Barbara Clarke:  

Life Left SHS in 1983 and went to NIU. See the college info for the details on that. That is where I met and married my first husband, Jack. In 1989 we moved to North Carolina for work and better weather. Around 1991 it became obvious we were NOT on the same wavelength and so we split. I needed income to support my two children so I applied at every temp agency in Raleigh and started working for Nortel within a month. Man I worked hard....(see the work details for that..) It was there I met my husband Jim, we started dating a year or so after that. He was "higher up" than me so when he gets transferred we GO. He got sent to Ottawa on expat assignment with Nortel. I took a job there at Nortel (on loan, is I think what they called it) for a lady who was on maternity leave. It was too much to be that far from "home" with kids and busy husband...so I took a leave of absence from Nortel to help better support my family in non-material ways. I started riding horses as a hobby because it was cheaper than violin lessons. Loved it! But what was I thinking???? Horses cheapr than violins??? I must be mad... Then we got transferred to Australia. Wollongong, NSW to be exact. I don't know how we did, but we fit in right away. Oh sure, we talked funny but I was so happy to be there and just loved the culture and the way of life. FInally, after 6 1/2 years of living there, buying a house, buying horses, making friends for life, pets, wildlife rescue, wineries, competitions, etc. we decided maybe it was time to get back to the US. My mom is older now and as executor of her estate I figured I should at least be "american" again. Back in the USA and this time Texas: six and a half years in Australia has left an INDELIBLE mark on my life..my kids..my household! We still use "the strine" at times - can't help ourselves. We brought with us three horses, a dog, two birds and a cat from that Land Down Under. Now that we're in Texas, we've added a dog and some cats (two for the barn..two for the house) and learning how to live in the US again, and in another strange region of our homeland too. It's a different world down here....so instead of "mate" and "g'day" it's now Howdy! And y'all! We are now running a small boarding business from home, my children are both driving (maniacs...), my son going to college, my daughter going to conquer the fashion world, and I am certified to teach people to ride...wow. School Went to primary school at Cumberland Elementary in Des Plaines IL. Loved Mr. Scharf in 5th class, Mrs Colgren in 4th class, and Mr Valenti in PE. Enjoyed art the best of all things there. Parents got divorced so I only went to Chippewa for one year (1977-1978) then onto Tefft Jr High for 1978-1980. They had Jr High from 7th - 9th class. I graduated from Tefft jr high in 1980. Then onwards to Streamwood where I STILL remember the STreamwood High School Sabres fight song! "forward always Streamwood high school, let your colours show...we know that you will ALWAYS be victorious everywhere you go....fight win team!...." etc etc. Isn't that just so sick? Graduated in 1983. No biggee. College Went to NIU straight out of high school - my first roommate at the Grant North Towers was Suzanne Harrod (are you out there Suzanne?) she was good one. My...Expand for more