10

The best thing about 10 was being in Mrs. Savitsky's class. She cared so much about each one of us finding our own way and being creative individuals. She was such an encouraging teacher and we had so much fun in her class...in spite of a lot of strong personalities. Good things about 5th grade: Future Problem Solving Internationals, our pirates unit, the secret little nook where I stuck my desk for a day...then, I had to rejoin the rest of the class.

A Tiny Tribute

Montise Jones Biber

She was a feisty, fast-driving woman who spoke her mind and had a dramatic flair. She was beautiful. And, she was my grandmother. At

91 years old, she lived a longer life than most. She saw almost a century's worth of changes and events, but more importantly she was a part of our lives. We will remember her for her generosity. We will remember her incredible skill with crossword puzzles. We will remember her dry sense of humor and how she liked to laugh.

While I am overwhelmed by the idea that she is no longer on this earth, I feel a calm, as well. Gram is in a place of peace and joy. And, she knew that she was loved. While I would have cherished the opportunity to tell her how much I loved and appreciated her one more time, I know I didn't need to. Every time I told her that I loved her so much, she would respond, "I know, honey. I love you, too." It was as if I didn't even need to tell her in the first place.

I know Gram saw a bit of herself in me. I could tell by they way she looked at me with a shared mischief in her eyes. I will miss her, but I will carry her with me for the rest of my life.

We love you, Gram.

Two by Two

13...The best thing about 13 was singing. I discovered that I was actually good at something that I loved doing. I joined choir and started taking voice lessons. Although I found the competitive nature of singing/choir a bit off-putting, I loved learning how to sing well. After taking a long break from really doing any singing, I've started singing again at church. It's amazing and strange how I feel like that 13 year-old all over again.

12...The best thing about 12 was English with Mrs. Potts. She was so delightful and encouraging. I remember being so passionate and excited about the writing we did in that class.

The Men I Love

Bah!

I'm about to quit...seriously.

Okay.

15...Diving. I joined my first swim team at Azionaqua when I was 6. I remember asking my mom if I should tell them that I was 7, since I would be in July. We swam competitively through every summer and many winters. When we hung out at the pool, though, the diving well was my favorite to be. After a freshman swimming season spent envying what the divers were doing at the other end of the pool, I quit swimming. I was so excited to be a diver. Of course, it kind of stunk to hear on the announcements every week, "Amy Reckel won diving."

14...hmm. The best thing about 14 was being in the incredibly awkward freshman English class with Dana Bacon. She talked about inappropriate dreams, hit on Mike Anderson, and talked about being college roommates with my mom. So awesomely weird.

This is funny...

Go to this link and watch the video. This blog always makes me smile or laugh out loud.

Sweet 16

The best thing about 16 was the pair of sweet K2 skates I got for my birthday. That, and driving Baby!

I'm going to try to find a photo to scan from my high school photo box...