DHS Class of '89; 20 Years On

Because I still can't say no to Thais after all these years, over the weekend I attended my 20-year high school reunion. Actually, if I hadn't already been going to Oklahoma to pick up the kids, I might have said no. But the odds are probably against it.

Thanks largely to our own shared sense of "dramedy" and the well-stocked cash bar, we had a great time! There were so many people who either never spoke to me in high school or who weren't speaking to me by the time we graduated who just acted as if we'd been best friends from day one...it was really quite bizarre! The thing I was most surprised by was the fact that the men were generally harder to identify than the women. I'd recommend first names only, and much bolder name tags next time.

I have to admit that it was a nice ego boost to walk in, 20 years and three kids later, and look much the same as I did back then. It feels pretty good to have achieved that.

I do wish Tracy had been there. Many of the people I saw are on facebook and so they know that he is in Afghanistan. Almost all of them asked me to thank him for his service, which was very touching. I would have enjoyed proudly introducing him.

Here's a picture of Thais and me at the hotel before the reception, and another of us with some old Drill Team buddies. Sparkle!

Independence Day 2009

This is our 2nd July 4th to spend without Tracy...last year he was on active duty for training. He has been gone from home, with the exception of a couple weeks here and there, for over a year now. Lakeway is a very patriotic community and they go all out for the 4th. While I appreciate the sentiment, and the sacrifices of the many who have served (and their families), it is hard to be there without him. We are so proud of you honey, and we can't wait to welcome you home for good. Happy Independence Day!