\"Can\'t Smile Without You\"What do you remember from your childhood? I remember so many things!!! Being mommy’s special helper while the older kids were in school…coming home to freshly baked chocolate chip cookies after a long day at school…monopoly marathons…family vacations…
I remember loving having two brothers and a sister….and not loving having siblings! On Sunday afternoons, my dad would take us for a drive. He purposely would tried to get lost on back country roads, just to figure out how to get home. No GPS back then to help us. We would go up really really steep hills and my brother Carl would grab my hand and inform me that there was just a cliff at the top of the hill and our lives would soon end. I would begin to cry and after Betsy and Bob got a good laugh, mom made everyone stop picking on me. This happened so many times, and each time, I fell for it!
Bob did his share of stirring up trouble. He liked to tattoo my Barbies. He would tickle Betsy until she threatened to throw up. He and Carl would wrestle until someone got hurt. Yet, as we got older, we played musical instruments together and when our parents weren’t home, my siblings and I loved to dance to music from the 70’s and 80’s.
When I saw this video, I had to laugh. I had a crush on Barry Manilow and his song, “Can’t Smile Without You” was one that I hummed a lot! This video also made me think about how my brothers made me want to cry–I can relate to the little sister!
So, what do you remember from your childhood? Are there siblings or friends you haven’t been in contact with for some time? Why not utilize www.IStillRememberYou.com and begin a search for them? They may just be thinking about their memories of times with you.
Listen to your heart…
Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category
Class Reunions
Sunday, July 11th, 2010
It’s hard to believe that we’re almost in mid-July! Where does the time go??? Trying to make connections with family and friends might be one of the reasons why summer flies by so quickly. There’s graduation celebrations, family reunions, weddings, class reunions, etc.
Class reunions. I’m sorry to admit it, but I’ve only attended one class reunion so far. I live in the town that I grew up in, stay in touch with friends, and honestly have had little interest in going to the class reunions. However, one my friends, Marie, recently attended hers and we talked about it.
Marie noticed that a lot of the “locals” didn’t attend. Yet, others made an effort to be there. Two people traveled by air, one person by train and the rest by personal vehicle. The out-of-towners were disappointed that the locals wouldn’t attend when all they had to do was show up–not travel for hours.
Marie and her classmates had fun looking through the old yearbooks. Little by little, because of existing friendships, they were able to note where most of their classmates are currently living, if they’re married, their jobs, etc. Out of a class of 150 people, nine have already passed away. Another nine or ten are seriously ill. That’s a wake up call!
There were easily twenty people whom no one had any information on. The postcards that were sent out regarding the class reunion were returned with “forwarding address unknown”. Marie said that she and her classmates were going to make a serious effort to find these twenty people and to see how they’re doing.
Marie asked how “I Still Remember You” works and I showed her the website. Hopefully in the near future she’ll begin posting searches. Wouldn’t it be awesome if she’s able to connect with a few of these missing classmates?
How about you? Who are you trying to connect with this summer? Is it a missing classmate from a class reunion? An acquaintance you’ve met at a wedding reception? A relative you’ve not seen in awhile? Let “I Still Remember You” help you with your search and make that connection.
Listen to your heart…
It’s A Guy Thing
Wednesday, May 12th, 2010
I should’ve packed the Garmin! I should’ve listened to that nagging voice in my head that told me to print off another set of directions. Did I? No…Today another teacher and I traveled to a conference. What should’ve been a five hour trip was more like an eight hour trip.
The beginning of the trip wasn’t too bad. Jason admits that he’s OCD and ADHD, so I was already bracing myself for an interesting ride. I sort of got used to his talking a mile a minute and the occasional drifting because he likes to look at the person he talks to, rather than keep his eye on the road.
I knew we were in trouble when he said that we needed to be on a particular route for 11 miles and then we would get onto the interstate. Knowing he was driving 70 MPH and at least 20 minutes had gone by, I knew something wasn’t right. When I nicely asked him if he thought we had traveled 11 miles yet, he said he didn’t know—he claimed he was too busy commenting on something that I said at least an hour ago. So, it’s MY fault that he missed the exit.
I saw a sign that indicated that there was a rest stop coming up—just 16 miles away. I asked Jason to stop. He took a quick glance at the map posted at the rest stop and assured me that rather than “cutting across and going up”, he just “went up and across”. Although not convinced by his words, I chose to keep my mouth shut.
Back on the road, Jason continued to claim that “we” were doing too much talking and that’s why “we” missed our exit. He also claimed that at best, we were maybe 30 miles out of our way. Yeah, right!
Soon I began to recognize signs for cities that were nowhere near where we needed to be! We ended up traveling along the Erie Canal. Of course, Jason was thrilled to see the Erie Canal and decided to seize the moment and give me a history lesson. History has never been a favorite subject of mine!
When we took our 7th rest stop, yep 7th (Jason’s a smoker), Jason decided to call his wife AND study the map again. Sheepishly, he informed me that I was right hours ago. His innovative route only took us 158 miles out of our way AND it cost him $6.35 at the toll booth (I calculated the exit to be 85 cents).
I didn’t needle Jason too much. I insisted on being the keeper of the Mapquest directions and that he listen to my instructions. I then began to sing the old song about the Erie Canal—of course with my own words about getting lost along the Erie Canal.
Like Mother, Like Daughter
Friday, April 30th, 2010
Isn’t it funny how much we become like our parents? I can remember things I would giggle at regarding my mom and she would warn me, “Some day…you’ll find yourself doing the same thing!” “Never!” I would think to myself. Well, those “some days” keep arriving and I have to just embrace them with a smile and admit that mom was right.
Girlfriends. When mom was in her 30’s, I loved listening to her while she gabbed on the phone with friends. Once in awhile she would tell the listener, “We girls just need to get together!” That statement struck me so funny. Girls? Mom was OLD!!! She was far from being a girl! Hmmm…I catch myself saying we need a girls’ night out or I’m having lunch with the girls.
Maiden names. I also laughed when mom would refer to someone by her maiden name. I only knew the person by her married name and thought mom should easily be able to remember the correct last name. Now I find myself saying, “Oh, you know, she used to be (whatever the maiden name was).” I’m glad on Facebook most married females include their maiden names, or I would be so lost!
Enjoying the leaves. My grandmother and mom loved going for a drive when the leaves were at their peak. I joined them a few times and even as a young adult, would be embarrassed by the “Ouuus and Ahhhs” that they gave at the sight of each tree! Fall is my favorite season, but it’s not worthy of that much attention! Well, guess who drives around now and catches herself “ouuing and ahhing” over the vibrant oranges, reds and yellows!
Wishing for an escalator. I live in the house that I grew up in. The stairs are horrible! They are narrow and steep. Many nights mom would stand at the foot of the stairs and say, “I see that we didn’t get that escalator yet.” I would scoot around her and dash up the stairs. The other night I stood at the foot of the stairs and thought wouldn’t it be nice if this was an escalator. Now, I hadn’t thought about mom and her escalator comment in years!
Never say never. Out of frustration, I used to say, “I will NEVER…”. Mom warned me about making such a statement. More times than not, my “never” became reality. “I will NEVER teach in Wellsville.” I did for several years. “I will NEVER quit a job.” I did to take a different job. Now when I hear people make the “never” comment, I warn them to be care of what they’re saying.
I loved my mom dearly and she was a mother and friend wrapped up in one. So although I find it humorous that I repeat some of the quirky things that I thought were funny about her, I also hope that I reflect the love and care that she had for others.
SPRING Is Finally Here!
Thursday, April 29th, 2010
Spring is finally here! Well, at least I keep telling myself that! It amuses me that one day it can be in the 70’s with a cool gentle breeze and the next day it’s in the 40’s with a sprinkling of snow! The bumble bees are out in full force and I’m just hoping they’re not trying to make a nest in my bird feeder like they did last year. The birds are drawn to the purple silk plants hanging on the front porch. You’d think after a few times of dive bombing them, they would realize that the flowers are fake. And yesterday, I saw my first bat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I admit they are an intriguing species and I appreciate that they keep the bugs under control, I just don’t want to see them hanging out where I work, or worse yet, at my house!!!
One thing I truly appreciate about spring is that it offers a new beginning, a fresh start. Whether you’ve been a member for awhile, you recently became a member, or perhaps you’re just checking out this site, why not make spring a season of new beginnings? Start by posting just one contact and see what happens. Or go to the chrono-geographical line to see who people are searching for.
Is there a college friend you haven’t seen in a couple of years? A cousin that you grew up with? Someone you met while on vacation? Let us help you locate the person.
Best of luck with your searches.
Listen to your heart…
Trout Fishing Derby
Saturday, April 24th, 2010
Oh no! It’s that time of the year again!!! I live in a small town…sort of a valley nestled among the hills. The Genesee River, one of the few rivers in the world that flows from North to South, runs through our town. On most days, people enjoy walking beside the river. A sidewalk was purposely built next to a good portion of the river so people would have an inspiring place to exercise. I enjoy seeing the ducks, the Canadian geese, and the occasional blue heron.
This weekend however, it’s a different story! It’s the annual trout fishing derby. The river is lined up with a wide array of tents, campers and vans. Although the derby began this morning, people began to mark their turf as early as this past Monday.
I have learned to stay AWAY from the river, from the fast food restaurants, and from the grocery stores during the derby weekend. Why? Some of the men that show up for the derby are just downright scary!!! It’s obvious that they’re not just here fishing for the trout. Nope! They’re fishing for women!
Now as a single gal, I’m still hoping to meet someone. I won’t even say that I’m looking for Mr. Right–we all have flaws. But, I do have two standards that a guy must meet, or I won’t even consider going out with him. And the fishing derby guys? I’ve yet to see one who meets BOTH standards.
So what are my standards? The first one is, he must have teeth! Real teeth or fake teeth, it doesn’t matter. But he must have teeth! I find nothing attractive with a toothless grin (well ok, if it’s a male under 1 years old, that’s cute). My brother Bob and I used to get in arguments over this standard. He wore dentures–sort of. He would only wear his dentures if he had an appointment or some sort of business, but the everyday activities, he went without them!!! He didn’t like the feel of the dentures.
The other standard? The guy doesn’t spit in public. Why is that such a guy thing??? I find it repulsive to be behind someone at a red light and he loudly spits out of his window. Or worse yet, I’m walking in my sandals and a big old thick spit lands within inches of my toes!!!
Okay, I think I feel better now that I vented. Time to eat a bowl of cereal…oh, I’m out of milk…oh, guess it’s dry cereal for me–not going to the grocery store!!!
A Garden Variety of Friends
Saturday, April 17th, 2010
I feel blessed with the many friends who have entered my life. Earlier this morning I was thinking about some of these friendships, and it reminded me of a garden–a garden filled with a variety of flowers.
Some of my friends are like tiger lilies. They can weather the worse storms with me, they are strong, and they are reassuring. Just like the lilies, I know that these friends will always be there. These are the friends who I can share my joys, my frustrations and my hopes with. These are the friends who I chat with at least once a week and get together to play games at least once a month.
Other friends are like the annual flowers–they’re with me for a season. I think about Kristi, a housemate who was with me for a few months as she did her internship at the hospital. Or the friendships that were formed while working on my masters in administration. I still keep in contact with these friends at holiday times.
My church family friends are the perennials. They brighten up my life and each one is unique. Some pop into my life on a regular basis, while others bloom from time to time. They bring a smile to my face and provide warmth, humor and love. They also help squelch the weeds that would like to enter my life.
The exotic flowers remind me of the special friendships that occur every once in a great while. Friendships with people whom I never thought I would be friends with, but through circumstances, a friendship bloomed. These are friends who remind me what’s really important in life and to be appreciative of what I so often take for granted in life.
So what’s your garden of friendship like???
