I remember when... when my family used to have to sit down to eat dinner. Like at the dining room table. There's not too many families who do that anymore.
I remember when I used to get birthday cards in the mail from my Aunt Rita and my grandparents. That's when kids used to be excited about mail that came to your house and not to a computer or electronic device.
I remember waking up early on Saturday mornings and watching cartoons. Cartoons like Bugs Bunny that we didn't always understand the humor. But we laughed anyways.
I remember playing outside until dark or even past dark in the winter. Thank the Lord my brother let me build forts and climb trees with him. And that he didn't totally destroy my Barbies... nor I his Hot Wheels...
I remember listening to the radio on Saturday nights with my parents while they played their own version of "Name That Tune/Band/Year". I learned a lot about music from my parents. And from Mrs. Sue O'Daniel. Not from my music teacher at the Christian School who gave me an F because I didn't take piano lessons from her. True story. So glad I learned the drums and cello. Pbbth.
I remember what I wanted to be when I grew up. An astronaut. And a teacher. And a nurse. One out of three isn't too bad. I'll be working on one of the other two soon!
I remember watching MASH and Happy Days every night. There were no curse words in those shows.
I remember thinking that when my dad said "Judas Priest" that was like saying the f word. That was the closest to a swear word heard in my house for many years.
I remember life seemed so much simpler in the 80's and 90's. I didn't seem to have the stress and concerns that I do now.
I remember moving to Florida to teach. It sure was culture shock, but I met some wonderful people and had some of the best students every. I think about where they are often. I worry about some of them, but know they learned a bit from me.
I remember moving back to Vermont and working a bunch of jobs including substitute teacher, ski teacher, road construction flagger, State Park ranger, school custodian, and dog sitter. Each and every one of those jobs has helped me become the person I am today- responsible and thankful for people who do those jobs.
I remember the first time I got to help my dad on the farm- driving a tractor as old or older than my dad to help rake hay. It was only the 2nd time I had raked hay. The first time was at a friend's farm and it didn't go well (what do you expect for a non-farm girl at the time?)
I remember giving up on teaching and taking a class in nursing. And then applying for a teaching job just for kicks. And getting an interview. And getting that teaching job!
I remember looking for an apartment and finding a great one. I remember moving (boy do I have a lot of stuff!) and weeding out a lot of stuff. 3 flights of stairs helps with that weeding out.
I remember thinking how fun teaching would be when I was a kid. I wish teaching was more fun than work. I wish all work was more fun than work. I can't complain too much I guess. I have health insurance after 7 years without. I have a full time job after 7 years without. I just wish I could just enjoy my job and not worry about my students and their families and the other teachers I work with and my family and myself and the people who live around me... "don't worry... 'bout a thing... 'cuz every little thing... is gonna be alright". Thank you Bob Marley. I'm working on not worrying so much about everything.
In the mean time, I'll just remember. Remember the good ol' days.
