For my Random Tuesday post today, I thought I’d step inside my DeLorean, switch on the flux capacitor, and punch in some dates from the past. (I hope I didn’t alienate a whole bunch of youngsters with my Back to the Future references, although I’m sure I did. Which is really scary that I’m getting that old! LOL)
I saw this on another blog and thought it was a great idea. So—of course!!—I stole it!! (All things are fair in love and Random Tuesdays, right?)
So, let’s think back to the past and reflect on where I was . ..
30 years ago—the year was 1976 and I was in the third grade. I was just getting settled into a new school in Austin, Texas; our “home” was Fayetteville, Arkansas, but Dad had to spend a year in Austin working on his PhD at UT. From this year, I’ll always remember the big, city, two-story, brick school I went to (still can’t remember the name of it for the life of me!) that was so different from the one-level, much cozier elementary school I was used to. And there was a presidential election that year--Jimmy Carter against Gerald Ford (I still have my Jimmy Carter bumper sticker! LOL) Also remember seeing Star Wars for the first time—at a big-screen Austin theatre! (It's still one of my favorite movies of all time!)
(Me in 1976!)20 years ago—the year was 1986 and I was starting my freshman year at the University of Alabama. What a fun, fun year!! Lived in Rose Towers dorms with my friend, Tanya B., and hung out with my other best friends Angela and Cheryl almost daily! Great friends, crazy parties, first college boyfriends, football games in the Student Section, exercising with Cheryl at the Student Rec Center and then coming back to the dorm and eating dougnuts and popcorn (no willpower!), midnight movies, stuffing too many of us in the back of Tanya’s Chevette, and (oh yes!) going to classes. Great memories!
10 years ago—the year was 1996, and I was staying at home with my just over two-month old Delaney (wow, does time every fly by!). I was enthralled with this new sweet baby and so was Gary; we’d been married the May before and tried right away to have a little one. We were living in Centerpoint in a little rental house; and I was staying at home with 4-year-old McKenna and Delaney and doing a little bit of writing. Also dealing with my Dad's cancer, so it was also a tough year!
(Delaney in 96. Gosh!)5 years ago—the year was 2001, and we were living in our current home in Hueytown. I had just returned from my Emmaus Walk about six months before and was very involved in activities related to that. The girls were 9 and 5! (And I’ll always remember Sept. 11, of course--although it was not a reality yet as of August 22).
A year ago—the year was 2005 and life was very similar to what it is now. We were still adjusting to the fact that we had a one-year-old “surprise” in the house; playing a lot of softball; living with a new teenager (13!) who now had a cell phone and a boyfriend; and just trying to make it through both the wonderful and the challenging days!
I’d love to hear what you were doing . . .
30 years ago
20 years ago
10 years ago
5 years ago
A year ago
Post some brief memories (or long memories if you’d like . . . I love reading good stories!) about each of those years for the rest of us to enjoy parading down Memory Lane with you. Post them here (or email back to me and I’ll post them, as always!).
Can’t wait to reminisce with you all!
*And, yeah, I do know that there are a couple of my regular blog friends and post-ers who are under 30 years of age. So, go ahead and skip over the “30 years Ago” memory and the rest of us will try not to hate you too much!
(A few other notes for this Tuesday morning, if you'll indulge me just real quick:
-- Please remember cousin Nickie, who lost her tiny baby Destiny yesterday morning. Destiny had arrived at just under 1-pounds, but there was still hope that she'd make it. This is Nickie's second baby to lose. Very sad and prayers are needed!
-- Congrats to McKenna, who was chosen to be on the Heritage Panel at the high school. It's a leadership group that only invited 25 students to join from the entire school. Very proud of her!
-- I cooked another dinner last night, instead of resorting to take-out or fast food. And what's so funny--I could have cooked a five-course, gourmet meal and the entire family would have been disappointed that we didn't eat those frozen salisbury steaks that I prepared. Easy to please with that choice!
--Sydney's line of the day: "Let's go back to the beach right now!" (I couldn't convince her that the beach was HOURS away and we couldn't get there and back before we had to pick up her sisters from school, but she was adamant about it and kept saying it over and over.)
Talk to all of you again soon!
22 comments:
Darn you were such a cute little girl... I see where our kids get there good looks!
You didn't see Star Wars in 1976 unless you got some kind of sneak preview or are psychic or personal friends with George Lucas. Star Wars was released in 1977. BUSTED!!!(kidding) ;-) Ryan
Yep, Ryan you're right--I knew it when I wrote it!!! But it was my year in Austin and that's one of my most vivid memories from that year! Nothing like seeing it on a Big Ole screen (we didn't have anything like that back in Ar-kan-saw!)
Flux capacitor, fluxing! :-)
30 years ago - 1976, third grade in Albany, Georgia. I remember wearing navy blue bell bottoms and a very festive red, white and blue bicentennial vest over a white shirt for a singing recital. (Love that 70's fashion!) Carter's election was a HUGE deal in Georgia, the first president from that state. Also remember that my dad was a Ford guy.
20 years ago - Freshman year at the University of Arkansas. Speeding around in my friend Sahar's MG, running to class in my high top Reeboks, doing too much partying. Lots of fun...in retrospect, should have done more studying...
10 years ago - Cohabitating with Chris Rodenbiker; working as a receptionist in the office at JCPenney (where I met Pat); spending lots of nights in dance clubs. First (and so far only) trip to New York and Boston with Chris and friends Melissa and Dallas...SO much fun but VERY hot. Saw the Red Sox get beaten by the Orioles at Fenway Park.
5 years ago - Ugh. Jace and I living on our own in Kansas City. HATED my job, compliance analyst for Pyramid Life Insurance company. Loved living in the big city but as a single mom with a 2-year-old, didn't get to go out much. Pat and I were "dating" long distance. Jace's day care was absolutely awesome...if I could've changed my job, I probably would have stayed in KC. (Biggest thing I remember about my job in KC, besides being bored out of my mind day after day, was that I was sitting there in my cube when Melissa called me from Des Moines the morning of Sept. 11 to tell me to get to a radio/tv.)
A year ago - laughing even though this is not funny - Um, recovering from a bilateral mastectomy. Dreading starting chemo. Jace started first grade. Thank God last year is OVER!!!
Great post! I might do this later on....and yep, I would have to skip the 30 yrs ago...lol
OK, Adrienne...don't like you anymore.. :)
Cheryl...you're making me feel really old going back 30 years. We're all just out of high school...right?! How could we possibly remember back that far because we're only...37/38???. It can't be!!!! It was just yesterday...well it seems like it anyway. Time gets away too fast... OK here goes!
30 years ago - In the summer of 1976 my family moved from Bessemer to Hueytown and that September, I started Hueytown Elementary in the 3rd grade. I remember being so scared to start a new school because I didn't know anyone. I was so shy then, but I've outgrown it! I remember July of that year being the Bicentennial and having a big 4th of July party with all my family. I can't remember if this was '76 or '77, but I also remember that Elvis came to the Coliseum in Tuscaloosa and my mother and grandmother went. I wanted to go so bad! I begged to go, but they wouldn't let me. They said I was too young. My mother promised that she would take me to see him the next time he came. In 1977, I was so mad at her when he died because I never got to see him in concert. (I secretly still hold that against my mother!...I guess it's not a secret anymore!)
20 years ago - In 1986 I had just graduated high school and was getting ready to start Dental Assisting school at Bessemer Technical College. I remember thinking how grown I was to be out of high school and into the world. Boy was I wrong!! I didn't know anything! (It's amazing to look back and see how little you actually knew from what you thought life would be about)
10 years ago - March 15, 1996 was one of the happiest days of my life! Melissa was born! She was, and still is, the most precious child. I quit my job to stay home with her, and I never regretted it. I loved being a "stay home mom". It was hard on the checkbook for a while, but we somehow managed. It seems like yesterday that I was bringing her home from the hospital, and now she's in the 5th grade!
From that year, I also remember David Koresh and his cult on the news alot and the first gulf war.
5 years ago - In July of 2001 I had just started to work at State Farm. I had known Ryan for a few years while I was working at RK Enterprise. He would come in there to see his friend. He started working there a few months before I left. He was my very good friend in those few months. Before long, we both realized we were right for each other. We helped each other thru some really hard times that year. We are still best friends and husband and wife.
A year ago - 2005, Ryan and I had our 3 year anniversary, Nichole turned 10 and started playing on the Havoc travel ball team, and Melissa was into gymnastics. It hasn't been a year yet, but last hunting season in December, Melissa killed her first deer, a buck, and I killed my first buck at the same time! In January, Nichole killed her first deer, a buck. It was very exciting for all of us!
Come on...you knew I couldn't go thru this whole thing without mentioning hunting! hehe
Jenn
30 years ago—the year was 1976, and Christopher was two and Cheryl was 8. We lived in Austin for a year. Our finances were day-to-day. I remember one time our praying for some money to eat on. David has told this story of answered prayer several times. Miraculously, the mail brought a check, and we could eat!! We had an experience with Christopher which was scary. He locked himself in a bathroom (don’t remember how) (no window), and we had to coax him to tiptoe and unlock the door. David was trying to get the doorknob off (we had no tools in our apt.). After what seemed an eternity. he unlocked the door. I remember crying and praying while he was in there (and being just a little hysterical). Cheryl had a good third-grade year. I think the school was Matthews Ele. I took the kids to the playground a lot and to a park. And we saw Star Wars and David studied and taught and was gone a lot. I had a part-time job at a church’s after-school care. Cheryl and Christopher got to go with me. They got to play a lot so it wasn’t a bad job. And we needed the money!!
20 years ago—Cheryl graduated and started to college. Christopher started the 7th grade. I was really into freelance writing for magazines. I taught a Christian Writing for Magazine course at the Tus. Baptist Association and met some of my good friends there—Sammie Barstow, Daryl Barnhill, and many more some of which I haven’t seen in a long time. My heath was good, and David’s was too. David was really busy teaching. I was teaching college Sunday School and volunteered at the Community Soul Bowl which I loved.
10 years ago— A rough year. I was having a lot of trouble from my stroke of 1995. David found out he had cancer in Jan. 1996 and had his first surgery in Feb. and then a radical neck/shoulder surgery at UAB and then started radiation which lasted for months. He ate nothing for 4 months, only drank Ensure. Then in Nov. 1996 drs. discovered the primary cancer and he started radiation. Again, he had no appetite and the radiation burned up his salivary glands and taste buds. Good things happened though. Delaney was 1 and Mckenna 5. Christopher was teaching a wellness class at Shelton and was a popular teacher. Never knowing that the next spring he would meet our precious daughter-in-law Danielle and fall in love.
5 years ago—We had four grandchildren. Matthew (born in 1999) and Garrett (in 2000) are special. Delany and McKenna were wonderful. David was feeling better.
A year ago—A hot summer but nothing like this year!! i was struggling with my health (neuralgia) which wasn’t diagnosed until Jan. 2006. Great things are always happening. I have a wonderful husband and family. Kirk had just visited us with his new wife Angie. Came to see us as part of their honeymoon!!
20 years ago, I was five, I really can't remember
10 years ago, I was starting my senior year in hight school
5 years ago, I was reporting to my first duty station, camp pendleton california,
1 year ago, I was picking up to move to PA
i love reminising..so much fun...i'll have to remember this so i can do it on my blog
i love reminising..so much fun...i'll have to remember this so i can do it on my blog
Boy guys--you are really taking me back! (I went to junior with Margie WAY back when, so I can identify with a lot of her stuff. And I love all of Mom's memories. I had forgotten about Christopher locking himself in the bathroom. Pretty traumatic! Jenn-too funny about the hunting!!)
Great post indeed! You always make us think and remember the good things in life.
Here are my answers:
30 years ago, in 1976, I was six years old, getting ready to start a new school too. I began elementary at 5, so at 6 I was just about to begin second grade. I had a new baby brother (March 1976) and was super happy about that since I really wanted a sibling after being an only child for so many years (unfortunately, he later passed away at the age of 6 when I was 12). In 1976 I was living in Mexico and still remember hearing a lot about Jimmy Carter and the US elections in the news. The Mexican president then was Jose Luis Portillo and I got to meet him in person once.
20 years ago I was 16, finishing high school (yes, early again) and finishing my studies of English as a second language. Getting ready to study a Teacher's Training Course so I could teach English in Mexico. And getting ready to start College to eventually go to law school there.
10 years ago I met my husband and we married only a few months later in December 28, 1996. I was already living in the US (I moved here in 1992).
5 years ago, in 2001, I was having fun in Florida (10 days in Disney World) and I had the pleasure of having my mom for a long two-month visit with us. Pure bliss. On a vanity note, I loved that year also because I was the thinnest I've ever been at a size 6. I love looking at pictures of me in that year (even though they were only few of them taken).
1 year ago I began blogging! Wow, it has truly been an amazing thing in my life and has brought many wonderful friendships!
30 Years ago: (1976) I was not even thought of yet. (Seeing as I was born November 18, 1977.)
20 Years ago: (1986) I was eight years old it was my second year in Vestavia at Vestavia Hills Elementary School East. (I had moved from Homewood) I was attending Vestavia Hills UMC, where I met my best friend Jenny Warren. My teacher for third grade was this amazing teacher that challenged us and really encouraged us her name is Mrs. Patterson (I just saw her last week). My whole class new it was going to be a great year. I remember it was the first year I had the lead in the elementary Church Christmas Program (I was in the Carol Choir) and I was so excited to had been chosen and to be so young. I started taking clogging this year to and I started twirling which those two areas were really important to me for many year to. It was also my first year to be in the Children's Handbell Choir at church. Most importantly it was also the year that I began choosing to walk with God. What a year!!!!
10 Years ago: (1996) Was the year I graduated from high school and the year I started college at Auburn University (WAR EAGLE!!!) I remember having so much fun learning to be an adult and making my fair share of mistakes. There are 2 mistakes that began in the fall of 1996 that have helped to make me who I am today. 1. I had my first long term dating relationship and found out that I do not want to marry a man that is not a Christian and I want to have a man that I support that will also give me support back. 2. Credit Cards can get you in trouble fast, not that I did not pay the minimum payment but, if my parents had not helped me to see that I needed to make larger payments I would probably still be paying on them today. (So today I have a credit card that I only use for emergencies.) And now I don't have credit card bills I can't pay off in at least two months.
5 Years ago: (2001) I was on staff at Hunter Street and was starting to feel lead into the ministry. Here I am today.
A Year ago: (2005) I was finishing my first year here at FUMCH and realizing that I was in the right place and loving most of my job. Starting to see changes in the life of some of the most amazing students. Watching God use me to work on growing our youth group in size, helping them love one another more and most of all seeing the Spirit of God living in them.
Carol Edgar/ Youth Minister
FUMCH
30 years ago- Yikes, I was 11 and in the 6th grade (just like my oldest is now). 6th grad was still in elementary school then but we did change classes. Weekends were spent at the roller skating rink or sleeping over with friends. This was the year I was enlisted to play on the churchs softball team-catcher(the only open position and opposite the only other 11 year old- the pitcher).
20 years ago-I was a junior at BSC. Finally settled in my Eng major and working at the library, I began to feel comfortable with myself(?) although I still didn't fit in with the preppies and rich kids at BSC. Had a solid group of friends- 2 of which are still my best freinds on the planet aven though they both live far away.
10 years ago- married for 6 years and learning about 1 yr old Jane. She was and easy baby- no colic, not in the terrible 2s yet. We lived in Industrial City- part of Hueytown off Brooklane in a little 2 bedroom house. We were both working and Jane was in daycare (at Deeper Life) where her teacher wanted to take her home everyday!
5 years ago-Still married and now dealing with 2 girls. Jane 6 and Meg 3. We moved to the house we're in now on Forest Road so that J wouldn't have to go to Brighton and Meg goes to day care(at FUMCH-3K ). I changed jobs and started working with the Sheriff's dept. Yeah, no more sewage!!!
1 year ago- still married, same kids, same house, same jobs. I guess we were in a rut!?
Ooh this looks like much fun :) I would love to play along I just dont know if I could think that far back even though I am over 30! lol
thanks for your comment on my blog :) appreciate it :) love meeting new gals!
Warmly, Tawnya
30 years ago - The year was 1976 and I was 11. My mother and dad had just divorced. We moved from Ensley to Oak Grove and I remember feeling so out of place at my new school, but I adjusted quickly. I have 3 sisters and we were use to sharing 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms between the 4 of us. When we moved, we all had to share 1 bedroom and 1 bath. We did this for the next 6 years. At one time, 3 of us could wear the same size, so I had to hide my clothes so they wouldn't get them. It was crazy! We never had any privacy for anything, changing clothes, talking on the phone, and you did not dare have your boyfriend come over. There were a lot of fights in that house!!!!
20 years ago - The year was 1986 and I was 19. I had been married to Greg for a year. I was sooooo glad to be out of that house! We lived at West Crest Trailer Park at the end of the road. I had been working for the bank for one year and I was the "Senior" teller. I thought I was hot stuff! I got my first car when I turned 19 and it was a 1979 Toyota corolla. I loved that car! I had been a member at FUMCH for 1 year then and barely knew anyone. We spent a lot of time with friends back then and did a lot of cooking out. I had no kids, no wrinkles, no cell phone, no demanding schedule, no credit cards, no worries! We lived a simple life and it was good!
10 years ago - The year was 1996 and I had been married to "Rob" for 2 years (big mistake).... I shouldn't say that because I would never have had Kylie... Chase was 8 and Kylie was a year and a half. We spent our time at the baseball park, watching Chase play ball. I had been with the bank 13 years and was a manager at the Flintridge office in Fairfield. We spent our weekends at the river on the boat. Rob and I had introduced 2 of our friends to one another and they ended up marrying soon after us. We did a lot with them. She had a son Chase's age and we got pregnant with Kylie and Shelby at the same time. Our kids grew up together and spent so much time with one another, until they moved right before Rob and I divorced.
5 years ago - The year was 2001 and this was the year I became very involved with church. Allison and I were the Children's Coordinators at that time. If I'm not mistaken, this was the year that Chase got saved. He stopped going to our church and began going to Crossroads Baptist. Chase was becoming very involved in music and was playing a lot at his church then. Kylie was in the 1st grade at Hueytown and this was the year she was voted "Best Character" out of all the schools in Jefferson County. We went to a big ceremony that was televised and Kylie had to walk up on a big stage and accept her award. I remember watching her face as they shook her hand. She was terrified when she had to look out at everyone in the audiences. I did a lot of dropping and picking up. I believe I miss that more than anything. I enjoyed the time we spent together as I was driving him to and from. I barely see him how. McKenna will have her license sooner than you think!
A year ago - The year was 2005 and it was HORRIBLE!!!! I don't even have to explain!
30, 20 years ago... can't even remember most of those years. Way too many brain cells lost in the past...
10 years ago - 1996 - Had a wonderful wife and 4 year old daughter. Then in March another joy came to us! Delaney was born..
5 years ago - Our first year being a softball family. Delaney played for the "Powerpuff Girls" LOL didn't know what we were getting in to. McKenna played Soccer for the first time. From this time on though, the years would be centered around what team Delaney played on that year.
1 year ago - Delaney played with the "Flip Flops" and we won our second championship in three years at the park. McK played her first year of Softball. I was so proud to see her out there (even though I think she probably played because I pushed so hard)
As you can see, everything worth remembering happened in the last 10 years...
Oops, I re-read my post ( I need to start doing that BEFORE I post) and 10 years ago in JUNE another joy came to us!!!
McK and Scout were our March babies... I told you too many brain cells lost in the past!
30 years ago I HAD JUST GOT HOME FROM A SNOW BALL FIGHT. MY FAMILY SPENT
2 WEEKS IN THE MOUNTAINS OF COLORADO. WE WENT TO PIKES PEAK, 7 FALLS, THE
ROYAL GORGE, HORSHOE MOUNTAIN, AND OTHER PLACES. I WAS ONLY 10 SO HAVING A
SNOW BALL FIGHT IN AUGUST WAS JUST UNHEARD OF FOR US POOR ALABAMIANS.
20 years ago 1986 I HAD JUST STARTED WORKING IN THE LAWN MOWER
INDUSTRY. WHO NEW THAT I WOULD BE A WORLD RENOWNED MOWER MAN NOW? I MOVED
INTO AN APARTMENT WITH MY BEST FRIEND AND STARTED LIVING UP THE BACHELORS
LIFE. DATED A GIRL FROM KENTUCKY. DIDN'T REALLY HAVE GOOD SENSE. TOOK
SOME COLLEGE CLASSES BUT PARTIED AND WORKED AND DATED AND PLAYED A LITTLE
TOO MUCH.
10 years ago HAD JUST GOTTEN MARRIED IN JUNE SO MY WIFE AND I WERE STILL
KIND OF IN SHOCK. LOOKING FORWARD TO THE BIRTH OF MY FIRST CHILD. COULDN'T
LET GARY AND CHERYL OUT DO ME. (LOL) GETTING THE HOUSE READY FOR THE BABY
WAS VERY DIFFICULT PLUS TRYING TO LEARN TO LIVE WITH SOMEONE ELSE ALL AT
ONCE. BUT IT WORKED OUT WELL.
5 years ago I WAS 35 AND DONT REMEMBER ANYTHING THAT YEAR BEFORE SEPT. 11
A year ago TRYING TO GET OUR HOUSE READY FOR US TO MOVE IN. PLUMBED IT,
HELPED WIRE IT. HOOKED UP A/C UNIT AND GOT THAT GOING. WAS LIVING IN OUR
RV. 6 PEOPLE IN 320 SQUARE FOOT OF LIVING SPACE, THAT IS FUN. WHEN WE
MOVED INTO THE HOUSE ON AUGUST 28TH IT WAS LIKE MOVING INTO A MANSION. THEN
HURRICANE KATRINA HIT AND SPENT THE NEXT WEEKS WATCHING THE PLIGHT OF NEW
ORLEANS AND THE GULF COAST.
First, thank you for all the prayers; and Cheryl, please keep Nickie in your prayers. She isn’t doing well at the moment. I can since her break down at any moment. Plus, keep me in your prayers. I don’t know how much longer I can hold out.
But, this blog seems fun, so let’s go back, back, back to the past and see what this mind can remember; Hmm.
30 years ago – That would make me 14 and living in Pleasant Grove. August 23, 1976, attending my freshman year at Pleasant Grove HS. Hanging out with my best friends; Ann Willcutt, Sharon Seegers and Holly Watson. Playing softball that summer and yes, I was the pitcher. I fast pitched for the Pleasant Grove Hurricanes at the time. Pleasant Grove Ball Park did a big hoo ha over the centennial thingy. That was also the year I got my first kiss from Mike Willcutt. OMG!!! What a year……
20 years ago – 1986, I already had 3 kids; Nikkie 5, Maria 4, and Allen 2. I have cervical cancer and had a hysterectomy. I moved in with my grandparents because I caught my husband in bed with my baby sitter and became a single parent. Was very naive, stupid, brow beaten, low self-esteem and didn’t know where I was going; (bad year).
10 years ago – 1996, Living in Purceville, Virginia just kicked out my second husband for cheating on me. Cheryl, I am beginning to hate this post.
5 years ago – Began working for a great company. The last kid had graduated from high school. Looking for a job was laid off from a bad job.
1 year ago – Pretty much the same as now. Go to work, take care of my kids and try to survive the Oklahoma heat. It is worse this year.
That’s it – started off great and ended with a thump……
ok now could you be any cuter then? or now? nope, I think not. you are just stinkin' cute period!
30 years ago I was 4 years old and probably hanging out with my single mother who was 21 years old then (she had me at 17)... who knows what we were doing.. I seriously cant remember..
20 years ago I was 14 and I would be back to living in Vermont after living in NH. I lived in the same town that I do today.
10 years ago I would have been 24 and married for 3 years already by this point and living in NC.
5 years ago I would have been 29 and I would have had my daughter Hannah... she was 3 months old.
1 year ago I was 33, a mom of 2 at this point, married 12 years and just started my career in real estate.
Wow, that was fun :)
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