde"?
If you had one year free of all responsibility and unlimited funds, what would you do?
Go help Angelina & Brad. Actually, travel more, do something fun with theater or writing with teens
What are the most rewarding things that you have done in your life?
Went to D.C. representing the American Diabetes Association, Some local theater stuff, was a member of an Improv comedy troop in Ohio, become a Yoga instructor.
What rewarding things do you plan to do in your life?
Still figuring that out. Kind of "in the moment" right now.
What are your favorite non-family related things to do in your free time?
Hang with my friends. I used to do tons of gardening, cooking, walking, kind of over that, hope to walk again soon (working through some knee surgery issues)
How would you best describe your idea of "being successful?"
Not being cranky, judgmental or bitter.
What are your most vivid memories of your days in Ridgewood?
Joyce, Jane, Barb, Carolyn, Liz, Sue, B.Davies, dog days at Willard school, Vets field, Mama's, The Park, Cindy, Patti, Terri, Mr. Harmon, dating Jackson Brown (actually Barb did), Hoffman's farm, walking every where, then driving every where. Packing up the Brogue mobile and heading up to the country, Taco parties, taking the 35 to NYC with Lebs, Mr. Postal, squishing pennies on the tracks, riding my 10 speed down Monroe at mach 1, not wanting Senior year to end, getting busted for having to buy jeans in the boys department at McHugh's. Sealfon's did not carry a 34 inch inseam, The PIC, The Duck Pond, the twelve o'clock whistle on Saturday in upper Ridgewood, gold fish funerals, ID bracelets from Wool-Worths, the amazing scent of some tree that was always giving it's all on 4th of July weekend. Hope I can still smell it.
What achievement or activity are you most proud of in your life?
Spending time with Angelina and Brad.
What single piece of wisdom would you like to leave for the next generation?
Read the constitution, don't compromise women's reproductive rights, try to embrace international cultures, take care of mother earth, oh yeah, and...
How have you changed since high school?
Sometimes I actually stop talking and listen.