College Days

I loved my college days! I know that is true for a lot of people, but college was a glorious time of self-discovery and self-education for me. One of the ways this all took place was through the amazing people I met while there.

This past weekend was my alma mater's homecoming. It was a big one - 100 years - so the place was packed with people who may not always make it back for homecoming celebrations. While not all of my closest friends from those days were able to come, I got to see so many people that I haven't connected with in many, many years. I loved every minute of it!

I started college as a very confused, very shy freshman. At orientation, I met two young ladies who became incredibly dear friends. Through them, I met another wonderful young woman who completed the group. The four of us will forever be known as "The Pink Ladies." We keep in touch speratically - mostly thanks to one member who really knows how to work the phone lines - but we are forever bonded by those years.



There were a group of guys that some of us dated. The four of them lived together. The were "The Boys" and we had a great time with all of them. The Pink Ladies harassed The Boys for three straight semesters - Dead Day attacks that will forever be memories of staying up late, laughing hysterically, getting bawled out the next day, and laughing some more.



By my junior year, the group of friends had grown. Some associated with each other, some were in other circles. Each year was a new game. New experiences, new friends, new memories. For many people, high school is the time that stands out as "the best years." For me, it's all about the college years. Looking back, almost every event, good and bad, no matter how small it seemed at the time, played a roll in how my life has developed. I am grateful to all of those who took part in that devleopment and I will always treasure those days.

Inhibition

I witnessed something the other day that has made me think about my own self-image and confidence...I went with my friend to have a spa/massage experience and an experience it was.


She told me in advance that for the spa area (sauna, hot tub, eucalyptus spray) some women walk around naked. Okay, no big deal. And really it wasn't, but I have to say, when I got there - in my swimsuit - I was mildly shocked at how uninhibited the other women were. My friend and I were the ONLY two in suits. The other 6 or so women there, were totally free flying.


This may sound odd, but I was not put off by this. More than anything I kept thinking - how brave these women were to be able to walk freely as God made them. In no way was I checking them out, but when full nudity is literally in your face, you can't help but notice a few things. These women did not have great bodies - not horrid, but no supermodels either. There were no obvious signs of plastic surgery to "fix" things, there was no make up, there was nothing to hide any imperfection however big or small it may have been. And they were fine with that.

A few were chatting (softly due to the signs everywhere about it being a relax zone), and I got the feeling that some of them knew each other. As much as I love my friends, and have changed in front of them on occasion, I'm just not at a place in my life where I feel comfortable baring all in front of people I know. Complete strangers might be different...who knows.


I've never been an overly modest person, but I'm not a free-bird either. I will admit that in the privacy of my own home, I do love the feeling of walking around in my birthday suit (blinds and curtains all shut tight!) Ultimately, I actually kind of admire these women for being so comfortable with themselves to go for it. I might just have a new goal to put on my "bucket list"...bare all in a women's spa at least once.

Personality extended

I recently returned from a wonderful 4-day weekend in Chicago with my dear friend JuJuBug. Yes, she is one of the Dramatic People, and I love, love, love her! Anyway, it was such a great trip and I had so much fun, but by Monday, I was ready to be home.


As the trip progressed, I found myself thinking how interesting it is that people's personalities and perceptions extend into the places they live. For me, visiting a big city is wonderful, but living there would be too hectic for me on a day-to-day basis. While I currently live in a community that is a bit too small for me, I do like having space and simplicity around me. While a city like Chicago would have a thousand opportunities of things to do and things to access, I know that I would start to feel exhausted after a while dealing with traffic, crowds, always having to pay to park, etc.


A lot of this relates to my current stage of life as a mother. I think I would find big-city life easier to handle as a single person or a married couple without kids, but with a kid - no thanks. As I ran around town (thoroughly enjoying myself) I kept thinking, "I would not want to have to push The Wee One through all of this." It had nothing to do with the people or the area - it really was the thought of the hassle.

Although I know there is no "perfect" place, for me I think my "perfect community" would be like this....

A mid-sized town (say 50-60,000 people) with a university. Not only because that is our chosen field, but typically, the people who live in university towns are thinkers and like to discuss interesting things. I want a church where I feel accepted and loved. I want family and/or friends near by (or at least a good airport within decent driving distance). I want good schools and activities for my kids that are fun and interesting. Obviously low crime. A good grocery store, a bookstore, a good coffee shop, all in town. And a good-size city near by for bigger events like symphonies, plays, traveling shows, activities for kids, etc. Is this really too much to ask?

I know for some that would seem boring, and that is why there are big cities fill of excitement. And really, how great is it that we have all these different options in the US to choose from. You can live in a rural area where the nearest neighbor is 10-50 miles away. You can live in a moderately rural area, but close to town. You can live in the small country town, the small suburb of a city, the mid-size town, the mid-size city, the big city, the really big city...whatever works for you and your life choices. Now the only thing is to understand yourself and find the right place. Easy enough, right?

You go girl!

I did something tonight just for me. It was a big deal for me and something I haven't done in about 10 years. I'm stinkin' proud of myself right now.

So, I've mentioned before that I have joined the campus choir as a community member and I love it. I have always loved singing and being part of a group is something I really, really love. This semester, we are singing a song that is sooooo within my voice range and there are two solos in the piece. I debated and deliberated, and practiced and practiced...then tonight, I actually tried out for one of the solos!

The director asked, "Who wants to go first?" Dead silence. I said "I'll go." One of my former speech students is in the choir as well and she hit it on the head when she said, "That's a speech teacher - go first and get it over with." I had to laugh because that was so right. I sang the part and then sat down. My heart was racing, my head was swimming, but I felt good about doing it.

We won't know till next week who got the solos, but regardless of the turn out, I am proud of myself. I stepped out of my comfort zone to try something and that's all enough, right? I will say, that I think I surprised a few people - not only by trying out, but that I actually was fairly good. As the only African-American in the choir said, "Girl, you got a little black in you." She is so stinking sweet...and funny. Hahahahahahahaha!

Here is the song we will be singing...enjoy!

I took The Wee One to McDonald's the other day to have a nice little mother/daughter lunch. As we sat there, eating fries heavily dipped in ketchup and playing with the cute little happy meal toy, I looked around and noticed something interesting about the dining area.

McDonald's is a place for kids and for those over the age of 65. There was not a single person in sight. Apparently, single adults go through the drive-thru. I will admit, that I am not really a McDonald's food fan. Breakfast is awesome, but the rest of the menu is pretty weak for an adult. However, it is the fast food mecca for kids. The McDonald's in our area doesn't even have a playground, but that doesn't matter to the kiddos who flock to the place. They love it. They love the junk food, they love the silly toys they get with their meal, they love the wall computer games. They just love the whole experience.

Think back to when you were a kid. Wasn't a trip to McDonald's completely awesome? I remember going with my grandpa to the McDonald's near his house. About once a week, he would take my brother and I to eat breakfast and play. Back then, the playgrounds were awesome! There was the merry-go-round, the hamburger jail, the fry-guy bouncers...what could be cooler? I remember eating on the outside benches with my grandpa, and then while he sat there with his never-ending coffee cup, my brother and I would run around like crazy monkeys. It was not just breakfast - it was a full outing.

So, dear adult readers, the next time you drive past McDonald's and think "Yuck!", take a second and reminisce about your childhood days. Then, find a kid (preferably yours or one who's parents will give you permission) and take them to McDonald's for a meal. You will see the wonder and joy in their face. I dare you not to smile as you witness it.