Thanks for the nudge, Lavonne. I was actually thinking on my way home from this month's school PTO meeting, how much I enjoy reading your blog and your postings and feeling just a smidge guilty that I have not posted on this site in so long. Trying to get our principal to blog....And I was thinking how much I don't enjoy PTO meetings...and wondering if the tooth fairy would remember to make a delivery to my 5-year old in celebration of his first lost tooth....
Recently, I realized how complacent I have become. Somehow, somewhere, I slipped into the ease of routine and a bubble of familiarity. It is not a bad thing, but it is something that I did not fully realize until I was faced with change. And not work change - that is old hat. But there is nothing like personal change to open your eyes.
It made me think of all of the big change milestones I have marked - that feeling of wanting certainty in times of uncertainty. I think graduating from SHS was the first of those for me - where I really felt uncertain. Not moving from Texas to AZ when I was a toddler, not moving to Texas from AZ in 4th grade, not transitioning between schools - nope - suddenly being adrift as a graduate with that big future stretching out forever in front of me...
Certainly the loss of my mother overshadowed that and was the most profound change. Graduating from UT. And then losing Daddy. Getting married. Moving from TX to CO. Having kids - still baffles me why they let me actually bring the kids home with me....
While you could never say that all of these changes were "good" - I do truly believe that change provides us with an opportunity to consider things we never would have, to do things to pop that complacency bubble....
Maybe I'll never get the PTO to put their auction on line. Maybe I'll never get the principal to create a blog so the school will have a better sense of community. Maybe some changes are too hard. But for me, I now know that I need change - whether you make the change or not, just having the chance can open your eyes.... Now I just need to see if the tooth fairy has a dollar in her purse - that's one change that deserves celebration!
What are the changes that have marked your life? What lessons have you learned about yourself or others? Kinda interesting to think about....
-M
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Saturday, January 24, 2009
A Little More Humor
Hey Mary.....are you trapped in snow? HELLLLOOOOO! We'd love to hear from you!
I received this tidbit of humor from a Huntsville friend and thought you might enjoy reading "how far we've come" since the 80's.
When I was a kid, adults used to bore me to tears with their tedious diatribes about how hard things were. When they were growing up....how they walked twenty-five miles to school every morning UP hill... barefoot... in the snow....BOTH ways...yadda, yadda, yadda. And I remember promising myself that when I grew up, there was no way I was going to lay a bunch of crap like that on kids...about how hard I had it, and how easy they've got it! But now that I'm over the ripe old age of 40, I can't help but look around and notice the youth of today....they've got it so easy! I mean, compared to our childhood, they live in a Utopia! And I hate to say it, but you kids today don't know how good you've got it!
I mean, when I was a kid we didn't have the Internet. If we wanted to know something, we had to go to the library and look it up ourselves....in the card catalogue!!
There was no email!! We had to actually write somebody a letter....with a pen! Then you had to put it in the mailbox and it would take like a week to get there!
There were no MP3' s or Napsters! If you wanted to "steal" music, you had to wait around all day to tape it off the radio, and then the DJ usually talked over the beginning and messed it all up!
We didn't have fancy crap like Call Waiting! If you were on the phone and somebody else called, they got a busy signal, that's it! And we didn't have fancy Caller ID either! When the phone rang, you had no idea who it was! It could be your school, yo mama, your boss, a collections agent...you just didn't know!!! You had to pick it up and take your chances, mister!
We didn't have any fancy Sony Playstation video games with high-resolution 3-D graphics! We had the Atari 2600...with games like 'Space Invaders' and 'Asteroids'. Your guy was a little square. You actually had to use your imagination!! And there were no multiple levels or screens, it was just one screen forever! And you could never win. The game just kept getting harder and harder and faster and faster until you died! Just like LIFE!
You had to use a little book called a TV Guide to find out what was on tv! You were screwed when it came to channel surfing! You had to get off your rear and walk over to the tv to change the channel. And there was no Cartoon Network either! You could only get cartoons on Saturday morning. Do you hear what I'm saying!?! We had to wait ALL WEEK for cartoons, you spoiled little punks.
We didn't have microwaves. If we wanted to heat something, we had to use the stove ... imagine that!
That's exactly what I'm talking about! You kids today have got it too easy. You're spoiled. You guys wouldn't have lasted five minutes back in 1980's and 70's!
Lavonne
I received this tidbit of humor from a Huntsville friend and thought you might enjoy reading "how far we've come" since the 80's.
When I was a kid, adults used to bore me to tears with their tedious diatribes about how hard things were. When they were growing up....how they walked twenty-five miles to school every morning UP hill... barefoot... in the snow....BOTH ways...yadda, yadda, yadda. And I remember promising myself that when I grew up, there was no way I was going to lay a bunch of crap like that on kids...about how hard I had it, and how easy they've got it! But now that I'm over the ripe old age of 40, I can't help but look around and notice the youth of today....they've got it so easy! I mean, compared to our childhood, they live in a Utopia! And I hate to say it, but you kids today don't know how good you've got it!
I mean, when I was a kid we didn't have the Internet. If we wanted to know something, we had to go to the library and look it up ourselves....in the card catalogue!!
There was no email!! We had to actually write somebody a letter....with a pen! Then you had to put it in the mailbox and it would take like a week to get there!
There were no MP3' s or Napsters! If you wanted to "steal" music, you had to wait around all day to tape it off the radio, and then the DJ usually talked over the beginning and messed it all up!
We didn't have fancy crap like Call Waiting! If you were on the phone and somebody else called, they got a busy signal, that's it! And we didn't have fancy Caller ID either! When the phone rang, you had no idea who it was! It could be your school, yo mama, your boss, a collections agent...you just didn't know!!! You had to pick it up and take your chances, mister!
We didn't have any fancy Sony Playstation video games with high-resolution 3-D graphics! We had the Atari 2600...with games like 'Space Invaders' and 'Asteroids'. Your guy was a little square. You actually had to use your imagination!! And there were no multiple levels or screens, it was just one screen forever! And you could never win. The game just kept getting harder and harder and faster and faster until you died! Just like LIFE!
You had to use a little book called a TV Guide to find out what was on tv! You were screwed when it came to channel surfing! You had to get off your rear and walk over to the tv to change the channel. And there was no Cartoon Network either! You could only get cartoons on Saturday morning. Do you hear what I'm saying!?! We had to wait ALL WEEK for cartoons, you spoiled little punks.
We didn't have microwaves. If we wanted to heat something, we had to use the stove ... imagine that!
That's exactly what I'm talking about! You kids today have got it too easy. You're spoiled. You guys wouldn't have lasted five minutes back in 1980's and 70's!
Lavonne
Monday, January 5, 2009
Online Reunion
About a year ago, a fellow parishoner introduced me to Facebook. I didn't think much about it. I setup a page with limited personal information and in the months to follow, I'd receive that occasional email from Facebook indicating a friend was wanting to add me as their friend to their page.
Well people, let me tell you....I never gave Facebook serious attention until Christmas break. At the beginning of December, I might have had five (5) friends listed on my page. Then during the break, I get an email from Facebook saying Jill Bowerman wants to add me as her friend. Not only did I say "yes", but I actually spent some time on Facebook and was excited to see (and find) so many familiar faces from SHS. In this two week period, my "friend count" has climbed from 5 to 76. I've touched base with folks I haven't seen in over 20 years...even my first teacher crush - Mr. Menking (I know Monica Brawner will get excited on that one).
So take a few minutes and see who you can reunite with. From my experience, you can pull up names without a Facebook account; however keep in mind the info you find will be limited, and there's always the possibility that a person's page is set so that you can only view it if you have an account.
I'm excited about this online tool. It's a great way to stay connected with those we hold close in our hearts and memories.
http://www.facebook.com/
I hope everyone has a wonderful 2009.
Lavonne
Well people, let me tell you....I never gave Facebook serious attention until Christmas break. At the beginning of December, I might have had five (5) friends listed on my page. Then during the break, I get an email from Facebook saying Jill Bowerman wants to add me as her friend. Not only did I say "yes", but I actually spent some time on Facebook and was excited to see (and find) so many familiar faces from SHS. In this two week period, my "friend count" has climbed from 5 to 76. I've touched base with folks I haven't seen in over 20 years...even my first teacher crush - Mr. Menking (I know Monica Brawner will get excited on that one).
So take a few minutes and see who you can reunite with. From my experience, you can pull up names without a Facebook account; however keep in mind the info you find will be limited, and there's always the possibility that a person's page is set so that you can only view it if you have an account.
I'm excited about this online tool. It's a great way to stay connected with those we hold close in our hearts and memories.
http://www.facebook.com/
I hope everyone has a wonderful 2009.
Lavonne
Monday, December 22, 2008
A Time to Remember
I just got back from Seguin, where I celebrated Christmas with my siblings. It was a good visit. Not only because of the time I was able to spend with my family, but because the one thing I look forward to when I visit, is running into "old" faces. During this visit I ran into Jeff and Tracy Schuele, as well as Mrs. McKnight (Alvoyd's mother and teacher from Mary B. Erskine) and Mr. Heinemeyer.
As typical before I head back to Huntsville, I visit the cemeteries where my grandparent's and parent's are buried. During today's visit, I came upon Diane Aguilar's grave, which made me start thinking about the classmates we've lost so far. I started thinking about Alvoyd, Diane, Truda, Patricia, Marsha and Victor...how difficult this time of year must be for their families. My mind went down memory lane and I thanked God for how much they touched my life....our lives....
I can still see Alvoyd walking the halls at Mary B. Erskine...his posture...his wave....his politeness...his smile;
I still see Diane's contagious smile and imagine her setting the volleyball. I remember the time at Joe F. Saegert when I was walking around the locker room in my game socks and she pushed me out into the rain;
And who can forget Truda...that laugh...her easiness to get along with everyone...her smile. I remember going to one of her parties and devouring some chili-type dip that a family member had made;
And Patricia....that giggle....her excitement in Jazz Band when it was time to play "Africa" or anything by Earth, Wind, and Fire....how we were only six days apart in age.
I know several of you have precious memories of Marsha and Victor. And this is your opportunity to share those memories. Our classmates may be gone, but they continue to live when we remember them. Please keep them and their families in your thoughts and prayers during this holiday season.
Lavonne
As typical before I head back to Huntsville, I visit the cemeteries where my grandparent's and parent's are buried. During today's visit, I came upon Diane Aguilar's grave, which made me start thinking about the classmates we've lost so far. I started thinking about Alvoyd, Diane, Truda, Patricia, Marsha and Victor...how difficult this time of year must be for their families. My mind went down memory lane and I thanked God for how much they touched my life....our lives....
I can still see Alvoyd walking the halls at Mary B. Erskine...his posture...his wave....his politeness...his smile;
I still see Diane's contagious smile and imagine her setting the volleyball. I remember the time at Joe F. Saegert when I was walking around the locker room in my game socks and she pushed me out into the rain;
And who can forget Truda...that laugh...her easiness to get along with everyone...her smile. I remember going to one of her parties and devouring some chili-type dip that a family member had made;
And Patricia....that giggle....her excitement in Jazz Band when it was time to play "Africa" or anything by Earth, Wind, and Fire....how we were only six days apart in age.
I know several of you have precious memories of Marsha and Victor. And this is your opportunity to share those memories. Our classmates may be gone, but they continue to live when we remember them. Please keep them and their families in your thoughts and prayers during this holiday season.
Lavonne
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
You Know You Grew Up in the 80's If....
I received an email from Lora Castilla Robles titled "You Know You Grew Up in the 80's If...."
Here are just a few of the listed "criteria". Okay - I admit, I'm guilty of oh...let's see.....18 of the 19 listed (ouch)!
1. You’ve ever ended a sentence with the word SIKE.
2. It was actually worth getting up early on a Saturday to watch cartoons.
3. You made your mom buy one of those clips that would hold your shirt in a knot on the side.
4. You wore stonewashed Jordache jean jackets and were proud of it.
5. You can remember what Michael Jackson looked like before his nose fell off, his cheeks shifted, and his nationality became questionable.
6. You have ever pondered why Smurfette was the only female smurf.
7. You still get the urge to say 'NOT' after every sentence.
8. You thought your childhood friends would never leave because you exchanged handmade friendship bracelets.
9. You ever owned a pair of Jelly-Shoes.
10. You remember going to the skating rink before there were inline skates.
11. You have ever played with a Skip-It.
12. You remember boom boxes and walking around with one on your shoulder like you were "all that".
13. You know all the words to Bon Jovi's - "SHOT THROUGH THE HEART".
14. You just sang those words to yourself.
15. You still sing 'We are the World'
16. You tight rolled or french-cuffed your jeans.
17. You owned a bannana clip.
18. You used to (and probably still do) say 'What you talkin' 'bout Willis?'
19. You're still singing "Shot Through the Heart" in your head, aren't you!
Hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving!
Lavonne
Here are just a few of the listed "criteria". Okay - I admit, I'm guilty of oh...let's see.....18 of the 19 listed (ouch)!
1. You’ve ever ended a sentence with the word SIKE.
2. It was actually worth getting up early on a Saturday to watch cartoons.
3. You made your mom buy one of those clips that would hold your shirt in a knot on the side.
4. You wore stonewashed Jordache jean jackets and were proud of it.
5. You can remember what Michael Jackson looked like before his nose fell off, his cheeks shifted, and his nationality became questionable.
6. You have ever pondered why Smurfette was the only female smurf.
7. You still get the urge to say 'NOT' after every sentence.
8. You thought your childhood friends would never leave because you exchanged handmade friendship bracelets.
9. You ever owned a pair of Jelly-Shoes.
10. You remember going to the skating rink before there were inline skates.
11. You have ever played with a Skip-It.
12. You remember boom boxes and walking around with one on your shoulder like you were "all that".
13. You know all the words to Bon Jovi's - "SHOT THROUGH THE HEART".
14. You just sang those words to yourself.
15. You still sing 'We are the World'
16. You tight rolled or french-cuffed your jeans.
17. You owned a bannana clip.
18. You used to (and probably still do) say 'What you talkin' 'bout Willis?'
19. You're still singing "Shot Through the Heart" in your head, aren't you!
Hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving!
Lavonne
Saturday, November 1, 2008
More "Remember When"....
While visiting some other Seguin-related blogs, I came across this one that contains photos of one of the Drill Team's uniforms from the 80's. The story itself is pretty funny. I'm not sure if it's from our time at SHS, but it sure looks familiar. What do you think, Michelle?
http://photosbytammy.blogspot.com/2008/11/retro-night.html
How many of you still have your football jerseys, drill team uniforms, concert t-shirts, or letter jackets? I panicked a few years ago when I took my letter jacket out of storage and found the sleeves were "sticky". A trip to the dry cleaners helped along with instructions not to wrap it in plastic, but in a pillowcase.
A few nights ago I added some "Police" songs to my Ipod. That got me digging high and low for my "Synchronicity" concert t-shirt. I've yet to find it....(aargghh)!
P.S. Am I the only one still hanging on to all of my cassette tapes?
P.P.S. I still have ALL of my twirling uniforms. Maybe there's a grand-daughter in my future who will want to play dress-up with them(???).
Lavonne
http://photosbytammy.blogspot.com/2008/11/retro-night.html
How many of you still have your football jerseys, drill team uniforms, concert t-shirts, or letter jackets? I panicked a few years ago when I took my letter jacket out of storage and found the sleeves were "sticky". A trip to the dry cleaners helped along with instructions not to wrap it in plastic, but in a pillowcase.
A few nights ago I added some "Police" songs to my Ipod. That got me digging high and low for my "Synchronicity" concert t-shirt. I've yet to find it....(aargghh)!
P.S. Am I the only one still hanging on to all of my cassette tapes?
P.P.S. I still have ALL of my twirling uniforms. Maybe there's a grand-daughter in my future who will want to play dress-up with them(???).
Lavonne
Monday, October 13, 2008
I Sure Do Miss....
It seems with every trip home during the last two or three years, a new business or restaurant has made their arrival in Seguin.
What are some businesses and/or restaurants that contain great memories that you would love to see re-open? Here's my list:
The Corral (we spent some great weekends dancing to Firefox and the Emotions)
K & N Drive-In (this was a drive-in restaurant on Kingsbury Street that had the BEST steak fingers and root beer that was served in an icy mug)
Lehman's Five and Dime (off the square on Austin Street. They had great burgers and Borden's icecream that was served out of a machine. They also had those stools that spun in circles if you chose to sit at the bar)
Candies (oh...so many memories of walking back and forth from Gattis to Candies on Friday and Saturday nights)
Baenzigers and Wuests Grocery Stores (these up-to-date "super" markets just can't beat our two family-owned stores)
How about your list? Share it with us...
Lavonne
What are some businesses and/or restaurants that contain great memories that you would love to see re-open? Here's my list:
The Corral (we spent some great weekends dancing to Firefox and the Emotions)
K & N Drive-In (this was a drive-in restaurant on Kingsbury Street that had the BEST steak fingers and root beer that was served in an icy mug)
Lehman's Five and Dime (off the square on Austin Street. They had great burgers and Borden's icecream that was served out of a machine. They also had those stools that spun in circles if you chose to sit at the bar)
Candies (oh...so many memories of walking back and forth from Gattis to Candies on Friday and Saturday nights)
Baenzigers and Wuests Grocery Stores (these up-to-date "super" markets just can't beat our two family-owned stores)
How about your list? Share it with us...
Lavonne
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