3 days left and 20 years ago...

Are we really this old? Good grief! I feel as if the last 20 years have gone by in a blur. I've been reading these posts and thinking wow, everyone has done so well for themselves. And with some gentle nudging from Robin, Carol, and others I am now posting something.

In the last 20 years I feel that I have learned a lot about myself through mistakes as well as triumphs. And it may sound cliche but I really wish I did know in my twenties as much as I know now. Somewhere in my twenties I decided that I was going to live life and do as much as possible so that I would never have to look back and regret missing an opportunity. I had to at least try and because of that I have been able to make most everything I have ever dreamt about become a reality. My mother calls me her free spirit child because I cannot be tied down to any one particular place or career. So here, in a nutshell, are some of the things I have done...

• Don't remember a lot of my early twenties but I know I had fun!
• Packed my bags and moved to Phoenix AZ to attend Arizona State University.
• While at ASU worked in the Institute of Human Origins with Donald Johanson and Bill Kimbel.
• Researched extinct early hominid remains such as Lucy and the Taung Child (Plus many others).
• Met Jane Goodall while working a chimpanzee symposium.
• Graduated with a degree in Anthropology an emphasis in Primatology and a minor in Animal Biology
• Went to Ecuador and researched nocturnal monkeys in the rain forest of Jatun Sacha. Also did some research on Shamanism and how monkeys fit into the Quechan Indian's religious ceremonies.
• Became a Teacher and taught 6th grade for 5 years (In Phoenix) and 8th grade for 1 year (Springfield).
• 2 years ago I became and Educational Consultant working with many schools across the U.S. in an effort to teach students to read and enjoy reading.

I am still an educational consultant but now only work 5 days a month. In my spare time I'm reading and writing. I still love to learn new things and I continue to have fun and enjoy life.

I will see some of you at the reunion!