45th reunion (again)

Well the class of 1969 had another reunion. Can you believe it has been 45 years since we graduated? Wow, time flies doesn't it? Anyway it sure was nice to see old faces ( and I don't mean that people looked old...just a saying). Ladies you all still look beautiful! And to the spouses that came....happy that you could join us in our celebration.

There was a good crowd Friday at Harmanco's. Been a long time since I was in there....nicely remodeled. We got so share good old times, share a laughter or two. ( PST....fellows for a short time I was in heaven. I was the only fellow with 5 yes count them 5 lovely ladies all to myself! Terry, Patricia, Mary Kay, Neesie and Teresa..WOW  what a lucky guy...then the rest showed up  dang!) I still had a great time!! Hope that everyone else did as well

Saturday we all met at Badin Inn, for dinner, slide show and music and dancing ( for those that stayed) For those that didn't...you missed seeing some fine dance steps( even I danced in my mind...as i said..the only dance step I know is the elevator dance because it has no steps!) I had a fantastic time and I am sure everyone else did. For those I got to talk with, I enjoyed everything we had to say..for those I didn't get a chance to speak too, I am truly sorry.

I know that a 50th is planned but if more people don't show up...a 55th might not be. I know a lot of people don't go to these functions and I guess maybe they were people who didn't enjoy High School or had a bad time there...maybe (like me) they didn't feel like they fit in...well let me tell you  things have changed. We all have grown up and things are different. So I hope that those who didn't show up this time will thaink hard about it come the 50th.

Also Sara is asking for help finding the people that had dropped off the radar. You can look at the classmate list, pick out a name and do a search...maybe you can find that person. I know that i am going to try.

So fellow classmates, I really enjoyed the weekend of September 26/27 2014 and am looking forward to 2019.....Also wanted to toss out something to the classmates who live close by...several other graduating classes meet monthly at Harmanco's and I was wondering if that would be interesting to anyone? Maybe once a month is too often...maybe every 3 months? AND maybe the locals who don't go to the reunion will come to this and change their mind by the time the next reunion rolls around..

Congrats to those of us who made it hope to see more in 2019

These are Just My thoughts

45th reunion

Well here it is August 29 2014 and the class of 1969 is getting ready to celebrate 45 years ago graduating from high school! Hard to believe it has been that long ago we were teenagers and couldn't wait to go out into the world and see what we could accomplish. Just look around and see that many changes that has happened since high school...WOW  computers...cell phones...hot rod cars have been replaced with fuel injection....still have the power but not the sound....(being a mechanic...well never mind..

There are several members of the class of 1969 that won't be coming to the reunion because they have passed away and left us behind. I see things around me and sometimes I am reminded of what one of these people said or did that brings a smile to my face. Some of our members didn't make it to graduation....it would have been nice if they could have graduated with us too. I am dedication this writing to them....I know they are in a better place...God be with you all!!

Friday night we have a chance to go to a Bulldog football game...cheering on the bulldogs to a victory...(cheerleaders of 1969...you bringing your cheerleading uniform?) I hope to see some of you there (if I can find you hope there is a sign written in BIG LETTERS) anyway come on out and cheer on the bulldogs.....if you can't come to the game..meet at Harmancos afterwards (if it isn't past your bedtime LOL)

Saturday dine and dance at the Badin Country Club ( or Badin Inn, whatever the name is now) I am going to have to brush up on my dancing (been along time since Mrs. Tommy Hearne taught us the fox trot, the box step, the waltz and many other dances done back then ( she never taught the twist, the jerk, shag or the new stuff..LOL ).) I never was much of a dancer, I didn;t go out much growing up, just out with my buddies. I did learn a new dance..called the elevator dance..NO STEPS..get it? LOL. Anyway I hope to see you there as well..

I know that some of you won't be attending for one reason or another. For those of you that are having health issues I wish you well and will pray for your healing. ASs most of you know I have been dealing with health issues since high school, but I refuse to let it beat me! I am a fighter (well a fighter in this I am really a lover NOT a fighter..LOL!

Sunday Morning at the early service and the 11 am service at First Lutheran Church will be a service remembering the members of our class what have passed away. Flowers will be placed there and if you want to donate...contact Ellen Story ( that info is in Sara's letter to the class members)

Hope to get to talk to each of you sometime over that week end...Greg class of 1969!!

Just my thoughts

Funerals

You know it seems lately that the only time I get to see some of my friends is at funerals. I was to Roy Still's funeral the other night ( Starr's father) and I saw several friends from High School. Most of them has aged gracefully, but Terri McManus looks the same to me as she did in High School. I wonder why some of us look older and some of us don't? Wonder if it is a blessing or a curse? Anyway, I missed the reunion and as I said earlier I get to see some of my friends, whether they be my graduating classmates or just people that were in high school at the same time as me. It seem like yesterday that we were in high school and were going to pep rallies or to ball games or just "hangin' out at Hardees ( the original one with the upside down roof), riding around in cars, making the "circle" hardees, Whispering Pines, Winks, then back around the circle again.  I think our generation is the last one to have great time to grow up. We weren't under the pressure that kids today are. I mean these kids are learning so much in such a short period of time...It scares me!! When my daughter was growing up, she would come to me and ask questions about her homework and I am ashamed to say that alot of the time I couldn't help her because it was over my head. I had no idea how to help. Now with the computer age and the cell phone (seems no one can be without one any more) with all the advances, in a couple of months after buying one, it is outdated! Gotta buy a new one!! And can you imagine when we were growing up we never needed a cell phone! We would go out to play and our parents never had to worry about where we were or when we were coming home. My parents knew that wherever I was that someone's parent would feed me lunch and that I would be home before dark or if not I would call and tell them when I would be home. Now the world has become so different that you can't let your kids ( or rather grandkids now) go anywhere alone. Can't walk places like we did ( or atleast I did) I would walk uptown or ride my bike, go to the center theater and watch a movie. I rode my bike across town to visit friends or places. things sure have changed.

I hope I get to see more friends, but I hate that lately it seems to only be at funerals. I was hoping that some of our classmates who live close by could meet a few times a year, just to keep in touch. Having a reunion every 5, 10 or 25 years isn't enough for me, but I am different. I like people whether they be friends or family! Some people graduated and they couldn't care less about their classmates and a get together doesn't even enter their mind. Well classmates, even though I wasn't popular, that I didn't have that many close friends (losing a lot of them when I went to private school) I still treasure each and everyone of you. And if during my time in school if I ever said or did anything wrong or hurtful to anyone I am sorry. I tried to "fit in" but I always had trouble doing so. I "followed" the popular people trying to be liked, but mostly that backfired. When I finally just became me I found things a lot better. Too bad that was after graduation.

So to whomever reads this blog, if you like it let me know. If not..do what is in your heart. I have always been a talker, it was just the fact that most of you never never really got to know the real me. Maybe that was more my fault than anyone elses. I have stories to tell and love to tell them. Give me a call sometime, I am in the book!

Best to you all, each and everyone of you, classmates or not!

Just my thoughts

1969 Class Reunion ( I missed it)

Well the class reunion has come and gone..unfortunately I wasn't able to attend...and many of my classmates wanted to know why..so I am going to tell you...I have a condition called AGORAPHOBIA, which according to greek definition is " a fear of open spaces" meaning I have anxiety/panic attacks when I go far from my home, which is my safety zone. I have had this since the summer before my senior year of High School. But it didn't get really bad until after I was married the first time. What caused it? Who really knows. What I understand is that back in my younger years 3 simular but separate things happened to me when I was growing up that was a "shock" to my system. and I guess the biggest thing was when I was sent away to private school in 1967. I was 16, sent to Florida and I could not come home. I had to stay at school, except for holidays, when I could come home. It was hard being away from my family, because back then we were a close family. We always did things together and so being away from them was hard on me. AND not only that, but I had only been home less that a week, when I had to go to summer school in the mountains to get another math course which I needed to go to college, something my parents wanted..not Greg!! I knew what I wanted and where to go to get the education, Rowan Tech..but my parents were determined I went to college..so I went for 2 quarters,I waisted their money partying and so forth...so they let me quit and come back home and go to work....that is what I have been doing since 1970.

People, like me, who have this illness, all fall into the same catagory..super sensitive, very observant, compassionate and very loving people (too bad I have never been able to find a spouse like that..so I remain single) I guess that is why I remember things, both good and bad, that have been said to me or happened to me. Private school changed my life..I think that is where my problems began.

When I came back, I no longer felt I have the same "relationships" with my classmates that I had before I went away. Might have just been they way I saw things, I don't know. I just remember only one person actually said to me "Greg it is so nice to have you back we sure missed you" ( Thanks Gail, I never forgot that)

As I said super sensitive...I can walk into a store and if there is a flickering light I can find it with in 3 seconds...I see things ( I guess I have always been weird) That is just my make up so to speak.

I remember things I did when growing up..because I tried so hard to "fit in" and I just never seemed to be able too. When I was in Private school I got tapped into the National Honor Society, came back here and was accepted by Mrs Westerland, and later "kicked out" ( according to her I was the only person ever kicked out of NHS) I didn't upset me because I just didn't fit in! AND I did some foolish things trying to fit in that I am ashamed of...and Terri I owe you an apology for something I did to you in 9th grade...I know you have forgotten but I never did! Judy I owe an apolgy to you for something I accidentally did to you as well....again you don't remember but I do.

Am I writing this for anyone to feel sad for me? NO!! I am writing for you to understand who Greg is..why I am the way I am....Each of us is a little different..that is GOD'S plan. We can't change that...we have to be the best person we can be...that is what I am trying to do! Maybe I say too much at times...but that is me....

You wonder what has kept me going? My sense of humor...I have been told by many people I missed my calling, that I should be a stand up comedian....if there was a joke told..I know it...I have always been an "entertainer" When I was married to "plaintiff number one" , I was the MC at the Norwood Elementary School Christmas party for several years, Candice and testify to that!..because I was good at it....I play "Santa" for a neighbors grandkids which I have done for 10 or more years....I enjoy that.....That is me...If I would have been able to attend the dinner..and you would have allowed me to entertain you..your sides would have been hurting with laughter..

Any way this is a little of who I am....later maybe I will ad to it....

To each and everyone of you in the class of 1969 I love you all so much..sorry I couldn't make it BUT I sure tried....burned over a tank of gas trying to get to the game,lunch and dinner. Next time I WILL BE THERE!!! Just My Thoughts

Marriage

I thought when I got out of school and got married that my life was set. That I would be married to the same person for life....but..you guessed it. DIVORCE...I tried marriage twice and got divorced twice ( can't remember either one's names, I just refer to them as "plaintiff") I felt like a failure when I got divorced the first time. Those of you who were so lucky to have found the right person and were able to stay married to them through thick and thin are so lucky. You have no idea what pain and sadness divorce can bring. Both my sisters married good men and are still married to them. Both have 2 kids, and Cindy has 4 grandkids! My brother and I both know what divorce is all about. He is happily married again..but no so with Greg. I did get a beautiful daughter from the first marriage..she is happily married ( finally, she was 30 when she got married, takes after her Aunt Connie) But I guess we all make mistakes in life..some worse than others. All I know is how badly I felt. But through the years I learned to stop beating myself up over it because it just happened. I can't really pinppont who, what, where or why. It just happened. It doesn't mean you are a failure..it jsut means that for some reason the two of you didn't get along and you couldn't fix the differences between you. You decided that separation and then divorce was the best thing for you. hopefully you both became happier people, because it was the right thing to do. In my case I was. As I said earlier I was hurt, mad, felt like a failure..but today it is just part of my life. Not good, not bad, just part of my life. I hope that those of you who had to go through divorce will "let it go" and begin a new life. Whether alone or with a new partner. You can't hold on to the past. It will eat you up inside. I know from experience. I have trouble letting things go..but I am working on that. Marriage is just a chapter of life, like work is, fun is, family, friends....things we all need! I have some great friends. They are there to listen when I need to talk as I am there for them when they need an ear. Divorce changes things BUT it is not all bad....Just My Thoughts

Adulthood

After I graduated High School I went to College ( I had to because all of the drop outs had all the jobs) Anyway I didn't lik college so I quit and went to work. I figured I would go back later and get an education ( something my parents said I needed to make it in this world) I got a job as a mechanic for Harvey Herlocker.....He taught me mechanics, better that I would have gotten is some school because it was a one on one experience. He helped me to learn things by letting me do it and if I was wrong, he explained it, showing me wher eI made my mistakes( NO the cars didn't leave without him making sure they were right first) Anyway I still do the same kind of work now..still turn wrenches. Most of the time I enjoy it..( yes I know alot of my classmates figured I would go no farther than that but it is a good profession now...back then maybe it wasn't) I enjoy the chalenges that I get..makes me use my brain. I don't have a computer in my shop to work on the newer cars, I just use the old noodle to figure things out and go that way. If I need help I have some other mechanic friends that are willing to help me figure things out. I did go back to Stany Tech ( as it was called back in 1981 when I was there). I took some courses, just never felt the need to finish. I knew what I enjoyed so I stayed in the mechanic field. Is it rewarding? Well I work for me and that can be good and bad. The good part is you work when you want and for as long as you want..can sit down and rest with no one to complain or fuss. The bad things are that you do all of the work....( no one to pass it off on) and that you have to argue with the boss( me) about getting a riase. I argue with me all the time. I keep telling myself I need a raise but the boss in me tells me I can't afford it..too many bills to pay and too much needed to be saved for more tools.Oh well...same old story...Just My Thoughts

Puppy Love

This year, 2009 marks the 40th anniversary of my graduation from Albemarle Senior High School ( as it was called when I went there..now just Albemarle High School) I was thinking of the times I spent in school and it reminded me of my first experience of what most call puppy love. I guess when you enter Junior High ( again as it was called when I was in school..now Middle School) anyway as I was saying when I entered Junior High..I started to feel I was "growing up" and to stop being a kid and become more of an adult. So I guess I started getting more serious about life in general. I was in Mrs. Iveys home room in Junior High. That is when we made new friends, kids from the other grade schools combined to make Junior High. Well there was this cute little blonde that I had a crush on....Janice..and I did everything I could think of to get her to notice me. Showing off..cutting up..whatever it took to try to "impress" her....well guess what? After a while she started to notice me. We didn't talk directly, just a smile and and a look and so forth. Anyway later on in the school year..there was a dance...and My sister Cindy and Janice's siter Faye decided that I should ask Janice to this dance. Well being shy when it came to asking someone out..I just couldn't bring myself to do that until Faye told Cindy that Janice "liked me"! So I felt a little more confident and I asked her to the dance..and she agreed to go. I got all ready that evening and took her to that dance...and then I made a boo boo....instead of sitting with her..I sat with the boys.....I guess I hadn't really grown up yet. My sister kept telling me " ask her to dance" which I finally did....I also messed up when I brought Janice some cake and dropped it into her lap accidentally....I felt so bad......I can't really remember much other than that BUT I am sure Janice did that evening. When Mother drove us to Janice's house ( on that rainy night) Janice ran so fast to her house, opened the door and ran in before I could say much....I appologized for being such a fool and so forth..not sure she heard any of it. But as I said I am sure Janice remembered that night longer than I did. So Janice IF you ever read this, even though it is some 45+ years later I am so sorry for what I did and hurting you. I was jsut a scared little boy, trying to be a man and I didn't know how to handle it at the time. I guess you have forgotten it by now but it has always been in the back of my mind...You were always a sweet young lady and I was an idiot!

I am sure others had a simulat experience when in Junior High...Even though I am probably the only one dumb enough to share this with anyone else...I know we have all been there. Had a crush on someone and whether they liked us or not..we acted the "fool" trying to impress. Some of us were lucky enough to got to go out with that person..and some of us just looked on from afar......Good or bad..it is an experience no one will ever forget..even though at the time it happened..you wished you could! I guess it is just a part of growing up. Just my thoughts.