Besides, some parents don't pay diddly squat for their children's college.  I paid for every cent of mine through loans and the wee tiny Ohio Pell Grant of $56 a quarter (which probably paid for ONE textbook)  ;D

BTW Erin, the meatloaf was fabulous!  Even hubby liked it and he doesn't like Meatloaf.  Woot!


If you could take a vacation anywhere in the world (all expenses paid) where would you go?

Besides, some parents don't pay diddly squat for their children's college.  I paid for every cent of mine through loans and the wee tiny Ohio Pell Grant of $56 a quarter (which probably paid for ONE textbook)  ;D

BTW Erin, the meatloaf was fabulous!  Even hubby liked it and he doesn't like Meatloaf.  Woot!


If you could take a vacation anywhere in the world (all expenses paid) where would you go?



ohh.....I'm SO glad that it turned out good! YAY!! :)

To be honest with you....if it was an all expense paid thing....I would just really love to get an RV and take a whole summer travelling around the US. I really want to drive the entire Rt. 66 and take in all of the neat roadside attractions (what ones are left)....take pictures, etc. That would be a dream come true to me.
I would also really like to visit Italy. I have ancestors from there, and I would like to find out exactly where they were from, and go visit.

ohh.....I'm SO glad that it turned out good! YAY!! :)

To be honest with you....if it was an all expense paid thing....I would just really love to get an RV and take a whole summer travelling around the US. I really want to drive the entire Rt. 66 and take in all of the neat roadside attractions (what ones are left)....take pictures, etc. That would be a dream come true to me.
I would also really like to visit Italy. I have ancestors from there, and I would like to find out exactly where they were from, and go visit.


They would welcome you with open arms and a bottle of vino, italians are the best :)

Q. Do you miss your childhood?

They would welcome you with open arms and a bottle of vino, italians are the best :)

Q. Do you miss your childhood?



yes, I miss my childhood terribly.  I am the type of person that lives in the past SO much, that sometimes I get depressed because there is no way I could ever go back. If a time machine were to be invented...I would definitely go back and never want to return to present day.

What's your favorite part during the 80's?

What's your favorite part during the 80's?



well...since most of the 80's was my childhood/pre-teens....I would have to say family memories. We used to go on some great vacations to the ocean, we'd do family things every weekend (bowling, rollerskating, going out to dinner, game night, etc). My parents always tried real hard to make our childhood special. We were never rich (moneywise)...but were very rich in other ways. :)

well...since most of the 80's was my childhood/pre-teens....I would have to say family memories. We used to go on some great vacations to the ocean, we'd do family things every weekend (bowling, rollerskating, going out to dinner, game night, etc). My parents always tried real hard to make our childhood special. We were never rich (moneywise)...but were very rich in other ways. :)



Did you meet your husband during the 80's? ???

Did you meet your husband during the 80's? ???



No Howard...I only met my husband like 5 years ago. :)

yes, I miss my childhood terribly.  I am the type of person that lives in the past SO much, that sometimes I get depressed because there is no way I could ever go back. If a time machine were to be invented...I would definitely go back and never want to return to present day.


I sometimes feel like that too,it's like when we were kids all we wanted was to grow up and now what i wouldn't give to be a kid again :(

No Howard...I only met my husband like 5 years ago. :)


I thought it was during the 80's.

I sometimes feel like that too,it's like when we were kids all we wanted was to grow up and now what i wouldn't give to be a kid again :(


Yes, that's SO true. I remember when I was young...I totally wanted to be older...and now, I'd give anything to go back. Have you ever seen the movie, "13 Going on 30?"....it reminds me so much of that...it's one of my favorite movies...if you haven't seen it....rent it! :)



I thought it was during the 80's.



no Howard....from 1980 to 1989...I was only 3-12 years old....not nearly old enough to marry someone!! :D ;D ;)

Yes, that's SO true. I remember when I was young...I totally wanted to be older...and now, I'd give anything to go back. Have you ever seen the movie, "13 Going on 30?"....it reminds me so much of that...it's one of my favorite movies...if you haven't seen it....rent it! :)


I watched that for one reason...Mark Rufallo :-* :-* :-*

Oh the Thriller dance, best scene on that movie  :D

I watched that for one reason...Mark Rufallo :-* :-* :-*

Oh the Thriller dance, best scene on that movie  :D





a BIG karma for you girlie...Mark Ruffalo is my favorite actor....he is SO damn hot!!! ;)

a BIG karma for you girlie...Mark Ruffalo is my favorite actor....he is SO damn hot!!! ;)

Karma back 'cause you got good taste in men ;)

Karma back 'cause you got good taste in men ;)


WOOO WOOO!!! :D ;D

Yes, that's SO true. I remember when I was young...I totally wanted to be older...and now, I'd give anything to go back. Have you ever seen the movie, "13 Going on 30?"....it reminds me so much of that...it's one of my favorite movies...if you haven't seen it....rent it! :)

I've been reading this thread from the beginning and could've sworn I'd posted in it. Can't believe I never have till now (when I saw the 13 Going On 30 mention, I couldn't resist). :)

Just so I can ask a question and not just ramble like I tend to: Do you think that was a pretty believable storyline for how it might go if you could actually do that? I do. Even little things like Jenna's reaction to Eminem wanting an answer on the phone ("Plain! Umm, peanut?!") were good attention to detail. Of course her seeing the error of her ways with Matt was very realistic too.


I can vouch for the flipping in thinking when you're a certain age as well. When I was younger and I'd complain about some aspect of being a kid (i.e. not having certain freedom, not being taken seriously, being stereotyped by "the adults" as still being into toys, etc), people older than me would often remind me about how great it is to be young and that you'll miss it someday. I used to think it was crazy talk. Not that I didn't believe them, but I just assumed it was their personal opinions and thought: well yeah, you might miss being a kid, but that doesn't mean I will.

I may have missed the past prior when I was younger, but not for being the actual age I was. Like when I was 12 in 1994, I missed certain '80s stuff itself, but I sure wasn't having nostalgia over being age 5, lol. :D However, once that started happening to me (probably around 19-21 - I hated suddenly being older than a teen when it seemed like just yesterday that high schoolers would've perceived me as some little kid), everything I'd heard from the older people suddenly made perfect sense.

I guess the moral of the story being not to let life pass you by 'cause chances are you'll miss it when it's over.

I've been reading this thread from the beginning and could've sworn I'd posted in it. Can't believe I never have till now (when I saw the 13 Going On 30 mention, I couldn't resist). :)

Just so I can ask a question and not just ramble like I tend to: Do you think that was a pretty believable storyline for how it might go if you could actually do that? I do. Even little things like Jenna's reaction to Eminem wanting an answer on the phone ("Plain! Umm, peanut?!") were good attention to detail. Of course her seeing the error of her ways with Matt was very realistic too.


I can vouch for the flipping in thinking when you're a certain age as well. When I was younger and I'd complain about some aspect of being a kid (i.e. not having certain freedom, not being taken seriously, being stereotyped by "the adults" as still being into toys, etc), people older than me would often remind me about how great it is to be young and that you'll miss it someday. I used to think it was crazy talk. Not that I didn't believe them, but I just assumed it was their personal opinions and thought: well yeah, you might miss being a kid, but that doesn't mean I will.

I may have missed the past prior when I was younger, but not for being the actual age I was. Like when I was 12 in 1994, I missed certain '80s stuff itself, but I sure wasn't having nostalgia over being age 5, lol. :D However, once that started happening to me (probably around 19-21 - I hated suddenly being older than a teen when it seemed like just yesterday that high schoolers would've perceived me as some little kid), everything I'd heard from the older people suddenly made perfect sense.

I guess the moral of the story being not to let life pass you by 'cause chances are you'll miss it when it's over.



Yes, I think it was a great depiction as to how it would be if one was taken back in time.  I could really relate to that movie, in how she felt when she was younger...and then how she ended up feeling when she was older. My very favorite part of the movie was when she was older and she was so overwhelmed by her "adult life"....that the only thing she could do was run home to her parent's house and hide in the closet and cry. I thought it was so sweet when she climbed in bed with her parents...and then the next morning, her mom was making breakfast for her. I can so relate to that. Some days when I feel so very overwhelmed with my "grown-up" life....just the thought of the comfort of my parent's house....in the bedroom that I grew up in, and had so many memories in....it just sooths my soul (as cheesy as it may sound). I remember one time recently...I was at my parent's house...and I didn't feel good at all. So...I asked my mom if she minded that I take a warm bath (of course she was like..."no, why would I mind?")....and then I snuggled in the bed in my old bedroom....it was so comforting to me...and probably the best sleep I've had in a long time. :)

Yes, I think it was a great depiction as to how it would be if one was taken back in time.  I could really relate to that movie, in how she felt when she was younger...and then how she ended up feeling when she was older. My very favorite part of the movie was when she was older and she was so overwhelmed by her "adult life"....that the only thing she could do was run home to her parent's house and hide in the closet and cry. I thought it was so sweet when she climbed in bed with her parents...and then the next morning, her mom was making breakfast for her. I can so relate to that. Some days when I feel so very overwhelmed with my "grown-up" life....just the thought of the comfort of my parent's house....in the bedroom that I grew up in, and had so many memories in....it just sooths my soul (as cheesy as it may sound). I remember one time recently...I was at my parent's house...and I didn't feel good at all. So...I asked my mom if she minded that I take a warm bath (of course she was like..."no, why would I mind?")....and then I snuggled in the bed in my old bedroom....it was so comforting to me...and probably the best sleep I've had in a long time. :)


Oh, you mean like in your actual old room? Yeah, I can completely see how you'd feel there (and it's not cheesy at all - I mean I feel that way about something as insignificant as listening to a tape that, say my parents recorded). I guess the key thing in all this is, whatever it is, if it's been a part of your "history", then that's special to you.

Unfortunately I could never do that with any of my childhood houses, since we've moved around (albeit mostly within the Bay Area and within, say 100-110 miles, but enough to be significant) and I didn't get into the townhouse complex we're in now till I was 14 (and not in this unit till I was 19). I used to even find it strange how most people lived in one house for a long time. It wasn't till I got older that I started realizing it was us that were different, lol.

Oh I agree about the movie too. I think she began to realize (in the original, natural history) she'd became a different person at the very moment she rejected Matt and made her way into the "Six chicks" crowd with Lucy, etc. Towards the end, you could tell all she wanted was another chance at life and rejected what had become of her. Of course, in real life, unfortunately once you realize a life lesson like that, time has already passed, which makes us long even more for the chance to do something like that over again. I guess that's the magic of "time travel" fantasies.

I know you. I even know that the weather tomorrow will be snowy! You'll even get a "wintry mix" tomorrow night.

I know you. I even know that the weather tomorrow will be snowy! You'll even get a "wintry mix" tomorrow night.


Especially here In New York.

Oh, you mean like in your actual old room? Yeah, I can completely see how you'd feel there (and it's not cheesy at all - I mean I feel that way about something as insignificant as listening to a tape that, say my parents recorded). I guess the key thing in all this is, whatever it is, if it's been a part of your "history", then that's special to you.

Unfortunately I could never do that with any of my childhood houses, since we've moved around (albeit mostly within the Bay Area and within, say 100-110 miles, but enough to be significant) and I didn't get into the townhouse complex we're in now till I was 14 (and not in this unit till I was 19). I used to even find it strange how most people lived in one house for a long time. It wasn't till I got older that I started realizing it was us that were different, lol.

Oh I agree about the movie too. I think she began to realize (in the original, natural history) she'd became a different person at the very moment she rejected Matt and made her way into the "Six chicks" crowd with Lucy, etc. Towards the end, you could tell all she wanted was another chance at life and rejected what had become of her. Of course, in real life, unfortunately once you realize a life lesson like that, time has already passed, which makes us long even more for the chance to do something like that over again. I guess that's the magic of "time travel" fantasies.



Yes, it was in my actual old bedroom, however, we only lived in that house from the time I was 17 years old.....the house I grew up in from the time I was around 4, was in a town about 20 minutes away. My parents were renting that place at the time, and they really wanted to buy their own house...so they found a nice house the summer before my senior year of high school. We moved, but I didn't want to transfer to a different school...so I gave my grandma's address (she happened to live in the same town as our old house)...and I drove to school everyday.

Yes, regarding the "time travel" fantasies....I have been thinking about that SO much more lately...wishing that it was a possibility. Have you ever seen the movie, "Somewhere In Time?" If not, you definitely have to see it. It deals with time travel, and it stars Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymor....very good movie. :)

I know you. I even know that the weather tomorrow will be snowy! You'll even get a "wintry mix" tomorrow night.



Well, thank you Mr. Weatherman! ;)

How do you balance your day? ???

How do you balance your day? ???



Well Howard, my day usually doesn't consist of much right now. I am home during the day with Vaughn, while Chris is at work. I clean (laundry, floors, dusting, organizing, etc), try to occupy Vaughn with things to do, post on here some, etc. Then...Chris comes home from work around 3:30-4:00....and some of the days I go to work around 5:00. I only work about 3-4 days per week...I only wanted a part-time job right now. Once Vaughn starts kindergarten (this fall), I will hopefully have a different job (a daylight job, that pays more). I am gonna try to get a job within a local school district...that way I will have evenings/weekends/holidays/summer off. So...that's about it. On weekends, I work sometimes....and other times...I do things with my family.  My life isn't really busy or demanding at all.

Well Howard, my day usually doesn't consist of much right now. I am home during the day with Vaughn, while Chris is at work. I clean (laundry, floors, dusting, organizing, etc), try to occupy Vaughn with things to do, post on here some, etc. Then...Chris comes home from work around 3:30-4:00....and some of the days I go to work around 5:00. I only work about 3-4 days per week...I only wanted a part-time job right now. Once Vaughn starts kindergarten (this fall), I will hopefully have a different job (a daylight job, that pays more). I am gonna try to get a job within a local school district...that way I will have evenings/weekends/holidays/summer off. So...that's about it. On weekends, I work sometimes....and other times...I do things with my family.  My life isn't really busy or demanding at all.


Do you have any friends with whom you hang out with when you're not so busy?

Do you have any friends with whom you hang out with when you're not so busy?



Sadly, I don't really have friends which I go out with.  I am so close with my family (always have been)...that anytime I go out, it's usually with Chris....or with my mom, or with Beth.

Sadly, I don't really have friends which I go out with.  I am so close with my family (always have been)...that anytime I go out, it's usually with Chris....or with my mom, or with Beth.


I'm sorry to hear that,You can call me up and we could go out for a cup of coffee in Philadelphia. ;D

I'm sorry to hear that,You can call me up and we could go out for a cup of coffee in Philadelphia. ;D



well Howard....I live far from Philly....about 5 hours or more.  I live near Pittsburgh (about 45 minutes away). But...if I lived closer...I would meet ya for a cup of joe. :)

well Howard....I live far from Philly....about 5 hours or more.  I live near Pittsburgh (about 45 minutes away). But...if I lived closer...I would meet ya for a cup of joe. :)


Sorry,you don't live in New York.

Sorry,you don't live in New York.


I've never even been to New York...I'd like to visit one day.

I've never even been to New York...I'd like to visit one day.


I'd sure like to have you come here.  :)

I'd sure like to have you come here.  :)



I would like to come around Christmas time someday....that would be very festive.

I would like to come around Christmas time someday....that would be very festive.


We'll plan in 10 months. ;D

We'll plan in 10 months. ;D



Well...I'm not sure I would be planning a trip for THIS Christmas...but if I do, I'll let you know...you can show us around the city. :)

Well...I'm not sure I would be planning a trip for THIS Christmas...but if I do, I'll let you know...you can show us around the city. :)



Great,I'm looking forward to it. :)

Yes, it was in my actual old bedroom, however, we only lived in that house from the time I was 17 years old.....the house I grew up in from the time I was around 4, was in a town about 20 minutes away. My parents were renting that place at the time, and they really wanted to buy their own house...so they found a nice house the summer before my senior year of high school. We moved, but I didn't want to transfer to a different school...so I gave my grandma's address (she happened to live in the same town as our old house)...and I drove to school everyday.

Yes, regarding the "time travel" fantasies....I have been thinking about that SO much more lately...wishing that it was a possibility. Have you ever seen the movie, "Somewhere In Time?" If not, you definitely have to see it. It deals with time travel, and it stars Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymor....very good movie. :)


Ah, gotcha. :)

While it wasn't your childhood, it's time enough ago to have some nostalgia over. Yeah, I don't blame you for giving your grandma's address to stay in the same school (basically, students have to live in the same district they go to school in. In the mid '90s, when we were moving around alot, that became a problem. Luckily, my school at the time, stretched the rules for a few months until we got settled). I know it's hard to "start over" by way of changing schools, from personal experience.



No, never seen Somewhere In Time actually, but I've heard good things about it.

Yeah, it's a bummer that it takes a lifetime to get a lifetime of experience, so by the time it's over, there's not as much you can "do" with it. I've said this many many times before, but I've always maintained that the scary thing about the present is that you don't know what's gonna happen. Whereas in the past, there's a safety because you know how everything turned out and how long things lasted, etc, so there's no potentially nasty surprises waiting around the corner.

Of course the same principle is true in any present. Like when 1987 actually was the current time, it was just as much "the unexpected" as this time is for now. However, if we view it from a 2007 perspective, we know that if we were to time travel back there, we'd have that interceding period of "safety" ahead of us. So, even though we'd eventually end up back in 2007 naturally in 20 years, we'd still have the ability to do things over again, while having the upper hand of future knowledge, so it would seem less worryful in that regard, ya know?

Am I totally geeking out here, or does that make some sense? :D

Ah, gotcha. :)

While it wasn't your childhood, it's time enough ago to have some nostalgia over. Yeah, I don't blame you for giving your grandma's address to stay in the same school (basically, students have to live in the same district they go to school in. In the mid '90s, when we were moving around alot, that became a problem. Luckily, my school at the time, stretched the rules for a few months until we got settled). I know it's hard to "start over" by way of changing schools, from personal experience.



No, never seen Somewhere In Time actually, but I've heard good things about it.

Yeah, it's a bummer that it takes a lifetime to get a lifetime of experience, so by the time it's over, there's not as much you can "do" with it. I've said this many many times before, but I've always maintained that the scary thing about the present is that you don't know what's gonna happen. Whereas in the past, there's a safety because you know how everything turned out and how long things lasted, etc, so there's no potentially nasty surprises waiting around the corner.

Of course the same principle is true in any present. Like when 1987 actually was the current time, it was just as much "the unexpected" as this time is for now. However, if we view it from a 2007 perspective, we know that if we were to time travel back there, we'd have that interceding period of "safety" ahead of us. So, even though we'd eventually end up back in 2007 naturally in 20 years, we'd still have the ability to do things over again, while having the upper hand of future knowledge, so it would seem less worryful in that regard, ya know?

Am I totally geeking out here, or does that make some sense? :D



No, it makes total sense to me. I totally see what you are getting at. It's funny how life can go by and we just take the little moments for granted. We do the same thing in the current year. In 20 years, we will look back at 2007, and say, "wow, I wish I could go back to then and relive such and such experience."

It's never the monumental things from the past that I find myself missing...it's always the very small, usually unnoticeable things from that era...that I wish I could go back to relive. It's a certain scent (the smell of my strawberry shortcake doll that I received for Christmas), a certain feel (being curled up under a homemade quilt at my grandparent's house, while staying overnight and watching the Miss USA pageant), it's the certain taste (the slushy grape or cherry flavor of my Snoopy Sno-cone machine), the certain sound (hearing the neighborhood kids outside early in the morning during the summer, riding their bikes and announcing that it was time to start the play day), and it's the certain sights (running down the steps on Christmas morning...seeing the tree lit, and all of the presents that Santa left for us kids).  As I grow older, I become more and more appreciative of the little things that dotted my past.

What did you do when the site was down for 2 days?

What did you do when the site was down for 2 days?



I watched the rest of my Season 1 DVD set of the TV show, "The Ghost Whisperer".....I went to bed earlier than usual....I hung out with Beth, and I worked. :)

I watched the rest of my Season 1 DVD set of the TV show, "The Ghost Whisperer".....I went to bed earlier than usual....I hung out with Beth, and I worked. :)


At least you kept yourself busy.I just went to other messageboards to keep myself active.

At least you kept yourself busy.I just went to other messageboards to keep myself active.



that's cool. 8)

No, it makes total sense to me. I totally see what you are getting at. It's funny how life can go by and we just take the little moments for granted. We do the same thing in the current year. In 20 years, we will look back at 2007, and say, "wow, I wish I could go back to then and relive such and such experience."

It's never the monumental things from the past that I find myself missing...it's always the very small, usually unnoticeable things from that era...that I wish I could go back to relive. It's a certain scent (the smell of my strawberry shortcake doll that I received for Christmas), a certain feel (being curled up under a homemade quilt at my grandparent's house, while staying overnight and watching the Miss USA pageant), it's the certain taste (the slushy grape or cherry flavor of my Snoopy Sno-cone machine), the certain sound (hearing the neighborhood kids outside early in the morning during the summer, riding their bikes and announcing that it was time to start the play day), and it's the certain sights (running down the steps on Christmas morning...seeing the tree lit, and all of the presents that Santa left for us kids).  As I grow older, I become more and more appreciative of the little things that dotted my past.


Yeah, it's amazing how little things can stay with you for years, like the fragment of a conversation or what you were feeling or thinking at a certain moment.

It's funny, but I can remember talking to one of my teachers in Sixth grade in like 1994 (as I often did). We were discussing movies (like we both liked Ernest and Steve Martin stuff) and I said how I'd seen Goes To Jail in the theatres a few years before and things like that. She joked with me about how amazed she was that "a kid" could remember all these years or events with detail. But, like I've mentioned on here before, aside from the fact that I've always been pretty intellectual and pop culturally observant, when you also move around alot or experience tragedy that alot of people don't see until later in life (i.e. grandparents dying of "natural causes"), that I believe "ages" you quicker in terms of what you'll miss. You can also differentiate the years quicker.


I get the impression kids in the past didn't have as much to back then, so Baby Boomers for instance, tend to be more dismissive about the claims of people like me being nostalgic for our "childhood/under 12" years. Like my mom was born in 1954 and doesn't apparently remember much of anything culturally happening before the Beatles. Both her and my uncle (1952) and their peers thought of Elvis and anything else of that Fifties era as freakin' ancient when they were teens in the late 1960s, lol.

I sometimes worry about how hard it will be for people like us to really get to the other side of the age fence. Since I've been so used to everyone who defined my early life being "older than me", I think it'll be really sad to see people of that age dying or becoming less relevant to society towards the end of my life. Or at the very least, memories building on top of even more memories. For this very reason, I try not to dump on the present time so much, because it'll be gone someday too. And plus, this is still sorta "my time", so I'd like to enjoy my relatively young life with some fondness before it's over. ;)

Yeah, it's amazing how little things can stay with you for years, like the fragment of a conversation or what you were feeling or thinking at a certain moment.

It's funny, but I can remember talking to one of my teachers in Sixth grade in like 1994 (as I often did). We were discussing movies (like we both liked Ernest and Steve Martin stuff) and I said how I'd seen Goes To Jail in the theatres a few years before and things like that. She joked with me about how amazed she was that "a kid" could remember all these years or events with detail. But, like I've mentioned on here before, aside from the fact that I've always been pretty intellectual and pop culturally observant, when you also move around alot or experience tragedy that alot of people don't see until later in life (i.e. grandparents dying of "natural causes"), that I believe "ages" you quicker in terms of what you'll miss. You can also differentiate the years quicker.


I get the impression kids in the past didn't have as much to back then, so Baby Boomers for instance, tend to be more dismissive about the claims of people like me being nostalgic for our "childhood/under 12" years. Like my mom was born in 1954 and doesn't apparently remember much of anything culturally happening before the Beatles. Both her and my uncle (1952) and their peers thought of Elvis and anything else of that Fifties era as freakin' ancient when they were teens in the late 1960s, lol.

I sometimes worry about how hard it will be for people like us to really get to the other side of the age fence. Since I've been so used to everyone who defined my early life being "older than me", I think it'll be really sad to see people of that age dying or becoming less relevant to society towards the end of my life. Or at the very least, memories building on top of even more memories. For this very reason, I try not to dump on the present time so much, because it'll be gone someday too. And plus, this is still sorta "my time", so I'd like to enjoy my relatively young life with some fondness before it's over. ;)



you make a lot of really good points there.  I think I have taken after my mom a lot. She was born in 1948, and she lives in the past, like I do. She constantly talks about how things were when she was young...I enjoy hearing her stories. I too, hate to see the day when the "older" folks fade away....I am very fortunate to still have a complete set of grandparents on one side...and a grandma on the other side, alive.  I love to listen to their stories about when they were growing up....and I get sick to my stomach when thoughts of them passing away enters my mind. It's so hard because they are all in their upper 70's-early 80's....and they could literally go at anytime. I dread the day that I receive a phone call from my parent's telling me of their passing....I am so close with my family, and my whole life consists so much of reminiscing of times from the past, that included all of these family members.  It's also so sad whenever you hear about an old-time actor/actress/singer/performer/etc. passing away....it's like the real classics of the entertainment world are becoming a mere memory, and I hate that. I am such a sentimental person, so attached to little things. I take everything personally, and because of that particular trait, it's always been hard for me to deal with any sort of change. I think that is why the fact that I turned 30 this year has been monumental to some extreme for me....it has just hit me that I am getting older, and so are all of the people that have raised me and cared for me.  It's so strange though....I look at myself and still see a girl who likes to still watch cartoons, and sob in my pillow when I'm having a bad day....sometimes I just cannot believe that the years are finally catching up to me.

O_O I haven't read the last page of this thread. The posts are so long!

O_O I haven't read the last page of this thread. The posts are so long!



LOL...that's usually what seems to happen whenever Marty and I engage in discussions! :D ;D

you make a lot of really good points there.  I think I have taken after my mom a lot. She was born in 1948, and she lives in the past, like I do. She constantly talks about how things were when she was young...I enjoy hearing her stories. I too, hate to see the day when the "older" folks fade away....I am very fortunate to still have a complete set of grandparents on one side...and a grandma on the other side, alive.  I love to listen to their stories about when they were growing up....and I get sick to my stomach when thoughts of them passing away enters my mind. It's so hard because they are all in their upper 70's-early 80's....and they could literally go at anytime. I dread the day that I receive a phone call from my parent's telling me of their passing....I am so close with my family, and my whole life consists so much of reminiscing of times from the past, that included all of these family members.  It's also so sad whenever you hear about an old-time actor/actress/singer/performer/etc. passing away....it's like the real classics of the entertainment world are becoming a mere memory, and I hate that. I am such a sentimental person, so attached to little things. I take everything personally, and because of that particular trait, it's always been hard for me to deal with any sort of change. I think that is why the fact that I turned 30 this year has been monumental to some extreme for me....it has just hit me that I am getting older, and so are all of the people that have raised me and cared for me.  It's so strange though....I look at myself and still see a girl who likes to still watch cartoons, and sob in my pillow when I'm having a bad day....sometimes I just cannot believe that the years are finally catching up to me.


I totally agree. I'm a softie myself and I'll freely admit it. Even very insignificant things, like recording over something that I'll never get to see again and wondering about it, knowing I can never have it back. That can sadden me too, as silly as it sounds.

On this seemingly random note, if you ever wondered why I like Jerry Springer, it's NOT because of his trashy show that everyone associates him with, it's because of some of the emotional, poetic, personal family stories similar to this extent which he's shared (in his book, he recounted some of the things he'd said on the air as a news anchor before he was "famous"). Like about his parents and how they immigrated to the U.S. when he was a kid and all they meant to him. There was one he did right after they died, for instance. The first time I read some of that, it touched me and I identified with it so much and wished everyone had the chance to hear this "real" side of him.



You know what's weird about the age thing is that it happens faster than it used to, I think. When I was a kid and even into my early teens, I had this picture of the Twenties as being like Wayne's World or Pauly Shore-esque "party on dude" types. You know, that Generation X likable slacker type. When I was 10, I thought of guys in their teens and 20s as like "older buddies/cousins". It wasn't just from fictional movies either, like I had babysitters at that age who were similar to that too.

So of course I naturally thought that's what I would be like as I got older. Well I am now the age they were then, and while I'm both intellectual and kinda surfer dude-esque at the same time, lol - it seems like my generation got older really fast (perhaps as the result of being so ahead of the curve as kids in a cutting edge tech world, it made us burn out faster too, lol). The reason that saddens me is that in a certain sense, I feel like there's nothing left except the sadder side of aging and getting older.

One upside to past generations staying kids longer was that they probably got into things at an older age too. I mean my dad was well into his Forties in the '80s and liked some of the music and played Nintendo games with me (heck, he got into it before I did, lol). Didn't act like this picture of one of the "old geezers", despite being more my authority figure (and my mom is/was more my friend and he was the entertainer). I can't see myself doing that in 30 years. They always looked to the future when they were younger too and weren't as dwelling on their kid world as we are.

I can only imagine what we'll all say when we're 80 or 90. We'll sound like great great great great grandparents, since I sounded like a grandpa by like 17-19. ;D

I totally agree. I'm a softie myself and I'll freely admit it.

On this seemingly random note, if you ever wondered why I like Jerry Springer, it's NOT because of his trashy show that everyone associates him with, it's because of some of the emotional, poetic, personal family stories similar to this extent which he's shared (in his book, he recounted some of the things he'd said on the air as a news anchor before he was "famous"). Like about his parents and how they immigrated to the U.S. when he was a kid and all they meant to him. There was one he did right after they died, for instance. The first time I read some of that, it touched me and I identified with it so much and wished everyone had the chance to hear this "real" side of him.



You know what's weird about the age thing is that it happens faster than it used to, I think. When I was a kid and even into my early teens, I had this picture of the Twenties as being like Wayne's World or Pauly Shore-esque "party on dude" types. You know, that Generation X likable slacker type. When I was 10, I thought of guys in their teens and 20s as like "older buddies/cousins". It wasn't just from fictional movies either, like I had babysitters at that age who were similar to that too.

So of course I naturally thought that's what I would be like as I got older. Well I am now the age they were then, and while I'm both intellectual and kinda surfer dude-esque at the same time, lol - it seems like my generation got older really fast (perhaps as the result of being so ahead of the curve as kids in a cutting edge tech world, it made us burn out faster too, lol). The reason that saddens me is that in a certain sense, I feel like there's nothing left except the sadder side of aging and getting older.

One upside to past generations staying kids longer was that they probably got into things at an older age too. I mean my dad was well into his Forties in the '80s and liked some of the music and played Nintendo games with me (heck, he got into it before I did, lol). Didn't act like this picture of one of the "old geezers", despite being more my authority figure (and my mom is/was more my friend and he was the entertainer). I can't see myself doing that in 30 years. They always looked to the future when they were younger too and weren't as dwelling on their kid world as we are.

I can only imagine what we'll all say when we're 80 or 90. We'll sound like great great great great grandparents, since I sounded like a grandpa by like 17-19. ;D



Yes, it's strange sometimes. I mean, I still feel like I am a teenager myself, and here I am 30, raising a child. I was just talking to Beth the other day about raising Vaughn....and I was thinking to the future of when Vaughn will be a teenager himself...I just cannot fathom the thought that a teenager will be in my house, being raised by me....it's so odd to think of that. He will be 5 in May...and the years are going by so quickly...it will be here before I know it.  I wonder...will I still be this kid at heart at the age of 40....or will I have "grown up" since then?  The generations are just so different...I mean, it seems like some parents nowadays (I even find myself guilty of this), since they seem to act younger, and some just are younger....seem to treat their kids as young siblings instead of their offspring. Sometimes I find myself joking around with Vaughn like he's my little brother, instead of me being the parent figure (like I will call him a butthead, and stuff like that...just in a joking manner)....it's so strange. I'm glad that you seem to understand all the stuff I am talking about..it's nice to have someone who can understand/relate. :)

^Yeah, I get where you're coming from.

I've jokingly always said that I hope my kid's mom will take care of the discipline and I'll just be the fun and cool dad, lol. But on a serious note, as long as kids are respectful and are raised with good enough values, I think it's cool for parents to be like older friends to them. Just as long as the kids can still differentiate and not abuse the privilidge, realizing they're in charge. That's how mine were.

Surprisngly, I've also seen the reverse scenario occur too - like teen babysitters or older siblings talking down to younger kids and being like parents, so it all depends on the person.

P.S. In the other "Photos" thread, I might've been tongue in cheek about the Amy Grant reference, but you honestly do remind me of her a bit (from what I can gather from her videos and what I've heard) -- fun and goofy/cool in sort of an innoncent way, but also caring and sweet.

I know I made all these celebrity comparisons, but whenever I do it, it's kinda true. ;)

^Yeah, I get where you're coming from.

I've jokingly always said that I hope my kid's mom will take care of the discipline and I'll just be the fun and cool dad, lol. But on a serious note, as long as kids are respectful and are raised with good enough values, I think it's cool for parents to be like older friends to them. Just as long as the kids can still differentiate and not abuse the privilidge, realizing they're in charge. That's how mine were.

Surprisngly, I've also seen the reverse scenario occur too - like teen babysitters or older siblings talking down to younger kids and being like parents, so it all depends on the person.

P.S. In the other "Photos" thread, I might've been tongue in cheek about the Amy Grant reference, but you honestly do remind me of her a bit (from what I can gather from her videos and what I've heard) -- fun and goofy/cool in sort of an innoncent way, but also caring and sweet.

I know I made all these celebrity comparisons, but whenever I do it, it's kinda true. ;)



oh hey....that's cool that you compared me to Amy Grant...I've always thought she seemed like a nice, pretty, and down to earth girl.  It's kind of refreshing to be compared to someone other than Ricki Lake! :D ;D

oh hey....that's cool that you compared me to Amy Grant...I've always thought she seemed like a nice, pretty, and down to earth girl.  It's kind of refreshing to be compared to someone other than Ricki Lake! :D ;D


;D

I like Ricki too (although being the talk show geek I am, you probably already knew that, lol), but I can see how it would get old being compared to her time and over again.

VH1 used to air Amy's videos all the time around 1991 and I'd remembered always being a teeny bit jealous of the guys who played her "boyfriend", lol (i.e the dude in the laundromat in "Every Heartbeat", or in "Baby Baby", it was actually her real life husband at the time). But seriously, I think that innocent and fun appeal in anyone is nice.

;D

I like Ricki too (although being the talk show geek I am, you probably already knew that, lol), but I can see how it would get old being compared to her time and over again.

VH1 used to air Amy's videos all the time around 1991 and I'd remembered always being a teeny bit jealous of the guys who played her "boyfriend", lol (i.e the dude in the laundromat in "Every Heartbeat", or in "Baby Baby", it was actually her real life husband at the time). But seriously, I think that innocent and fun appeal in anyone is nice.



Oh yes, I remember that video to, "Every Heartbeat"....I like that song, and the video was pretty neat, as well.  Yes, she was married to Gary Chapman--Christian singer...although he has had a lot of drug problems on and off. She seems to have found her soulmate in Vince Gill now though.

Oh yes, I remember that video to, "Every Heartbeat"....I like that song, and the video was pretty neat, as well.  Yes, she was married to Gary Chapman--Christian singer...although he has had a lot of drug problems on and off. She seems to have found her soulmate in Vince Gill now though.


Yeah, I've heard the same thing. Good for her, he's a nice guy from the little bits I've heard. Despite me not liking much country, he has a couple ballads I sort of got into in the earlier '90s (i.e. "Whenever You Come Around").

Honestly, the pop charts in the first half of the '90s had alot of '80s lite music like this which was "cute and fun". It sounds so innocent now. Sort of "Let's Hear It For The Boy", updated a little.

How do you get along with sister?

O_O I haven't read the last page of this thread. The posts are so long!


Yeah,You're right. :o

How do you get along with sister?



Well Beth (midnightdarkness on the boards) and I get along wonderfully. I've always considered her to be a best friend, as well as my sister. Now, on the other hand, my other sister Brandy....we are civil to one another...but, we have never really seen eye to eye.  She acts like she is owed something from our family and claims that nobody ever does anything for her....well, I am raising her child for her. ::)

Does Brandy ever want to consider joining Decades?

Does Brandy ever want to consider joining Decades?



no, she doesn't know anything about it...nor does she have a computer at her house.

Well Beth (midnightdarkness on the boards) and I get along wonderfully. I've always considered her to be a best friend, as well as my sister. Now, on the other hand, my other sister Brandy....we are civil to one another...but, we have never really seen eye to eye.  She acts like she is owed something from our family and claims that nobody ever does anything for her....well, I am raising her child for her. ::)


Maybe I'm forgetting 'cause I haven't read the entire thread in some time, but I know you've said you view Vaughn as your biological son at times. Is she involved in his life at all? I believe you once said he sorta knows the difference now, but also isn't totally clear on it too.

BTW, I had a friend awhile ago (he was my age or just a couple years younger) who lived with his uncle, who'd also raised him, and he referred to him as "dad". So that's actually not that uncommon, and I commend you for doing that.

out of all the 'personal" threads...this one is the most fascinating.
gotta go back and read more.

Maybe I'm forgetting 'cause I haven't read the entire thread in some time, but I know you've said you view Vaughn as your biological son at times. Is she involved in his life at all? I believe you once said he sorta knows the difference now, but also isn't totally clear on it too.

BTW, I had a friend awhile ago (he was my age or just a couple years younger) who lived with his uncle, who'd also raised him, and he referred to him as "dad". So that's actually not that uncommon, and I commend you for doing that.



Yes, Vaughn has been with us for like 3 years now. We are currently seeking legal guardianship for him (beings that we have to get him registered for kindergarten this spring...and we will need proof that we have custody of him and such).  He does see his parents...not as much as he probably should...but he does see them every few weeks or so.  He usually calls us "aunt" and "uncle"...but he always says, "you're my mommy & daddy."  I believe that he does know the difference, as he is almost 5...and has been putting the pieces together over the past year or so. We've gone through a lot with him....it has to be hard for him..in his mind, perhaps thinking and questioning why the situation is how it is. The reality of it is that my sister is in no way, shape, or form responsible enough to take care of a human being...she can barely take care of herself. I only hope that she never has another child (with her new husband)...because I am sure that would break Vaughn's heart. I really wish that Chris and I could full out adopt him and just move away...but I don't see that ever happening. His "parents" are selfish and want "their cake and eat it too"....the whole thing makes me sad. All I know is that in our eyes...he is our son. :)

out of all the 'personal" threads...this one is the most fascinating.
gotta go back and read more.




awww..thanks Kay!  :-*

awww..thanks Kay!  :-*


well, everyone is honest here and it's nice to hear about the sisters and it makes me think about myself.

who knew!?

well, everyone is honest here and it's nice to hear about the sisters and it makes me think about myself.

who knew!?



yes, I've always been pretty much an open book, once someone initially asks the question. :)

The reality of it is that my sister is in no way, shape, or form responsible enough to take care of a human being...she can barely take care of herself. I only hope that she never has another child (with her new husband)...because I am sure that would break Vaughn's heart. I really wish that Chris and I could full out adopt him and just move away...but I don't see that ever happening. His "parents" are selfish and want "their cake and eat it too"....the whole thing makes me sad. All I know is that in our eyes...he is our son. :)



In all honesty Erin, and this may sound harsh and if so I apologize, but all you and Chris have ever done is do what is best for that little boy.  If what is best for that little boy is for the both of you to legally adopt him, then you should do it.  Your sister and her new husband can still see him and be a part of his life, but they shouldn't be able to "have their cake and eat it too".  That's not fair to him, and it certainly isn't fair to you or Chris.  You both have gone above and beyond for her and Vaughn.  You and Chris are acting in loco parentis, not them.  You make the decisions about his life, not them.  You even said they only see him but every few weeks or so. 

It makes me sad too, because it's obvious to everyone here how much you love that child.

because it's obvious to everyone here how much you love that child.


ditto. well said.

In all honesty Erin, and this may sound harsh and if so I apologize, but all you and Chris have ever done is do what is best for that little boy.  If what is best for that little boy is for the both of you to legally adopt him, then you should do it.  Your sister and her new husband can still see him and be a part of his life, but they shouldn't be able to "have their cake and eat it too".  That's not fair to him, and it certainly isn't fair to you or Chris.  You both have gone above and beyond for her and Vaughn.  You and Chris are acting in loco parentis, not them.  You make the decisions about his life, not them.  You even said they only see him but every few weeks or so. 

It makes me sad to, because it's obvious to everyone here how much you love that child.



Yes, I totally agree with you Beth...but the problem with it is that both biological parents have to agree on the adoption...and there's no way either of them would ever do that.  And, for me to prove that they are "unfit" parents would probably be somewhat hard. I mean, neither of them have every done anything that would cause physical harm to Vaughn, or anything that was in anyway documented, etc. They have both been decent to him, paid me child support, offered health insurance (from his dad), etc.  But the fact of the matter is that WE are the ones that do everything for him. We tuck him in at night, we read him stories, we make sure he has wonderful clothes/toys, we are there for him when he is sick, and the list goes on and on.  The thing that pisses me off the most is that my sister Brandy actually has the nerve to take offense whenever Vaughn calls her "Brandy"..instead of "mommy"....I mean, the nerve!  She has NO right getting mad, she is the one that has created this situation which confuses the hell out of Vaughn.  Sometimes he calls her mommy and other times he calls her Brandy....(although I think he only calls her mommy just to humor her...because onetime he made the comment, "Brandy, mommy, what am I supposed to call her?"....the whole thing makes me sick...I don't know how 2 people could ever give up such a beautiful child, and then have the nerve to take offense whenever the child doesn't call them "mom"or "dad"...ridiculous.

ditto. well said.




with all of my heart...I do.

with all of my heart...I do.


i know, honey.

Yes, Vaughn has been with us for like 3 years now. We are currently seeking legal guardianship for him (beings that we have to get him registered for kindergarten this spring...and we will need proof that we have custody of him and such).  He does see his parents...not as much as he probably should...but he does see them every few weeks or so.  He usually calls us "aunt" and "uncle"...but he always says, "you're my mommy & daddy."  I believe that he does know the difference, as he is almost 5...and has been putting the pieces together over the past year or so. We've gone through a lot with him....it has to be hard for him..in his mind, perhaps thinking and questioning why the situation is how it is. The reality of it is that my sister is in no way, shape, or form responsible enough to take care of a human being...she can barely take care of herself. I only hope that she never has another child (with her new husband)...because I am sure that would break Vaughn's heart. I really wish that Chris and I could full out adopt him and just move away...but I don't see that ever happening. His "parents" are selfish and want "their cake and eat it too"....the whole thing makes me sad. All I know is that in our eyes...he is our son. :)


That sucks she had that attitude, and I know enough about people like that to think she probably won't change that quickly. But for your guys' sake it would be nice if she did and I hope it can happen someday.

Yeah, that sounds right. I think about 6 and a half is when people's memories reach "adult" level, in the sense they'll remember it for the rest of their lives, but 4 and 5 year olds are smart enough to get the "idea" of how the world works too. Like, I used to think moms and dads had to be married to have a kid - I always got confused if someone said they married after they had kids, lol. This was when I was like under 10 or 11. I imagine he feels the same in terms of understanding it, like halfway grasping it.

What's his biological dad like, and what does he think of the situation? Is he just as bad as she is?

with all of my heart...I do.



There's no way you and Chris would be doing what you're doing if you didn't.  And you're a better person than I.  If my sister had a child and I was forced to raise him/her because she was unfit and she did to me what Brandy has done to you, I'd cut her out of my life and only see her for the sake of the child.  That says more about you than it does about me, sadly.  Really....it shows the quality of person you are that in spite of all this, you still have somewhat of a relationship with her. 

That sucks she had that attitude, and I know enough about people like that to think she probably won't change that quickly. But for your guys' sake it would be nice if she did and I hope it can happen someday.

Yeah, that sounds right. I think about 6 and a half is when people's memories reach "adult" level, in the sense they'll remember it for the rest of their lives, but 4 and 5 year olds are smart enough to get the "idea" of how the world works too. Like, I used to think moms and dads had to be married to have a kid - I always got confused if someone said they married after they had kids, lol. This was when I was like under 10 or 11. I imagine he feels the same in terms of understanding it, like halfway grasping it.

What's his biological dad like, and what does he think of the situation? Is he just as bad as she is?



His dad is not the greatest of guys.  He has never harmed Vaughn and I truly believe that he loves Vaughn...but he has a violent temper...and he would never get custody of Vaughn, probably because of this. He used to hit my sister...and he has caused physical pain on some of his other girlfriends as well. He is really calm with Vaughn though, but I still don't trust him 100%. When he does see Vaughn, he is at his mother's (Vaughn's grandma) house.....she usually takes Vaughn once a month or so.

His dad is not the greatest of guys.  He has never harmed Vaughn and I truly believe that he loves Vaughn...but he has a violent temper...and he would never get custody of Vaughn, probably because of this. He used to hit my sister...and he has caused physical pain on some of his other girlfriends as well. He is really calm with Vaughn though, but I still don't trust him 100%. When he does see Vaughn, he is at his mother's (Vaughn's grandma) house.....she usually takes Vaughn once a month or so.


Sounds like a loser, if there's anything I despise, it's a guy who would put his hands on a woman, regardless of the reason.

But yeah, I echo the sentiments of everyone else. Whether it's biological or not, you're his "parents" in spirit. I have a feeling, even if she were to turn her life around and want to take him back (unlikely based on what I've heard), Vaughn himself would be happiest staying with you guys. In fact, it would probably be hard on him to "start over" with people he doesn't really know that well either now or in the future.

There's no way you and Chris would be doing what you're doing if you didn't.  And you're a better person than I.  If my sister had a child and I was forced to raise him/her because she was unfit and she did to me what Brandy has done to you, I'd cut her out of my life and only see her for the sake of the child.  That says more about you than it does about me, sadly.  Really....it shows the quality of person you are that in spite of all this, you still have somewhat of a relationship with her. 



Well, we had an incident the other day concerning her....and I am really pissed at her right now. She has not had Vaughn over her house in weeks...so she said that she would watch him this past Monday because Chris and I had a meeting to go to.  So we dropped him off around 4:30. So, around 9:00 at night she apparently calls my mom crying and bitching and moaning, asking when we were gonna come pick Vaughn up...because she was tired and had to go to work at 6 am the next morning. ::) >:(  Um...Chris gets up every morning at 5:30 to go to work....so, I don't know why she was acting all crazy.  And granted, she was acting like a loon in front of Vaughn...real nice.  So, we hurried over and got him around 9:30 (the meeting was letting out anyway)...I was SO mad, I didn't say anything to her, because if I would have opened my mouth...I wouldn't have been able to stop yelling.  So, on the way out, I said, "oh, sorry to inconvenience you"...in a real sarcastic way. I have decided that she is not going to see him for a LONG time now...and everytime she wants to see him, I will make up an excuse as to why she can't.

Sounds like a loser, if there's anything I despise, it's a guy who would put his hands on a woman, regardless of the reason.

But yeah, I echo the sentiments of everyone else. Whether it's biological or not, you're his "parents" in spirit. I have a feeling, even if she were to turn her life around and want to take him back (unlikely based on what I've heard), Vaughn himself would be happiest staying with you guys. In fact, it would probably be hard on him to "start over" with people he doesn't really know that well either now or in the future.



Yes, and that's the point....it's all in the best interest for HIM.  But, my sister never takes his interest as the best.  She always wants to have her fun...her "me time" (exact quotes from her).  When she was trying to raise Vaughn (and doing a crappy job at it)...my mom tried to convince her to go on medication (she has ADHD really bad)...but she wouldn't....her reply was..."I'm not ready to do that".....but now since she has remarried..her husband wanted her to get on it (because she is impossible to deal with)....and for him, she said yes.  Her son wasn't a good enough reason to get on meds...but her husband is....well, we found out that she hasn't been taking her meds..so she is a real basket case again...when she's on them, she is pretty good...but she just quit cold turkey....and I guess she's unbearable now.  She has always put others ahead of Vaughn though....I remember on his 2nd birthday (that we had at our house)....he was getting ready to blow out his candles on his b-day cake, and she got a phone call from her boyfriend (the flavor of the week, I like to say)....and she went outside and missed him blowing out his candles...oh, and she didn't even get him anything for his b-day. Man, I could go on and on telling you stories about how crappy she is. She will NEVER get him back...over my dead body.

Yes, I totally agree with you Beth...but the problem with it is that both biological parents have to agree on the adoption...and there's no way either of them would ever do that.  And, for me to prove that they are "unfit" parents would probably be somewhat hard. I mean, neither of them have every done anything that would cause physical harm to Vaughn, or anything that was in anyway documented, etc. They have both been decent to him, paid me child support, offered health insurance (from his dad), etc.  But the fact of the matter is that WE are the ones that do everything for him. We tuck him in at night, we read him stories, we make sure he has wonderful clothes/toys, we are there for him when he is sick, and the list goes on and on.  The thing that pisses me off the most is that my sister Brandy actually has the nerve to take offense whenever Vaughn calls her "Brandy"..instead of "mommy"....I mean, the nerve!  She has NO right getting mad, she is the one that has created this situation which confuses the hell out of Vaughn.  Sometimes he calls her mommy and other times he calls her Brandy....(although I think he only calls her mommy just to humor her...because onetime he made the comment, "Brandy, mommy, what am I supposed to call her?"....the whole thing makes me sick...I don't know how 2 people could ever give up such a beautiful child, and then have the nerve to take offense whenever the child doesn't call them "mom"or "dad"...ridiculous.


Yeah, I've heard about Brandy being offended about the little things, but she sure isn't doing anything to show her love towards Vaughn. She even skips out on occasions when she says she'll take him out! It makes me mad. >:-{

Yes, and that's the point....it's all in the best interest for HIM.  But, my sister never takes his interest as the best.  She always wants to have her fun...her "me time" (exact quotes from her).  When she was trying to raise Vaughn (and doing a crappy job at it)...my mom tried to convince her to go on medication (she has ADHD really bad)...but she wouldn't....her reply was..."I'm not ready to do that".....but now since she has remarried..her husband wanted her to get on it (because she is impossible to deal with)....and for him, she said yes.  Her son wasn't a good enough reason to get on meds...but her husband is....well, we found out that she hasn't been taking her meds..so she is a real basket case again...when she's on them, she is pretty good...but she just quit cold turkey....and I guess she's unbearable now.  She has always put others ahead of Vaughn though....I remember on his 2nd birthday (that we had at our house)....he was getting ready to blow out his candles on his b-day cake, and she got a phone call from her boyfriend (the flavor of the week, I like to say)....and she went outside and missed him blowing out his candles...oh, and she didn't even get him anything for his b-day. Man, I could go on and on telling you stories about how crappy she is. She will NEVER get him back...over my dead body.

Oh, she cares more about some random dude than her own flesh and blood son? That's dispicable. I'm now getting a better picture of what your situation is really like - I don't mean to talk sh*t about someone I don't even know, but people who refuse to put their own lives on hold for their kids really piss me off.

Although I think it's good that you've got at least a sorta amicable relationship with her, and I probably would try to do that too, I completely agree. If I was you, I'd never let her have him back either. He sounds like a great kid from what I can tell and it's obvious you care more about him than his "Parents" do.

Yeah, I've heard about Brandy being offended about the little things, but she sure isn't doing anything to show her love towards Vaughn. She even skips out on occasions when she says she'll take him out! It makes me mad. >:-{



yes...it makes me mad too,Doms.  >:(



Oh, she cares more about some random dude than her own flesh and blood son? That's dispicable. I'm now getting a better picture of what your situation is really like - I don't mean to talk sh*t about someone I don't even know, but people who refuse to put their own lives on hold for their kids really piss me off.

Although I think it's good that you've got at least a sorta amicable relationship with her, and I probably would try to do that too, I completely agree. If I was you, I'd never let her have him back either. He sounds like a great kid from what I can tell and it's obvious you care more about him than his "Parents" do.


I agree with your feelings, totally.  Like I said, I am going to try my best to make up excuses when she asks to see him (not like it's that often).  Yes, Vaughn is a wonderful boy...he is very caring and compassionate.  I was upset yesterday and was having a good cry...he came upstairs and put his arm around me and hugged me...and was asking if I was ok...he's very sweet. :)

^Aww, that's sweet of him. I wish everyone could be like that. :)

Anyway, I'd think once he starts school, that's definitely past the point of no return. I mean, by the time you're 6-7, you're old enough to be "settled" into the world around you. I kinda wonder if it would actually be worse for him to see them once he actually gets old enough to really understand it. You said something about moving away, is that something you'd really consider in the future?

^Aww, that's sweet of him. I wish everyone could be like that. :)

Anyway, I'd think once he starts school, that's definitely past the point of no return. I mean, by the time you're 6-7, you're old enough to be "settled" into the world around you. I kinda wonder if it would actually be worse for him to see them once he actually gets old enough to really understand it. You said something about moving away, is that something you'd really consider in the future?



Yes, if it is possible, and we don't receive tons of slack from both parties....we would love to move down south (maybe N. or S. Carolina...or Georgia). We will have to see what happens, I suppose.  And yes, there could definitely come a time when Vaughn doesn't want to see them....when it all becomes clear to him...it's just so confusing right now..he's still young.

no, she doesn't know anything about it...nor does she have a computer at her house.


So how did your other sister know about Decades?

So how did your other sister know about Decades?



Who, Beth? I told her about it. A few months after I joined, I told her about it...that it was a really fun place, and I had met some cool people...so she decided to join.  She's made some good friends here too....and because of her coming here, she actually met her boyfriend via this site. :)

Who, Beth? I told her about it. A few months after I joined, I told her about it...that it was a really fun place, and I had met some cool people...so she decided to join.  She's made some good friends here too....and because of her coming here, she actually met her boyfriend via this site. :)



Isn't your sister afraid of people talking about her on the boards? ???

Isn't your sister afraid of people talking about her on the boards? ???



who, Brandy? She'd never find out. She has no clue about this website....and she doesn't even have a computer. This kind of stuff wouldn't interest her one bit.

who, Brandy? She'd never find out. She has no clue about this website....and she doesn't even have a computer. This kind of stuff wouldn't interest her one bit.



No I mean Beth.

No I mean Beth.


who talks about her on the boards? I mean, I've heard her name mentioned...but it's always good stuff being said.

who talks about her on the boards? I mean, I've heard her name mentioned...but it's always good stuff being said.



Oh Ok,I was just wondering. ;)

Oh Ok,I was just wondering. ;)



you're silly, Howard. :D

you're silly, Howard. :D


I know I am.

Just thought I'd keep this going and ask if you ever buy anything at Goodwill that you knew you didn't need (maybe it was just, let's say something extra you already have an equivalent of), but got it just 'cause it was there?

I have all the time and just did again this evening. I got another pair of retro black jeans (ironically, despite the '80s clothing comeback, I still see lots of like-minded stuff being donated), as well as a huge CD/double tape boombox. Of course I have enough of those already too, but it was really unique (a perfect working, early CD player one from 1987, which is practically a collectible now!), so I wanted it to have a good home, as corny as that sounds. ;)

I know sometimes you resell things on Ebay. I do this at flea markets if I'm "done" with them.

Just thought I'd keep this going and ask if you ever buy anything at Goodwill that you knew you didn't need (maybe it was just, let's say something extra you already have an equivalent of), but got it just 'cause it was there?

I have all the time and just did again this evening. I got another pair of retro black jeans (ironically, despite the '80s clothing comeback, I still see lots of like-minded stuff being donated), as well as a huge CD/double tape boombox. Of course I have enough of those already too, but it was really unique (a perfect working, early CD player one from 1987, which is practically a collectible now!), so I wanted it to have a good home, as corny as that sounds. ;)

I know sometimes you resell things on Ebay. I do this at flea markets if I'm "done" with them.



oh my yes...just ask my family what a "pack rat" I am! :D ;D  I am like you...when I see something that is a great deal...I never pass it up.  I have bought things that are still sitting in boxes up in the attic (never been unpacked in the 2 years that we've lived here).  I always have the thought in the back of my mind...that the item would probably sell for way more than I bought it at Goodwill.  I look for a lot of vintage/retro stuff for my house there as well.  I have oodles of things that I can thank Goodwill for supplying for me. ;)  I don't get to go as much as I used to (mainly because we only have 1 vehicle right now, and Chris has been taking it to work...so that leaves Vaughn and I at home during the day)...but I think when summer comes...I will be back to going there (as well as many yard sales/flea markets) as well. :) BTW, thanks for continuing on with the questions! :)

oh my yes...just ask my family what a "pack rat" I am! :D ;D  I am like you...when I see something that is a great deal...I never pass it up.  I have bought things that are still sitting in boxes up in the attic (never been unpacked in the 2 years that we've lived here).  I always have the thought in the back of my mind...that the item would probably sell for way more than I bought it at Goodwill.  I look for a lot of vintage/retro stuff for my house there as well.  I have oodles of things that I can thank Goodwill for supplying for me. ;)  I don't get to go as much as I used to (mainly because we only have 1 vehicle right now, and Chris has been taking it to work...so that leaves Vaughn and I at home during the day)...but I think when summer comes...I will be back to going there (as well as many yard sales/flea markets) as well. :) BTW, thanks for continuing on with the questions! :)


No problem, I love these discussions. 8)

Do you normally have your own car, or have you and Chris typically shared the same one?

Yeah, I can relate to the lack of transportation myself. I can drive, but don't have a car or a license (long story short, my peripheral vision sucked too much to pass the DMV tests), so since I get the bus almost everywhere, I can't always get everything.

Of course, as Murphy's Law has it, I tend to always end up running across really good big stuff at a time I can't get a ride. Besides, I think I've bombared my friends with enough random "Whoa dude, I found something, can ya come and get me!?-calls for a lifetime by now. ;D

No problem, I love these discussions. 8)

Do you normally have your own car, or have you and Chris typically shared the same one?

Yeah, I can relate to the lack of transportation myself. I can drive, but don't have a car or a license (long story short, my peripheral vision sucked too much to pass the DMV tests), so since I get the bus almost everywhere, I can't always get everything.

Of course, as Murphy's Law has it, I tend to always end up running across really good big stuff at a time I can't get a ride. Besides, I think I've bombared my friends with enough random "Whoa dude, I found something, can ya come and get me!?-calls for a lifetime by now. ;D



Well, it was my car before it was "our" car. Chris has only been driving for a short while now.....finally after putting it off for so long, he went and got his license...and now he drives ALL the time! ;D :D

Well, it was my car before it was "our" car. Chris has only been driving for a short while now.....finally after putting it off for so long, he went and got his license...and now he drives ALL the time! ;D :D


Oh cool, good for him. :) It's ironic that I mentioned my situation with not driving, unbeknownst to the fact that he was in the same situation as me until recently, lol. Do you guys live in a more rural or a populated area? And how easy/hard is it to get around without a car.

I'm pretty much in suburbia here (San Jose is more like LA than San Francisco, just for an idea), but there's alot to do, even if it's not quite in easy walking distance.

Oh cool, good for him. :) It's ironic that I mentioned my situation with not driving, unbeknownst to the fact that he was in the same situation as me until recently, lol. Do you guys live in a more rural or a populated area? And how easy/hard is it to get around without a car.

I'm pretty much in suburbia here (San Jose is more like LA than San Francisco, just for an idea), but there's alot to do, even if it's not quite in easy walking distance.



ya, that is kinda crazy, huh? :D  Um...we live in a small town...with neighborhoods....a little "main street" with a few stores/library/playhouse/etc...we aren't in walking distance to a "bigger" city...so that's why I usually stay home during the day. Sometimes Vaughn and I will take walks down to town to shop around a bit.

ya, that is kinda crazy, huh? :D  Um...we live in a small town...with neighborhoods....a little "main street" with a few stores/library/playhouse/etc...we aren't in walking distance to a "bigger" city...so that's why I usually stay home during the day. Sometimes Vaughn and I will take walks down to town to shop around a bit.


Oh, that sounds fun. I think since I've always been around big cities (despite never living IN one, we've always been in the suburbs or not too far from onw), there's a certain appeal to small towns, in that it's more laid back/safe, and is insulated from stuff like drive-bys or lots of crime.

Maybe I was getting certain details kinda confused with each other or just forgot, but for some reason, I was thinking you guys were in close proximity to a big city (not, like in it, but within like 20 miles - which I'd say is the cutoff for "suburbs"). I know you've mentioned Pittsburgh before, but is that just the nearest large city?

BTW, ironically, there's quite a few "small townish" towns right near San Francisco. I lived in one called Sausalito briefly in 1985/'86, which had that quaint nature to it, despite being just across the Bay. Like, you could walk around in the daytime and generally not worry. There was even this little quiet park that was almost adjascent to our house at the time. We still have a home video of me doing an Easter Egg Hunt there when I was 4, in Spring of '86. ;)

Oh, that sounds fun. I think since I've always been around big cities (despite never living IN one, we've always been in the suburbs or not too far from onw), there's a certain appeal to small towns, in that it's more laid back/safe, and is insulated from stuff like drive-bys or lots of crime.

Maybe I was getting certain details kinda confused with each other or just forgot, but for some reason, I was thinking you guys were in close proximity to a big city (not, like in it, but within like 20 miles - which I'd say is the cutoff for "suburbs"). I know you've mentioned Pittsburgh before, but is that just the nearest large city?

BTW, ironically, there's quite a few "small townish" towns right near San Francisco. I lived in one called Sausalito briefly in 1985/'86, which had that quaint nature to it, despite being just across the Bay. Like, you could walk around in the daytime and generally not worry. There was even this little quiet park that was almost adjascent to our house at the time. We still have a home video of me doing an Easter Egg Hunt there when I was 4, in Spring of '86. ;)



Pittsburgh is the largest city that we live by (it's about 40 minutes away from us). The next biggest city is Greensburg....which is about 15-20 minutes from us.  It has a population of about 20,000 people, if not more. I grew up in Greensburg....it's a nice town (I call it a town...because compared to Pittsburgh...it's still just a town)....but it has really grown over the last 10 years or so. They have developed so many lands....and we have more than enough shopping malls/etc in the area.

Here's our town's website...if ya wanna check it out.


http://www.scottdale.com/

Here's our town's website...if ya wanna check it out.


http://www.scottdale.com/


Oh, that's cool - it seems like one of those picturesque New England small towns, but still within easy enough access to city stuff.

Sometimes I think I'm spoiled living in a huge metro area, lol.

Oh, that's cool - it seems like one of those picturesque New England small towns, but still within easy enough access to city stuff.

Sometimes I think I'm spoiled living in a huge metro area, lol.



the only drawback...we are very far from the ocean. If you would take my town, and place it near the ocean (like a harbortown)....it would be very very perfect. I really want to live near the ocean one day.

the only drawback...we are very far from the ocean. If you would take my town, and place it near the ocean (like a harbortown)....it would be very very perfect. I really want to live near the ocean one day.


Yeah, especially a warm one. Even though I'm, like 30 miles from the ocean at Santa Cruz, it's the Pacific, which isn't the same. I've always been jealous of my family in Florida since they've got the typical fun in the sun, Summertime warm beaches and all, lol.

But yeah, I agree being near any ocean is nice. It's also usually a little more temperate both ways.

Yeah, especially a warm one. Even though I'm, like 30 miles from the ocean at Santa Cruz, it's the Pacific, which isn't the same. I've always been jealous of my family in Florida since they've got the typical fun in the sun, Summertime warm beaches and all, lol.

But yeah, I agree being near any ocean is nice. It's also usually a little more temperate both ways.


I would like to move down south (maybe N. or S. Carolina)....but one of my favorite places in the US is Savannah, Georgia....it's so beautiful there.

Very Nice website. :)

Very Nice website. :)



oh, do you mean the one of my town that I live in?  Thanks! :)

I would like to move down south (maybe N. or S. Carolina)....but one of my favorite places in the US is Savannah, Georgia....it's so beautiful there.


Sorry, must've logged off last night before I saw this. ;)

Yeah, that's a nice area. I think the "southern Tropical area" probably starts in North Carolina and extends through Florida. I don't know too much about Savannah, but I've heard there's alot of historical stuff around there.

BTW, I've sorta been to this part of the country awhile ago. In one of my fondest early memories, during one of our common family visits to Florida, my parents ended up buying a Corvette, which we drove 3000 miles home to the Bay Area.

Well, we took the Southerm route, going through Georgia, Texas, Arizona, etc. This was when I was small enough to fit into the hatchback (that wouldn't have worked any more than 3 years later ;D ), and we listened to lots of tapes on the way back. Especially when the radio was out of reach of anything besides a staticy country station, lol (Men At Work, and The Police in particular). We also stopped at a miniature golf course early in the trip, so probably it was Georgia.

Sorry, must've logged off last night before I saw this. ;)

Yeah, that's a nice area. I think the "southern Tropical area" probably starts in North Carolina and extends through Florida. I don't know too much about Savannah, but I've heard there's alot of historical stuff around there.

BTW, I've sorta been to this part of the country awhile ago. In one of my fondest early memories, during one of our common family visits to Florida, my parents ended up buying a Corvette, which we drove 3000 miles home to the Bay Area.

Well, we took the Southerm route, going through Georgia, Texas, Arizona, etc. This was when I was small enough to fit into the hatchback (that wouldn't have worked any more than 3 years later ;D ), and we listened to lots of tapes on the way back. Especially when the radio was out of reach of anything besides a staticy country station, lol (Men At Work, and The Police in particular). We also stopped at a miniature golf course early in the trip, so probably it was Georgia.



wow! That sounds like it was a very pleasant and memorable trip that you guys took. I love taking roadtrips.  I really (in the near future...when time & money allows) want to take a summer roadtrip along Rt. 66...clear to California....that would be SO much fun! It would be neat to rent an RV...and do like a "National Lampoon's Vacation" style trip (minus having a dead aunt up on the roof of the vehicle ;))....I think that's why I am so drawn to that movie....because that's always been my kind of thing....the nostalgic car trip in the summer...stopping at all of the neat roadside attractions....I would take that anyday over a cruise, or a trip to Europe. ;) :)

wow! That sounds like it was a very pleasant and memorable trip that you guys took. I love taking roadtrips.  I really (in the near future...when time & money allows) want to take a summer roadtrip along Rt. 66...clear to California....that would be SO much fun! It would be neat to rent an RV...and do like a "National Lampoon's Vacation" style trip (minus having a dead aunt up on the roof of the vehicle ;))....I think that's why I am so drawn to that movie....because that's always been my kind of thing....the nostalgic car trip in the summer...stopping at all of the neat roadside attractions....I would take that anyday over a cruise, or a trip to Europe. ;) :)

Me too. Alot of people have a desire to visit other countries, and I'm not saying I don't have some interest in that maybe someday. But I've also always liked the idea of going all over America (heck, someday I could maybe even stop in every mall, used music store and Goodwill in the country, lol). There's just something fascinating about that to me - I guess 'cause it's kinda new yet familar all at the same time.

As I've probably mentioned on here tons of times, I watched alot of '80s movies in the '90s for the first time. The original Wally World Vacation being one of them. It made disastrous roadtrips seem fun. ;) Then again, back when I first watched it, I was just about the age Rusty was in 1983, and I'd thought, Well if I was actually in the middle of it, it wouldn't quite seem as fun as being secondhand. :D Clark Griswold seems like a cool guy, and kinda reminds me of my dad in the "wild and crazy humor" way, so that's another reason I identifyed with it, I suppose.

Me too. Alot of people have a desire to visit other countries, and I'm not saying I don't have some interest in that maybe someday. But I've also always liked the idea of going all over America (heck, someday I could maybe even stop in every mall, used music store and Goodwill in the country, lol). There's just something fascinating about that to me - I guess 'cause it's kinda new yet familar all at the same time.

As I've probably mentioned on here tons of times, I watched alot of '80s movies in the '90s for the first time. The original Wally World Vacation being one of them. It made disastrous roadtrips seem fun. ;) Then again, back when I first watched it, I was just about the age Rusty was in 1983, and I'd thought, Well if I was actually in the middle of it, it wouldn't quite seem as fun as being secondhand. :D Clark Griswold seems like a cool guy, and kinda reminds me of my dad in the "wild and crazy humor" way, so that's another reason I identifyed with it, I suppose.



I just CANNOT get enough of that movie. I have it on DVD now, so I can watch it anytime I want to.  I also have it on VHS (as a part of a boxed set, featuring...Vacation, European Vacation, and Christmas Vacation). One time it was on TV...and I watched the entire movie....but that wasn't enough...as soon as it was over..I popped in my own copy of it...and watched it again. It's the ONLY movie (well, other than "A Christmas Story") that I can literally watch over and over again...and NEVER get sick of it.  Several years ago, I found the soundtrack to the movie on a record album..on Ebay. I bid on it and won it! I no longer have a record player...but it makes a great collector's item (now if I could only remember where I put the darn thing :D). BTW, Clark reminds me of my dad as well...he was always silly and goofy when we would go on vacation!! ;D

Yes, it would be awesome to visit many different thrift shops all around. When I was in Hilton Head Island, SC this past summer....there were TONS of thrift shops on the island. The cool thing is that most of the people that live there have TONS of money...and the stuff that they donate is excellent, expensive stuff...I got a lot of neat things for very little money. I can't wait to go back (hopefully next year).

I just CANNOT get enough of that movie. I have it on DVD now, so I can watch it anytime I want to.  I also have it on VHS (as a part of a boxed set, featuring...Vacation, European Vacation, and Christmas Vacation). One time it was on TV...and I watched the entire movie....but that wasn't enough...as soon as it was over..I popped in my own copy of it...and watched it again. It's the ONLY movie (well, other than "A Christmas Story") that I can literally watch over and over again...and NEVER get sick of it.  Several years ago, I found the soundtrack to the movie on a record album..on Ebay. I bid on it and won it! I no longer have a record player...but it makes a great collector's item (now if I could only remember where I put the darn thing :D). BTW, Clark reminds me of my dad as well...he was always silly and goofy when we would go on vacation!! ;D

Yes, it would be awesome to visit many different thrift shops all around. When I was in Hilton Head Island, SC this past summer....there were TONS of thrift shops on the island. The cool thing is that most of the people that live there have TONS of money...and the stuff that they donate is excellent, expensive stuff...I got a lot of neat things for very little money. I can't wait to go back (hopefully next year).


Yeah, I've done that before too - rewatching movies even if I've seen it a million times already. For me, movies are like music in that I get repeated enjoyment out of them. I also do it because I've always liked studying or paying attention to little details I may have missed, or even to look at street scenes or a crowd shot (i.e. "Who looked like they were having a good time there?", or "Let's see how many '70s cars were on the road in 1982" - but I'm a total geek in that regard anyway). ;D

That's cool - was your dad always Clark-esque, or just during vacation? My dad has always been the type to be able to entertain people without even trying to. Of course, there was also the (what I later found out to be) unusual extra advantage of him still being into some current pop culture in the '80s. Well, it's unusual for someone who was 50 in 1988 anyway.


Oh yeah, I can even notice a difference with Goodwills condusive to their surrounding neighborhood's wealth around here. There's this one in a more affluent neighborhood (this was the one I went to yesterday), and I usually find the more expensive electronics there and good condition clothes. I even started seeing late '90s DVD players by 2001. Whereas, in the average neighborhoods, you've got the advantage of stuff being cheaper and more on sale, but less treasures (at least on a regular basis).

Yeah, I've done that before too - rewatching movies even if I've seen it a million times already. For me, movies are like music in that I get repeated enjoyment out of them. I also do it because I've always liked studying or paying attention to little details I may have missed, or even to look at street scenes or a crowd shot (i.e. "Who looked like they were having a good time there?", or "Let's see how many '70s cars were on the road in 1982" - but I'm a total geek in that regard anyway). ;D

That's cool - was your dad always Clark-esque, or just during vacation? My dad has always been the type to be able to entertain people without even trying to. Of course, there was also the (what I later found out to be) unusual extra advantage of him still being into some current pop culture in the '80s. Well, it's unusual for someone who was 50 in 1988 anyway.


Oh yeah, I can even notice a difference with Goodwills condusive to their surrounding neighborhood's wealth around here. There's this one in a more affluent neighborhood (this was the one I went to yesterday), and I usually find the more expensive electronics there and good condition clothes. I even started seeing late '90s DVD players by 2001. Whereas, in the average neighborhoods, you've got the advantage of stuff being cheaper and more on sale, but less treasures (at least on a regular basis).



My dad was always kind of quirky/silly....but when we went on vacations...he would be extra Clark-like.  Our family reminded me a bit of the Griswolds....(singing goofy songs during trips, stopping at neat attractions along the way, my siblings and I arguing over stupid things in the backseat, etc).  I will always remember my family vacations though...they stick out in my mind. We would usually end up going to Wildwood, NJ to go to the shore....we would rent a condo and stay like a week or so there...it was always SO much fun walking the boardwalk, flying kites on the beach, swimming in the hotel pools. I will always remember seeing all of the hotel/motel signs lit up at night...some of them were so retro looking, I used to always love looking through the brochures that we collected of Wildwood, because they would feature all of those neat hotels that I would remember seeing when I was there.  We would always end up meeting some kids while we were on vacation, and during the week we would meet up with them and play. One time we met these 2 sisters, Gina and Jana....and we really hit it off with them.....the very ironic thing is that later on, when I was in high school, I realized that I ended up being friends with one of these girls (Gina) that I had not seen since I was very young at the beach....and I brought in a picture of us together at the beach....we couldn't believe that we were friends in high school and that all of us had met prior, in our childhood, on a beach that was about 6+ hours from our hometown! Isn't that neat?! :D

My dad was always kind of quirky/silly....but when we went on vacations...he would be extra Clark-like.  Our family reminded me a bit of the Griswolds....(singing goofy songs during trips, stopping at neat attractions along the way, my siblings and I arguing over stupid things in the backseat, etc).  I will always remember my family vacations though...they stick out in my mind. We would usually end up going to Wildwood, NJ to go to the shore....we would rent a condo and stay like a week or so there...it was always SO much fun walking the boardwalk, flying kites on the beach, swimming in the hotel pools. I will always remember seeing all of the hotel/motel signs lit up at night...some of them were so retro looking, I used to always love looking through the brochures that we collected of Wildwood, because they would feature all of those neat hotels that I would remember seeing when I was there.  We would always end up meeting some kids while we were on vacation, and during the week we would meet up with them and play. One time we met these 2 sisters, Gina and Jana....and we really hit it off with them.....the very ironic thing is that later on, when I was in high school, I realized that I ended up being friends with one of these girls (Gina) that I had not seen since I was very young at the beach....and I brought in a picture of us together at the beach....we couldn't believe that we were friends in high school and that all of us had met prior, in our childhood, on a beach that was about 6+ hours from our hometown! Isn't that neat?! :D


Oh yeah, I love little chance encounters like that. When you met Gina for the second time and you both realized who the other one really was, was it this collective "Whoa, I haven't seen you since we were 6!" thing? For whatever reason, I'm getting a more Great Outdoors picture of your vacations (well, minus the bear scenes, of course). ;D Remember their older son Buck, who met that chick working in the drive-up restaurant (at first she didn't like him)?

Most of our trips were just me and my parents, so at times, it was like I had them more "to myself". Quite a few times, we went with friends of my parents, (usually to Hawaii). On the opposite end, we went to Lake Tahoe a few times 'cause they liked skiing. We took my best friend from Elementary school, who was a great guy (he was 4 years older than me).

Oh yeah, I love little chance encounters like that. When you met Gina for the second time and you both realized who the other one really was, was it this collective "Whoa, I haven't seen you since we were 6!" thing? For whatever reason, I'm getting a more Great Outdoors picture of your vacations (well, minus the bear scenes, of course). ;D Remember their older son Buck, who met that chick working in the drive-up restaurant (at first she didn't like him)?

Most of our trips were just me and my parents, so at times, it was like I had them more "to myself". Quite a few times, we went with friends of my parents, (usually to Hawaii). On the opposite end, we went to Lake Tahoe a few times 'cause they liked skiing. We took my best friend from Elementary school, who was a great guy (he was 4 years older than me).


Yes, we were both very shocked when we realized that we had met when we were young.  She was like, "oh wow...that's my grandpap in the background of the picture!"....it showed she and her sister, and me and my sister playing in the sand together. We remained friends throughout high school, but after we graduated, we parted ways. I heard that she is a teacher now....which I can totally see her as one.

I know I've seen that movie, "The Great Outdoors"...but it's been too long to remember. Did you ever see the movie, "Summer Rental?" I swear, every single movie that featured John Candy...was such a classic. I miss that guy in movies! :-\\

Yes, we were both very shocked when we realized that we had met when we were young.  She was like, "oh wow...that's my grandpap in the background of the picture!"....it showed she and her sister, and me and my sister playing in the sand together. We remained friends throughout high school, but after we graduated, we parted ways. I heard that she is a teacher now....which I can totally see her as one.

I know I've seen that movie, "The Great Outdoors"...but it's been too long to remember. Did you ever see the movie, "Summer Rental?" I swear, every single movie that featured John Candy...was such a classic. I miss that guy in movies! :-\\


That's too bad you lost touch a second time, speaking from experience 'cause I've done this too many times myself (although it's alot easier to look people up now, it's still not the same). I guess if you met a third time, it would be like double nostalgia in a way.

Summer Rental is another favorite. In the early-mid '90s, I got into almost everything John Candy (as well as other faves, like Bill Murray, Chevy Chase, Jim Varney and Steve Martin) did. I think it captures the mid '80s vacation feeling perfectly. Again, I can relate to it personally, since my family is from there.

I was so sad when he passed away too. There's times a famous person dies and you might think "Oh that's too bad", but it doesn't affect you personally really. When he died. it was different. Even though I didn't know him in person, I kinda felt like I did.

That's too bad you lost touch a second time, speaking from experience 'cause I've done this too many times myself (although it's alot easier to look people up now, it's still not the same). I guess if you met a third time, it would be like double nostalgia in a way.

Summer Rental is another favorite. In the early-mid '90s, I got into almost everything John Candy (as well as other faves, like Bill Murray, Chevy Chase, Jim Varney and Steve Martin) did. I think it captures the mid '80s vacation feeling perfectly. Again, I can relate to it personally, since my family is from there.

I was so sad when he passed away too. There's times a famous person dies and you might think "Oh that's too bad", but it doesn't affect you personally really. When he died. it was different. Even though I didn't know him in person, I kinda felt like I did.



Yes, I felt the same way when he passed away...he made SO many great movies...it was such a shame. I felt the same way when John Ritter passed away...I cried for days...and I couldn't watch Three's Company for a long time after that...it made me too sad to see him in his younger/healthier days.

Now that you bring up John Candy...it would be fun to have a "John Candy" movie marathon....I'll have to round up a bunch of his movies and do that sometime. Do you still work at Blockbuster?  I just recently joined the Blockbuster Online....it's very similiar to Netflix..but I like that you can return the movies at the store instead of always sending them in, etc.

Yes, I felt the same way when he passed away...he made SO many great movies...it was such a shame. I felt the same way when John Ritter passed away...I cried for days...and I couldn't watch Three's Company for a long time after that...it made me too sad to see him in his younger/healthier days.

Now that you bring up John Candy...it would be fun to have a "John Candy" movie marathon....I'll have to round up a bunch of his movies and do that sometime. Do you still work at Blockbuster?  I just recently joined the Blockbuster Online....it's very similiar to Netflix..but I like that you can return the movies at the store instead of always sending them in, etc.


I oughta do that sometime - I have most of his movies. Yeah, I have two jobs at the moment, that being one of them (at least for the time being - I have some dental bills to pay off, for instance). Yeah, we're promoting the hell out of that program, and it's something I'd use myself too.

You know something? I did the same thing concerning John Candy too. In March of '94, I remember being at my dad's apartment (my parents were in a "casual, friendly separation" for a couple years) when my mom came to pick me up, and inadvertantly told me about it. Now, I've never really told too many people before since I figured it might sound corny, but I told them I was going out for a walk around the complex - which was true. While it wasn't full-blown crying, but I did it a little bit just out of the shock and sadness of it. It's one of those situations where you're first in shock, then denial then sadness. For the next few days, I was in a perpetual state of sadness over it.

I oughta do that sometime - I have most of his movies. Yeah, I have two jobs at the moment, that being one of them (at least for the time being - I have some dental bills to pay off, for instance). Yeah, we're promoting the hell out of that program, and it's something I'd use myself too.

You know something? I did the same thing concerning John Candy too. In March of '94, I remember being at my dad's apartment (my parents were in a "casual, friendly separation" for a couple years) when my mom came to pick me up, and inadvertantly told me about it. Now, I've never really told too many people before since I figured it might sound corny, but I told them I was going out for a walk around the complex - which was true. While it wasn't full-blown crying, but I did it a little bit just out of the shock and sadness of it. It's one of those situations where you're first in shock, then denial then sadness. For the next few days, I was in a perpetual state of sadness over it.



I know what you mean...it's so sad when someone who you are attached to (via great movies that they make) passes away...especially at such a young age. Even the movies that he played "bit parts" in (Home Alone, National Lampoon's Vacation, etc) were better due to him being apart of the movie.

Do you get free rentals since you work at Blockbuster?  Since we've moved to our current home, there isn't one that is in our area (the closest one is in Greensburg..about 15-20 minutes away).  A few of them have actually closed down around here...are they still going strong in your area?

I know what you mean...it's so sad when someone who you are attached to (via great movies that they make) passes away...especially at such a young age. Even the movies that he played "bit parts" in (Home Alone, National Lampoon's Vacation, etc) were better due to him being apart of the movie.

Do you get free rentals since you work at Blockbuster?  Since we've moved to our current home, there isn't one that is in our area (the closest one is in Greensburg..about 15-20 minutes away).  A few of them have actually closed down around here...are they still going strong in your area?

Yeah, I think some of his best parts were the special appearences (heck, I bet his dorky Wally World security guard role in Vacation ended up helping get him lead roles in movies that followed. 1985-1993 was his peak, and if he had lived, probably would have continued).

Yeah, a few BB's have closed around here too, but most are still around. It's a bummer when any place like that closes, even if you never went in personally. Seeing it in its last days is always sad, or right after, since it's like Hey, this is where tons of people used to congregate, now it's this cold empty building. I know I'm sappily nostalgic in that way, but it's true.

Yeah, I think some of his best parts were the special appearences (heck, I bet his dorky Wally World security guard role in Vacation ended up helping get him lead roles in movies that followed. 1985-1993 was his peak, and if he had lived, probably would have continued).

Yeah, a few BB's have closed around here too, but most are still around. It's a bummer when any place like that closes, even if you never went in personally. Seeing it in its last days is always sad, or right after, since it's like Hey, this is where tons of people used to congregate, now it's this cold empty building. I know I'm sappily nostalgic in that way, but it's true.



See, I am the same way though. We had this great mall near us (Greengate Mall)...I used to work there when I was younger...and they recently tore it down to build yet another Walmart complex plaza. I miss that old mall SO much....I spent many days of my growing up years at that mall...and I feel very nostalgic about it as well.  I absolutely hate when they tear down a great building to make way for yet another crappy Walmart (like we don't already have enough of those around  ::)).

See, I am the same way though. We had this great mall near us (Greengate Mall)...I used to work there when I was younger...and they recently tore it down to build yet another Walmart complex plaza. I miss that old mall SO much....I spent many days of my growing up years at that mall...and I feel very nostalgic about it as well.  I absolutely hate when they tear down a great building to make way for yet another crappy Walmart (like we don't already have enough of those around  ::)).


Yeah, if you have personal ties to some place, you can feel the loss even more. Almost like a room in your house burning down or something. For instance, lots of Wherehouses (local music/video chain) in San Jose eventually all went out of business. And every time I go by one of them, it's a slap in the face reminder which jolts me into how the times are changing. Heck, I even feel bad when individual mall stores close, to say nothing of the whole mall.

Mass corporatization has killed or weakened alot of the mom and pop-type places. These are often superior to chains, both in selection and general atmosphere. Such as generally nicer people working there who are more communal - I guess this is one reason I've always tried so hard to be friendly and a cool guy with everyone, working in retail myself.

I started noticing a change in this by the late '90s. Like, up until then, there were more small businessess, and less teardowns and renovations of older buildings and such. An average '90s street or shopping center looks pretty modern but less developed, and with more of a variety of restaurants and shops. In that regard, 1985 still wasn't that old in 1995, yet a decade ago is actually quite old-school if you think about what's gone now. :\'(

Sure, I can understand a few new Wal Marts and McDonalds cropping up here and there, but not on every corner. For better or worse, that scene from Austin Powers II, The Spy Who Shagged Me isn't that far off now (i.e. Dr. Evil's headquarters being a Starbucks, lol).:D

I'm glad you can see my perspective on this, cause lots of people have laughed me out of the room practically when I talk nostalgia or missing stuff (i.e. the "but you're so young..." bit). Although I now understand how they would say this from their perspective, because my parents as well as other people a bit older have said they never felt sad/nostalgic for the past until they were in their 30s or probably 40s really. Whereas I felt it as early as 12, and especially once I got out of high school.

Maybe kids just didn't have as much to do back then (i.e. the Baby Boomers), and we had more places we went to, as well as pop cultural memories in our earlier days, I dunno?

oh, do you mean the one of my town that I live in?  Thanks! :)


What do you like about Scottsdale?

Yeah, if you have personal ties to some place, you can feel the loss even more. Almost like a room in your house burning down or something. For instance, lots of Wherehouses (local music/video chain) in San Jose eventually all went out of business. And every time I go by one of them, it's a slap in the face reminder which jolts me into how the times are changing. Heck, I even feel bad when individual mall stores close, to say nothing of the whole mall.

Mass corporatization has killed or weakened alot of the mom and pop-type places. These are often superior to chains, both in selection and general atmosphere. Such as generally nicer people working there who are more communal - I guess this is one reason I've always tried so hard to be friendly and a cool guy with everyone, working in retail myself.

I started noticing a change in this by the late '90s. Like, up until then, there were more small businessess, and less teardowns and renovations of older buildings and such. An average '90s street or shopping center looks pretty modern but less developed, and with more of a variety of restaurants and shops. In that regard, 1985 still wasn't that old in 1995, yet a decade ago is actually quite old-school if you think about what's gone now. :\'(

Sure, I can understand a few new Wal Marts and McDonalds cropping up here and there, but not on every corner. For better or worse, that scene from Austin Powers II, The Spy Who Shagged Me isn't that far off now (i.e. Dr. Evil's headquarters being a Starbucks, lol).:D

I'm glad you can see my perspective on this, cause lots of people have laughed me out of the room practically when I talk nostalgia or missing stuff (i.e. the "but you're so young..." bit). Although I now understand how they would say this from their perspective, because my parents as well as other people a bit older have said they never felt sad/nostalgic for the past until they were in their 30s or probably 40s really. Whereas I felt it as early as 12, and especially once I got out of high school.

Maybe kids just didn't have as much to do back then (i.e. the Baby Boomers), and we had more places we went to, as well as pop cultural memories in our earlier days, I dunno?



I know what you mean. Sometimes I drive up this highway (route 30)...and I can't believe how things have changed over the years. They have torn down so many different stores...and put other stores in their place (not very great stores either).  Sometimes I like to think and try to remember all of the stores that used to be in our local mall....there were so many neat ones. Such a shame they are gone now.

What do you like about Scottsdale?



It's Scottdale, Howard...there's no "s" in the middle. ;)  Anyway...it's an ok town...kind of boring...but it will do for now. Like I said...I really want to live near the ocean someday.

I know what you mean. Sometimes I drive up this highway (route 30)...and I can't believe how things have changed over the years. They have torn down so many different stores...and put other stores in their place (not very great stores either).  Sometimes I like to think and try to remember all of the stores that used to be in our local mall....there were so many neat ones. Such a shame they are gone now.


Oh yeah, have you noticed the reconstruction of malls or other buildings is often so gradual that you slowly adjust to it one piece at a time? And you can't remember smaller details of its old self. Like, sometimes I'll try and think of what was around in a certain place prior to what's there now, and compare where stuff is in relation to how it looked before, etc. and I'm no longer even totally clear on it. That's sad.

It's Scottdale, Howard...there's no "s" in the middle. ;)  Anyway...it's an ok town...kind of boring...but it will do for now. Like I said...I really want to live near the ocean someday.


Where else would you want to live besides Pennsylvania? ???

^ It may have gotten buried, but she said North/South Carolina or Georgia earlier in the thread.

^ It may have gotten buried, but she said North/South Carolina or Georgia earlier in the thread.


It must be warmer over there?

It must be warmer over there?



Yes Howard, those are Southern states.

^ It may have gotten buried, but she said North/South Carolina or Georgia earlier in the thread.



Yes...thank you for reposting that! ;)  I really do love Pennsylvania...but I am due for a change sometime in my life.

Oh yeah, have you noticed the reconstruction of malls or other buildings is often so gradual that you slowly adjust to it one piece at a time? And you can't remember smaller details of its old self. Like, sometimes I'll try and think of what was around in a certain place prior to what's there now, and compare where stuff is in relation to how it looked before, etc. and I'm no longer even totally clear on it. That's sad.


yes...I hate that.  I do have a fairly good memory though....however, sometimes when someone happens to mention a particular place that existed...I sometimes get my memory jogged about that particular place being there.  I used to go to the laundromat (before we had our own washer/dryer), and they had this neato colored map (with caricature drawings of buildings and such) on the wall...it was from the early to mid 1980's....and it was so neat to look and see what places were there at the time...I had literally forgotten a few of them.  It brought back a lot of neat memories.

Yes...thank you for reposting that! ;)  I really do love Pennsylvania...but I am due for a change sometime in my life.



Come to New York,It's busier over here.

Come to New York,It's busier over here.



I'd like to move somewhere a bit warmer....and by the ocean.

I'd like to move somewhere a bit warmer....and by the ocean.



But New York's warm during the spring and summer.

But New York's warm during the spring and summer.


I wouldn't mind visiting there...but I would rather move down south someday.

I wouldn't mind visiting there...but I would rather move down south someday.


Good Choice.

yes...I hate that.  I do have a fairly good memory though....however, sometimes when someone happens to mention a particular place that existed...I sometimes get my memory jogged about that particular place being there.  I used to go to the laundromat (before we had our own washer/dryer), and they had this neato colored map (with caricature drawings of buildings and such) on the wall...it was from the early to mid 1980's....and it was so neat to look and see what places were there at the time...I had literally forgotten a few of them.  It brought back a lot of neat memories.


Hey, that's another thing I've always loved - maps. :)

Weird as it sounds, I always sorta had a hobby of reading them over and looking at, say all possible routes to get somewhere, measuring distance, landmarks, or just a good overall view of places I'm familar with. Yeah, I like checking out older oles and comparing them to how a place looks now. In a way, that's as close as we'll get to actually having a time machine and walking around our old neighborhood, ala Back To The Future.

BTW, that's funny about the laundromat thing, because it was the same story for us. When I first moved into this apartment complex with my dad (mom didn't move in with us until, like a year later) and our previous washer had kicked the bucket, I always hauled the stuff across the street to wash it. At least we had a working dryer from our roommate at the time, but I got so used to the "back and forth" routine by the time we'd gotten a new W/D, that I almost missed it. Almost.;D Usually I'd bring a boombox over there while I was waiting, or read some magazines or something.

P.S. That laundromat is now a Subway (the shopping center got a facelift in '03, speaking of all that).

Hey, that's another thing I've always loved - maps. :)

Weird as it sounds, I always sorta had a hobby of reading them over and looking at, say all possible routes to get somewhere, measuring distance, landmarks, or just a good overall view of places I'm familar with. Yeah, I like checking out older oles and comparing them to how a place looks now. In a way, that's as close as we'll get to actually having a time machine and walking around our old neighborhood, ala Back To The Future.

BTW, that's funny about the laundromat thing, because it was the same story for us. When I first moved into this apartment complex with my dad (mom didn't move in with us until, like a year later) and our previous washer had kicked the bucket, I always hauled the stuff across the street to wash it. At least we had a working dryer from our roommate at the time, but I got so used to the "back and forth" routine by the time we'd gotten a new W/D, that I almost missed it. Almost.;D Usually I'd bring a boombox over there while I was waiting, or read some magazines or something.

P.S. That laundromat is now a Subway (the shopping center got a facelift in '03, speaking of all that).



I know what you mean about laundromats....I freakin' LOVE them! We are quite silly, huh? :D ;D  I don't know what it is....but for some reason, they are especially cozy to me.  I used to love going there when it was cold and snowy outside...and sitting there watching TV, while hearing the sounds of the dryers in the background.  The one I was talking about (that has that map)...also, has a few older arcade games....it's fun to play a few of them while waiting for your clothes to get finished. :)

I know what you mean about laundromats....I freakin' LOVE them! We are quite silly, huh? :D ;D  I don't know what it is....but for some reason, they are especially cozy to me.  I used to love going there when it was cold and snowy outside...and sitting there watching TV, while hearing the sounds of the dryers in the background.  The one I was talking about (that has that map)...also, has a few older arcade games....it's fun to play a few of them while waiting for your clothes to get finished. :)


Your laundromat had a TV? Cool - was it like a communal one up front or something?

Yeah, at first I detested hauling our clothes over and back (I usually "borrowed" a shopping cart for that, lol), but over time I got used to it and it almost became like a part of my routine I looked forward to in a weird way. I even sometimes had smalltalk conversations with other people who were doing the same thing. Not like the guy and girl reading the "shyness" books simutaneously and having the laundry fight in Amy Grant's "Every Heartbeat" video, but it was a kinda social hangout nonetheless. Sometimes I took homework in there with me too - sure was easier doing it there with less distractions anyway. :D

Back in 1996, mine didn't have any extra luxuries, but I'm pretty sure that place was there in the actual '80s, so I wouldn't be surprised if it had some Pac Man machines or something at the time. Lots of that stuff was hanging around in the '90s too, but I remember almost every place had video games then.

To use a BTTF example again, remember in Part III when Marty was target shooting at the town square dance? And the gun salesman asked him "Hey man, just where'd you learn to shoot like that?" and he says, "7-Eleven". ;)

Your laundromat had a TV? Cool - was it like a communal one up front or something?

Yeah, at first I detested hauling our clothes over and back (I usually "borrowed" a shopping cart for that, lol), but over time I got used to it and it almost became like a part of my routine I looked forward to in a weird way. I even sometimes had smalltalk conversations with other people who were doing the same thing. Not like the guy and girl reading the "shyness" books simutaneously and having the laundry fight in Amy Grant's "Every Heartbeat" video, but it was a kinda social hangout nonetheless. Sometimes I took homework in there with me too - sure was easier doing it there with less distractions anyway. :D

Back in 1996, mine didn't have any extra luxuries, but I'm pretty sure that place was there in the actual '80s, so I wouldn't be surprised if it had some Pac Man machines or something then. Lots of that stuff was hanging around in the '90s too, but I remember almost every place had video games in the old days. To use a BTTF example again, remember in Part III when Marty was target shooting at the town square dance? And the gun salesman asked him "Hey man, just where'd you learn to shoot like that?" and he says, "7-Eleven". ;)



Yes....actually all of the laundromats I've been in have all had TVs....the types that hang from a contraption high up on the wall (like in school classrooms, and such).  It's funny how everytime I would go there, they would either be watching soap operas....or some show like, "Walker: Texas Ranger." ;D  Yes, I've carried on some convos with fellow laundomateers (not to be confused with mouseketeers ;) :D ;D)...and there are always the notorious "shady people" that seem to lurk around there as well. I think it would be cool to go there and take some pictures...get that retro kind of feel for it all.  And yes, I do remember that line from BTTF 3...that was classic. ;)  Hey, I bet you like those "Bill & Ted" movies, huh? They seem like they would be your kind of movie! I've always liked them...I haven't seen them in awhile...I'll have to rent them soon. :D

Yes....actually all of the laundromats I've been in have all had TVs....the types that hang from a contraption high up on the wall (like in school classrooms, and such).  It's funny how everytime I would go there, they would either be watching soap operas....or some show like, "Walker: Texas Ranger." ;D  Yes, I've carried on some convos with fellow laundomateers (not to be confused with mouseketeers ;) :D ;D)...and there are always the notorious "shady people" that seem to lurk around there as well. I think it would be cool to go there and take some pictures...get that retro kind of feel for it all.  And yes, I do remember that line from BTTF 3...that was classic. ;)  Hey, I bet you like those "Bill & Ted" movies, huh? They seem like they would be your kind of movie! I've always liked them...I haven't seen them in awhile...I'll have to rent them soon. :D


Yeah, that makes sense (I've seen the same setup in barbershops and such), so you don't have everyone fighting over it, lol. Usually it's tuned to one of the main affiliate basic stations, just so it's kinda of general interest. Ironically, I never ran across any weird Beavis and Butthead-esque people there, but I always went in the morning or early afternoon (at night is probably a different story).

Yeah, I first saw Bill and Ted's Bogus Journey when I was 9 - a couple of my babysitters took me to see it (these two cool guys who were about the age I am now back in 1991). While I didn't grasp the details as well as I would later, I got it enough to really enjoy it.

While the time travel concept in B+T is different from BTTF, they're both sorta like-minded in that sense. However, even if Doc is cool, I can't imagine him saying "Duuude" and doing air guitar. ;D

Yeah, that makes sense (I've seen the same setup in barbershops and such), so you don't have everyone fighting over it, lol. Usually it's tuned to one of the main affiliate basic stations, just so it's kinda of general interest. Ironically, I never ran across any weird Beavis and Butthead-esque people there, but I always went in the morning or early afternoon (at night is probably a different story).

Yeah, I first saw Bill and Ted's Bogus Journey when I was 9 - a couple of my babysitters took me to see it (these two cool guys who were about the age I am now back in 1991). While I didn't grasp the details as well as I would later, I got it enough to really enjoy it.

While the time travel concept in B+T is different from BTTF, they're both sorta like-minded in that sense. However, even if Doc is cool, I can't imagine him saying "Duuude" and doing air guitar. ;D



Yes, both movies sort of remind me of each other (in that time travel sense).  Have you been in any plays recently?

Yes, both movies sort of remind me of each other (in that time travel sense).  Have you been in any plays recently?


Actually, I haven't played in any since last year's Spring show at my JC, but I helped out on tech with the previous one in the Fall. Since I've been so busy lately, there isn't as much time to dedicate to that. But since I do acting/performance-type stuff on a regular basis, I'm sure I will again before too long.

Actually, I haven't played in any since last year's Spring show at my JC, but I helped out on tech with the previous one in the Fall. Since I've been so busy lately, there isn't as much time to dedicate to that. But since I do acting/performance-type stuff on a regular basis, I'm sure I will again before too long.



Hopefully you'll be able to do one again soon. I haven't acted in so long...I really miss it...however, I can't memorize as well as I used to be able to do.  In our town we have this little theater called, Geyer Performing Arts Center (http://www.geyerpac.com/)...and they have auditions regularly for the plays that they perform. I would LOVE to do something like that...but my schedule is so crazy right now (especially with working now).....maybe someday I will be able to get involved there...I mean, I can walk there..it's so close.

Hopefully you'll be able to do one again soon. I haven't acted in so long...I really miss it...however, I can't memorize as well as I used to be able to do.  In our town we have this little theater called, Geyer Performing Arts Center (http://www.geyerpac.com/)...and they have auditions regularly for the plays that they perform. I would LOVE to do something like that...but my schedule is so crazy right now (especially with working now).....maybe someday I will be able to get involved there...I mean, I can walk there..it's so close.


Yeah I know that feeling. When was the last time you acted in a production?

At least it's in walking distance to you. The transportation is another thing that makes it harder, since the JC is like 12 miles from me. It's doable of course (I've taken 100 mile bus trips before), but can be tiring if I'm balancing it with a job - now two of them. But I've done other smaller performances over the past year. When you're in a play, yeah you have to really "get into" it, not just memorizing lines, but taking tons of time to rehease it. Which I like alot, but is time consuming.

Since I like so many things, I sometimes wish I could clone myself into like 6, even 10 people so I could experience different stuff all at once. ;)

Yeah I know that feeling. When was the last time you acted in a production?

At least it's in walking distance to you. The transportation is another thing that makes it harder, since the JC is like 12 miles from me. It's doable of course (I've taken 100 mile bus trips before), but can be tiring if I'm balancing it with a job - now two of them. But I've done other smaller performances over the past year. When you're in a play, yeah you have to really "get into" it, not just memorizing lines, but taking tons of time to rehease it. Which I like alot, but is time consuming.

Since I like so many things, I sometimes wish I could clone myself into like 6, even 10 people so I could experience different stuff all at once. ;)



wow...it's been so long since I've acted in a production. I've been in several plays at my church (we have a large drama department and sometimes we put on pretty big plays/dinner theatres)....but the last big play I've been in (besides there)...was my junior year of high school (1994)...when we did, "Bye Bye Birdie." It was a lot of fun too! I've done a lot of backstage stuff as well (stage manager, props, etc)...as well as advertising and such.

wow...it's been so long since I've acted in a production. I've been in several plays at my church (we have a large drama department and sometimes we put on pretty big plays/dinner theatres)....but the last big play I've been in (besides there)...was my junior year of high school (1994)...when we did, "Bye Bye Birdie." It was a lot of fun too! I've done a lot of backstage stuff as well (stage manager, props, etc)...as well as advertising and such.

Hey that's a coincidence - our school did Bye-bye Birdie a few years ago too (I auditioned but wasn't cast at the time). Isn't it fun doing different types of stuff too? Like stage acting and TV acting are kinda opposites, yet I've taken classes in/done both. I've been a cameraman, but never a stagehand - though that always seemed like fun, getting to be the guy who says "In...5, 4, 3..."

P.S. I can't believe you were in 11th grade in 1994 since you only look about 22 now (well 1994 does seem pretty recent for its age, but still). ;)

Hey that's a coincidence - our school did Bye-bye Birdie a few years ago too (I auditioned but wasn't cast at the time). Isn't it fun doing different types of stuff too? Like stage acting and TV acting are kinda opposites, yet I've taken classes in/done both. I've been a cameraman, but never a stagehand - though that always seemed like fun, getting to be the guy who says "In...5, 4, 3..."

P.S. I can't believe you were in 11th grade in 1994 since you only look about 22 now (well 1994 does seem pretty recent for its age, but still). ;)



Yes, "Bye Bye Birdie" was a fun one! I played the part of the old Jewish women (Albert's mom) Mrs. Peterson....hahaha...I had to wear this big fur coat, and put on an accent...it was one of the best roles I've had.  Yes, it's really fun doing backstage stuff....I loved doing stagecrew.  Yep...I graduated high school in 1995....and seriously...it seems like it happened yesterday.  Sometimes I can't believe that it's been that long since I've been in high school...times goes by so so fast. What year did you graduate HS?  BTW, thanks for the complement on me looking younger...I get that all the time...I don't think anyone has ever guessed that I am 30. ;D

Yes, "Bye Bye Birdie" was a fun one! I played the part of the old Jewish women (Albert's mom) Mrs. Peterson....hahaha...I had to wear this big fur coat, and put on an accent...it was one of the best roles I've had.  Yes, it's really fun doing backstage stuff....I loved doing stagecrew.  Yep...I graduated high school in 1995....and seriously...it seems like it happened yesterday.  Sometimes I can't believe that it's been that long since I've been in high school...times goes by so so fast. What year did you graduate HS?  BTW, thanks for the complement on me looking younger...I get that all the time...I don't think anyone has ever guessed that I am 30. ;D

I love doing accents and voices - lots of the minor characters I've been cast in are like that, so I always have fun with it.

It's funny how I've flip flopped in how I take the age perception thing. Like if I was 14 and someone thought I was 12 I got pissed, lol. But if I get mistaken for younger now (which I usually do), I've started to take it as a compliment. When I was younger and I heard middle-aged women talking about how some dude at the 7-11 or a bouncer at a bar made their day by carding them...now I understand how they felt. ;)

Yeah, like you, the youthful stuff runs in my family. Not just in how most of us feel or what we like, but most of us look younger too. My grandma on mom's side was part Thai, so I kinda wonder if that has something to do with it (lots of Asian descendants age very well), but how people dress, act, or take care of themselves also has an effect.

I'm technically the first Generation Y'er since I graduated in 2000 when I was towards the end of 18 (although I went into 1st grade a year later). Although I don't smoke, if I buy cigarettes for a friend or something, I always get carded, and most people don't believe I'm any over 21, even though I'm currently 25 1/2. But like I said, that's cool with me - even though I'm mature in thinking, I feel like one of the Police Academy guys or maybe Pauly Shore - ya know, those "big kid" types.

I love doing accents and voices - lots of the minor characters I've been cast in are like that, so I always have fun with it.

It's funny how I've flip flopped in how I take the age perception thing. Like if I was 14 and someone thought I was 12 I got pissed, lol. But if I get mistaken for younger now (which I usually do), I've started to take it as a compliment. When I was younger and I heard middle-aged women talking about how some dude at the 7-11 or a bouncer at a bar made their day by carding them...now I understand how they felt. ;)

Yeah, like you, the youthful stuff runs in my family. Not just in how most of us feel or what we like, but most of us look younger too. My grandma on mom's side was part Thai, so I kinda wonder if that has something to do with it (lots of Asian descendants age very well), but how people dress, act, or take care of themselves also has an effect.

I'm technically the first Generation Y'er since I graduated in 2000 when I was towards the end of 18 (although I went into 1st grade a year later). Although I don't smoke, if I buy cigarettes for a friend or something, I always get carded, and most people don't believe I'm any over 21, even though I'm currently 25 1/2. But like I said, that's cool with me - even though I'm mature in thinking, I feel like one of the Police Academy guys or maybe Pauly Shore - ya know, those "big kid" types.


hahaha...I was the SAME way! I would get SO mad when someone would say that I looked younger (when I was at any age up to maybe 18 or so)...then when I reached 20...then my mid 20's...and people were still saying that I looked in my early 20's....and then I hit 30, and I STILL get carded when I buy stuff for other people (I don't smoke either)....I take it as a major compliment. My mom is almost 59...and people seriously think she is a LOT younger. Here's a funny story. We were at an amusement park last year, and they had this game where the person would either guess your age, or weight...and if they didn't guess the amount within like 5 lbs or years...you would get a prize....guess how old he guessed my 58 year old mother?  hahah...try 37!!!  I was laughing so hard...I was like..."man, mom...you are only 8 years older than me!!" :D ;D  She was quite flattered, to say the least.

From what I can remember (I haven't seen a picture of you in a long time)...you do look younger than your age. Hey, you should post a recent one..it's been awhile since we've seen you! ;)

hahaha...I was the SAME way! I would get SO mad when someone would say that I looked younger (when I was at any age up to maybe 18 or so)...then when I reached 20...then my mid 20's...and people were still saying that I looked in my early 20's....and then I hit 30, and I STILL get carded when I buy stuff for other people (I don't smoke either)....I take it as a major compliment. My mom is almost 59...and people seriously think she is a LOT younger. Here's a funny story. We were at an amusement park last year, and they had this game where the person would either guess your age, or weight...and if they didn't guess the amount within like 5 lbs or years...you would get a prize....guess how old he guessed my 58 year old mother?  hahah...try 37!!!  I was laughing so hard...I was like..."man, mom...you are only 8 years older than me!!" :D ;D  She was quite flattered, to say the least.

From what I can remember (I haven't seen a picture of you in a long time)...you do look younger than your age. Hey, you should post a recent one..it's been awhile since we've seen you! ;)

You mean like that scene from The Jerk, where Steve Martin is guessing people's weight and all? Yeah, that's funny, and I'm sure your mom didn't mine him guessing 20+ years off.

Oddly, with how I always analyze stuff like this, you would assume I'd be good at guessing other people's ages. Nah, I'm off quite a bit though too. Just like that guy at the carnival, I usually guess people to be younger than they really are (I suppose again, because most people I grew up around seemed less old than a "typical" person that age, my mind reads that as being more the average), and I've gotten compliments for that too, even if it was unintentional.

I wonder if some of this stuff is genetic. Also, isn't Beth 18 or 19? It doesn't look like any more than a 3-5 year difference between you guys, probably less even. When I got well into puberty (around 13 and a half, although I started at 11), people could go either way. I've always been tall, so that seemed to make a difference. Or if they'd hear me talk, they'd sometimes guess older. Once I could get any facial hair, that seemed to make a world of difference too, but they could just as easily think I was 14 when I was 16 (esp. if I shaved that day or something), and I felt so insulted, lol.

P.S. I do have a digital camera, so I'll put up some new ones in time - I have a semi buzzcut and bleached hair now, so my mid '00s pics are kinda outdated anyway. I just have to take some good ones first 'cause I tend to be picky - like if a buddy snaps one of me and it doesn't turn out that good, I'll think No way I'm letting anybody else see this. ;D

You mean like that scene from The Jerk, where Steve Martin is guessing people's weight and all? Yeah, that's funny, and I'm sure your mom didn't mine him guessing 20+ years off.

Oddly, with how I always analyze stuff like this, you would assume I'd be good at guessing other people's ages. Nah, I'm off quite a bit though too. Just like that guy at the carnival, I usually guess people to be younger than they really are (I suppose again, because most people I grew up around seemed less old than a "typical" person that age, my mind reads that as being more the average), and I've gotten compliments for that too, even if it was unintentional.

I wonder if some of this stuff is genetic. Also, isn't Beth 18 or 19? It doesn't look like any more than a 3-5 year difference between you guys, and maybe not even that.

When I got well into puberty (around 13 and a half, although I started at 11-12), people could go either way. I've always been tall, so that seemed to make a difference. Or if they'd hear me talk, they'd sometimes guess older. Once I could get any facial hair, that seemed to make a world of difference too, but they could just as easily think I was 14 when I was 16 (esp. if I shaved that day or something), and I felt so insulted, lol.

P.S. I do have a digital camera, so I'll put up some new ones in time - I have a semi buzzcut and bleached hair now, so my mid '00s pics are kinda outdated now. I just have to take some good ones first (I tend to be picky - like if a buddy snaps one of me and it doesn't turn out that good, I've had this happen).



Yes...Beth is 19 (she'll be 20 in August).....my middle sister Brandy is 26 (she looks younger as well). I guess we all take after our mom! :)

Oh, that would be cool to see some new pics of you...it's been a while. I know what you mean though..I am VERY picky about pics of myself...I have to be able to see what is posted before it actually is (so that I can make sure it looks semi-decent).

Well...it's been awesome chatting with you, as usual..I'm gonna hit the hay though...it's like 2:15 am! :o  I will talk to you again very soon!  Night! :) 8)

How's Vaughn doing?  :)

How's Vaughn doing?  :)



he's doing good, thanks for asking!  Right now he is watching a movie....he was helping me earlier while I was cleaning out the refrigerator. 

he's doing good, thanks for asking!  Right now he is watching a movie....he was helping me earlier while I was cleaning out the refrigerator. 



Oh So I see you're teaching him refrigerator skills? :)

Yes...Beth is 19 (she'll be 20 in August).....my middle sister Brandy is 26 (she looks younger as well). I guess we all take after our mom! :)

Oh, that would be cool to see some new pics of you...it's been a while. I know what you mean though..I am VERY picky about pics of myself...I have to be able to see what is posted before it actually is (so that I can make sure it looks semi-decent).

Well...it's been awesome chatting with you, as usual..I'm gonna hit the hay though...it's like 2:15 am! :o  I will talk to you again very soon!  Night! :) 8)


I have to admit that's the one pet peeve I have about every person having a cameraphone since 2004. I never know who could be snapping a pic of me or when. Oftentimes I'm thinking Dude, don't go taking any pictures of me without letting me pre-approve 'em first. ;D



Oh So I see you're teaching him refrigerator skills? :)


I think she probably just meant he was helping her while she was in the process of cleaning it. There isn't really anything major that needs teaching there.

Oh So I see you're teaching him refrigerator skills? :)



I don't think any such thing exists.

Oh So I see you're teaching him refrigerator skills? :)


hahaha....well, he mainly threw away old stuff that was in there....and watched me scrub it out, etc. :D



I have to admit that's the one pet peeve I have about every person having a cameraphone since 2004. I never know who could be snapping a pic of me or when. Oftentimes I'm thinking Dude, don't go taking any pictures of me without letting me pre-approve 'em first. ;D



Yes, I know what you mean....however, I'm sure your pictures are very nice! :)

hahaha....well, he mainly threw away old stuff that was in there....and watched me scrub it out, etc. :D


Yes, I know what you mean....however, I'm sure your pictures are very nice! :)


I'm sure he'll learn a lot from you.

I'm sure he'll learn a lot from you.



yes he does...he's my little buddy, he shadows me all day long. I am gonna miss him like crazy once he starts school this fall. :\'(

yes he does...he's my little buddy, he shadows me all day long. I am gonna miss him like crazy once he starts school this fall. :\'(


Which grade?

^ She said he's about to start school, so that would be the First grade (if he's 5 now and probably turning 6 this year, that would fit anyway).



yes he does...he's my little buddy, he shadows me all day long. I am gonna miss him like crazy once he starts school this fall. :\'(


Yeah, even if you'll still have the special time on mornings, evening and weekends, I guess it won't quite be the same. Sometimes I wish the under 6 period of life lasted forever. BTW, how he is with you is just the way I was with my mom back then too. Sure I was close to my dad too, but not quite in the same sense.

Speaking of school---I forget now, but didn't you say you were planning on going back to school yourself once he was enrolled (some more college classes, if I recall)?

Which grade?



^ She said he's about to start school, so that would be the First grade (if he's 5 now and probably turning 6 this year, that would fit anyway).

Yeah, even if you'll still have the special time on mornings, evening and weekends, I guess it won't quite be the same. Sometimes I wish the under 6 period of life lasted forever. BTW, how he is with you is just the way I was with my mom back then too. Sure I was close to my dad too, but not quite in the same sense.

Speaking of school---I forget now, but didn't you say you were planning on going back to school yourself once he was enrolled (some more college classes, if I recall)?



Actually, he's going into kindergarten (it's all-day kindergarten here now)....he won't be 5 until May...but he meets the age cut-off to be able to start this year.  Vaughn and I are extremely close...we do everything together. I recently got a part-time job, and it was hard to him at first to adjust to not being with me 24/7.  He's getting better though...he and Chris do a lot of neat stuff together...he tries to keep him occupied.  Yes, I really would like to go back to school....maybe take some classes here and there. I am also going to be looking for a full-time daylight job (possibly within a school district...so that I could be off on evenings/weekends/holidays/summer). I might enroll at college part-time...I'm not sure yet.  We have a college not far from us (California University of Pa)...I might go there...they have a good cultural anthropology program that looks very interesting to me. I was planning on going for photography for the longest time...however, lately I have realized that something like that is more of a hobby for me.

Actually, he's going into kindergarten (it's all-day kindergarten here now)....he won't be 5 until May...but he meets the age cut-off to be able to start this year.  Vaughn and I are extremely close...we do everything together. I recently got a part-time job, and it was hard to him at first to adjust to not being with me 24/7.  He's getting better though...he and Chris do a lot of neat stuff together...he tries to keep him occupied.  Yes, I really would like to go back to school....maybe take some classes here and there. I am also going to be looking for a full-time daylight job (possibly within a school district...so that I could be off on evenings/weekends/holidays/summer). I might enroll at college part-time...I'm not sure yet.  We have a college not far from us (California University of Pa)...I might go there...they have a good cultural anthropology program that looks very interesting to me. I was planning on going for photography for the longest time...however, lately I have realized that something like that is more of a hobby for me.


Yeah, you work in the evenings, right? My parents had alot of money when I was a kid (my first 7 years, until the second half of 1989, but that's another story), so I kinda feel guilty for having them "all to myself". It was hard for me when my mom went back to work fulltime, so I know how he probably feels. But I guess the plus side to that is, the time you have together will be even more special.

Oh that's interesting - what got you into anthropology? Is that solely what made you think of just doing photography more for fun? I always liked taking pictures as well, but I'd think doing it professionally could take a toll on you, say if you travelled alot (although I know that's something you're into). My uncle used to be a photographer, actually.

Yeah, you work in the evenings, right? My parents had alot of money when I was a kid (my first 7 years, until the second half of 1989, but that's another story), so I kinda feel guilty for having them "all to myself". It was hard for me when my mom went back to work fulltime, so I know how he probably feels. But I guess the plus side to that is, the time you have together will be even more special.

Oh that's interesting - what got you into anthropology? Is that solely what made you think of just doing photography more for fun? I always liked taking pictures as well, but I'd think doing it professionally could take a toll on you, say if you travelled alot (although I know that's something you're into). My uncle used to be a photographer, actually.


I've always loved taking pictures as well...and sometimes I am pretty decent at it...but I don't think I could make a decent living off of doing it.  I don't know....the subject of anthropology has always intrigued me for some reason. I've always been interested in history...and culture...I"ve also been interested in sociology and psychology...they are all very interesting to me (I had classes in both). It's so hard to narrow it down to what you really want to do...ya know?  I have so many ideas in my head...I just can't decide. :D ;D

I've always loved taking pictures as well...and sometimes I am pretty decent at it...but I don't think I could make a decent living off of doing it.  I don't know....the subject of anthropology has always intrigued me for some reason. I've always been interested in history...and culture...I"ve also been interested in sociology and psychology...they are all very interesting to me (I had classes in both). It's so hard to narrow it down to what you really want to do...ya know?  I have so many ideas in my head...I just can't decide. :D ;D


Yeah, I'm the same way. You know how some people have trouble deciding what they want to do with their life? For me, it's almost the opposite problem - I like too much, lol (I'm quite interested in alot of things that I would only like on a hobby or casual level too).
It's just a matter of narrowing it down to which one I'd want to pursue professionally -I've liked the idea of acting or otherwise entertaining people since I was, like 10. I just haven't yet quite figured out which way I'd want to go about it.

Yeah, I'm the same way. You know how some people have trouble deciding what they want to do with their life? For me, it's almost the opposite problem - I like too much, lol (I'm quite interested in alot of things that I would only like on a hobby or casual level too).
It's just a matter of narrowing it down to which one I'd want to pursue professionally -I've liked the idea of acting or otherwise entertaining people since I was, like 10. I just haven't yet quite figured out which way I'd want to go about it.


what are some of the other things you think you would like to do do as a career?

what are some of the other things you think you would like to do do as a career?


I think if I were doing something in the community, I'd like to look into having, say my own independent electronics/music/movie-type store. I always kinda wanted to do something that helped people in the community or that made some difference in people's lives. Heck, there was even always a part of me that thought being a politician that connected with the everyday crowd would be cool (not sure if this was a Clinton influence, or even a young Jerry Springer from a secondhand perspective). Although I'm too nice and couldn't handle the stress of something like that. ;)

Even in the performance field, I like too much (music, writing, TV acting, stage acting, comedian). Really I wish there were separate cloning machines where each "me" could do different things in life.

I hear ya. I think if I could find a professional job that dealt with researching/studying/teaching others about things from the past (defunct places, roadside attractions, anything old or retro)...that would be a dream job for me.  I just love all things retro/old fashioned...and it would be so cool to be able to share that knowledge of things with others who are just as interested as I am.

I hear ya. I think if I could find a professional job that dealt with researching/studying/teaching others about things from the past (defunct places, roadside attractions, anything old or retro)...that would be a dream job for me.  I just love all things retro/old fashioned...and it would be so cool to be able to share that knowledge of things with others who are just as interested as I am.


Yeah, same here. Like I said earlier up in the thread, I also like city planning and stuff like maps or where things used to be. I'd love to research even just my own city or other places around the Bay Area to see how it grew over time and talk with, say longtime residents about it.

My interest in, say time travelling or even the decadeology stuff is honestly just a component to that type of thing.

Yeah, same here. Like I said earlier up in the thread, I also like city planning and stuff like maps or where things used to be. I'd love to research even just my own city or other places around the Bay Area to see how it grew over time and talk with, say longtime residents about it.

My interest in, say time travelling or even the decadeology stuff is honestly just a component to that type of thing.


you'd probably do well with anthropology....or even architecture of some sort.

you'd probably do well with anthropology....or even architecture of some sort.


Yeah, I could see that. Like I'm already into the styles of buildings from certain times and all.

Did you know Weird Al actually went to school to be an architect (he got a degree in it, but worked on his music simultaneously)? He sometimes throws in references in songs - say for "I Lost On Jeopardy" -- "against a plumber, oh and an architect, both with a PHD. ;D

Yeah, I could see that. Like I'm already into the styles of buildings from certain times and all.

Did you know Weird Al actually went to school to be an architect (he got a degree in it, but worked on his music simultaneously)? He sometimes throws in references in songs - say for "I Lost On Jeopardy" -- "against a plumber, oh and an architect, both with a PHD. ;D


no, I never knew that! I would have never expected that either...hmmm, you learn something new everyday, huh? :D

no, I never knew that! I would have never expected that either...hmmm, you learn something new everyday, huh? :D


Yeah, at first I was surprised when I heard that too. But when I heard it was parallel to music, it made sense. He always had an interest in parodying songs and recorded his first one when he was 15 (although he started playing the accordion as a kid, when he was 7 or so).

He's really smart but in a goofy way too. One of his buddies on this VH1 documentary in the late '90s described him as: "He's a nerd, but a cool nerd, he's definitely not one of those pocket-protector types."

Yeah, I could see that. Like I'm already into the styles of buildings from certain times and all.



There was a degree program at the school I went to called "Building and preservation" or something like that.  Here is a link describing it, you might see if there is something like that in your area.

http://www.btc.edu/DegreeCourse/BPR.cfm

BUILDING PRESERVATION / RESTORATION

Associate of Applied Science Degree Program
Program Contact:  David Mertz

Phone:740-695-9500

Extension:4002


The Building Preservation Technology Program at Belmont Technical College is recognized nationally as the leader in providing hands-on training in the preservation trades. Since its inception in 1989, the program has grown to become one of the most recognized historic preservation programs in the United States attracting students from all areas of the country and a variety of academic backgrounds. The program offers a rigorous academic curriculum that builds a foundation of preservation technology and theory, allowing the student to explore various trades used in preserving historic buildings and providing the practical application of theoretical knowledge through real world experiences. In 1994, the college was awarded the Ohio State Historic Preservation Office Public Education and Awareness Award.

Housed in the Science & Engineering Building with over 10,000 square feet of dedicated lab space which includes a wood shop, paint and glazing shop, plaster shop, metals lab, darkroom, and drafting room, the program also supports a resource room containing Internet-accessible computers and the BPR special collection of over 1,000 volumes of books, videos and magazines specifically dealing with historic preservation and construction. The college also operates a field lab site. The historic 1846 Swaney House, a brick, Federal-style masonry house in the Morristown Historic District in Morristown, Ohio, is the subject of an on-going restoration directed by the faculty and performed by the students. The department has also traditionally operated a special summer field lab at a site of national historical significance. Past sites have included the Frank Lloyd Wright house, Fallingwater, located in Bear Run, PA; the Richard Morris Hunt house, Grey Towers, located in Milford, PA; and the William Thornton designed Octagon House in Washington, DC.

Each year, students travel with the BPR faculty to many of the national preservation symposiums and conferences. The department has developed a working relationship with many of these conference sponsors, which allows students the opportunity to participate and interact with many of the speakers and attendees. In many cases, the students can attend the conference at no cost in exchange for helping with conference arrangements.

The department has developed a strong relationship with the National Park Service. Each year, one student is selected to participate in a cooperative work agreement with the Park Service’s Preservation Training Center. After the internship, the student returns to Belmont Technical College to complete their degree, and then returns to the Park Service for permanent assignment.

Graduates of the Building Preservation Technology Program have gone on to a wide variety of careers within the preservation field. Many have found employment as preservation technicians with historic sites including Williamsburg, Monticello, Graceland, Lyndhurst, and Greenfield Village to name a few. Others have taken a more construction-oriented route and have found employment with preservation construction firms. Many of these graduates specialize in a specific trade and have found employment with many of the national firms that are charged with restoring this country’s greatest buildings. Finally, many grads have decided to go into business for themselves and have opened their own preservation-oriented construction firms.

Some students, upon completion of their studies at Belmont Technical College, choose to pursue other educational opportunities. The Building Preservation Technology Program has placed students in almost all undergraduate programs in historic preservation in the country, and many have gone on to pursue masters degrees in historic preservation and related fields.

Since Belmont Technical College is a commuter campus, students are responsible for finding their own housing while in attendance. Typically, apartments are available in the St. Clairsville/Barnesville vicinity or in historic Wheeling, WV. Many students have purchased properties and renovated them during their tenure at the College.