What's Up:
Hmmmm�. How
to catch you up on 40 years of my life without boring you to tears?
As you will see, I sort of did things backwards.
I left WRHS with great intentions of pursuing a business degree and
becoming an executive secretary. Wanted to attend CSU; parents sent
me to Midland College here in Nebraska. Ignored my good sense &
dropped out of school to get married. I was a teenage mother and
was chasing after 2 babies by the time I was 21 ~ While many of you
were still chasing after your BA�s or BS�s.
I was blessed to remain a stay-at-home Mom the duration of raising 3
beautiful daughters. While they were just toddlers, I launched my
Amway business, which ultimately grew beyond my wildest dreams. I
readily adapted to my �Cinderella� lifestyle� beautiful home, a
maid, nice cars, guest appearances at corporate affairs (riding in
limos), golf club membership, travel galore to exotic beaches of the
World�. Hawaii, Caribbean cruises, parasailing in Acapulco, sunning
my buns on the corporate yacht for a week in the Virgin Islands. It
was like retiring in pure comfort in my 30�s.
My grandest career moments were spent with my sister & dearest
friend, Anita from Colorado ~ It was so thrilling, building our
businesses together, then flying south to sunny, tropical beaches to
laugh & play together. My lowest moment was when she died at age
38.
Then, after 24 years of marriage, I was divorced and starting all
over ~ talk about a humbling experience. I had yet to discover�who
I really was�that sometimes less is more�and that the most precious
things in life are not what money can buy. You just can�t put a
price tag on �peace�.
As a Coping facilitator, I helped others learn to deal with divorce
or death of a spouse. I also became very active in Supportive
Singles. That�s where I met Allen, my sweetie. He and I have been
together 15 years now. (Not married yet�we thought we�d try it for
another 15 years first!) We enjoy cooking (and eating), music, the
arts, gardening and my two adorable and very spoiled dogs, Heidi
(Border Collie mix I adopted from the shelter) and Hunter (purebred
Shih-Tzu). I am a devoted, die-hard dog-owner/lover.
Another passion is writing. I have written a book (inspired by my
dogs), but not published it� yet. My vision is to spend my
retirement years as a freelancer (with plenty of royalties!).
Flower gardening is my therapy/addiction. I get my annual �fix� by
digging in the dirt, from April to October. I live in a cottage
surrounded by a white picket fence and tons of flowers! My garden
is a true sanctuary� a feast for the eyes & butterflies!
My Occupation:
I�m still an
independent businesswoman after 35 years (now Quixtar, an Internet
business). About 4 � years ago, I felt this strong �nudge� to try
something new. I ended up working for ENCOR (Eastern Nebraska
Community of Retardation). It has been extremely rewarding. These
people are some of the dearest in the world!
I work in a group home with 4 mentally challenged ladies. A daily
goal is habilitation; we �celebrate� each victory, large & small. I
am a cook, gardener, cleaning lady, decorator, banker, chauffeur,
teacher, friend, confidante, counselor, cheerleader, beautician,
medical aide (nurse), secretary and bookkeeper. Whew!
There is NEVER a dull moment. We have daily doses of hugs, smiles
and laughter. The motto in our house is �I can do it!� They do
fill my cup (and test my patience!).
Now many of you are enjoying retirement. And I�m working a
full-time job plus running my business. See? I told you I did
things backwards!
My Family:
Most of my
family lives in the Denver area, so I try to head west yearly. My
mother died 2 years ago in Wheat Ridge, but Dad McCoy still lives
there. My Nebraska father passed away 8 years ago. He left me a
�2nd Mom� here. I feel so lucky to still have a Mom & Dad to love!
My life is rich and full with 3 daughters, their hubbies and 6
grandchildren. They are my pride & joy! Each of my girls is
lovely, talented and very unique. We have wonderful relationships.
Two settled in Nebraska close by. Tammy (38) is remarried to Rick;
they live 8 miles away. Together they have 4 children: REO,
Allison, Amber & Courtney (ages 14-8). Tanya (31) & Chris live in
Omaha with my 2 �granddogs�. Teresa (36) & Eric are in St. Louis
with Jake (5) and Lauren (3). I treasure family get-togethers with
all my kids!
The first time I held my very own grandbaby in my arms, I was hooked
for life! Being called �Grammy� is the sweetest music to my ears.
Waking up to hearing your own grandchild softly singing, all curled
up next to you in bed is ~~ pure heaven!
Favorite Memories:
Wearing a pep
club skirt with a 25� waistline.
Pep Club ~ pep rallies ~ Yelling at games �til we were hoarse!
Gigantic, blazing bonfires (where did you guys every find that
out-house?)
Theresa McVicker�s slumber parties & tee-peeing guys� places ~ until
a huge flashlight chased us into the pitch-black night, and I ended
up tangling with a barbwire fence. :-(
Cruising Wadsworth & meeting friends at McDonald�s.
Watching our talented gymnasts perform.
FBLA ~ 4 years of French.
Rooting our guys on to Take State in basketball. :-)
Our awesome band, plays, musicals and boys� ballet.
Secretarial Training & writing my diary in shorthand!
My old flame, Jim Lampson (�63).
Working(?) at Grand Lake with Mimi Grover the summers of �64 and
�65.
Rockin� the nights away at Barn Dances. Growing up with the BEST
music EVER!
Singing in the choir at graduation, �Let There Be Peace On Earth��
with a lump in my throat.
Being peeved at Mr. Solem when he sent us girls home for wearing
culottes. :-(
But hanging onto a poem our principal gave us seniors: �Fight One
More Round�. (Not realizing how many times in the future I would
need those encouraging words).
FUN TIMES ~ FOND MEMORIES ~ FANTASTIC FRIENDS ~ FINE TEACHERS.
FARMERS� SPIRIT ~ �OOZING� with Enthusiasm!
Can�t wait to see all you old farts at our 40th at the new Sam�s!
Isn�t that where we emptied all those cold 3.2 pitchers? Lookout
Mountain�do couples still go there to watch submarine races? If I
wear a �skort� (split skirt), will I be sent home again???
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