Craig Smiley:  

I was born around the turn of the century, no wait, not that early.. I remember, long about 1944, Dec.. As soon as Mother could she had me in school.. I started at Forrest Hills Elementary, in the 1950 school year.. I did the full tour of duty, until Madison Heights was built, and after the 6th grade, we all got to move to a big school.. I spent the 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, and one more 10th, at Madison, then transferred to Anderson High... Oddly enough, I did much better at Anderson, and even got on the honor roll.. (Imagine that, ME) I Graduated, went to work, then married Vicki McIlrath.. son, James, was born in 1964... (No TV) I went into the Military 65-67.. lots of fun. during the time I was in the Army, I became interested in Martial Arts, and have remained active, for many years.. I've studied and taught, for over 30 years.. I haven't taught anyone, now, since '96... I guess just had too many other things going on.... Lived in many places had too many jobs to list (or any desire to do so)... married again, and again, and again.. I've produced, or at least placed the order for three children, and have adopted five.. Leaving me responsible for eight children.. (needed a TV..lol) Retired from Law enforcement, 1987 Moved to Fort Smith, Arkansas in '87 and did 17 more years as Maintenance Tech for Tyson foods.. I am retired now and I'm working out, daily.. Trying to keep my School Boy figure, and strength.. If I make it until June 2008, I will have been riding Motorcycles for 50 years.. Am riding an Anniversary Soft Tail, Harley, and it's number 13 in an assorted line. (Only important to other bikers) Okay made it to 2008, and then some. Still got the same Scooter, and now with Mom down, I don't get out much... During one of my relationships, I raised horses, and cowboyed in Texas.. I guess there are a few things I might consider changing, had I known then, etc., but for the most part I've lived fully and completely.. Some little kids never get to be any of the things they've always said they wanted to be. I was fortunate.. I always wanted to be a Policeman, and a Cowboy, and was lucky enough to be able to do both.. Wouldn't have had it any other way.. Been back to Anderson a few times (3) and on one of my trips it occurred to me that a few things were missing.. turns out it was almost the entire collection of General Motors Plants..Out of all the changes that have taken place, at Anderson, that was the most devastating to the entire city.. More than half of all the graduating classes, of the schools from all around, couldn't wait to go to work at Delco-Remy, and make the big bucks, right away.. Had a small stroke Thanksgiving of this year.. (2007) Apparently it didn't do any permanent damage..fact is, as time goes by, I think it was a pinched nerve someplace, in my neck, (who cares) They have suggested questions to answer.. haha Yeah, well here goes. Okay, biggest surprise was living this long, and not taking any better care of me.. (really) To be truly Happy..? Really, how is that judged..? Money..? Possessions..? Everything you do, in your life determines, how you will turn out.. By the time you get to be our ages, provided you do, you will be whatever you are, and chances are, reasonably content. If not, it's time to do something else. I've lived in 7 States, had jobs in about 7 completely different occupations..Each of those jobs were by accident.. Of course I did apply for some of them, but they were suggested by someone, or I was recommended to someone, or I had talked to etc.,The last "temporary job" I had, was (I thought) to be 6 months or a year and I was moving on.. It lasted 18 years, and would have been longer, had I not had some problems with my legs.. I'm fine now but I'm also retired, which again, wasn't the plan. the percentage of you all, that got out of school, and did exactly what you wanted, were the ones that went straight to GM, and stayed.. Meaning for the ones that really planned on doing that.. A few went to college and maybe did what you wanted when you got out, but the chances of that being true is slender.. If Money was the reason for going to college, I suspect some were disappointed.. I've made very g...Expand for more