Old Friends - New Friends - Same Friends - Best Friends



Long, long ago, I spent my first six years of school at a catholic school.  Yes, six years.  Way back then, kindergarten wasn't mandatory, so mom kept me home with her.  I loved that.  I also loved catholic school.  It was a small school experience that I wouldn't have given up for anything.  I made some great friends.  We had a great time and made some wonderful memories.  This is my sixth grade class. 

The problem was, our school only went through sixth grade.   I was now going to be forced to go out into the big world of public school.  They had more kids in one grade than we had in our whole school.  This was going to be scary and it was at first.  But, I survived just as the rest of my sixth grade class did. 

 

What I didn't realize at the time was that there were lots of kids out there that felt the same way I did.  The public school kids were all coming to the middle school from their own grade schools.  Granted, they would probably know more kids than me, but they were still in a new school too.  This kind of leveled the playing field, so to speak.  Come to find out, it was all good.

 

I made lots of new friends and my old friends were still there too.  I truly loved my new school and my new friends.  We had great times together.  We all joined Tri Hi Y at the local YMCA.  It was a girls club and we had a wonderful time.  We did service projects,  had meetings, threw dances on Friday nights and had amazing overnights at the Y.  There was actually an above ground pool in the basement.  Really friends, you can't make stuff like that up.  We went to all the sporting events.  We just had a great time.

 

Before we knew it, it was time to move on to high school.  Same thing all over again.  The school seemed huge to us, but we muddled through.  At least this time, we knew more people than we knew before.  We weren't in Tri Hi Y anymore, but we were still doing lots of things together.  It was in May of my sophomore year that I met my future husband.  Little by little, he became my priority and I was seeing less and less of my friends.  So much so that I hardly ever spent time with them away from school.  This was the beginning of the end of the closeness with a lot of my high school friends.  Knowing what I know now, I never would have let that happen, but I was a young woman head over heals in love and that was what I thought was the right thing to do.

 

Fast forward about 37 or so years.  It is the age of social media and Facebook is the greatest thing ever.  I can't believe all the people I am reconnecting with.  One day, I get a request to join the new page created for the Class of 73 from my old high school.  I think about it and I join.  This is one of the smartest things I have done in the last five years.  We began to have our now famous "meet ups".  The first one was at the home of one of the girls from the class.  You'll find out later that she is one of the reasons for this post.  Here is a picture from that first meet up.  We had a wonderful time.  The year books came out and we talked and talked.

As time went on, we had more and more of our get togethers.  They became more and more frequent.  Any time a classmate came to town for a visit, we'd get together.  Our spouses began to join in the fun.  I remembered how much I loved these people and how much I had missed them.  The more time went on, the more I found myself becoming closer and closer to two of these very special classmates and they are the real reason for this post.  The classmates that I speak of are Jan and Leslie.  Oh, you should meet them!

The more we got together and the more we talked, the more we realized how very much we had in common after all these years.  We all had long standing marriages.  Jan and I with our high school sweethearts.  We loved our husbands, children, grandchildren and pets.  We shared a love of Lake Michigan and loved to walk down the shoreline hunting for treasures of beach glass and crinoids.  We had a love affair with our cameras.  We like making things with our hands, but Leslie is the winner in that field.  She is so very talented with her sewing, quilting, knitting and crocheting.  She makes us very jealous.  We are there for each other as sounding boards and shoulders to cry on.  We rejoice in each others happiness and our hearts break in each others sadness.  The lists goes on and on.  It is just the best mix of three people ever.  It makes me very happy!

Here we are under the kaleidoscope in Saint Joe, Michigan.  We had so much fun that day.  It was wonderful.  We decided after this picture that we should always take our pictures looking up!

Here they are looking for those treasures along the Lake Michigan shoreline.  We found some great treasures that day at Grand Mere.

Here we are with another one of our classmates, Bobbi, at Jan's lake house.  We spent the night there and it was just like a high school sleepover all over again.  So, so much fun!  The only difference was that we didn't have any trouble with the legal age limit to drink.  We've got more than double that now. 

Leslie and Jan are the best people you will ever meet.  They are always thinking of everyone but themselves.  They are the first to ask what they can do to help.  We keep in touch on Facebook.  We text and email.  We get together when we can, but it is never often enough.  I am proud to call them my friends.

I guess when you think about it, my old friends are my new friends, but they are the same friends, but oh, they are the best of friends. 

You are my sunshine, ladies.  I love you!

Old School Blogging, 2013 Recap

It's time for some Old School Blogging.  Feel free to join in. 

You can link up here.

 

1. What did you do in 2013 that you’d never done before?

This will probably sound silly, but I entered some of my pictures in the county fair and won a red ribbon.  Second place!

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I gave up making resolutions years ago.  I think they just set you up to fail.  This year, I've set some goals for myself that are hopefully attainable.  We'll see.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes!!  My daughter gave birth to her first child.  She gave her dad and I a beautiful new granddaughter named Haley Jeanette and she is just perfect.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
Unfortunately, yes.  We lost quite a few family members and friends, but my stepdad is the one that truly broke my heart.  My own dad died when I was 22 and mom remarried when I was 26.  My stepdad was my "other" dad for 32 years.  He was one of the best men I ever knew and I miss him so much.  He was 91, but you never would have guessed it, if you didn't already know.

5. What countries did you visit?
Just the good old USA!

6. What would you like to have in 2014 that you lacked in 2013?
Time!

7. What dates from 2013 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
May 4....I walked my third half marathon.
August 17.....my husband and I renewed our wedding vows for our 40th anniversary.
September 25....when my stepdad died.
November 2....when our new granddaughter was born.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I think it was celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary.  In this day of disposable marriage, I think it's a real accomplishment to stay married to the same person for 40 years and still be truly happy.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Finishing up the year by gaining weight.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I did.  I have tendonitis and a bone spur in my right foot.  It's a slow process, but it's getting better.  I have finally been released to try exercising again.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
I cannot think of one thing that would qualify as being the best thing I bought.

12. Where did most of your money go?
The usual every day stuff like bills and food.

13. What did you get really excited about?
My 40th high school reunion!

14.  What song will always remind you of 2013?
Blurred Lines.  The most overplayed song ever.

15. Compared to this time last year, are you:
– happier or sadder?  Sadder because of all the people we lost this year, but still very happy. 
– thinner or fatter?   Thinner than last year, but fatter than earlier in the year.
– richer or poorer?   Richer, but not monetarily so.

16. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Playing!

17. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Stuffing my face after my injury.

18. How did you spend Christmas?
Christmas breakfast at our house with our kids and grandkids.  Christmas dinner at my mom's with our family, my mom, my siblings and their families.  It was a near perfect day.

19. What was your favorite TV program?
I watch very little tv, but if I watched something purposefully, it was Grey's Anatomy.

20. What were your favorite books of the year?
Awakenings (about Notre Dame football) and rereading The Shack and Heaven is for Real.

 21. What was your favorite music from this year?
I am a new Pink fan.  She is awesome.

22. What was your favorite film of the year?
I absolutely loved Frozen.

23. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
My actual birthday was pretty low key because it fell in the middle of the week.  The kids celebrated with us on the weekend.  I was 59.  The countdown is on to 60.  Bring it, I'm ready!

24. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
I don't know about immeasurably more satisfying, but I would have liked to travel more.

25. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2013?
I don't know that I have a fashion concept.  I like what I like and it has to be comfy and casual.

26. What kept you sane?
Believe it or not, it was my family.  Sure, they have their moments when they drive me crazy, but in the big picture they ground me.  They keep me sane.  Without them, I'd be a nut.

27. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2013.
This year I truly found out who my real friends are.  Some of the people I thought were my friends really weren't.  I got my feelings hurt, and it was hard, but at least now I know.  

The Year in Review

I don't know about where you live, but where I live, we are getting snow and I am pretty excited.  This was taken yesterday morning and we are getting more right now.  Actually, it looks like we are going to be getting a lot more.   

Instead of a Christmas letter this year, I did a Christmas blog.  It is just a lot of pictures and tells about some of the things that went on with us in 2013.  If you are interested in seeing it, here's the link....

 

http://collinschristmaschronicles.blogspot.com/

 

Keep warm, keep safe and enjoy the snow.

I know I sure will.

2014----I'm Going to Make Me Awesome!

It's hard to believe that 2013 is almost over.  A lot of really good things happened in 2013.  Some not so good things happened in 2013 too. 

All in all, I am ready for a new year and a new start.  I am coming off a foot injury that has sidelined my exercise efforts for far too long now.  Tomorrow, January 1, 2014 is the day that I can try the treadmill again and see what happens.  I can try any exercise I want and see what happens. 

What I am hoping happens is that my foot feels awesome and I can just keep on going.  I turn 60 (gasp) in 2014 and my goal is to look better on December 11, 2014 than I have in a long time.  It is going to take hard work, but I am up for the challenge.  I have some really good people in my corner.  I'm going back to Loving Fitness on Monday.  They are amazing and I love it there.  Total support.

I've been finding lots of inspiration on Facebook lately.  I saw this one this morning and I love it.  That Pablo Picasso was a pretty smart guy.  These will be my seven rules to follow for sure.

1) Count your blessings first
2) Whatever you did last year, Do it better
3) Go step by step, One day at a time.
4) Create/make your own opportunities.
5) Believe in your abilities at all times,
6) Quitting is not an option. Keep Going.
7) Finish what you started
Pablo Picasso

The Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans continues to be a constant source of information and inspiration.  They are starting a new challenge tomorrow that I am joining and they have the amazing Shamrock Shuffle 5k in March that I will be training for.  Anyone care to join me?

I believe this more than ever.  I didn't gain the weight overnight and won't lose it overnight either.  It's going to take time and hard work, but I'm not afraid of either.  I can do this.

This is what I will be waiting for!

This is my day!

I firmly believe that I can and will do this.  I had a pretty good start on it before my injury.  Just watch me, my friends.  Come this time next year, I am going to be awesome.

Totally awesome, I say!

Wordless Wednesday

PERIOD!

Be thankful that you have choices and use them wisely.  Don't blame other people or other situations.  Take responsibility and make good choices.  It is that simple!

Old School Blogging / November

This old school comes from May of 2008.  A fun little question and answer meme to get to know each other better.  Here we go.

1.  Where is your cell phone? 
It's on the kitchen counter.
2.  Your significant other?  
My husband is the best guy around.  We have been together for 42 years (married for 40) and I couldn't love him more if I tried.  He's my everything!

3.  Your hair?  
My hair is in desperate need of color!
4.  Your mother? 
My mother is one of the most special, loving, caring, strong and giving people I have ever known.  I am truly blessed that God chose her for me.  Would you ever think she was 87?

5.  Your father?
My father was taken from us far too soon.  He was only 54 when he died.  I was only 22.  We all missed so much with him not being here.  He was one of the best men I ever knew.  He was strong, funny, giving, loving and delightful.  There isn't a day that goes by that I don't miss him.  I love him so much.

6.  Favorite thing? 
Hands down, my family.  They are the lights of my life and I wouldn't be complete without them.  They are followed closely by my camera which I harass them with on a daily basis.

7.  Last nights dream? 
That is a good question.  I don't t remember.
8.  Your favorite drink? 
Iced tea with lemon or Bacardi and diet with lime depending on the time of day.
9.  Your dream/goal? 
I would love to take the whole family, all 14 of us to Disney World for a wonderful adventure.
10.  The room you are in? 
The computer room
11.  Your fear? 
Deep water!
12.  Where do you want to be in six years? 
Exactly where I am right now.  I can't imagine being anywhere my family isn't.  
13.  Where were you last night? 
I was at my daughters house visiting our newest granddaughter.  She is two weeks old and absolutely adorable and perfect.

14.  What are you not? 
Thin, but I am working on it.  I am a work in progress.
15.  Muffins? 
Once in awhile.  Not a favorite of mine.
16.  One of your wish list items? 
I would love new clothes and shoes.  I'm tired of my stuff I have now.  I need a makeover!
17.  Where you grew up?
Chesterton, Indiana   Small Town USA and I loved it.  I still live there 58 years later. 

18.  Last thing you did?
Switched the laundry and put clean sheets on the bed.
19.  What are you wearing?
Comfy pants and a t shirt.
20.  Your tv? 
Not on!
21.  Your pets?
We had the best golden retriever ever.  When we had to have him put to sleep, it was almost like losing a child.  We just haven't been able to get a new dog since then.  I think about it now and then though lately.

22.  Your computer? 
A new Dell desktop that I love!
23.  Your life? 
It's just about as perfect as it could be.  I have a wonderful husband who is still the love of my life after all these years.  We have four wonderful daughters who have all found the loves of their lives.  They all live in the same area as we do.  The furthest one away is eight miles or so.  We have four absolutely awesome and amazing grandkids.  I have a job I love.  I could go on and on.  I am very happy with my life!
24.  Your mood?
Determined!  I have a to do list for the weekend and I will get it done.
25.  Missing someone?
My step dad.  He died a little over a month ago and I miss him so much.  You can read about him here, if you'd like.  He was my "other" dad for 32 years.  He was a good man.

26.  Your car?
A Buick Lucerne. 
27.  Something you are not wearing? 
Make up
28.  Favorite store?
Kohl's
29.  Your summer?
I love my summers.  I work at a school and therefore get my summers off.  It's the best job ever.
30.  Like someone?
I like lots of people.
31.  Your favorite color?
Green
32.  When was the last time you laughed?
About an hour ago.
33.  Last time you cried?
Two weeks ago today when our granddaughter was born.
34.  What's one thing on your to do list?
To get caught up on the laundry and get it all put away.

Okay, now it's your turn to go old school.  Copy the questions into a post and use pictures, if you'd like.  Have fun and be sure to link up here and here! 

The Hunger Games / Catching Fire Giveaway

The much anticipated sequel to The Hunger Games, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is coming to theatres and Imax on November 22.

 

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire begins as Katniss Everdeen has returned home safe after winning the 74th Annual Hunger Games along with fellow tribute Peeta Mellark.  Winning means that they must turn around and leave their family and close friends, embarking on a "Victor's Tour" of the districts.  Along the way Katniss senses that a rebellion is simmering, but the Capital is still very much in control as President Snow prepares the 75th Annual Hunger Games (The Quarter Quell) - a competition that could change Panem forever.

Watch the exclusive final trailer below!

 

There is also the exclusive teaser trailer for your enjoyment too!

To celebrate the release of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, I have one Catching Fire prize pack for you to win, which includes

- One (1) movie poster

- One (1) official movie T-shirt with Mockingjay logo

- Two (2) wristbands 

- One (1) iPhone cleaner

- One (1) iPhone dot

Entry is simple....tell me which character you like better, Katniss or Peeta?  Leave your entry in the comments and be sure to leave an email address that I can contact you at if you win.

The contest will be open until November 18.  The winner will be contacted on November 19.   Good luck everyone! 

What Do You Really Believe?

I have a Twitter account that I very rarely use.  I use it to link my picture blog each morning and that's about it.  Once in a blue moon, I actually talk to someone.  But, the other night I was bored and got on to look around.  I was taken by something that Oprah had tweeted.  Yeah, I follow Oprah.  Anyway, she said..........

 

What do you really BELIEVE?

 

Now, if that isn't food for thought, I don't know what is.  I've been thinking about it ever since and here is what I've come up with.

 

  This is what I really believe.  

 

1.  The only person you can change is yourself. 

 

2.  People will disappoint you.  Sometimes when you really need them the most.

 

3.  I am lucky enough to have a handful of people who will always be there for me.

 

4.  Being a wife, mom and grammy are the three most important things in my life.  Without my husband, daughters and grandkids, my life would be meaningless.

 

5.  Life is short.  Don't waste it. 

 

6.  God loves me.

 

7.  Nothing was ever achieved by wishing.  You have to put in the work to make things happen.

 

8.  What you think of yourself is so much more important than what anyone else thinks of you.

 

9.  Find a cause you believe in and fight for it.

 

10. You have to love yourself.  If you don't, how can you expect anyone else to?

 

Just Write

It's Vickie's Chickies Time!!

This is my best friend Vickie, two of our daughters and myself.  Vickie is the head chick in Vickie's Chickies.   

I am walking in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk on October 20.  Doing this walk is very near and dear to my heart. Vickie is fighting cancer for the second time in nine years and it is just not fair.  

 

Vickie does this with the utmost grace, dignity and inspiration of anyone I know.  If you didn't know she was sick, you would never guess it. She works a full time job as a first grade teacher.  She is the caregiver to her father and mother-in-law.  She is the first person to help anyone that needs it.  She is my own personal Energizer Bunny.  You never ever hear her ask "why me?"

 

Vickie is a piece of my heart and I love her so much.  I do this walk every year for her.  If you could find it in your heart to donate to our team and help us meet our goal, I would be forever grateful. No amount is too small or too big.  Please click on the link to donate. Thank you so much!!