Linda Johnson:  

My Recent Life Moved back to Virginia in October 2003 after spending almost 7 years in Japan. We live in a great home on two acres of land with a lake and all sorts of wildlife. Son is 36 and daughter is 34. I retired in June 2013 from the school system as an elementary school guidance counselor. My husband works in health and safety and environmental services, as well as contracts. We became grandparents for the first time on May 9, 2013, when our son had a son, Ryland. Now I understand what it is like to love a grandchild and what special love it is. We can't imagine our lives without him and he has given us so much joy! Would love to hear from old friends and Rebels. Best wishes to all the graduates of 1971!! To answer some of the story wizard's suggestions: I always wanted to be a dancer or a teacher when I grew up. My family and friends were okay with whatever I did and never pressured me. I became a teacher and eventually a guidance counselor. Friends used to call me "Dear Abby" in school because they would confide in me with their problems. Hmmmm.....maybe I found my niche in life much earlier than I thought I would. If I'm going to work somewhere on anything that requires deep thought or concentration, I need to have a diet Sprite and feel at peace. The one person from my past who I'd most like to see again is Roxie Walker. She is my maternal grandmother and was a tremedous source of inspiration for me. Obsessions: genealogy, environment and wildlife, turtles, my children, my grandson, and concerns about the world in general and where it is heading. I have lots of other interests that keep my mind busy and looking for knowledge. If I could improve my home, I'd remodel the area off the laundry room and add on a much larger room for my antique Japanese doll collection. My dream home would be just the way it is now, only a bit larger. I've learned from my children to be patient and to keep my mouth shut in certain situations! If I won $100 million, I'd give 10 million of it to my children, then spend the rest on our debts, charity and causes. create a wildlife sanctuary, and provide for those who are truly in need. My current age is 61. When I was 12, I thought that people my age were soooooo old. I was so completely WRONG!! My "career" aspirations are to become a certified genealogist and publish the history of both my paternal and maternal lines. I have some brickwal...Expand for more