Lorraine Totten Rivera

Yes

Since 1979 post January of 79 I entered the USAF. I was going nowhere in my life and it was the best thing that I could do at the time for myself. I stayed for 10 years and left as at the rank of Staff Sargent. I wanted to make it a career but I thought life was too short so I decided to move on to another career.

I left the USAF and couldn't find a job that was fulfilling and paid enough money. My only skill was an electrician and I didn't want to do that any longer. I became very depressed and ended up drinking too much. I drank soooo much that I ended up in Alcoholics Anonymous. I have been sober for 18 years and it is the best thing that ever happened to me.

I then began working as an administrator at Charleston Univ. SC for 2 years where I lived for a good portion of my life.

In 92 I left that job and moved to Zebulon NC to marry a man I met in SC. After living with him for sometime I decided I didn't love him and moved to Raleigh NC.

I got another job as a Chiropractic Assistant. I liked the health care field but then I got sick with oral cancer. I underwent surgery for removal of the cancer. They did what they call a full resection of the upper maxilla and then a free fibular flap. In other words, my tibia is in my mouth along with leg tissue. Afterwards I had 15 reconstructive surgerys and have been cancer free for 11 years now. And I am still paying my bill, the *&^%$ insurance didn't pay reconstruction--bastards!

During my recovery and thereafter I went back to school. I graduated from Meredith College in 2003 with a BA in Graphic Design.

I couldn't find a job as a designer that paid enough and decided I really didn't like it anyway, so I went back to school and got a AA in Surgical Technology. I have been working it ever since and am now considering a BA in nursing.

In 2005 I finally married again after many wonderful boy-friends and prior engagement. I married a man from El Salvador. He is 8 years my senior but we are meant to be. We are good friends and have a nice quiet life. He has a 18 year old son in El Salvador and I have no children nor do we want any. I like things the way they are at this place in my life.

Presently I have a spiritual life filled most of the time with peace and harmony. My hobbies include gardening, sewing, drawing, reading, hiking, camping and of course animal care. I have lots of friends and am certain to have more after the reunion!

I do pet sitting and boarding of animals as a side business and I would of liked to have gone full time with it, but my debts keep me from moving forward with this.

I did not make previous reunions because the 1st time I was getting sober, and the 2nd time I was very sick. But I will be there this time!!! I look forward to seeing everyone!!!!!!!!!

I hope this catches everyone up with what's going on with me. I want to know about all of you!!!!!!!!!!!

I remember hanging out with my girls "The Northside Gang"....Gail Simo, Karen Bockman, Kathy Andreyko, Sharon Brooks...what fun we had...too many memories to talk about. I hope to see them all at the reunion!!!!