Comments:
I have been blessed to have lived about 20 lifetimes since graduating from MCHS. Let's see...it's difficult to know where to begin. During my first attempt at college, I "rebelled" and dropped out after my first year. I then married and had children while becoming partners in my family's restaurant business with my two brothers. For many years I managed The Exchange in Rockaway, The Canal House in Wharton, and was part-owner of Dear Old Dad's in Lafayette. During that time, I put down roots in Sussex County and have been living in Vernon for many years. There is much to love about the country up here; fresh air, mountains, and all the hiking you could ever wish for!
In 1999, I left the restaurant business and pursued my lifelong dream of finishing my education. I got a job at Hardyston Elementary School as the Assistant Librarian and worked days while completing my bachelor's degree in English Literature at William Paterson University at night. I am proud to say that I graduated first in the English Department, Class of 2007, and am now a member of the faculty teaching English Literature at Vernon Township High School. I love to teach; it's demanding but so rewarding. I am currently pursuing my master's degree in the evenings.
But my story doesn't end there. During these past thirty years, I took up running for a long time and completed 6 marathons, 5 of them in New York City. A torn hamstring effectively ended my running career. I also am an avid hiker and have hiked many parts of the Appalachian Trail. I love to be outdoors in any kind of weather. In addition, I have also been practicing yoga for the past 4 years. I find it to be very spiritual as well as physical and really helps me to find balance, peace, and harmony in my world. Through nature and yoga, I have come to appreciate all that life has to offer and to find joy in my everyday existence.
Also, I have been writing CD and DVD reviews for an Allman Brothers Band based music magazine "Hittin' the Note," for the past 4 years. It covers classic rock, upcoming artists, and the jamband scene. I have also been lucky enough to work part-time for the band with the magazine and in production at shows in the Northeast area, such as the Beacon Theater and PNC Bank Arts Center.
Now, if you're still reading and not bored to death yet, I have a wonderful husband named Ray who is a professional musician, in addition to teaching private guitar lessons. We have much in common; he was a lit major in college, we both love to hike, cook, eat, read, listen to music, and be the first one to answer the questions on Jeopardy!
But the best part about my life is that I have two wonderful children. Patrick graduated from Gettysburg College and lives and works in Atlanta, running his own business. Melissa is a freshman at Mt. St. Mary's College and is majoring in English and Secondary Education. (hey, I tried to talk her out of it but she wouldn't listen!!!)
I also have two cats and a labradoodle dog named Sandy who is truly my best friend. She's always up for a good hike.
I think of all of you often with much fondness and have so many good memories of our high school years. It seems like just yesterday that we were walking through the halls of Morris Catholic, sharing laughs, tears, so many good times. I'm looking forward to seeing all of you in the fall and catching up on things.
