Reconnect NCHS Class of 1984

Carol and I talk about old times and future plans. The road ahead may be shorter than the road behind, but there are more conversations and stories to be explored, but no more apple bobbing... that's kind of gross.

Working with 600 kids a year in social emotional learning seems like one of those cat herding exercises, but Lynne did that too. Along the way, we explore benign neglect and debate when Nicolas Cage most resembled a puppy. Our journeys take and shape us in unexpected ways, but you can still trace that thru line. When can we outline your story?

This is repost of a conversation from last year. Lana has a reading of her new book The Autobiography Of H. Lan Tao Lam at Women & Children First in Chicago on November 6. In this episode, Lana and I compare notes about growing up, personal finance and psychoanalysis. We walked different paths but shared a lot. You will have to buy her book to know her near fiction story, but she gives us a sneak preview.

Cycling through names, towns, and athletic shoes, Andy continues to move through life. We talk about his bonding experiences with a scientist father (I knew it was someone! sorry Brenda), the trauma of show and tell, and the treachery of the Russians.When can we hear your story?

Amanda and I talk about Art and the Zen of Rigid Heddle Loom Maintenance. Along the way we get in some thoughts about travel, family, and the way we work. Being hopelessly out of my competence zone has never stopped me from talking, and this is no exception. When can we talk with you?

Brenda triggers my deep feelings of inadequacy. And I lash back by ridiculing her taste in men. Okay, maybe it was not quite as dramatic as that, but you must admit that you are intrigued enough to press play.

I used to think that Andy was a nice guy. Then I learned that he locked his kids out of the house! Shocked as I was? Then I guess you will just need to listen to the whole episode for the details.

Whatever happened to Eve? Well you will just need to listen to find out. Spoiler alert; she is doing good.Everyone has a story to share, and sharing can make us stronger.Does that sound like a Nike ad or an inspirational poster with ducklings and puppies? When can we get your story out there?

Talking with Kathy is a little bit like playing pinball when the two bonus balls drop. We covered a lot of ground and she painted a lot of ceilings. When can we talk to you?

Leslie overcomes her technophobe ways to describe her journey as another link in her family's saga. Feel the terror in my voice when I realize she doesn't watch TV. We are just genes overlaid with experiences, but it is the stories that we hear and tell that connect us and define who we are.

Erika and I talk about walking away and the perfect cocktail. In my search for a side hustle, she crossed dog courier off the list. Every family has its own challenges, and this conversation is a good reminder to make your exits gracefully.

Joe Imherr tells about his love, basketball and dog life. I think they all bled together, but I was too busy eating Twinkies to notice.Everyone has a story and while there are some nibbles, nothing is on the calendar. So please reach out!

We talk creativity, the good life, and wash sales. Diana has pivoted her way through different roles as she navigates through this life. And listen to her voice here too! https://open.spotify.com/track/4BQVdWI7gV9vuiyEgmCwxo?si=KMoAjs0nTc62KMkLCMQLoQ

Mindy has touched more animals in more places, lived in more countries and more houses, and celebrated more holidays than the average bear. Equipment issues allowed my inner David Sedaris to vocalize too.At this point the story cupboard is bare. Don't let a bad podcast go to waste, call in with your story. Otherwise I am taking this site down next month.

Shauna and I commiserate over home, agency, the seven deadly sins and Gilligan's Island. We made a lot of connections, so can we talk to you?Meanwhile, check out http://luggagelady.net

Sarah sits down with Rhea Stephen and me to retrace our long strange trip from Elmwood to Lincoln and NCHS. Why did "those people" go to Madison? What was the process that made Sarah pivot? I am not sure if Sarah and I are in Rhea's insurance network, but I think she owes us a drink.

Sue guides us through Florida and her mother's floor. Along the way, she dispenses movie recommendations too. She is definitely a curator, but I am too messy to really appreciate it.

Jenna (Burd) Valaika, Joan (Stock) Drury, Tracy Doerzaph Lloyd, and I relive the technological wonder of call waiting. They have worked to keep a friendship going over the decades and distances, and now you can eavesdrop on their laughter. Listen to the unison and their distinct voices about how the friendship still anchors them today.

Dave DeAtley shared his Veterans Day with me, and I learned a lot. Even though he lives in a very different world, I hope you can see some common themes that run through all of us. When can we tell your story?

In the procedural of life, Kurt says he stayed in the background, but there is a story here too! Once the youngest, always the youngest. When can we tell your story?

We wrap up this series with a twofer. Chris Nicarico and Julie Havel did not travel far to find their homes, but it has been a complicated journey. Tiny little towels and butane curlers helped, but what really got us by was a little help from our friends. Thank you all for listening. It meant a lot then and still does..

Joe shares his career and family path along with some of the things that he ran to and from. Apparently he has something against Cheetos.This is almost the last connection we will share before the reunion. Get your tickets so we can see you there.

Neighbors in California never met under the piers. And that is why you should spend more time at the beach. Despite her polyglot powers, we blow Sophie's deep cover as she fails the superhero test. Some audio lag caused us to step on each other, but we still reconnected. Get your tickets for September!

Sheri has walked a straighter line than Johnny Cash, but she unlocks my inner Klaus Meine while we talk crabs, China, and Bonne Bell. If you think you don't have a story to tell, give me the chance to prove you wrong.

The tables are turned and now Sheri interviews me. What is in my trunk? Only my hairdresser knows for sure. It probably isn't your story. But that's only because we haven't heard it. When can we make that happen?

The seven castaways on Gilligan’s Island embody the seven deadly sins. My inner Mrs. Howell explores the many things that Bruce did better than me. Technical issues cut this session short; I blame Sophie, but what are friends for? Walk a mile in Bruce’s shoes. When can we talk about your footwear?

Jerry Valerio hosts the Cow Guy to discover the twists of fate that deliver wins and losses across the globe and industries. Scott shares the pride and pain that only family can deliver. It is not the things we do that define us as much as the connections that we make along the way. When can we hear from you?

Kim describes her journey. Sophie reads the room. I shake my head. We all go on journeys, but we don't always control the agenda. Why don't you nominate someone who has had a crazy journey?

Stephanie has seen the world and then some, but Sophie manages to channel her inner travel agent. I usually don't hold a grudge, but did Steph really deserve 2 more plusses? Tell us your story. Don't wait for us to call you.

Jesses reveals deep Naperville roots, Sophie channels multiple voices, and I have perfect pitch. We learn and connect. When can we talk to you?

I learned a lot about Chris and I think most of you will too. We all have great stories in us, and if you don't smile at least once in this episode, I will refund your subscription. But don't stop there, make us smile with your story.

Note: this episode discusses suicide. Jay walks us through his many changes and how he got to where he is now.

Greetings ‘84ers! What have you been up to in these last FORTY years? Welcome to the first episode of our podcast. We catch up with Becky Allison Jaarda and talk kids, parents, bicycles, mummies, sunscreen, and more. And HEY, be a part of our next episode! We want to interview you, hear about your favorite sandwich, or an NCHS memory that still makes you laugh… or cringe.