Memories

Today, I had a doctor's appointment in Geneva. It's funny....I only go to Geneva for doctor's appointments or to see friends during the holidays.
Do you have better memories as time passes?
I cannot help myself as I drive into the town but to remember my days in Jr. High School and Geneva High School.
I still remember the first Sunday we were at Geneva Assembly of God (my dad was the new pastor) in 1978. I met Holly Whitmire that day, she was there to introduce me to people at Geneva Jr. High since it was the middle of the school year. Although Holly and I did not remain close in High School, we still maintained a friendship and do to this day. I will never forget riding to Youth Convention in the back of (I think Kitty's truck) and Holly's mom being in our room. We got lost and made it to the service when it was almost over. Sis. Whitmire was a hoot back in those days and I am sure she still is.
I can think of so many people that I have been blessed in my life to meet. They have all had a part of shaping who I am today.
I think about my days in Marching Geneva....even though I was a BQ....it was different in Geneva for some reason. There is something about that band.....there is an Alumni Band today that performs for Grape Jamboree and there is a Marching Geneva FB page.....what does that have to say about a bond that you all share?
I laugh about sleepovers with Holly Euype (my HS Bud), Birthday parties with MB Emigh, trip to Kings Island with Kelly and Amy, Youth Convention, Tiny Bubbles (my name on the back of my band shirt), the glass enclosure.....great talking took place there, to boyfriend or not with Mark Tamblyn (enough said by the name), Studay Hall 100, senior doughnut sales, cookie grams........there are so many more memories.
The other day, I found Mr. Stand (our band director as freshmen). He was one of those teachers that taught me valuable lessons outside of the classroom that I did not even know about at the time.
The one thing I can say is that 26 years later, I am thankful for the friendships. Some have been renewed over the past few years and all have a common bond.....Geneva High School.
There was a little song I learned in elementary school that I want to share with you:
"Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the other gold."
Thanks......all of you GOLD friends!!

The Honor of Serving

It's no secret that I really enjoy teens. They are full of such hope and energy that I don't have...(the energy that is).
I serve the Chardon Local School District as a member of the Board of Education. It has truly been an honor to serve the students, parents, teachers, and voters of this district. I did not really enjoy to campaign process but since I have been on the board, I have found it an honor.
Today I got to do one of the fun parts of the job.
The Chardon HS Cheerleaders are 3 year National Champions. This morning they left for Orlando to see Mickey and bring home another National Championship. Yes, girls.....YOU ARE GOING TO DISNEY WORLD!!!
I enjoyed talking with parents and the girls. They even let me take a group picture with the Champions.
Today, I am thankful for the many opportunities that God has afforded me in this life. He has taken me to places I have dreamed of and allowed me to meet people that are His children and that He loves.
Today, I am thankful for the honor to serve and be a servant.
I want to say Good Luck to the CHS Cheerleaders........We are very proud of you girls!!!

25 Years

We celebrated being old all weekend. It's been 25 years since I graduated from Geneva High School.
Friday night, we met at a Restaurant for dinner. It was fun meeting with a few of our classmates and then wondering who some of the people were.
Saturday, we went to a wedding and about died in the heat. The wedding was outside and it was beautiful but I did feel like I have never been so hot in my life. Then we changed and went to the major part of the reunion. I had such a good time!! I made sure that every time a camera was taken out......I was in the picture. Seems that 25 years later, I am still the social butterfly that I was in school. It was cause for laughter among my classmates. Enough fun for me, we had to leave early to the reception. So we got on I90 and headed to Willoughby. Got there just in time to eat......oh good.....we did not have to starve for the evening. The food was good and the evening finished much to early. I forgot in my old age that we had kids that needed to be picked up from the sitter. I do love a good party!
Yesterday, we went to the Family Picnic. Almost everyone has kids that are older than our kids. I mean..... teenagers or older. The kids were complaining that there was no one to play with.
Matthew has figured out that the "old lady paste" was for the reunion.
What is "old lady paste" you ask? Hair color. I did my hair last week and he had a good time making fun of me.
We followed the picnic with football equipment pick-up and then Allen went to a football coaches meeting. Next thing we knew, it was 10:30 and the day was finally over.
All in all, it was great to see friends. It's funny how time seems to make those memories just a little bit sweeter. Maybe the my memory is going after 25 years also?!??!