REFLECTIONS in |
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"A year is but
the reflection of our efforts - our triumphs and our defeats. |
You can add your response to any of the questions by sending an email to: admin@jmhs68.com
| Reflection Question #1 |
| What is one of the most important things you have learned since 1968? |
"One of the most important thing I have learned is that change can be a difficult concept to accept by people who refuse to embrace changes." -Ron Fujihara "I suppose ... the value of individuality. Some of my life experiences
have been truly remarkable and I believe that many of those experiences
have come about because I was more interested in experiencing
life than conforming to a 'norm.'" "I have found that 'We are all captains of our ships. Which way we steer our ships through the oceans of life is up to us.' -Lon Daugherty "In answer to your question,I learned this from my Dad when I was in my late 20's....Only worry about the things in life you can physically do something about. For everything else just be prepared for it by having an open mind, and you will be able to del with anything that comes up. I've followed that train of thought throughout my life and it has done me well!" -Arturo Marquesz 'With wisdom, comes age' and also I've learned 'patience makes life easier' -Bruce Springer One of the most important things I have learned is the value of patience. Somethings in life are meant to be part of the development and progression of our lives as we left the teenage years in 1968 to develop into adulthood. Mistakes I made and the choices I made to try to grow up to fast taught me many good reasons why I should have let life take its course and not have tried to grow up too soon.Bad decisions made without the guidence and blessing of GOD caused me to suffer some adverse results that could have been avoided if I had used patience and not went headstrong into bad decisions I made on my own. Thanks for asking. -Freddy Truitt Ron, seems like you asked a few days ago about things we've learned or philosophies we've adopted over the years. Here's the life philosophy that I have displayed on my office wall that I have tried to live by over the years. I think it's a good one: "Dad was right - I have become him. ...and the corollary subtheme, Don't get fixated on whatever you are worrying about today because it will shortly be supplanted by something else to worry about." - Dennis Beringer The biggest lesson for a while was that Walt Disney lied. You do not just "live happily ever after." Was anyone else as naive as I?! Years later, when my daughter was born, I realized that without that early tragic "lesson" I would never be holding this beautiful child in my arms or living in this great place...... That has become my frame for life's experiences. Somehow, down the line, things seems to always work out. Life is a roller coaster. There are just ups and downs. Enjoy the ride! -Barbara Chestnut That I really needed Jesus Christ in my life. You can have all kinds of goals and make all kinds of plans, but things change... stuff happens! He's become the anchor that holds me as I weather the "storms of life". -Jacquiline Howard "Life is short and full of suprises. Always be there for family and friends." -Charles Peysar "One of the most important things I’ve learned is if it moves & shouldn’t, you need duct tape. If it doesn’t move & should, you need WD-40." -Tim Landuer |
| Reflection Question #2 |
“In retrospect, the past seems not one existence with a continuous flow of years and events that follow each other in logical sequence, but a life periodically dividing into entirely separate compartments. Change of surroundings, interests, pursuits, has made it seem actually more like different incarnations.”
-Eleanor Robson Belmont Can you briefly describe one incarnation in your life? I know, I know…so many! |
“During my lifetime I have always pursued my interests and curiosities. This has placed me in different compartments (incarnations) each and every time. From higher education, the military, working with troubled teenagers, restaurant manager, and a return to school has given me some wonderful learning experiences. It was not until I worked as a restaurant manager that I experienced one of those, aha, moments. When I started to reflect on all my past experiences, there was one trait that I was always involved in and something I enjoyed doing. I seemed to always end up training or teaching other people. This, aha, moment sent me packing for school and to pursue a teaching career. I have been steadily happy ever since. Technology was another, aha, moment for me too!” –Ron Fujihara "Incarnation? Sure. I had to reinvent myself after the first marriage and the change of employment. I had to learn to transcend." -Dennis Beringer "Ron, probably the most exciting incarnation that I experience in my life was when I spent just over a year living aboard a 60-foot ketch based in the Mediterranean. Actually, Muir graduate, John Riise and I were shipmates on the voyage. It was in the summer of 1973 that we flew to the Spanish island of Palma de Majorca in the western Mediterranean where the boat was based. There, John and I were to serve as both boat crew and film crew for the captain who was making a feature-length movie about the boat’s adventures in Spain, Italy, Greece, and Turkey. I really like that quote! I lived for a year in a traditional Native American camp run by a Cherokee Medicine Man, Rolling Thunder, with his wife, Spotted Fawn. It was a great existence. -Barbara Chestnut "I was assistant to the president of investment services at Union Bank for 12 1/2 years then they downsized and I began to do temp work. Severe arthritis set in from a car accident, then I was diagnosed with carpal tunnel and trigger fingers from eons of typing. For about 20 years my life was pretty much filled with horses and the family of friends that surrounded that. A great group of friends - like an extended family really. A very diverse mix - ages from 12 thru 55 and a wide variety of cultural backgrounds as well. A daily routine - meeting at the stable, riding locally and also trailoring out to ride. Lots of camping (w/the horses) both locally as well as non-local horse-designated campgrounds, telling "lies" at a campfire, sharing our successes as well as failure to people that genuinely cared. A great time with many warm memories! -Wendy Siewert In the fall of 2005, I joined the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team in Training for cycling. Each of us had to raise $2400 and train to ride 100 miles in a single day. The training was well planned, the goal to find a cure for blood cancers and riding in the name of family and friends who have died or are stricken with these diseases was soul-strengthening. I had never bicycled much as a kid or adult, but to really learn this skill at the age of 55 at first seemed laughable. But, I can say that I accomplished all the goals for myself and maybe helped a little in the fight against non-solid tumors. -Irene Fujimoto, RN, OCN "No, not really." -Charles Peysar "Probably the most prominante incarnation in my life was being hired by IBM in 1979. Up until that time I worked mostly dead-end jobs that allowed me plenty of time to "play", which meant trips on my motorcycle all over the country. I would work to keep my bike running and money for gas and food and that was it, I didn't even think about what the future had in store for me. Everything I knew about fixing cars and bikes I learned from my Dad, and that kept me going for awhile. Along about 1979 I started realizing I wasn't getting anywhere and I felt like I needed to do something more meaningful. My basic understanding about electronics is what got me into IBM, and here I am 29+ years later with a career that I'm very proud of. I've had the chance to travel around the world because of it, and I've had a chance to help a lot of people less fortunate than me because if it as well. It has given me opportunities that I'm not sure I would have gotten otherwise, so I'm very grateful for the chance to do this, but also I feel very good about myself for recognizing the opportunity and taking advantage of it." -Arturo G. Marquez "Easily the most rewarding “incarnation” has been being a father. JorJa & I raised 2 boys. They didn’t turn out the way we expected (I guess our parents would say the say thing about us), but they turned out good. We love them both." -Tim Landuer "Going from being a GI Joe, to being a civilian with a wife and a kid and no job,overnight." -Lon Daugherty "Raising my son and daughter (and being a stepmom to my husband's son and daughter) – probably the most challenging and rewarding job ever! Being a mom changed my life more than anything else I have experienced. The love I feel for them is beyond words. They are productive, responsible, and caring adults (with college degrees) who enjoy talking with, and seeing me regularly – I love it!" -Carol Topits |
| Reflection Question #3 |
Experiences, bad and good, help define the memories of our past. Describe one of the most memorable experiences you’ve had at John Muir. |
"Where to begin? Although academics should be the highlight of my years at John Muir, what I remember most vividly are the athletic/team events and the thrill of winning. So, being selected as one of the semi-finalists for the 1968 Flag Girl team stands out the most. I was incredulous, happy beyond belief, and feeling that people actually liked me for being someone other than on the academic track. These are the memories of a teenager - when fitting in was so important. I didn't get to be on the final team, but the memories of that experience has always stayed with me." -Irene A. Fujimoto "In light of the differences between now and then, what I remember most was how we all got along. I remember vividly the many relationships I had from so many different cultural/religious/social backgrounds. We seemed to all get along and enjoy each other, and I miss those days." -Ron Fujihara "I'm not sure if I can break down my memories about Muir into one or even two events or experiences, whenever I think about my time at Muir I just remember that my 3 years there were all pretty cool ! From going to the football games at the Rose Bowl like the Turkey Tussle, to the rallies, the friends I made throughout my time there, the great (and not so great) teachers I had, it all plays out in my head as one period of time. Even my first year (1965) there was an interesting experience - we had just had the Watts riots that summer and there seemed to be tension everywhere.....except at Muir. Everybody got along so good, I don't remember a single incidence of trouble or problems associated with the riots ! "In my years at john muir high, my memories were more good than bad. I enjoyed the chances to meet and befriend new people from the different junior highs from which we came. I salute all of you that I had a chance to enjoy as my friends. My best memories was being part of the varsity track team that set the state record for the most consectutive wins and the graduating exercise and the prom, Love Ya'll, Freddy Truitt." "Up until the time I began attending John Muir High School in 1965 I had pretty much spent my life as a wallflower. I had never had a girlfriend. And, if it weren’t for my second cousin in Utah, I would have never even been kissed. "The best was going surfing every morning before school with teacher, Gary Stellern." -Charles Peysar "Being able to graduate on time, with everyone." -Lon Daugherty "I still remember sitting in a science class daily and each day trying not to fall asleep. I'm sure that the actual subject matter was very interesting, but unfortunately I could barely understand what that teacher was saying. When she spoke it sound as though she was speaking with her mouth full....or maybe had a "few too many?" In any case it was quite memorable (oh boy!)." -Wendy Siewert "I remember the deep patriotism we all felt for our school. No matter our individual differences, how good or bad our grades were, or how “popular” some of us were, there was an allegiance to John Muir that really connected us to one another. The “Blue & Gold,” the “Mighty, Mighty Mustangs.” We had SOUL! You could feel it and see it at pep rallies and football games. When the drum corps blasted through the hallways, it was an incredible high. You just wanted to jump up out of your chair and out of your classroom to follow them around the campus. Awesome! In follow-up to Tom Davis’ story - Tom, Deana, John, and I carpooled to school together and “hung out.” Wonderful memories of our motley crew. We had some eventful times driving to and from school in an old jalopy that John drove. (I’m laughing out loud just thinking about it!) Deana was a wonderful friend and, indeed, an absolutely gracious lady. We stayed in touch for several years after high school… Where are you now, Deana?" -Carol Topits |
| Reflection Question #4 |
| In high school, we believed in who we thought we were, but as we are all aware of, life changes us. Our personalities have, more than likely, gone through some form of transformation. The choice of our environment we choose to live in has also had an impact on what we’ve become. Select up to five words that best describes you now. How much have you really changed? “They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.” -Andy Warhol (1928 - 1987), The Philosophy of Andy Warhol |
"I guess I haven’t changed that much since HS. Maybe more refined and more comfortable with who I am. There are many parts of me that I’ve had to temper and improve that hopefully make me a better individual, which is something I have always been seeking. I often ache when reflecting on the hurt I caused to others when I was younger. It’s all about the learning process that never ceases. Here are my words: Patient, Listener, Dedicated, Compassionate, Creative." –Ron Fujihara 1) Confident Confident, Adaptable, Open-minded (is that 2 words? ), Reliable, and Happy ! The 5 words that I feel describes me nowadays are as follows. caring, stable, trustworthy, friendly and very outspoken. -Freddy Truitt "Live Aloha!" If you really understand the meaning of "aloha" ~ you'll know what I mean... it's a wonderful way of enjoying & living life! |
| 40th Reunion Reflection (you can reply to this question: admin@jmhs68.com |
| What are your thoughts about our 40th Reunion? 1) What were some of the things you liked about the reunion? 2) What are some things you would like to see happen at future reunions? 3) Where and when would you like to have our next reunion? |
"The reunion was great! I was happy with the name badges, the ambience, the food and seeing everyone. Then we had the "surprise". Wow!!! The drummers were definitely something I will talk about for a long, long, time. They were the best!!! And they played all the cadences I remember (and then some). Being a member of the "Mighty Mustang Band" I felt like I was back in the band again. Perfect. My daughter was class President of JMHS95 and when I called her to tell her about it, she said "You guys have a good committee". Unfortunately, she didn't get much cooperation for her reunion. Anyway, good work. The whole night was a night to remember." - Linda (Norman) Williams "It was an extraordinary 40th Reunion, reflecting the extraordinary class that we were and the extraordinary effort and skill of the event's organizers. I am eternally impressed with the fact that John Muir looks like what America should look like and Johm Muir behaves like America should behave. Gathering from what my classmates told me, we are teaching our children the lessons and passing on the spirit of our High School, and society is better for it. I can't think of any criticisms, improvements, or changes. Great vibe that night. If there had been a tattoo artist on site, we would have all got some ink that evening to commemorate. Just kidding. Let's do it again soon." "My wife, Tami, and I thoroughly enjoyed the evening and the reunion Saturday. We were unable to attend the Museum on Sunday due to church commitments but would like to remain in the Alumni loop." -D.M. Gedigian "I think a GREAT job was done putting this on!! The location was great, the food good, the bar poured 'heavy', and seeing a mix of young and old in the drum corp was fantastic. Having a website really added to everything. Next reunion that I would attend is the 50th!Thanks for all the great work!!" -Bruce Springer "I thought the reunion was just great. Having attended all of the past reunions, I have to admit I was a little hesitant about coming this time around. The fact that I live so far away was a big factor. But I have to admit that I had a great time. I want to commend the entire reunion committee for a job well done. I knew that Frankie would pull off a wonderful affair. By the way, I thought the meal was very good and I thought the cake was really good. Usually, you get really horrible food at this type of affair. I really enjoyed seeing everyone. I seemed a little strange because they aren't part of my life for such a long time and yet we all seem to instantly connect. I think it's too bad that so many don't care to come back. Having attended the past reunions, it's great to see so many faces that have attended past reunions. And I loved seeing them. But I wish more members of the class felt a desire to return. "The 40 year JMHS '68 Reunion was indeed an event beyond description. Several of us even experienced a 53 year reunion as we entered "The reunion was great! I had a good time, I almost needn't attend But thank God for the angle that made it possible for me to attend, I thanked her at the reunion but I wand to take this time to said it again Thank You. It was good seeing all of you I only wish that more could have come. I would like to see the next reunion in 5 to 7 years, and to make it affordable for more to attend. The drum core what can I say they were great as always I go to the football games all the time and I get chill each time I hear them. "I wasn't able to attend the 40th reunion but have kept up with everything on the website. I would like to thank the committee the hard work that was put into make it a huge success. I viewed the photo album and it was good to see a lot of the friends and classmates I haven't seen in years. Thanks to all of you who worked so hard. I had a good time saying "hi" to folks. And have even gotten emails and calls from folks who were not there. I hope to see everyone in ten more years. Peg says next time she's making me come. The highlight for me, as with most I imagine, was the drums!! I am seriously wanting to be able to download that sound as a ringtone on my phone. Is it possible?Thanks again for the walk down memory lane, Barbara Ann Chestnutt The reunion committee direction for the 40th reunion were excellent. How can one improve on success?I liked the "Reflection" period. The place where it was held. I understand, that some classmates do not want to come for whatever reason, but I still like having a time spent on (Muir) campus to just socialize. It is hard work, as you know to have a reunion every ten years. Hopefully, when the 50th comes around, those of us who are still able, will come and reminisce about our time as teenagers. Thanks for all that you are doing to keep us informed.Wilhelmina (Willie) Thank You Ron and all of those who helped to bring this wonderful reunion together. There are so many talented people in our class, what a treasure. Loretta Cooper |