Comments:
What an incredible and fabulous time I had at the reunion reconnecting with so many as though the clock had been rolled back decades. Has it really been 40 years? At this point, we can't afford to let the precious years go by without staying in touch with those who were so much a part of our lives.
Thanks again to the committee who created and organized this memorable event. Can't wait for the fun in 2014!
Okay, now for a brief synopsis . . . after graduating from the UW in 1973, my husband, Dennis, and I headed to Vancouver in SW Washington (his hometown). After dabbling in a range of jobs from public relations and advertising to veterinary work, I ended up returning to school to become a registered dental hygienist. This was a great job when my sons were young, because it allowed me to work part-time and still be able to have time to be a mom. Eventually, I became frustrated with the routine of it all (this is putting it mildly) and knew I had to move on in search of a more fulfilling profession . . . teaching. Within months, I was able to obtain a teaching certificate with graduate work on my way to that degree. Skipping ahead, I taught English for eight years and completed administrative work. A HS associate principal job landed in my lap followed by a middle school principalship, all in Vancouver. Once our first grandson, Luke, was born, we knew we had to move back to the Seattle area. I was fortunate to find a position up here, and life is great.
I am one of those who is still in age-denial and, therefore, am constantly seeking new challenges. Some of those come in the professional realm, but many revolve around fitness. My sons still keep me moving and improving on the ski slopes, and for years I've participated in many long-distance running events. I don't know how many more half and full marathons are in my future, but I'm constantly inspired by those who've overcome tremendous odds to compete in and complete them. Adding another challenge to my list, I took on a couple of triathlons. Swimming in open water with hundreds of people is not what I call fun or comfortable, but facing that which pushes me and causes me to know myself even better is exhilarating. The medals aren't bad either.
As with so many of us, my family is the highlight of my life. My husband retired from educational administration when we moved back up here. Our son Matt is a teacher in Shoreline (as is our daughter-in-law, Kim). Phil works for Microsoft in their HR department, and our daughter-in-law, Indira, is in IT with Deloitte. Grandsons Luke and Cole are amazing, and we love spending time with them. I had no idea being "Nana" would be so incredible. Our family is rounded out with two Cairn terriers, Daphne and Quince. I'd seriously have a house full of dogs if I could. I can't fathom life without dogs.
Retirement is not imminent for me yet, even though Dennis would prefer that it was. We thoroughly enjoy traveling and have been blessed to have been able to visit many countries around the world. Traveling seems to put our own lives in better perspective as we are offered glimpses of other cultures and people. We're not really all that different.
