Colleen Thomas:
CLASS OF 1973
Miami Palmetto High SchoolClass of 1973
Miami, FL
Colleen's Story
OK - I bit. Started off with the Classmates Story Wizard. But as you'll see, I quickly strayed from that.
I always wanted to be a teacher when I grew up. My family and friends thought that was a bad idea as there were a glut of teachers at the time. As it turns out, they were probably right. So, to satisfy that "teacher urge", I got into girl scouting with my 2 daughters.
We spent 10 years in Girl Scouting. I was the local Trainer of Trainers for our Girl Scout Council, and had at least 2 troops, once 3, going at all times. The culmination of that experience was a 2-week trip to Europe with 12 girls and 2 other adults.
I love all animals. I've almost always had a dog, cat and fish. Once I had a 180-gallon salt water reef tank, but had to give it up when it became too much to handle. Right now all I have is one kitten-cat named Sheba (as in Queen of). She is the joy of my life and the reason I come home at night. I'll have a dog as soon as I have a yard. I'm living in an apartment right now while in transition.
On my 50th birthday, I completed one of the last items on my "things to do before I die" list. I jumped from a plane at 14,000 feet. Thank heavens I had a guy with a parachute strapped to my back! It was exhilirating to say the least. To be honest, I wouldn't have gone out that door alone for love nor money! I would have scooted back, hollered to the pilot "Take 'er down Charlie ... I'm ridin' with you!" But I'm glad my tandem buddy was determined on my behalf, because it was wonderful!
Christmas Day this year I checked off the next to the last item on my TTDBID list ... I worked as a server ... albeit unpaid ... but a server nevertheless. Taking orders, filling drinks, getting and setting meals, etc. I know ... a crazy thing to have on your TTDBID list.
The last item is to see the Northern Lights. Being a true Florida girl, the thought of traveling north during the winter may be the only thing that's kept me from it. That and the cost of course. But I will do it one day unless I die first (or die trying...Expand for more
:-)).
I have 8 and 1/9 grandchildren of whom I am terribly fond and very adept at spoiling when I get the chance. We have an event every summer called "Nanny Camp" where I take the boys and and then the girls for three days at a time to make memories. Ask me about it sometime and I'll talk your ear off. The 1/9 grandchild is not a partial human, it's a full human at only 1 month term. He or she will be here by summer time. Obviously we just found out! What a great Christmas gift ... the propect of a new baby.
I work at Florida State University and have (except for a 2-year stint at University of Central Florida) since 1986. Right now I'm in Telecommunications and "my boys" (technicians and programmers) and I run the systems on campus that provide safety and security for students, faculty and staff. We install, maintain, and manage the programming and the equipment for burglar alarm systems, emergency phones, card access, and closed-circuit camera surveillance and recording. It's a great job. I call them "my boys" with the greatest love and respect one can have. They are truly 5 of the most amazing employees and I'm so grateful that this is where I am at this point in my life and career. Absolutely marvelous people to work with!!!! Don't worry ... I'm not one of those bosses who keeps it to herself! I tell them all the time!
I am single, or almost. After 9 years, my second husband and I separated in July. With any luck the divorce will be final soon. I have the utmost faith and belief that there is a soulmate out there for me. I may or may not find him in this lifetime, but I am happy and content and will be so even without him, so I don't worry or fret.
Life is so good and I have a growing list of things I am so very thankful for. I keep the list, lest I forget to give thanks for ALL my blessings on a daily basis. Try it! You may be surprised at all your blessings. And you may also be surprised at how many more blessings come your way when you have an attitude of gratitude.
That's all for now. Peace. Colleen
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