American School in London reunion on FB

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I am having way to much fun tracking down old friends through FB. Probably the most life changing period of my life occurred from 7-9th grade while I lived in London and attended the American School in London.

It all started because I wanted to find my friend Cynthia Harris. She was probably my only friend that stuck by me the whole 3 years. We stayed the night at each others houses often, went out dancing, the Pub, a mission trip to Spain, Paris with school and Ierland with her Mom. I visited her in Georgia when we both moved back to the states in 1985. After that we probably exchanged a few letters and lost touch.

I didn't stay in touch with anyone else but I think of everyone I knew often. This was a magical time in my life.

On the positive side it was my 1st time out of the States. Going to ASL was like going to college. At the time I didn't know that, but looking back it was much like a college experience. The teachers were crazy into their fields using strange teaching methods to keep our attention. We were able to go on amazing trips all over Europe. Never did I imagine that this would be the highlight of my travels for a life time. We had more freedom than we should have but it created an amazing bond with our friends. We were young teens so we either loved each other or hated each other but when we were tight it was great.

Who would have thought that my wild days would have been from 7-9th grade. I drank, I smoked, I kissed all the guys in public and we were free to go as we pleased on the Tube.

I learned a lot of the hard lessons of life during this time as well. I learned to feel out a group of people before assuming what is socially acceptable. I learned how to watch out for strange people. I learned how to drink responsibly, how to navigate a large city, how to make good friends, and most importantly to see my need for a Savior.

ASL was a great time but it wasn't an easy time. I jumped in with both feet chasing the boys and trying to copy what my peers had done in Florida. They were all necking in the corners and being very flirty.

I still to this day feel a lack of closure over the hurt caused by many at ASL. I was quickly labeled a slut for kissing in public. No good friend took me aside and said hay your name is going to go down the tubes if you keep that up. I just had to live it out.

I look back and know that it was all part of God's plan. I have always been a fighter. Wanting to prove that I can do anything. I remember picking up a note written about me saying that I would probably be pregnant by 15 at the rate I was going. I decided then and their that I was no longer going to be that I kind of girl and I wasn't. I never lived it down at ASL but I never had the reputation again. Not only did I not have that reputation but I never even had sex till my wedding night with my 1st husband at the age of 22.

I am so close to being able to stick that one to the girl that was the worst. I am glad she isn't on FB. It would be way to tempting.

I know these struggles led me to Christ but no one should have to find Christ because they have been stripped of their dignity.

Now why am I so happy to be reuniting with these lost friends and reminded of this season of my life. Despite these hardships it was the best part of my life. A little name calling and long stares can't take that way.

FB Posts

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1) At what age do you encourage your kids to get stuff done yet not require it? Reye wants to do his Scouting stuff when "he feels like it". He loves the meetings but now that he has work to do for the badge, he is not so interested. Do I back off or treate it like homework?
-Stick it to him!
-At his age, I would check with his Den Leader first and see what they plan to do together, then see how much other stuff is required for advancement. Space out the stuff that needs to be done at home so that it can be completed in time for the Blue and Gold ceremony (If you push too hard, he may not want to stick with it).

- ....you'll get a million answers....but in my humble opinion, if Reye really "wants it", he needs the support of mom and dad to "make him" do the work required to earn each level along the way. But if it's not important to mom and dad, it wont be important to Reye and his desire and interest to earn what is needed will eventually die, and so will his involvement in scouts....treat it like homework and he will never be able to tell his friends "my mom and dad didn't really support me"
7 hours ago · Christy Klepetko thanks. This makes sense and was my gut reaction. The trouble is we have to push a little harder now as he got behind during football season.

2) What in your own eyes makes you a good mom/homemaker? Do you meet your own expectations? What do you let slide? What must be done?

-to the homemaker side of that question, two words, Martha. Stewart. lol and no I dont live up to it

-Mom does not equal homemaker ;). I always joke that Andrew would make a better housewife than me (he probably would), but he'd kill the kids, so I stay home!! Things I let slide-- dusting-- what must be done-- those potties have to get cleaned b/c everybody pees on my floor!!!

ME- Martha Stewart, are you crazy? Did she even have kids? I'd be crying every day.
I guess that is our problem neither Randy or I make a good homemaker. I feel like a square peg in a round hole. I agree with the toilets.

-haha, no crazy, but boy can she cook clean sew and be organized, **sigh** i am so far from that though, but hey its inspiring

3) I have a beautiful 9 year old Girl Scout that will begin taking orders for GS cookies January 1st. . . Lemon Chalet Cremes, Trefoils, Do-si-dos, Samoas, Dulce de leche, Tagalongs, Thin Mints, and the new Thank U Berry Munch (Cranberry and white fudge chips). $3.50 a box with delivery in mid Feb. Remember, they freeze well.

4)FB to me is a micro journal that sometimes my community responds to. I have always been bad at recording the bits and peices of my families lives and FB has given me a place for that. I write not to be heard but to be remembered.

FB Post / Designing Stuff

Image by 64MM via Flickr

I really wnat to make a point of writing daily so I am going to put my FB posts here. It will either be an inspiration or my only post.

I need to design a crockpot with a browning function. Why should I have to use two pots for good flavor? Well at least dinner is cooking away. Can't believe lunch is already here.

It is so peaceful since the kids are playing outside. I need to design an outdoor doggie litter box. They have all stepped in poop so am not letting anyone in. He He. I will let them in after I make my grocery list, prepare lunch, and switch out the laundry.