[James Matthew Najera]

General Discussion Thread 07.14.2025​

Hey GrayViners!

We’ve all got a little surprise tucked in our back pocket—a hidden talent, an unexpected story, or something folks never quite guess about us.

So, spill the beans: What’s one thing people are always surprised to learn about you?

I'll go first: People are always surprised to find out I’m taller than I look in pictures. I guess I give “short and sweet” energy online, but in person… I’m reaching that top shelf just fine!

How about you? Maybe you’re a former ballroom dancer, a retired beekeeper, or once met Elvis at a gas station. Whatever it is, big or small, we’d love to hear it.

Jump in below and share your fun fact—don’t be shy!

Cheers!
Blue

 

[GranNanaPlus11]

I'm a PK (preacher's kid), grew up in North Carolina, and have 7 siblings. I love to talk and meet people and though I'm 79, my first husband passed away in 1997 and I remarried in 2006 and then divorced in 2020, I won't give up on having a male pen pal, around my age, who loves to travel, talk, and is a Christian

 

[mmarple]

My voice sounds a lot younger than I am.

 

[angib55]

l just turned 70 in April. A lot of people don't believe it. When l was growing up, my mom started me using Oil of Olay in my teens. l'm not sure if it helped my face or not but l am just now starting to get wrinkles. My daughter(who l told to do the same thing) is 41 and she has more wrinkles than l do. A lot of people usually say l am in my 50-60 range because of it.

 

[bobbibonn]

People are surprised to learn my age also. I am 79, but am still very active. I walk 2.5 miles 2 or 3 times a week, and still work part time. My hair is silver/white, but I still get surprised looks when I tell them I am almost 80.

 

[NIBOR0]

People were surprised when I went back to school at 51 and got my Master's degree. I'm 64 now and very proud of that fact.

 

[Hazeleyes]

People are surprised to learn that I am a twin. We do not look alike, nor have many things in common but people tend to mix us up. I am blond and skinny and always was and she is brown hair and chunky.

 

[Wiseoldone]

I camped at nudist camp grounds in Washington state in the 1960s

 

[jerry]

One thing people are surprised to learn about me is that I play guitar and sing country music.

 

[Shirley S.]

I am now 90. I retired at 65 as the business manager at a ABC tv station. I moved to Florida and became a karaoke DJ which I did until I was 82.
I then moved to Tennessee to live with my daughter.
I now have a adopted older dog that loves to cuddle and play fetch with me. I have had a great life for the most part.

 

[Arkie98]

Many are surprised that i am 84 and can be so active. Guess i just don't know how to act or dress old. And am not even 5 foot.

 

[Betty T]

People are surprised at my age.

 

[Clownmom]

I am a retired teacher, but I am also a clown. I'm called Pockets, the pickpocket clown, as my clown costume is covered in pockets that I fill with little treats or candy, and kids can come pick my pockets.

 

[TriciaR]

I'm a PK (preacher's kid), grew up in North Carolina, and have 7 siblings. I love to talk and meet people and though I'm 79, my first husband passed away in 1997 and I remarried in 2006 and then divorced in 2020, I won't give up on having a male pen pal, around my age, who loves to travel, talk, and is a Christian

Thank you so much for sharing that with us @GranNanaPlus11 ! Being a PK with seven siblings must’ve made for such an interesting and lively upbringing. I imagine there was never a dull moment growing up in your household! I really admire your positivity and openness. What qualities matter most to you in a pen pal these days—and have you connected with anyone interesting recently?

 

[TriciaR]

My voice sounds a lot younger than I am.

Thanks for sharing that @mmarple ! I love that—having a youthful-sounding voice must lead to some fun reactions when people finally meet you in person. Do you find people are often surprised when they speak to you over the phone? Or has your voice ever helped you in unexpected ways?

 

[Machbaby]

I am 67 but most people guess that I am in my 40's. I have always looked young for my age.

 

[TriciaR]

l just turned 70 in April. A lot of people don't believe it. When l was growing up, my mom started me using Oil of Olay in my teens. l'm not sure if it helped my face or not but l am just now starting to get wrinkles. My daughter(who l told to do the same thing) is 41 and she has more wrinkles than l do. A lot of people usually say l am in my 50-60 range because of it.

Thank you for sharing that @angib55 — and happy (belated) 70th! It sounds like your mom was ahead of her time with that skincare advice. Starting young with Oil of Olay may have done more than you think! Do you still use the same products today, or have you added anything new to your routine over the years? You might have a few people here wanting to know your secrets!

 

[TriciaR]

People are surprised to learn my age also. I am 79, but am still very active. I walk 2.5 miles 2 or 3 times a week, and still work part time. My hair is silver/white, but I still get surprised looks when I tell them I am almost 80.

Thanks so much for sharing that @bobbibonn ! It’s inspiring to hear how active and energetic you are at 79—those walks and part-time work clearly keep you feeling young. Have you always enjoyed staying active, or is it something you grew into over the years? And what kind of part-time work do you do? It sounds like you’re keeping life full and vibrant!

 

[TriciaR]

People were surprised when I went back to school at 51 and got my Master's degree. I'm 64 now and very proud of that fact.

Thank you for sharing that @NIBOR0 — what an amazing achievement! Going back to school at 51 and earning your Master’s is something to be incredibly proud of. What inspired you to take that leap at that stage in your life? And was it something you had always wanted to do, or did the opportunity come up unexpectedly?

 

[TriciaR]

People are surprised to learn that I am a twin. We do not look alike, nor have many things in common but people tend to mix us up. I am blond and skinny and always was and she is brown hair and chunky.

Thanks for sharing that @Hazeleyes ! Being a twin must be such a unique experience—even more so when you’re so different in looks and personality. It’s funny how people still manage to mix you up! Do you and your sister find that amusing, or has it ever caused some mix-ups worth telling? And have you ever played any twin tricks on people growing up?