Deni -AKA Denise Way Claypool:
CLASS OF 1975
Merced High SchoolClass of 1975
Merced, CA
Manchester High SchoolClass of 1975
Manchester, MI
Deni -AKA Denise Way's Story
Left Manchester after 10th grade. Went to Merced High School and graduated in '75. Tried Jr. College but dropped out and became a Deputy Sheriff. Met a cop and married him. Quit law enforcement after 3 years to have my first child, a son in 1981. First daughter born in '84, second and last in '86. After first one born returned to college. Graduated in 84 cum laude with a degree in Education. Taught 4th and 5th grades for 10 years in CA. Moved to Idaho in '95. Divorced in '98....single parented through all the teen years... Got my Master's in Ed. with emphasis in Technology...Received my National Boards Teaching Credential in Adolescent Reading and Writing Instruction in 2005(which was a hell of a lot harder than college and masters combined!). I am done with school.
I've been teaching middle school in Washington state for 14 years (total of 24 years teaching)...love it! I'll retire here...and then move someplace warm...Las Vegas maybe...depends where my kids are.
Kids are grown and doing well. I became a Nanna in 2007 and that is simply the best thing ever!
My obsessions are few...but mandatory in my life...family; work- I still love my job; music - going to concerts, listening and playing (piano and guitar); crocheting, drawing, painting - on canvas and furniture and an occasional wall mural; photography - sold a few of my concert pictures but it's mostly just a passionate hobby; taking care of myself and others.
Not my biggest surprise, but what I'm glad I learned fairly early is that it doesn't mean a thing what people think about you. You have to be comfortable in your own skin to truly enjoy your life. I was a "wannabe" in middle and high school. Trying to act like the popular kids. What a waste of time! I know now that I always had it goin' on...and I don't give a rip if someone likes me or not, and that will "set you free"...
If I could improve my home, I'd remodel everything and add on a bathroom. My dream home would be anything paid in full. I live in a cottage style home that was built in 1901. It was a rental for 45 years. She's real cute and charming and I bought her cheap. And that's a good thing as the little b**&^ is expensive now! But I love her and she'll be even cuter and more ch...Expand for more
arming when she's all prettied up .... someday.
My favorite teachers in Manchester were Mrs. Raus - 4th grade; Mr. Schick in middle school and Mr. Blossom in high school. They are the only ones I think of fondly...I either can't remember the rest - or they could be the subject of nightmares....but those 3 had a positive influence on my becoming a teacher.
My best friends would tell you I'm completely sane (most of the time), but people who don't know me very well would probably describe me as weird and a little quirky. I'd consider that a compliment.
I dress up for work... but at home I wear as little as possible. When out and about I'm a jeans, t-shirt and boots girl - Just your basic concert attire.
I share my home with my dogs, Giovanni and Max, which I find restful. They are always thrilled to see me, great listeners, and never get upset with me when I swear or act stupid.
If I had one do-over I would have been more true to myself when younger and I never would have been such a pleaser. I would have beat the crap out of people who were mean to others....I would have thought of myself first, because now I know that is the only way it should be if you want to be of true value and service to others. Duh.
In 10 years, I hope to be almost ready to retire. I'm going to get there by investing well.
The wildest thing I ever did in school cannot be mentioned here as I do not want it on the internet to haunt me forever!! Just ask me in person, and I'll tell you!
I can't really think of any ONE person I would like to see from my past....there are several... I have always wondered what happened to Max Gormley. I had such a crush on him and I can't remember why!? .... Also, Meg Munson. She was such an individual - even as a teenager when the rest of us were trying to be exactly the same - like a bunch of sheep - she was out there, she was comfortable with who she was. I have always respected that quality. Now more than ever.
From California I have often wondered what happened to Ronnie Valdez and Kenny Falk. I would love to know if Ronnie is as hot as he was in h.s. And Kenny - well, he was just a sweetie and treated me so well....I hope life has been good to all of the above and everyone else too.
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