Sunny Baker:
CLASS OF 1969
Soquel High SchoolClass of 1969
Soquel, CA
San Jose State University - AnthropologyClass of 1975
San jose, CA
Cabrillo CollegeClass of 1973
Aptos, CA
Sunny's Story
I always wanted to be a professional surf groupie when I grew up. My family and friends thought that was a likely idea given my early graduation and first trip to Europe to go surfing (etc.) in Biarritz with then-significant-other Gus. As it turns out, they were totally wrong, and so was I--but I do miss Pleasure Point in the 70's What a great time to live in Santa Cruz...but I digress.
Now--Wow...fast approaching age I never thought I'd be. Well, it doesn't seem all that bad. However, the last four years have been challenging but are now on the upswing again (cycles, cycles). Lost my husband, Kim, in 2004. Found out I had MS the same year. And so, 30 plus years since high school, multiple careers, living all over the country--I find myself a widow, semi-retired, and with MS. The MS isn't so tragic (makes me slower, more tired), but ultimately did allow me to semi-retire early. Now I can have fun with the Internet instead of seeing it as work (I did work at Microsoft, Intel, etc.--so you see what I mean I suppose).
I say semi-retired, because I am playing with a new Internet venture (once in the blood afterall). Since I did work in high technology for most of my life after the university (all three times in the university that is--lifelong education (read it's easier and more fun to go to school than work :) seems to be a theme. I originally intended to be an anthropologist, linguist, explore artificial intelligent (my science-fiction vein), etc.--but that old "survival" thing kicked in before I realized I'd made a choice I never intended to make. I did follow one ongoing dream--being an educator--a theme as well (worked as professor on and off, most recently on) for over 30 years.
Whew--I hate using those big numbers so close to my upcoming BD.
In any case, I am in Atascadero (old central California returning to the area) renting the upstairs bedroom from my late husband's best friend, Mark. He's going through his own regrouping after a tragic divorce after only 6 months of mar...Expand for more
riage to a scamming, Romanian--but that's his story, not mine.
In my case, I recently sold my condo and Jaguar (don't drive my own vehicle anymore--choice, but a good one), and downsized. (It's amazing how little was really "important" to keep--it's a very freeing experience.) I needed someplace to stay away from the heat (I had been living in Palm Springs, but with MS, way too hot) and wanted a haven to put next stage plans together--which Mark's place is I suppose. I hope the not-so-far future involves lots of cruising, meeting some new people eventually (Atascadero is a little sleepy for socializing it seems), and getting involved in community somewhere when I decide where that's going to be. (I am assuming San Diego or Oregon, but who knows?) I expect to find my next landing place in ten months or so (I told Mark I'd only stay a year; that way we both benefit from no being alone but won't ruin our friendship of 30 years). In meantime, this is a nice place to hang as I put next life adventure together.
Would be delightful to hear from some of those whose lives have crossed my path before...or might in future perhaps. Maybe one of you has read a book of mine (there are 28 out there) or you have a great story from long ago that I will hopefully remember. Send a message to be "friends" online and we can communicate without paying the fee. :)
To all--life hands you the unexpected. It's our job to accept it and relish the serendipity that remains. One truth--we all are given the same end result here on earth. Absurd if you think about all the time we put into trying to make it different.
BTW, I never had children. Not priority in my life. It was a good decision in my case. So I won't be telling you about my "wonderful" kids and "beautiful" grandbaby stories.
In closing: APPRECIATE what you do get (notice didn't say enjoy--very different sentiment of someone with some water under the bridge)...I am planning on it...it's all there is.
Love to all,
--Sunny (Staron, Gustavson) Baker
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