Tuesday, May 06, 2008

Four Things

Okay…now I never do this, but this little e-mail chain intrigued me. So I’ve jumped in and involved you, too.

Four things about me that you may or may not have known, (or don't want to

know, lol) in no particular order.

Instructions on bottom of page

Four jobs I have had in my life:

1. Paper Carrier (Roanoke World-News) before it merged with The Roanoke Times Fall Winter Spring 1972-1973.

2. Member of the Rock crew with the Youth Conservation Corps (Dave Trumbower was my crew leader) Summer of 1977

3. Weight Guesser at Lakeside Amusement Park, Salem VA. I eventually worked my way up to Games Supervisor. Got paid $3.50 an hour just before I was fired. The boss thought I pilfered $1000 of “seed money.” The real thief was the boss’ son, who used it to purchase drugs. Summers of 1978-1982

4. Lifeguard at Graves Mountain Lodge in Syria, VA. Heavenly scenery plus I got all the homestyle food I wanted every day. Summer of 1983

5. Video store clerk…I used to take one or two movies home to watch after work every evening. This was a second job I did in the evenings after teaching. I took the job to help out my ex-principal who left education to start his business in 1985. I worked there on and off for about three years in the early to mid-1990’s…oops that’s five jobs.

6. Museum Exhibit Designer: My wife and I worked at the Kern County Museum and Pioneer Village back in the summer of 1985. We designed and produced exhibits for the museum. Our feature exhibit was entitled “Motoring Through Kern County in the 1920’s.”

7. Swim team coach: My wife and Coached a local recreation team one summer in Greene County (1986)…shoot that’s more than 4 again.

Four movies I would watch over and over:


Hmmm…I can’t think of any…just kidding

1. Shawshank Redemption: Red's the man.

2. Noises Off! (Carol Burnett, Chris Reeves, John Ritter, Michael Caine…hilarious)

3. The Big Lebowski

4. Last of the Mohicans

5. The Mission…shoot that’s five again.

Four places I have lived:

1. Roanoke,VA: Three different addresses-Off Cove Road near Countryside, LaBelview in Bonsack and North lakes near Northside High)

2. Blacksburg,VA- VT

3 Stanardsville,VA: Three different addresses- In the back of Waverly Parker’s lawyer’s office (The receptionist was hot for me J) with a cold draft that blew through the fire trap apartment (first year teachers didn’t get much $$$ back then), Mickey Cox’s dairy farm in a fly and mouse infested trailer by the milking parlor, and a beautiful ranch house just through the woods from the first fairway at Greene Hills Golf Course.

4. Inside my head.

Four TV Shows that I watch:

1. Lost

2. 24 (if it ever returns)

3. Countdown with Keith Olbermann

4. South Park-a most inspired show.

Four places I have been:

I’ve been a lot of places…

1. Mossyrock, Washington: nestled between Mt Ranier and Mt St Helens. One of the most beautiful places I know.

2. Lexington, Kentucky: A beautiful city where my sister lives. We love to visit and go see the horse farms.

3. Acadia National Park, Maine: Crisp day, crisp ocean. Lobster pots. Stunning view from Cadillac Mountain.

4. Glacier National Park, Montana: The most beautiful place on Earth.

5. North Haven, New York: Home of my grandparents. Now home of two of my aunts and many cousins. So many wonderful memories of family gatherings, fishing, swimming at East Hampton, digging for clams.

6. Bakersfield, CA: Home of my sister-in-law. It’s a hot place, but a cool place to visit.

Some People who e-mail me regularly:

1. Cris Flippen. She sends out many emails. Some of them I actually read.

2. Deedie Kagey. ditto

3. Meg Swecker. Technology business

4. Sarah Hollett. The teacher association haunts my dreams.

Four of my favourite (apparently the creator of this exercise was British)foods:

1. Pizza

2. Key Lime Pie

3. Cheeseburger

4. Lasagna

Four places I would rather be right now:

1. Fishing on the beach Salvo, NC. I love driving out onto a remote beach in the early morning…far away from tourists or people. I like to toss a line out and hold the pole while the sun comes up over the ocean.

2. Hightop Mountain cliffs: Just south of Rt 33 in Greene/Rockingham Counties on the AT. Unparalleled view of the Shenandoah Valley near Massanutten.

3. New Zealand: I once had an e-pal (like a pen pal) back in the very early days of the Internet. Her name was Ana Ryder (I found her by searching for my last name on a Listserv). She and her family lived on a sheep farm on rolling green hills in New Zealand. I always wanted to visit. I lost track of her when she got divorced and moved to Australia.

4. 1.3 miles south on the AT from Rt 311 in Roanoke County. There’s rock outcropping that allows for an expansive view of Bradshaw Valley. I like to play my pennywhistle and harmonica there.

Four friends I think will respond:

1. Missy

2. Pam

3. Tim

4. Becky

Things I am looking forward to this year or next year:

1. My new job back in the classroom as a regular classroom teacher

2. Heading back to Maine this summer

3. My daughter’s graduation from high school

4. The first tomato of the season.



Now, here's what you're supposed to do... and please do not spoil the fun. Hit forward, delete my answers and type in your answers. Then send this to a whole bunch of people you know INCLUDING the person who sent it to you. The theory (I love theories) is that you will learn a lot of little known facts about those who know you. Remember to send it back to the person who sent it to you.

Or you can just post your response here in the comment section for this blog entry. That would be fun. I think you should do it. Right Now!



3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dear Thom,
I remember you as a weight guesser—you were always gracious about mine. I’m responding to your blog, and I can’t believe you have a daughter graduating, and then I realize my son is graduating next year—Yikes! Time is definitely marching on…
Carol Lyn
Four jobs I have had in my life (turns out I had many more):
1. Editorial Assistant (Roanoke World-News) Summer 1979. I worked the 4-12 shift, and was thrilled to be part of the newspaper team. For the two years prior, I had been a reporter for the Salem Times covering Town Council meetings and other small events. My Salem Times’ boss was editor Morris Dearing, who also was an actor. His companion Jim was in the first show that I ever performed with Showtimers “Roar of the Greasepaint, Smell of the Crowd—1972). My boss at Roanoke Times was the legendary Forest “Frosty” Landon.
2. Insurance Associate (1980-1981). I started out as a secretary to the boss, but he soon sent me to insurance school (while I was still attending college) and I became an agent for him. College came first, so I gave up the job. I was offered several great jobs after college in great locales, but I was engaged to man who didn’t want me to leave the Roanoke Valley, so I got a new job as a…
3. State Accountant (1984) After graduating from college, I became a state accountant at Catawba State Hospital. Seniority rules—so I was going to be transferred to Petersburg—a move I didn’t want to make because of the man I was dating (after 4 ½ years of engagement, I was a free woman, but I still didn’t want to leave the Valley), so I got a new job as a…
4. Tuxedo Store Manager(1984-1985) I started out as an assistant manager of an Afterhours Tuxedo Store at the brand new Valley View Mall. Within a year I was not only managing the store, but I was also managing the Lynchburg store. Management approached me about moving to Atlanta to move into upper management; however, once again, I didn’t take the job because of a different man that I was dating, so I got a new job as an…
5. Academic/Financial Aid Dean…(1985-1987) As the youngest Dean of a private college, I loved my job. I didn’t mind the hours, or the work load, much less managing 7 different campuses. Then one day, I walked into a classroom and realized that what I wanted to do was go back to school to become a teacher (I come from 2 generations of teachers—both sides). The man I was dating at this time was a lawyer and wanted me to go to law school. So, when I sold my house, and went back to school full time—I got a new man…and I married this one!
Four movies I would watch over and over: (There’s too many—I’m a movie junkie)

1. Any of the Bob Hope Road pictures: It just makes me think of my dad!
2. White Christmas with Bing Crosby (What can I say—I’m a musical nut! And I will direct it one day.)
3. Sleepless in Seattle (I’m a romantic—and I love New York!)
4. National Treasure (I love movies that seem possible, but couldn’t be—or could they?)
5. It’s A Wonderful Life (Wow, what a great message—and I have directed it not once, but twice—great show. Some of those actors are now on Broadway)
Four places I have lived:
1. Salem, VA—I lived there for almost 30 years. Beverly Heights, and Mount Regis Apartments
2. Roanoke,VA:--I actually lived in Roanoke my first 4 years, and then returned to Roanoke when I was 29 and married. We bought a house that turned out to be the grandparent’s house of former high school friends. What a small world. The neighborhood (Glendale Gardens) is adjacent to all my friends from Northside High School.
3. Blacksburg,VA- VT—For one year, until I didn’t want to be the small guppie in the ocean anymore. It was great for my brother, and my parents, but not for me. I thrived at Roanoke College—which is where my parents originally wanted me to go.
4 Holiday, FLA: Since 1968, I have spent part of my summers and sometimes other parts of the year at my grandparent’s (now my parent’s) home… Just 3 miles from Tarpon Springs—Greek community, and on the Gulf! Now, my kids and my husband are spending summers there.
5. Richmond, VA: Summers since 2004—I’m working on theatre graduate courses at VCU, and we always stay at the Linden Row Inn. It’ a historical residency and rich with ambience. My gal pals room with me there and we have the best time, even when we are extremely sore from choreography classes.—Where’s the Tiger Balm?
Four TV Shows that I watch: Is there anything out there to watch?
1. All right I watch Reality Shows—not all of them, but some of them. They’re mindless and they allow me to be on the internet.
2. Law and Order—especially the marathons. It rings back to the days of the Crime TV shows of the 70’s.
3. Everybody Loves Raymond—reruns; however, if you’re married, you will easily identify.
4. History Channel Shows—with a dad who was a history professor, would you expect anything else? My husband and oldest son are history nuts, in fact the oldest plans on majoring in history from VMI.
Four places I have been: I’ve been very blessed to travel in this beautiful country. These are just four of my favorite places…
1. Sandia Mountains, New Mexico—it’s breathtaking and magical. You begin the incline at 60 degrees in sandals, and get to the top of the mountain to eat, and then it’s 28 and snowing. It was crazy, and yet enchanting.
2. New Orleans—I went there in college with my parents and saw Richard Burton in Camelot. I came back after Katrina and saw a city that desires to be a survivor. It was great fun and I love it. Love those Benets!
3. New York—What can I say—I’ve been several times and the most recent was the most fun. My troupe was invited to compete at the National Performing Arts Festival and we brought home “Best in Show” Judges Award, Superior ranking and 8 medals. It was thrilling and I now can say that I’ve directed on Broadway—oops, I guess that was another job.
4. Williamsburg, VA and surrounding area—will always be a favorite because we honeymooned there. We love the history (of course) and we love Jamestown, especially the Island. It’s wonderful to stroll through the streets and go on ghost tours. We usually try to get there at least once each year.
Some People who e-mail me regularly:
1. Debbie Adler (my main costumer and part of my production posse). She is the voice in the calm and such an encourager. My sons think she’s their 2nd mom!
2. Lynn Dozier (part of the production posse). That woman can make things move! She’s my fan and I’m hers! She has a heart of gold and great convictions!
3. Dr. Fred Eichelman (my dad). Not day goes by when I don’t get at least one email—sometimes several. It’s great to have a dad who is into technology. He’s been blogging for years!
4. Sharon Shepherd (a voice of reason and a friend who will tell you exactly how it is). Sharon has known me for over 10 years and I appreciate her loyalty and honesty. She’s married to my best friend from college—in fact we (okay—it was my husband who made the initial suggestion, but I followed up with it) introduced them. She’s one of our sons godparents, and there’s no one like their Aunt Sharon.
Four of my favourite (apparently the creator of this exercise was British)foods:
1. I love Chocolate—it keeps me sane during a show. Chocolate drinks, chocolate foods, chocolate snacks—Dark, Milk, you name it—it will make me smile.
2. Stuffed Pasta—my husband’s cooking. Oh my goodness, can that man cook. He should be his own chef and own his own restaurant. Until then, I’ll let him do his FOOD Network magic on the family and our friends.
3. Key Lime pie
4. Chicken Cordon Bleu--Again one of my husband's creations.
5. Crepes--Cheri's are the best.
Four places I would rather be right now:
1. On an island in the Bahamas with my husband. It’s one of our places we want to go some day.
2. In New York, taking classes and learning from the best in Theatre
3. With my boys walking on a wildflower walk—I love nature and I love all the native flowers.
4. In New England at a bed and breakfast. Taking in the shops and going on long drives. California Coast comes in next.
Four friends I think will respond:
1. Sharon
2. Debbie
3. Bill
4. Lisa
Things I am looking forward to this year or next year:
1. Next years shows—Seussical, Smokey Joe’s Café, and High School Musical are just 3 of the 5 planned. My personal favorite will be Smokey Joe’s Café.
2. Nashville, TN. My husband and I have been there for a short stay, but this year we’re going for a full week. I plan on recording at the Ryman Auditorium—Can you believe that I’ll be on Patsy Cline’s stage? Wow—it’s another dream coming true.
3. Building a den. It has been an 18 year goal—oh well, I hope before my son graduates, we’ll get it done.
4. There’s a possibility that we’ll be going to LA to perform at the World Performing Arts Festival with Smokey Joe’s. If we do it—it will be incredible!!!

Newt said...

Carol Lyn,

Fabulous entry. You should be blogging! I'd like to see Dr. Fred's blog. I'd imagine it's a hoot.

How did Billy do in the play? He said he really liked the hours. Once an old man, always an old man. :)

We might just have to experience New Mexico. We had mostly avoided it on our two previous trips around the USA. However, we did once spend a very uncomfortable, soggy night in an almost abandoned campground in the heart of Albuquerque...Shady characters smoking things by the campground office. 200 empty tent sites. Mosquitoes. Hellacious thunderstorm. Strange screaming sounds in the night. Interstate noise above our heads (campground sat just below the elevated Interstate)

Anonymous said...

Though not quite as eloquent as my peers, I'm going to try this again. I couldn't get it to post last night.

Four jobs I have had in my life:
1. Cole Slaw Maker Extraordinair (Long John Silvers) Summer of 1977
2. School Janitor (Roanoke County) May-June 1980
3. Tax Preparer (H&R Block) Jan-Apr 1979-2004 Seasonal
4. Band Booster President (William Byrd High School) Oct 2004 - May 2007 - No pay, lots of work

Four movies I would watch over and over:
1. Shawshank Redemption: Red's the man.
2. The Breakfast Club - Never spent any time in detention, but had friends of all stereo types
3. The Replacements - You can be heroes, if just for one day
4. A Simple Twist of Fate

Four places I have lived:
1. Roanoke,VA: Nover Ave, across Peters Creek from the airport
2. Salem, VA: Roanoke College
3 Norfolk, VA: 'til I was 4
4. Vinton, VA: 2 apartments, 1 house - still in the house

Four TV Shows that I watch:
1. 2 1/2 Men
2. House
3. Myth Busters
4. Have to admit - several Reality TV shows

Four places I have been:
1. Gatlinburg, TN - we favor the crafter's trail over downtown
2. Poconos, PA - Anniversary
3. Danbury, CT - Visited NY city while there. Spent the entire time looking for a hood that took money from a friend for Jethro Tull tickets
4. Ashtabul, OH

Some People who e-mail me regularly:
1. Sarah- my sister
2. Aunt Rilla - If Rilla gets it, everybody gets it
3. Doug Norman - 8th dan black belt Ninga - honest
4. That's it for regulars

Four of my favourite (apparently the creator of this exercise was British)foods:
1. Pizza
2. Asian buffets
3. Cherry Cheese Pie (like cheese cake, but not baked)
4. Chicke Fajitas

Four places I would rather be right now:
1. The beach
2. Hawaii, Virgin Isles - anywhere with clean, clear water
3. In the middle of nowhere communing with nature
4. That's it, I'm kinda a homebody

Four friends I think will respond:
1. Don't know who reads this blog

Things I am looking forward to this year or next year:
1. My 25th Wedding Anniversay
2. Visiting Family
3. My son’s graduation from high school
4. Emptying our storage building and saving $
5. Being employed with the same company for over 2 years!