I was lucky enough to grow up in Darien, CT in 4 different houses. My parents wanted to raise their tribe in a safe community with excellent public schools within ear shot of where my father worked down on Wall Street. And a tribe we are. There were a few years in there where it seemed like every year the stork dropped off a new little brother or sister which prompted yet another move to another new house. I fully admit to not being the most enthusiastic older sister. I kept wondering why my parents kept trying to replicate me. I mean, didn’t we have enough of these little people? I had an alternate universe fantasy of being an only child; living in a world where my clothes, toys, and make up were safe from plying little hands and where I drove my own convertible MGB in fly yellow to high school. Instead, I was given the keys to our 1944 Mercedes from WWII with two baby seats in the back and a grocery list to Stop and Shop for a family of 8. Our house was a real life Lord of the Flies: someone was always crying, fighting, and we had to hide food because we knew the Twinkies would be devoured in one day. My house was always closed to any kind of party because my house was full of babies and toddlers. I remember when my curfew was extended til 11:30 pm as a high school senior, but my Dad was always up waiting for me to give him the “Kiss Goodnight Test”. So as soon as I came home, I had to immediately kiss my Dad goodnight and if I remotely smelled like Cinnamon gum or Doritos, I was grounded. If he thought I was masking beer, I was done. Do you know how to hurt an EXTRAvert? That’s right, give them a grounding. It was like putting a spike in my social Vampire heart.
Here are some introductions to my tribe, which will also help in references with future posts. In order to understand who you are, you must embrace the experiences and people that shaped you!
MEET MY DISNEY FAMILY
My Dad – King Triton
In Greek mythology and in the world of Disney, King Triton is the God of the sea who wields the all powerful Trident and has 7 daughters. King Triton ruled the Waters family with equal parts being overprotective and well-meaning. He was larger than life; God to us and was TOUGH. He is a lawyer and the son of a lawyer, so being scary is in the Waters blood. We are talking hot Irish temper city. When we got in trouble, it was like facing Colonel Nathan Jessup from A Few Good Men. Then on the flip side, he has this sappy, emotional side to him like the soft half of Vito Corleone from The Godfather. The response to anything he ever said was simply, “Yes Godfather”. King Triton believes he was Magellan in a former life. He is obsessed with anything to do with the water, i.e. navigation, trying to fish, and tinkering on a boat. He is a social animal. He probably would have made an excellent POTUS and his personal theme song is Sinatra’s, My Way. #EXTRAfierceprotector
My Mom – Queen Leah
Queen Leah was Sleeping Beauty’s mother, who is defined by being a loving mother and caring individual. She is beautiful, wise, quiet, soft-spoken, peaceful, intelligent, responsible, and pragmatic. She was the glue that kept my family together, the ultimate cheerleader, and therapist. We can also throw some fairy dust into this mix as my Mom possessed numerous magical abilities to transform our homes with all the EXTRA cozy touches. She created her own world with her tribe and never complained. It was everything she ever dreamed of. She is obsessed with anything antique, being on a beach with sand between her toes, and watching Science shows. She is a true intellectual and prefers the company of animals over people. My Mom is also the personification of Mother Nature. She doesn’t do epidurals, plastic surgery, babysitters, or booze. If I wasn’t a natural nurturer, I would believe I was switched at birth at St. Lawrence Hospital. #EXTRAsoother
Oddly, my sisters and brother have an uncanny physical resemblance to the following Disney characters. Through pointing this out, it demonstrates how very different we all look. #DisneyEXTRA#genepotpourri
First Born, Me – Sleeping Beauty
I am the first born daughter of the first born daughter and given my Mother’s name. King Triton insisted that I would be a Junior. Sleeping Beauty grows up to be a beautiful woman with long, sunshine golden blonde tresses who is described as alluring, playful, and romantic. When people try to guess my heritage, they say Californian. Not exactly the country of origin I was looking for, but I will take it. Sleeping Beauty eventually wakes up out of her sleep coma to begin a new life. #EXTRAfitting
Second Born, My Sister – Snow White
This sister is 14 months younger then me and is a dead ringer for Snow White. Now Snow is the complete opposite of me in every possible way. She is all Waters and I am all Mulligan. She has hair as black as ebony, transparent alabaster skin, and blue eyes; she is as Irish it gets. Her beauty is defined by her inherent kindness and purity. When we were little, people thought we were adopted because we looked nothing alike. She is as reserved as I am EXTRA. Teacher, patient, non-controversial, obedient, dutiful with a touch of snarky. Here is an excellent exchange to illustrate our differences. Snow and I were with a friend, home from college for Christmas:
My Buddy: Hey Snow, what do you want for Christmas?
Snow: Oh you know I’d really like an iron, some winter boots, socks, donations in my name to World Peace, Feed the Children………
My Buddy: And you Trish?
Me: You know just a few basics: sapphire and diamond pendant, a fur shrug, tickets for a Broadway show, Bare Trap heels…..
My Buddy: Well, doesn’t that just say it all.
Snow is less emotional so when sh*t hits the fan, I’m taking her to the hospital where her levelheadedness will prevail. Best in crisis mode. #EXTRAcalm#EXTRAinnocence
Third Born, My Brother – Prince Charming
PC is the only boy in our tribe. If my parents had a dollar for every time they were asked if he was the youngest, they’d be millionaires. Having five sisters, he is unafraid of anything female. He sucked it up well being the only boy; I often had to substitute for being a brother by throwing around the baseball or football with him. He and I were best buddies growing up. My brother is known for his dashing, handsome air. PC is also chill, solid, steady, stable, stoic, and trustworthy. He prefers to stay a bit removed from our Disney circus side show, as he almost has an aversion to large, loud family gatherings. Shocker😆. He is usually the last to arrive and the first to leave. If Tricia EXTRA ever makes it big, he will be my CFO. Best with $$$$. #EXTRAmiser#EXTRAsensible
Fourth Born, My Sister – Ariel
Ariel actually IS the song bird of our tribe and does have fair skin and long, flowing, thick strawberry blonde hair. I believe she did come out of my Mother bathed in a glorious ray of sunshine. When she was a baby, she would sit in her little chair for hours and just smile. I never heard her cry. To this day, she brings happiness, hopefulness, and joy to all those that come in contact with her. She will literally light up your day with her selflessness and compassion. King Triton also calls her “Switzerland” as she never takes sides in the family and uses her intuitive way of thinking to resolve problems. Ariel is social and likable; she is the most like me except I am the version on steroids. I’m taking this one to the Tricia EXTRA yacht, as she is my purrfect side kick. #EXTRAtonto#EXTRAloyal
Fifth Born, My Sister – Pocahontas
As different as Snow and I look, Ariel and Poca are also polar opposites. While Ariel is the typical red haired Irish lass, Poca’s heritage could be guessed as Spanish, Hawaiian, or Native American. She has copper skin, long raven- black hair, and twinkling black eyes. Like the Pocahontas character, our Poca also speaks to the animals and keeps her own menagerie, is noble, and free-spirited. Not only does she have five little papooses but also houses three cats, a dog, and believe it or not, a domesticated Canadian Goose that she rescued. Talk about “Colors of The Wind”. Poca is also known as my parents’ second son. She was born with super human strength and willful determination. She can be found moving furniture, constructing homes, writing novels, and basically birthing her own children. I’m taking this one into the foxhole. #EXTRAhercules#
Sixth Born, My Sister – Belle
Last but not least, my baby sister Belle. Like the character she has long, brown hair and has captivating saucer like brown eyes and rosy cheeks. She has also gained a significant amount of intelligence and knowledge over the years, due to her love of writing, research, and an active imagination. This sister of mine can do better investigating then the CIA. Belle is very confident and outspoken with her opinions in her own little world and seldom likes being told what to do. Belle is witty and has an extensive vocabulary from her love of books and constant reading. She is able to use this trait to her advantage and outsmart people. With her quick logic and strong sense of character, I’m taking this one into the courtroom. #EXTRAcerebral#EXTRAsassy
I EXTRA wish I could post REAL photos of these individual unique masterpieces, but they do not desire for me to reveal their true identities. In this case, the less you reveal, the more people can wonder. I joke around with my fantasy of being an only child but I wouldn’t trade them in for 1,000 pairs of Jimmy Choo shoes. I’ve read that having numerous siblings actually helps you live longer, boosts mental health and relieves stress. A sibling relationship is the longest relationship you will ever have in your lifetime. We only know our parents and our children for half of our time together. I am grateful for they all have made me who I am today.
My Family’s Theme Song
I remember your Dad always referring to me as Australia 😂😂 beautiful family xx
Broke down the family dynamic succinctly!