Hey, your posting made me sad... not because of your delimma, but because you seem to put everybody up on a pedestal except yourself.
My advice to you is to stop looking at all your shortcomings and take a look at everything you bring to the table. You're funny, easy to talk to, AND from what I gather, you're loyal (unlike her cheating loser boyfriend.... a lot of good handsome, rich, and successful did for that relationship). Take it from somebody who has been in a few relationships.... Honest, funny, intelligent, and caring guys are very very desirable (and hard to come by) in a boyfriend. Personally, I would take a homely, but sweet, balding, but faithful, poor, but honest guy any day of the week.
As for the girl... it doesn't come accross to me as if you came on strong.... maybe you feel this way only because you think about her so much. Giving her your number and emailing her on her birthday are signs you're interested, but I doubt she is thinking you're a stalker. Maybe you should consider renewing your friendship with her first before asking her out on dates and stuff.... like email her to get together for coffee sometime, just to catch up on the last 4 years. If, on this next attempt she doesn't respond or turns you down (giving no alternate dates), she might not be interested in you... and that is a reality you might have to deal with. (I'm going through this myself and dude, it's not easy....and it's not fun)
Anyway, don't sell yourself short... and if this girl (or any girl for that matter) can't APPRECIATE your very wonderful and unique qualities, she's not worth your time and energy.
Have a wonderful 2004,
Princess JJ