Jan Bridges:
CLASS OF 1960
Arlington Heights High SchoolClass of 1960
Ft. worth, TX
Jan's Story
I worked as a military contractor in remote locations for many years. I came back to the States after 9/11 and worked at the Oklahoma State Department of Health until retiring in 2010. I don't know what I do now, but I never seem to have any time. I'm not married and haven't been for a very long time. One bad experience was enough. I have 3 children, 4 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Most special of all I have a little Silky Terrier named Oliver who is the cutest, smartest, et al.
I always wanted to be a social worker when I grew up. My family and friends thought that was a bad idea. As it turns out, they were wrong.
I don't have any steam to blow off. My daughters and I have learned that there isn't much worth getting upset over, so we just laugh and go on. I still love to read and travel. I should have coupled my love of history with a study of Sociology.
The one person from AHHS who I'd most like to see again is Archie Nichols, math teacher. He was the only person to ever offer me any encouragement or show kindness.. I loved school, but have few good memories. I will never forget when I talked with my high school counselor Leota Nation about attending college. Unlike Mr. Nichols, she advised me to study typing or hairstyling at Technical High School. Now when I complain about my hair, Peggy says, "If you had listened to Ms. Nation, you wouldn't have that problem." Too true - - LOL I hope she had more helpful guidance for others.
I love rugby, cricket, European soccer (Manchester United), sailing, lawn bowling, croquet, horseshoes and even curling. I hate reality TV and never watch it. Oliver is my one obsession. He has saved my life and makes me laugh every day. I love books, reading and learning. I read and rate books for a couple authors before they are released to the public. I'm learning how to knit and crochet. My next goal is to learn upholstery and working with glass. All in good time.
My dream home would be a 2/2/2 cabin on acerage in Colorado, Alsaka, Canada - - somewhere beautiful.. I'm not afraid of being in a remote location. Every day is an adventure.
The most important thing I've learned is that my kids are not smarter than I am and that we all have areas in which we excel and others where we struggle. Struggle is not a bad thing as long as we don't give up.
If I won $100 million, I...Expand for more
'd give generously of it to family and friends. I would be more proactive in my community, help those who can't help themselves and assist those who want an education to get it..
For most of my adult life I have lived in a small/efficiency apartment or suite in a barracks or on ship. I value my privacy, peace and quiet, but I miss the guys too. They were real jerks, but could be sweet, kind and thoughtful. Living in side-by-side apartments with Bill in Diego Garcia worked perfectly. He hauled my waterand took care of other tiresome chores - - perfect. LOL I got really spoiled to having someone else cook and clean for me. .
My current age is 69. When I was 12, I thought that people of this age would be dead. I was so completely - - I wasn't completely anything, but always thought I would die by age 45. Considering my work, I'm surprised I made it this far. I have been blessed to live an adventure. If given the opportunity, I would go into space on a heartbeat, but I would never go underwater.
My best friend would tell you I'm very opinionated, but people who don't know me very well would probably describe me as quiet. I have never had a style. I go for casual and comfortable. If I could wear cutoff jeans, a t-shirt, no shoes I'd be happy. I love lace, pearls, cashmere, silk - - but it doesn't fit my life.
Peggy Sue Branch-Clark is my oldest friend and we met at school. She was and still is so smart and talented, I wanted to be like her.
I have very few memories of my childhood and those are not ones I would talk about. If I could do things over I would certainly not marry who I did, when I did. It was many years before I learned to stand-up for myself, say "NO" and not let anyone take advantage of me. I would study, travel and create a unique niche for myself. I always wanted to be "special" - - like the only person who could read/translate a dead language and be called to consult all over the world. LOL
Memories of AHHS guys are mostly a puzzlement and I still don't understand why they (or you) did what you did. One guy whom I admired asked me out and then parked outside his house to show me his fish tank through the bedroom window. Why? Harry Hamilton and Bob Dickey were two of the nicest guys. St. Clair Newburne was great. I remember many of you and am not surprised that many of you don't remember me at all, but that's o.k.
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