JUST ONE MORE ... bucket list item (so as to live more) [September 2019]

JUST ONE MORE … bucket list item (so as to live more).

To start with a disclaimer, it is not the end of days (although it sometimes feels like the *beginning* of the end of days).  It's just that, as it relates to my ongoing concept that is designed so that I can try to find a way to embrace incremental change in order to empower folks [or just me] to stay positive and solution-focused in a day and age where problems often seem insurmountable, control often seems out of reach, and apathy often seems to be running rampant, I've designated 2019 as the chance to live like it was the end of days.

More specifically, since January, I've been exploring "the year of more".  I spent the months in Q1 focused on "laughing more" and those in Q2 on "loving more" … with Q3 being reserved for thinking of ways to feel like I was "living more".  ("Being happy more" will complete this concept in Q4).  I first had to operationally define what I meant by "living more", and I decided that it was about less postponing of those items on your wish list ... less making of excuses for not doing things you enjoy ... less getting stuck in a rut and thinking that you'll "one day" get around to participating in the good things of life   Ironically -- I defined "more" by making a list of things of which I'd do 'less".

Now it's September, and I'll be investing time into thinking about that classic "bucket list" phenomenon … and into taking action to cross a few things off it before the 30 days have passed.  Mind you, resources are limited due to other circumstances, so taking that trip to outer space or even returning to Koln nearly 30 years after I studied abroad there for a semester are not going to happen.  But there are still a lot of little things that I put into my potential to do list that I slide into another month or another year as the date approaches.  Maybe it's time to stop that behavior … and to start executing just one more … bucket list item (so as to live more).

JUST ONE MORE ... outdoor activity (so as to live more) [August 2019]

JUST ONE MORE ... outdoor activity (so as to live more).

To give credit where credit is due, Andrea True (and her Connection) said it first back in the Disco era -- but as previously discussed, I'm adding one extra "more" to her "more, more, more" when it comes to the 2019 version of my concept that is designed so that I can try to find a way to embrace incremental change in order to empower folks [or just me] to stay positive and solution-focused in a day and age where problems often seem insurmountable, control often seems out of reach, and apathy often seems to be running rampant.

Having already focused on "laughing more" in Q1 and "loving more" in Q2, we're now in the middle of rallying around "living more" in Q3 (with "being happy more" ahead to close out the year in Q4).  We've established that "living more" means less postponing of those items on your wish list ... less making of excuses for not doing things you enjoy ... less getting stuck in a rut and thinking that you'll "one day" get around to participating in the good things of life 

Specifically for August, it's going to be all about getting up off the couch and making the time to get outside and to enjoy the sunshine (or the rain, if the current weather pattern holds where me and mine live).  According to this source (https://www.businessinsider.com/why-spending-more-time-outside-is-healthy-2017-7), doing that very thing can increase your short-term memory, help you de-stress, reduce inflammation, eliminate depression, fight fatigue and (cue Andrea) "more, more, more" -- so many reasons to do what you've been told to do since you were a kid -- go outside to play for just one more … outdoor activity (so as to live more).

JUST ONE MORE ... concert (so as to live more) [July 2019]

JUST ONE MORE ... concert (so as to live more).

We declared 2019 to be the year of "more" long before the possible health and potential career troubles popped up recently in our lives.  And now that they have, we're RE-declaring 2019 to be the year of "more" no matter what lies ahead.  After all, laughing more (Q1), loving more (Q2), living more (Q3) and being happy more (Q4) might now just be even *more* important.

So we march on to the tune of "more" even *more*.  This month kicks off "living more" when it comes to the ongoing special concept of mine that started over three years ago and that is designed so that I can try to find a way to embrace incremental change in order to empower folks [or just me] to stay positive and solution-focused in a day and age where problems often seem insurmountable, control often seems out of reach, and apathy often seems to be running rampant.

In our humble opinion, "living more" means less postponing of those items on your wish list ... less making of excuses for not doing things you enjoy ... less getting stuck in a rut and thinking that you'll "one day" get around to participating in the good things of life 

Specifically for July ... and especially pertinent to me and my year to date ... the focus is going to be on the emotional experience that comes from attending a concert of a favorite performer.  May it encourage you to book tickets to someone you like in order to get them on your social calendar ... or to research free events coming up in your area if you're on a budget ... or to just throw some records on and sing along in the comfort of your own house if going to an event with lots of other people gives you agitas.  However you do it ... just please consider joining me in enjoying just one more ... concert (so as to live more).

JUST ONE MORE ... agape thing (so as to love more) [June 2019]

JUST ONE MORE ... agape thing (so as to love more).

As declared back on January 1 of this year, 2019 is the year of "more" when it comes to this ongoing special concept of mine that started over three years ago and that is designed so that I can try to find a way to embrace incremental change in order to empower folks [or just me] to stay positive and solution-focused in a day and age where problems often seem insurmountable, control often seems out of reach, and apathy often seems to be running rampant.

So far we've been focused during this year of "more" on ways to *laugh* more and to *love* more ... with *living* more and *being happy* more on the itinerary for later (and maybe next year we'll do *parallel structure* more).

But before we turn to new things, there's still one more month to think about ways to *love* more ... and by *love*, we're talking about the BIG one -- the "agape" one (of course).  As our source material states, agape love (or altruistic love ... or universal love) "helps to build and maintain the psychological, social, and, indeed, environmental fabric that shields, sustains, and enriches us ... [g]iven the increasing anger and division in our society, and the state of our planet, we could all do with quite a bit more agape."  (Link here:  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/hide-and-seek/201606/these-are-the-7-types-love)

As per usual, over on the Facebook, I'll keep the reminders going all month long for anyone who chooses to join me in focusing on the greatest love of all.  Because let's face it -- what the world needs now is just one (or a hundred) more ... agape thing/s (so as to love more).

JUST ONE MORE ... philautia thing (so as to love more) [May 2019]

JUST ONE MORE ... philautia thing (so as to love more).

It's the year of "more" -- or at least, with regards to this ongoing special concept of mine designed so that I can try to find a way to embrace incremental change in order to empower folks [or just me] to stay positive and solution-focused in a day and age where problems often seem insurmountable, control often seems out of reach, and apathy often seems to be running rampant, it's the year of "more".

In case you've not been following, the first three months of this year of "more" focused on ways to laugh more ... but we've pivoted now to finding ways to *love* more!  ("Living more" and "being happy more" are still to come.)

For this month, we're looking toward something new to me -- "philautia" love, which is designed to be the best of the best when it comes to loving yourself more (and we're talking about self-esteem and self-confidence and not anything tawdrier).  The concept as sourced at the link below explains it thusly:  " ... [being] able to invest themselves completely in projects and people because they do not fear failure or rejection ... of course they suffer hurt and disappointment, but their setbacks neither damage nor diminish them ... owing to their resilience, they are open to growth experiences and relationships, tolerant of risk, quick to joy and delight, and accepting and forgiving of themselves and others." (Link here:  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/hide-and-seek/201606/these-are-the-7-types-love)

As always, over on the Facebook, I'll keep the reminders going all month long for anyone who chooses to join me in focusing on a little bit of much needed self-love.  Because let's face it -- anything that increases our self-confidence and self-esteem is something worth pursuing as ... just one more ... philautia thing (so as to love more).

2 0 8 4:M i s s i v e 39

It didn't take long for Mattie 3.0 to claim the response from Brother Bain, the turn-of-the-last-century fax machine hidden in the back of the refrigerator of his Old Orleans apartment, and to decipher its glyph-code.

"They want you to take him up on his offer to take you to this place -- and they'll push off the trip to the Chicago City Reserve until after you get back," he explained matter-of-factly.

(In case you had forgotten, the relevant "him" was that old man who had approached me on the corner telling me that New Orleans still existed and that he could take me there -- even though everyone in 2084 new that the New Madrid Quake of 2023 had split the United States in two and, when combined with the effects of global warming, had created the Bay of Mississippi where the River once ran, meaning that the original New Orleans [as opposed to the facsimile of it called Old Orleans in which I found myself] was clearly at the bottom of that Bay.)

"Well there you go," I replied.  "I'm a guest of the IntransiGents -- so I'll do as they say.  What do we have to do before tonight to get ready?" I queried.

Mattie 3.0 re-read the document in his hand before replying.

"It's more about what *you* have to do.  I'm not authorized to join you.  *This* is a solo mission for you."

I wasn't expecting that surprise.  "Me?  By myself?  Even though I'm not of this place and time?"

"The IntransiGents know what you eventually became from having access to your IQ, EQ and SQ files, so they believe in your skill set -- even though you don't yet know the roles you have played in the Uprisings through the years." Mattie 3.0 explained.

"Right ... but ... shouldn't I be told that part of my history so that I can act accordingly on this mission?" I countered.

"That would be too risky at this juncture.  If you travel back through time armed with *that* information, it might influence your choices in your immediate future in a way that leads to different outcomes in this time."

His response made my head hurt.  And since your head might be feeling the same way, so this is probably a good spot to end this missive, seeing as how the Vitalnet update window is almost over.  In other words -- take two aspirin and meet me on Troy-in-2019's social media on the last day of the month next, won't you?

Random Posting for Penn State 4/13/19

Here are 9 Nittany Nuggets from this year's Blue/White game:

1.)  Housekeeping note:  Even though the game was indeed on the afternoon of Sa the 13th, the Big10 network didn't air it until later that night ... and I didn't watch what had been recorded until Mon or Tues ... and here it is the Sa after when I'm finally posting ... BUT thanks to the magic of the "post-date" feature on the blog, posterity will think that this all happened the same day.
2.)  As someone who has not been a lifelong football enthusiast who only really gravitated toward being a part of the "we are ..." chant after moving to Chicago in 2001 and wanting a connection to back home despite being so far away, I have to tell you that the whole "we'll make up the rules as we go along" environment of the spring game keeps me in a confused state for most of the event.
3.)  So if boxers who can easily get knocked out have a "glass chin", does poor Tommy STEVENS have a "glass foot"?
4.)  In related news, hey there Sean CLIFFORD ... I remember you from a few games last season!
5.)  In additional related news, exactly how many QBs are we going to get to see today?  And we seriously have ourselves a "Michael Johnson" in that role?  Admittedly, I'm old, but doesn't the Olympic athlete from the late 90's have that name copyrighted yet?
6.)  Hey Judge CULPEPPER -- please ask the powers that be for a bigger shirt.  I mean I know that Cher pioneered the whole "get your belly button past the censors" thing decades prior to your airtime ... but hers wasn't quite so hairy in HD.
7.)  Hey announcerpeople -- when you tell us that Noah CAIN plays for both teams (as it relates to today's game), since the majority of your audience is "woke", we assume that means that he's proudly representing the B in the gay alphabet.
8.)  Hey announcerpeople -- we too are pleased to see Mr. MILLEN return ... with a brand new heart.  As such, we'll suppress any of the snark that normally appears in this section.
9.)  I don't care what anyone else says.  *My* player of the week is going to *have* to be Dan CHISENA ... because everyone loves a "you-won-a-scholarship" moment during a game!

In closing, thanks to "thin-hipped, sized-15-shoe-wearing" Brandon SMITH for getting everyone so excited about the season ahead ... and here's to a full summer of fun before Labor Day weekend (and our game against the Idaho Vandals) arrives!

GO CULPEPPER GO!:
https://www.ydr.com/story/sports/college/penn-state/football/2018/02/07/meet-penn-states-judge-culpepper-and-his-high-achieving-family/1085095001/

GO CAIN GO!:
https://victorybellrings.com/2019/04/20/penn-state-football-cain-presence/

GO BRANDON SMITH GO!:
https://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/2018/12/how-fast-is-penn-state-five-star-linebacker-brandon-smith-you-wont-believe-his-best-40-time.html

JUST ONE MORE ... phila thing (so as to love more) [April 2019]

JUST ONE MORE ... phila thing (so as to love more).

It's the year of "more" -- or at least, with regards to this ongoing special concept of mine designed so that I can try to find a way to embrace incremental change in order to empower folks [or just me] to stay positive and solution-focused in a day and age where problems often seem insurmountable, control often seems out of reach, and apathy often seems to be running rampant, it's the year of "more".

We've spent the first three months of this year of "more" focused on ways to laugh more ... but now that it's the beginning of the second quarter, it's time to pivot to things that help us to *love* more!  ("Living more" and "being happy more" are still to come.)

So that's all the long way to say that those of you who thought this month was going to be about things to do in Philadelphia ... you're only just a little close.  Instead it's all about the Greek definition of "phila" as brotherly love (*there's* the Philly connection) and shared goodwill.  It's about finding the kind of friends who are useful and pleasant and good and rational and virtuous.  It's about finding friendships that offer companionship, dependability and trust -- and then it's about keeping them by putting in the work to maintain them.  (Concept sourced here:  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/hide-and-seek/201606/these-are-the-7-types-love)

As always, over on the Facebook, I'll keep the reminders going all month long for anyone who chooses to join me in focusing on the good stuff ... the beloved stuff ... the friendship stuff ... by devoting some deserved attention to ... just one more ... phila thing (so as to love more).

2 0 8 4:M i s s i v e 38

Somewhere in the middle of that first night spent in Old Orleans on the couch of the apartment where Mattie 3.0 stayed, I was awakened by a sound I hadn't heard in years -- decades even.

And I wasn't referring to the fact that my life had been fast-forwarded some sixty-plus years once I stepped through the portal that my cell phone had created that had sent me there in 2084.  Even back at the turn of the millennium, the distinct ring-buzz-whirr of a fax machine was an antiquated noise.

Sure enough, though, "Brother Bain", as Mattie 3.0 had called it, received a response from his IntransiGent contact under the cover of night.  I wanted to get up off of the couch and head to the refrigerator and slide it out of its nook and spin it around to retrieve the old-fashioned missive, but I knew from watching him send a note the night before that they were also using a glyph based code for which I had no key.

I slept fitfully -- and I later deduced that the sound of the fax machine had likely made me recall the life I had left behind for the first time since embarking on this journey.  All the excitement I had experienced on the boat ride from the Florida Isles on the trip to East America had kept me focused on what I was learning and doing and seeing for the first time.

In the early hours of that morning of that first night in those environs was also the first time I wondered how it would be that I would return.  The concept of "astral projection with a corporeal element" had been explained to me, so I had grasped that I could exist back in my original time as Troy AND in this new age as Ilion (the name I had taken for myself) AND as the sum total of my IQ, EQ and SQ files living on within the Vitalnet.

Without access to the information in those files, though, me-as-Ilion began to worry how -- and when -- I would one day rejoin me-as-Troy ... and how that life, if again intertwined, could ever be the same again.

Eventually, Mattie 3.0 walked in to the living room and his presence drew me out of my disturbing thoughts.

"Morning!" he said, with a smile.

It would have been polite of me to respond in kind.  Instead, I just pointed to the refrigerator and mumbled.  "Brother Bain has spoken."

With that, I promise to share more about that morning the next time I'm able to send a communication to you on the last day of the month when I can take advantage of the loophole as the Vitalnet updates.  Until then, I remain Ilion using Troy-in-2019's social media to share news of the future with you ... in small bitesize pieces ... only when possible.

30for30: Best of the Yearbook Photos #1

Tonight, in just a few hours, the LHS Class of 1989 will celebrate its 30th high school reunion (on Saturday, March 30, 2019 at 7pm in the back room of the infamous Downtown Lounge) ... which is why I've been posting these special TOP 30 lists (see previous lists of Favorite Assignments, Jukebox Memories, and Most Memorable Teachers/Staff).

This month ... it's all about the top 30 best of the yearbook photos (see rules below) -- because our lives were captured and frozen in time circa mid 1989, and seeing as how our own class motto said that we should "live each day so that you will neither be afraid of tomorrow nor ashamed of yesterday", it seems like the perfect opportunity to reflect on the three decades that have passed, by remembering from whence we came.

Admittedly, tonight is a low-key event ... so I can't predict how it will measure up to the "riot" that was our post-prom three decades ago ... but I thought it an appropriate finish to hearken back to the last time we all were together, bright eyed and ready to take on the future.  Now that future is our past ... and we'll gather to celebrate it and to recharge for the next thirty decades.  Anyone think we should book our night and start planning for our 60th in 2049?  Just let me know ...

RULES FOR THIS TOP 30 LIST:  When it comes to the Facebook version of this series, I promise to only tag those who reach out to me to be tagged, because that seems fair.  Clearly there's no way I can feature everything and every body and every group, so I'll pick and choose what I consider to be the best according to me -- which shouldn't stop you from chiming in with your own "best of" shots.  It's my full intent to continue to post unless/until someone's lawyer sends me a "cease and desist" letter (and I'm not sharing my address so that shouldn't happen), and although I'd love to offer up appropriate photo credits where applicable, I'm afraid that information isn't readily available.

NEWS FROM OUR CLASS ON THE FACEBOOK (IF YOU ARE A MEMBER):
https://www.facebook.com/groups/189980661939188/

30for30: Best of the Yearbook Photos #2

In just 1 day (OMG you guys ... it's tomorrow!), the LHS Class of 1989 will celebrate its 30th high school reunion (on Saturday, March 30, 2019 at 7pm in the back room of the infamous Downtown Lounge) ... which is why I've been posting these special TOP 30 lists (see previous lists of Favorite Assignments, Jukebox Memories, and Most Memorable Teachers/Staff).

This month ... it's all about the top 30 best of the yearbook photos (see rules below) -- because our lives were captured and frozen in time circa mid 1989, and seeing as how our own class motto said that we should "live each day so that you will neither be afraid of tomorrow nor ashamed of yesterday", it seems like the perfect opportunity to reflect on the three decades that have passed, by remembering from whence we came.

Lookit -- all these young people walking around thinking they're so "woke".  I just wanted to document that we *started* the whole "woke" thing.  It was our class who realized that having a "slave auction" in 1989 was probably not the right message to be sending -- so we kept the tradition BUT got it renamed to the more innocuous "buy a senior day".  Although it looks like we kind of had our cake and ate it too what with how SLAVE DAY still made it onto a prominent page in the yearbook.  Progress takes baby steps sometimes ... and y'all in our class were more PC than you may have realized ...

RULES FOR THIS TOP 30 LIST:  When it comes to the Facebook version of this series, I promise to only tag those who reach out to me to be tagged, because that seems fair.  Clearly there's no way I can feature everything and every body and every group, so I'll pick and choose what I consider to be the best according to me -- which shouldn't stop you from chiming in with your own "best of" shots.  It's my full intent to continue to post unless/until someone's lawyer sends me a "cease and desist" letter (and I'm not sharing my address so that shouldn't happen), and although I'd love to offer up appropriate photo credits where applicable, I'm afraid that information isn't readily available.

NEWS FROM OUR CLASS ON THE FACEBOOK (IF YOU ARE A MEMBER):
https://www.facebook.com/groups/189980661939188/

30for30: Best of the Yearbook Photos #3

In just 2 days, the LHS Class of 1989 will celebrate its 30th high school reunion (on Saturday, March 30, 2019 at 7pm in the back room of the infamous Downtown Lounge) ... which is why I've been posting these special TOP 30 lists (see previous lists of Favorite Assignments, Jukebox Memories, and Most Memorable Teachers/Staff).

This month ... it's all about the top 30 best of the yearbook photos (see rules below) -- because our lives were captured and frozen in time circa mid 1989, and seeing as how our own class motto said that we should "live each day so that you will neither be afraid of tomorrow nor ashamed of yesterday", it seems like the perfect opportunity to reflect on the three decades that have passed, by remembering from whence we came.

Why bother with a reunion in the first place?  Because our time in this life is short enough.  Since we last met together five years ago for our 25th, the two classmates pictured here have both passed away.  (Note:  there's probably more ... but these are the two of whom I am aware that we lost very recently.)  This weekend, we reune in memory of Brian Dylan L and Joseph E (and any of the others).

RULES FOR THIS TOP 30 LIST:  When it comes to the Facebook version of this series, I promise to only tag those who reach out to me to be tagged, because that seems fair.  Clearly there's no way I can feature everything and every body and every group, so I'll pick and choose what I consider to be the best according to me -- which shouldn't stop you from chiming in with your own "best of" shots.  It's my full intent to continue to post unless/until someone's lawyer sends me a "cease and desist" letter (and I'm not sharing my address so that shouldn't happen), and although I'd love to offer up appropriate photo credits where applicable, I'm afraid that information isn't readily available.

NEWS FROM OUR CLASS ON THE FACEBOOK (IF YOU ARE A MEMBER):
https://www.facebook.com/groups/189980661939188/

30for30: Best of the Yearbook Photos #4

In just 3 days, the LHS Class of 1989 will celebrate its 30th high school reunion (on Saturday, March 30, 2019 at 7pm in the back room of the infamous Downtown Lounge) ... which is why I've been posting these special TOP 30 lists (see previous lists of Favorite Assignments, Jukebox Memories, and Most Memorable Teachers/Staff).

This month ... it's all about the top 30 best of the yearbook photos (see rules below) -- because our lives were captured and frozen in time circa mid 1989, and seeing as how our own class motto said that we should "live each day so that you will neither be afraid of tomorrow nor ashamed of yesterday", it seems like the perfect opportunity to reflect on the three decades that have passed, by remembering from whence we came.

It only seems right to place these photos of our high school "instrumenatlists" after the pinnacle of the athletic ones (yesterday's football pages), what with the amount of support the marching band provided at games.  And to be clear -- anyone who didn't think that band members were athletic clearly never tried carrying a tuba ... or a full set of drums ... or an upright bass ... onto the field where they struggled to control it as they marched around in semi-elaborate designs.  (Note:  I should probably fact-check whether or not upright basses were a part of the marching band ...)

RULES FOR THIS TOP 30 LIST:  When it comes to the Facebook version of this series, I promise to only tag those who reach out to me to be tagged, because that seems fair.  Clearly there's no way I can feature everything and every body and every group, so I'll pick and choose what I consider to be the best according to me -- which shouldn't stop you from chiming in with your own "best of" shots.  It's my full intent to continue to post unless/until someone's lawyer sends me a "cease and desist" letter (and I'm not sharing my address so that shouldn't happen), and although I'd love to offer up appropriate photo credits where applicable, I'm afraid that information isn't readily available.

NEWS FROM OUR CLASS ON THE FACEBOOK (IF YOU ARE A MEMBER):
https://www.facebook.com/groups/189980661939188/

30for30: Best of the Yearbook Photos #5

In just 4 days, the LHS Class of 1989 will celebrate its 30th high school reunion (on Saturday, March 30, 2019 at 7pm in the back room of the infamous Downtown Lounge) ... which is why I've been posting these special TOP 30 lists (see previous lists of Favorite Assignments, Jukebox Memories, and Most Memorable Teachers/Staff).

This month ... it's all about the top 30 best of the yearbook photos (see rules below) -- because our lives were captured and frozen in time circa mid 1989, and seeing as how our own class motto said that we should "live each day so that you will neither be afraid of tomorrow nor ashamed of yesterday", it seems like the perfect opportunity to reflect on the three decades that have passed, by remembering from whence we came.

To close out the athletic remembrance section (which was originally going to just be a week until I realized how many great pics there were from those pages), it only makes sense that I'd put the team that quite possibly got the most attention.  They definitely got the most pictures ... so although rarely done in this countdown, I'll provide BOTH of them in this post.  (And I'll reserve the right to call out anyone this weekend at the reunion who starts to sound like Al Bundy reliving his glory days under the Friday night lights.)

RULES FOR THIS TOP 30 LIST:  When it comes to the Facebook version of this series, I promise to only tag those who reach out to me to be tagged, because that seems fair.  Clearly there's no way I can feature everything and every body and every group, so I'll pick and choose what I consider to be the best according to me -- which shouldn't stop you from chiming in with your own "best of" shots.  It's my full intent to continue to post unless/until someone's lawyer sends me a "cease and desist" letter (and I'm not sharing my address so that shouldn't happen), and although I'd love to offer up appropriate photo credits where applicable, I'm afraid that information isn't readily available.

NEWS FROM OUR CLASS ON THE FACEBOOK (IF YOU ARE A MEMBER):
https://www.facebook.com/groups/189980661939188/

30for30: Best of the Yearbook Photos #6

In just 5 days, the LHS Class of 1989 will celebrate its 30th high school reunion (on Saturday, March 30, 2019 at 7pm in the back room of the infamous Downtown Lounge) ... which is why I've been posting these special TOP 30 lists (see previous lists of Favorite Assignments, Jukebox Memories, and Most Memorable Teachers/Staff).

This month ... it's all about the top 30 best of the yearbook photos (see rules below) -- because our lives were captured and frozen in time circa mid 1989, and seeing as how our own class motto said that we should "live each day so that you will neither be afraid of tomorrow nor ashamed of yesterday", it seems like the perfect opportunity to reflect on the three decades that have passed, by remembering from whence we came.

A classmate of mine has been asking about when I'm going to post the picture of the football team -- so, without further ado, here they are.  (Of course, upon retrospection, it might just be that he meant American football and not the sport the rest of the world calls football ... but, in my defense, he wasn't clear about his worldview.)  

RULES FOR THIS TOP 30 LIST:  When it comes to the Facebook version of this series, I promise to only tag those who reach out to me to be tagged, because that seems fair.  Clearly there's no way I can feature everything and every body and every group, so I'll pick and choose what I consider to be the best according to me -- which shouldn't stop you from chiming in with your own "best of" shots.  It's my full intent to continue to post unless/until someone's lawyer sends me a "cease and desist" letter (and I'm not sharing my address so that shouldn't happen), and although I'd love to offer up appropriate photo credits where applicable, I'm afraid that information isn't readily available.

NEWS FROM OUR CLASS ON THE FACEBOOK (IF YOU ARE A MEMBER):
https://www.facebook.com/groups/189980661939188/

30for30: Best of the Yearbook Photos #7

In just 6 days, the LHS Class of 1989 will celebrate its 30th high school reunion (on Saturday, March 30, 2019 at 7pm in the back room of the infamous Downtown Lounge) ... which is why I've been posting these special TOP 30 lists (see previous lists of Favorite Assignments, Jukebox Memories, and Most Memorable Teachers/Staff).

This month ... it's all about the top 30 best of the yearbook photos (see rules below) -- because our lives were captured and frozen in time circa mid 1989, and seeing as how our own class motto said that we should "live each day so that you will neither be afraid of tomorrow nor ashamed of yesterday", it seems like the perfect opportunity to reflect on the three decades that have passed, by remembering from whence we came.

Lookit -- these two sports almost didn't make the list ... but luckily I was able to strike a deal with the censors just in time to squeeze swimming and gymnastics into this part of the countdown.  To avoid any possible issues with VPL or knuckles of moose or toes of camels, any potentially controversial parts have been covered for your protection.  (BTW -- I am still waiting word as to whether or not I have to go back and do the same for the boys-in-short-shorts as seen in the boys' basketball team's pictures.)

RULES FOR THIS TOP 30 LIST:  When it comes to the Facebook version of this series, I promise to only tag those who reach out to me to be tagged, because that seems fair.  Clearly there's no way I can feature everything and every body and every group, so I'll pick and choose what I consider to be the best according to me -- which shouldn't stop you from chiming in with your own "best of" shots.  It's my full intent to continue to post unless/until someone's lawyer sends me a "cease and desist" letter (and I'm not sharing my address so that shouldn't happen), and although I'd love to offer up appropriate photo credits where applicable, I'm afraid that information isn't readily available.

NEWS FROM OUR CLASS ON THE FACEBOOK (IF YOU ARE A MEMBER):
https://www.facebook.com/groups/189980661939188/

30for30: Best of the Yearbook Photos #8

In just 7 days, the LHS Class of 1989 will celebrate its 30th high school reunion (on Saturday, March 30, 2019 at 7pm in the back room of the infamous Downtown Lounge) ... which is why I've been posting these special TOP 30 lists (see previous lists of Favorite Assignments, Jukebox Memories, and Most Memorable Teachers/Staff).

This month ... it's all about the top 30 best of the yearbook photos (see rules below) -- because our lives were captured and frozen in time circa mid 1989, and seeing as how our own class motto said that we should "live each day so that you will neither be afraid of tomorrow nor ashamed of yesterday", it seems like the perfect opportunity to reflect on the three decades that have passed, by remembering from whence we came.

Finally -- another sport that allowed boys and girls to be together.  (For those keeping track [no pun intended], bowling was the other one.)  And, as I learned through this process, cross-country is actually *different* than track.  Specifically -- it's a heck of a lot *longer*.  Plus -- you have to love that headline:  these classmates of ours ran with not just any abandon -- but WILD abandon!  Here's hoping a few of them manage to run into the reunion NEXT SATURDAY NIGHT!  

RULES FOR THIS TOP 30 LIST:  When it comes to the Facebook version of this series, I promise to only tag those who reach out to me to be tagged, because that seems fair.  Clearly there's no way I can feature everything and every body and every group, so I'll pick and choose what I consider to be the best according to me -- which shouldn't stop you from chiming in with your own "best of" shots.  It's my full intent to continue to post unless/until someone's lawyer sends me a "cease and desist" letter (and I'm not sharing my address so that shouldn't happen), and although I'd love to offer up appropriate photo credits where applicable, I'm afraid that information isn't readily available.

NEWS FROM OUR CLASS ON THE FACEBOOK (IF YOU ARE A MEMBER):
https://www.facebook.com/groups/189980661939188/

30for30: Best of the Yearbook Photos #9

In just 8 days, the LHS Class of 1989 will celebrate its 30th high school reunion (on Saturday, March 30, 2019 at 7pm in the back room of the infamous Downtown Lounge) ... which is why I've been posting these special TOP 30 lists (see previous lists of Favorite Assignments, Jukebox Memories, and Most Memorable Teachers/Staff).

This month ... it's all about the top 30 best of the yearbook photos (see rules below) -- because our lives were captured and frozen in time circa mid 1989, and seeing as how our own class motto said that we should "live each day so that you will neither be afraid of tomorrow nor ashamed of yesterday", it seems like the perfect opportunity to reflect on the three decades that have passed, by remembering from whence we came.

Oops -- it's time for an official correction.  Just over a week ago, in item #18 in this series, I posted a picture of the tennis team and commented that I was surprised that it was just a female thing at our school.  Except it wasn't -- and I made that assumption based on the misguided thinking that tennis would be something of a co-ed kind of sport.  However, apparently all that grunting and groaning was too overtly sexual, and so they had to keep them separated.  In other words -- here's the *boys'* tennis team.

RULES FOR THIS TOP 30 LIST:  When it comes to the Facebook version of this series, I promise to only tag those who reach out to me to be tagged, because that seems fair.  Clearly there's no way I can feature everything and every body and every group, so I'll pick and choose what I consider to be the best according to me -- which shouldn't stop you from chiming in with your own "best of" shots.  It's my full intent to continue to post unless/until someone's lawyer sends me a "cease and desist" letter (and I'm not sharing my address so that shouldn't happen), and although I'd love to offer up appropriate photo credits where applicable, I'm afraid that information isn't readily available.

NEWS FROM OUR CLASS ON THE FACEBOOK (IF YOU ARE A MEMBER):
https://www.facebook.com/groups/189980661939188/

30for30: Best of the Yearbook Photos #10

In just 9 days, the LHS Class of 1989 will celebrate its 30th high school reunion (on Saturday, March 30, 2019 at 7pm in the back room of the infamous Downtown Lounge) ... which is why I've been posting these special TOP 30 lists (see previous lists of Favorite Assignments, Jukebox Memories, and Most Memorable Teachers/Staff).

This month ... it's all about the top 30 best of the yearbook photos (see rules below) -- because our lives were captured and frozen in time circa mid 1989, and seeing as how our own class motto said that we should "live each day so that you will neither be afraid of tomorrow nor ashamed of yesterday", it seems like the perfect opportunity to reflect on the three decades that have passed, by remembering from whence we came.

As you may have realized, I've been alternating these sports team photos that I started over a week ago from day to day with a female team ... and then a male team ... but I've kind of run out of girls' sports long before I did for the guys -- which may surprise no one that follows gender equality issues in high schools (especially as it relates to how things were thirty years ago in 1989).  Without wading into the controversy as to whether cheerleading is a sport or not (note:  the earliest steps have been taken so that it might one day be in the Olympics), I'm just going to leave this set of pics in this spot where a girls' sports team is supposed to be.

RULES FOR THIS TOP 30 LIST:  When it comes to the Facebook version of this series, I promise to only tag those who reach out to me to be tagged, because that seems fair.  Clearly there's no way I can feature everything and every body and every group, so I'll pick and choose what I consider to be the best according to me -- which shouldn't stop you from chiming in with your own "best of" shots.  It's my full intent to continue to post unless/until someone's lawyer sends me a "cease and desist" letter (and I'm not sharing my address so that shouldn't happen), and although I'd love to offer up appropriate photo credits where applicable, I'm afraid that information isn't readily available.

NEWS FROM OUR CLASS ON THE FACEBOOK (IF YOU ARE A MEMBER):
https://www.facebook.com/groups/189980661939188/

30for30: Best of the Yearbook Photos #11

In just 10 days, the LHS Class of 1989 will celebrate its 30th high school reunion (on Saturday, March 30, 2019 at 7pm in the back room of the infamous Downtown Lounge) ... which is why I've been posting these special TOP 30 lists (see previous lists of Favorite Assignments, Jukebox Memories, and Most Memorable Teachers/Staff).

This month ... it's all about the top 30 best of the yearbook photos (see rules below) -- because our lives were captured and frozen in time circa mid 1989, and seeing as how our own class motto said that we should "live each day so that you will neither be afraid of tomorrow nor ashamed of yesterday", it seems like the perfect opportunity to reflect on the three decades that have passed, by remembering from whence we came.

More sports ... more boys in short shorts ... more posts featuring the athletic teams of yesteryear (where "yester" equals "three decades").  Last night was track for girls ... so it's probably no surprise that tonight shows track for boys.  And let me tell you ... these boys could outrun their troubles and hurdle their obstacles and pass the baton to their teammates like few others (see what I did there?) -- skills they no doubt carried into their post-high-school careers.

RULES FOR THIS TOP 30 LIST:  When it comes to the Facebook version of this series, I promise to only tag those who reach out to me to be tagged, because that seems fair.  Clearly there's no way I can feature everything and every body and every group, so I'll pick and choose what I consider to be the best according to me -- which shouldn't stop you from chiming in with your own "best of" shots.  It's my full intent to continue to post unless/until someone's lawyer sends me a "cease and desist" letter (and I'm not sharing my address so that shouldn't happen), and although I'd love to offer up appropriate photo credits where applicable, I'm afraid that information isn't readily available.

NEWS FROM OUR CLASS ON THE FACEBOOK (IF YOU ARE A MEMBER):
https://www.facebook.com/groups/189980661939188/

30for30: Best of the Yearbook Photos #12

In just 11 days, the LHS Class of 1989 will celebrate its 30th high school reunion (on Saturday, March 30, 2019 at 7pm in the back room of the infamous Downtown Lounge) ... which is why I've been posting these special TOP 30 lists (see previous lists of Favorite Assignments, Jukebox Memories, and Most Memorable Teachers/Staff).

This month ... it's all about the top 30 best of the yearbook photos (see rules below) -- because our lives were captured and frozen in time circa mid 1989, and seeing as how our own class motto said that we should "live each day so that you will neither be afraid of tomorrow nor ashamed of yesterday", it seems like the perfect opportunity to reflect on the three decades that have passed, by remembering from whence we came.

"Athletics week" in this countdown is at risk of turning into "athletics *fortnight*" ... but once I start something, I kind of have to finish it.  To whit: here's yet another female group -- the track team featuring our senior class.  By the way, this is "track" and NOT "cross-country" -- because they are different sports as I learned tonight courtesy of the google (what can I say ... I wasn't exactly plugged into athletics when I was in high school).  PS -- I still haven't posted said "cross-country" photo ... so it's safe to say that *that* will be right around the corner one of these days very soon (after all, the reunion itself is practically here).

RULES FOR THIS TOP 30 LIST:  When it comes to the Facebook version of this series, I promise to only tag those who reach out to me to be tagged, because that seems fair.  Clearly there's no way I can feature everything and every body and every group, so I'll pick and choose what I consider to be the best according to me -- which shouldn't stop you from chiming in with your own "best of" shots.  It's my full intent to continue to post unless/until someone's lawyer sends me a "cease and desist" letter (and I'm not sharing my address so that shouldn't happen), and although I'd love to offer up appropriate photo credits where applicable, I'm afraid that information isn't readily available.

NEWS FROM OUR CLASS ON THE FACEBOOK (IF YOU ARE A MEMBER):
https://www.facebook.com/groups/189980661939188/

30for30: Best of the Yearbook Photos #13

In just 12 days, the LHS Class of 1989 will celebrate its 30th high school reunion (on Saturday, March 30, 2019 at 7pm in the back room of the infamous Downtown Lounge) ... which is why I've been posting these special TOP 30 lists (see previous lists of Favorite Assignments, Jukebox Memories, and Most Memorable Teachers/Staff).

This month ... it's all about the top 30 best of the yearbook photos (see rules below) -- because our lives were captured and frozen in time circa mid 1989, and seeing as how our own class motto said that we should "live each day so that you will neither be afraid of tomorrow nor ashamed of yesterday", it seems like the perfect opportunity to reflect on the three decades that have passed, by remembering from whence we came.

After showing the women's bball team last night, it only seems appropriate to feature the boys tonight.  Funny thing -- I checked out "round ball" in the urban dictionary, and it says that "round ball is what your dad calls basketball".  Seeing as how this reference to round ball was printed thirty years ago in our yearbook, I guess that kind of tracks.  Oh and a disclaimer -- as near as I can tell, there was a fabric shortage in the late 80's, which explains why you just might get a glimpse of some scrotal sac if you zoom in to any of the action shots.  Consider yourself warned.

RULES FOR THIS TOP 30 LIST:  When it comes to the Facebook version of this series, I promise to only tag those who reach out to me to be tagged, because that seems fair.  Clearly there's no way I can feature everything and every body and every group, so I'll pick and choose what I consider to be the best according to me -- which shouldn't stop you from chiming in with your own "best of" shots.  It's my full intent to continue to post unless/until someone's lawyer sends me a "cease and desist" letter (and I'm not sharing my address so that shouldn't happen), and although I'd love to offer up appropriate photo credits where applicable, I'm afraid that information isn't readily available.

NEWS FROM OUR CLASS ON THE FACEBOOK (IF YOU ARE A MEMBER):
https://www.facebook.com/groups/189980661939188/

30for30: Best of the Yearbook Photos #14

In just 13 days, the LHS Class of 1989 will celebrate its 30th high school reunion (on Saturday, March 30, 2019 at 7pm in the back room of the infamous Downtown Lounge) ... which is why I've been posting these special TOP 30 lists (see previous lists of Favorite Assignments, Jukebox Memories, and Most Memorable Teachers/Staff).

This month ... it's all about the top 30 best of the yearbook photos (see rules below) -- because our lives were captured and frozen in time circa mid 1989, and seeing as how our own class motto said that we should "live each day so that you will neither be afraid of tomorrow nor ashamed of yesterday", it seems like the perfect opportunity to reflect on the three decades that have passed, by remembering from whence we came.

It's the ladies' turn (we've been alternating between them and the guys since we started showing all the athletic teams last week at this time), and as happy as I was to see all these female hoops stars (circa '89 ... and wearing Cedars pride), I was even more tickled to read the fine print that our senior year was apparently the last year that Mr. Fink was the coach ... mostly because I had completely forgotten about Mr. Fink (something I'm sure none of these ladies had done)! 

RULES FOR THIS TOP 30 LIST:  When it comes to the Facebook version of this series, I promise to only tag those who reach out to me to be tagged, because that seems fair.  Clearly there's no way I can feature everything and every body and every group, so I'll pick and choose what I consider to be the best according to me -- which shouldn't stop you from chiming in with your own "best of" shots.  It's my full intent to continue to post unless/until someone's lawyer sends me a "cease and desist" letter (and I'm not sharing my address so that shouldn't happen), and although I'd love to offer up appropriate photo credits where applicable, I'm afraid that information isn't readily available.

NEWS FROM OUR CLASS ON THE FACEBOOK (IF YOU ARE A MEMBER):
https://www.facebook.com/groups/189980661939188/

30for30: Best of the Yearbook Photos #15

In just 14 days, the LHS Class of 1989 will celebrate its 30th high school reunion (on Saturday, March 30, 2019 at 7pm in the back room of the infamous Downtown Lounge) ... which is why I've been posting these special TOP 30 lists (see previous lists of Favorite Assignments, Jukebox Memories, and Most Memorable Teachers/Staff).

This month ... it's all about the top 30 best of the yearbook photos (see rules below) -- because our lives were captured and frozen in time circa mid 1989, and seeing as how our own class motto said that we should "live each day so that you will neither be afraid of tomorrow nor ashamed of yesterday", it seems like the perfect opportunity to reflect on the three decades that have passed, by remembering from whence we came.

Yesterday, we covered the ladies who played softball, so it only seems appropriate that today we feature the boys who played hardball, or "baseball" as it was apparently called.  As proof we're getting to the end of the photos that recall the athletics teams so that we're now covering the most popular ones, there were actually THREE pages in the yearbook for these guys, but I'll focus on the TWO that showed the seniors, because this whole series is focused on those who graduated in '89.   

RULES FOR THIS TOP 30 LIST:  When it comes to the Facebook version of this series, I promise to only tag those who reach out to me to be tagged, because that seems fair.  Clearly there's no way I can feature everything and every body and every group, so I'll pick and choose what I consider to be the best according to me -- which shouldn't stop you from chiming in with your own "best of" shots.  It's my full intent to continue to post unless/until someone's lawyer sends me a "cease and desist" letter (and I'm not sharing my address so that shouldn't happen), and although I'd love to offer up appropriate photo credits where applicable, I'm afraid that information isn't readily available.

NEWS FROM OUR CLASS ON THE FACEBOOK (IF YOU ARE A MEMBER):
https://www.facebook.com/groups/189980661939188/

30for30: Best of the Yearbook Photos #16

In just 15 days, the LHS Class of 1989 will celebrate its 30th high school reunion (on Saturday, March 30, 2019 at 7pm in the back room of the infamous Downtown Lounge) ... which is why I've been posting these special TOP 30 lists (see previous lists of Favorite Assignments, Jukebox Memories, and Most Memorable Teachers/Staff).

This month ... it's all about the top 30 best of the yearbook photos (see rules below) -- because our lives were captured and frozen in time circa mid 1989, and seeing as how our own class motto said that we should "live each day so that you will neither be afraid of tomorrow nor ashamed of yesterday", it seems like the perfect opportunity to reflect on the three decades that have passed, by remembering from whence we came.

We *still* haven't covered all the sports teams from our senior class ... but we're getting closer.  Tonight, we feature the ladies who fought hard to take home a couple of wins that year in the world of softball.  And, as mentioned a few times for other groups, it wasn't about whether they won or lost -- it was about how they played the game that mattered.  Here's the thing -- no one can dispute that these women played ball in any way other than "soft" -- which is exactly why we salute them.

RULES FOR THIS TOP 30 LIST:  When it comes to the Facebook version of this series, I promise to only tag those who reach out to me to be tagged, because that seems fair.  Clearly there's no way I can feature everything and every body and every group, so I'll pick and choose what I consider to be the best according to me -- which shouldn't stop you from chiming in with your own "best of" shots.  It's my full intent to continue to post unless/until someone's lawyer sends me a "cease and desist" letter (and I'm not sharing my address so that shouldn't happen), and although I'd love to offer up appropriate photo credits where applicable, I'm afraid that information isn't readily available.

NEWS FROM OUR CLASS ON THE FACEBOOK (IF YOU ARE A MEMBER):
https://www.facebook.com/groups/189980661939188/

30for30: Best of the Yearbook Photos #17

In just 16 days, the LHS Class of 1989 will celebrate its 30th high school reunion (on Saturday, March 30, 2019 at 7pm in the back room of the infamous Downtown Lounge) ... which is why I've been posting these special TOP 30 lists (see previous lists of Favorite Assignments, Jukebox Memories, and Most Memorable Teachers/Staff).

This month ... it's all about the top 30 best of the yearbook photos (see rules below) -- because our lives were captured and frozen in time circa mid 1989, and seeing as how our own class motto said that we should "live each day so that you will neither be afraid of tomorrow nor ashamed of yesterday", it seems like the perfect opportunity to reflect on the three decades that have passed, by remembering from whence we came.

In a week of special all-athletic posts, tonight's the night where we bring on the grapplers ... the wrestlers ... the fighters ... the strugglers ... the wranlgers ... the contenders ... etc, etc.  PS:  this post about the boys in singlets is brought to you by your friendly neighborhood thesaurus.  Also note that we graduated long before the first UFC in 1993, so the sport featured here was the good old fashioned kind where chokeholds were illegal, participants weren't nearly as bloodied and where the competition took place in a circle instead of an octagon.

RULES FOR THIS TOP 30 LIST:  When it comes to the Facebook version of this series, I promise to only tag those who reach out to me to be tagged, because that seems fair.  Clearly there's no way I can feature everything and every body and every group, so I'll pick and choose what I consider to be the best according to me -- which shouldn't stop you from chiming in with your own "best of" shots.  It's my full intent to continue to post unless/until someone's lawyer sends me a "cease and desist" letter (and I'm not sharing my address so that shouldn't happen), and although I'd love to offer up appropriate photo credits where applicable, I'm afraid that information isn't readily available.

NEWS FROM OUR CLASS ON THE FACEBOOK (IF YOU ARE A MEMBER):
https://www.facebook.com/groups/189980661939188/

30for30: Best of the Yearbook Photos #18

In just 17 days, the LHS Class of 1989 will celebrate its 30th high school reunion (on Saturday, March 30, 2019 at 7pm in the back room of the infamous Downtown Lounge) ... which is why I've been posting these special TOP 30 lists (see previous lists of Favorite Assignments, Jukebox Memories, and Most Memorable Teachers/Staff).

This month ... it's all about the top 30 best of the yearbook photos (see rules below) -- because our lives were captured and frozen in time circa mid 1989, and seeing as how our own class motto said that we should "live each day so that you will neither be afraid of tomorrow nor ashamed of yesterday", it seems like the perfect opportunity to reflect on the three decades that have passed, by remembering from whence we came.

All this week it's all about our graduating year's athletic teams, and you may have noticed that we're alternating between the males and the females.  To that end, I'm not exactly sure why tennis was only a girls' thing ... but then again, I didn't exactly make the rules back then.  Come to think of it, I didn't exactly participate in any of the athletics either ... but that doesn't mean I can't post about it now.  (Double negative alert -- that means I CAN do exactly that.)

RULES FOR THIS TOP 30 LIST:  When it comes to the Facebook version of this series, I promise to only tag those who reach out to me to be tagged, because that seems fair.  Clearly there's no way I can feature everything and every body and every group, so I'll pick and choose what I consider to be the best according to me -- which shouldn't stop you from chiming in with your own "best of" shots.  It's my full intent to continue to post unless/until someone's lawyer sends me a "cease and desist" letter (and I'm not sharing my address so that shouldn't happen), and although I'd love to offer up appropriate photo credits where applicable, I'm afraid that information isn't readily available.

NEWS FROM OUR CLASS ON THE FACEBOOK (IF YOU ARE A MEMBER):
https://www.facebook.com/groups/189980661939188/