Lisa Broida Josephson
Marital Status:
Married Michael in 1988.
Children?
Teddi Anne Age 16; David Age 13.
Grandchildren?
0. We’re not really old enough to have grandchildren are we?
Education:
Cornell University ‘80; New York University School of Law ’83.
Occupation:
Domestic goddess i.e. stay at home mom. Practiced law for 10 years (first as a corporate lawyer with a firm in NYC and then as corporate and regulatory counsel at Avon Products, Inc.) but retired when my second child, David, was born 13 years ago.
Volunteer and Professional Activities:
Very active in the PTAs for my children’s schools. Served on the board of Jewish Family Services of Greenwich for the past several years.
Current hobbies and interests:
Does attending my son’s football, basketball, and baseball games and my daughter’s theatrical productions count as "hobbies and interests"? Otherwise, see below under “favorite non-family related things.”
What percentage of your hair is visibly gray (is this a trick question?)
I’m fairly certain I’m not the first to answer that “only my hairdresser knows for sure.”
If you had one year free of all responsibility and unlimited funds, what would you do?
Travel and explore the world with my husband.
What are the most rewarding things that you have done in your life?
Taking care of my family is definitely the most rewarding aspect of my life,although I must confess, with two teenagers, not necessarily the most validating on a daily basis. Nonetheless, when my son tells me “Mom, you’re the man” or my daughter confides in me I do find it all worthwhile. I suppose I do also have some sense of accomplishment for having been an attorney, but no regrets for having left that life behind.
What rewarding things do you plan to do in your life?
Keep my marriage and family life filled with love and laughter. Raise resilient children who feel good about themselves, are kind to others and strive to do their best without being afraid to fail. And, I have to admit I’d like to break 100 on the golf course (I’m hovering) I’m not sure that qualifies as "rewarding" but it would make me very happy for a couple of hours. Silly game that golf (my latest obsession).
What are your favorite non-family related things to do in your free time?
Play golf, tennis, ski, spend time with my girlfriends. Also fond of the NY Times crossword puzzle (but pretty much need my daughter’s help to finish Sunday!)
How would you best describe your idea of "being successful?"
All I know is I feel very fortunate to have a life filled with a wonderful husband, children, family and friends.
What are your most vivid memories of your days in Ridgewood?
Wow so many. I moved to Ridgewood in 9th grade, so in many ways that year is the most vivid made so many good friends at GW and felt so welcomed. Thank you to all who were so kind to me. Our high school years were so much fun lest my children discover this web site I shall not expound further.
What achievement or activity are you most proud of in your life?
See above under "rewarding."
What single piece of wisdom would you like to leave for the next generation?
Well, if what’s taped to my refrigerator door is any indication of what I try to impart to my children, here are snippets from some quotes that are up there :
"…As much as I was known for my homers, I also was known for my strikeouts.The strikeout is the ultimate failure. I struck out 1,936 times. But I’m proud of my strikeouts, for I feel that to succeed, one must first fail…The person who has never tried and failed will never succeed..." - Willie Stargell, Hall of Fame baseball player
"…Twenty six times I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life… and that is why I succeed..." - Michael Jordan.
How have you changed since high school?
I discovered my love for sports and the outdoors post high school.
What else should we know about you?!
Reunion was an awesome experience, so wonderful to see so many old (perhaps “dear” would be a better choice of adjective?) friends, albeit way too brief and now just a big jumble of a kaleidoscopic memory already looking forward to the 40th!