Thursday, October 7, 2010

C is for Christi

I've missed out on A and B posts, mainly because I've been incredibly busy and overwhelmed with life in general. Thankfully I came to realize last week that I have been suffering from post-partum depression, and have started making steps to come back from this. I wish I could say that this was a new experience, but I've suffered with all three boys, and actually fight depression and anxiety ALL the time. I know that it isn't fatal, and that I can improve once again, but it is soo stinkin' tiring!

SO! All that to say that this week I am going to make my "C" post about ME--about the ME I am and was before I was wife and mommy. I had the pleasure of attending my 15 year reunion at my alma mater Emory & Henry College this past weekend. It was good to see friends that I hadn't seen for years, and to remember that yes, I do have an identity that isn't attached to the words mom, wife, or teacher. I love all three of those parts of my identity, but they aren't ALL of who I am! I am ME all by myself too!!

So without further ado, here are some pics of CHRISTI pre-marriage and kids!



My lifelong friend Carla and me, sporting lovely 70s fall attire



Carla and me again, this time at a wedding



Me and...guess who?...Carla! This time showing what smarties we were at such a young age!



The day my oldest sister moved in at EHC as a freshman. Interesting to note that all 4 ladies graduated from the institution and now all 4 teach in the same school system! This is our friend Lesa, my sister Brenda, me, and my sister Suzy.



Last day of 7th grade with my 3 BFFs! Can you say awkward stage?!



Singing for our Senior class night! We were rockin' the big hair...the 'haters' didn't refer to girls from our school as hairspray 'hos for nothing! LOL



Bid turn in the day I pledged k Phi with these lovely ladies! Note that one of them was also in the 7th grade pic!



Another college shot with the sisters of K Phi A

When I was looking for pics to include in this, I realized I have so many more that surround my children and my nieces and nephews. When I get down and frustrated, I need to remember that I am important in their lives, as well in the lives of the rest of my family and in that of my students. God is so good to me, and I really do love my life...I don't mean to sound as though I don't! I just think it is also important to remember that I have an identity all my own that is not dependent on others. Thanks for indulging me today, ya'll! Have a great weekend!

10 comments:

Susan Anderson said...

What a wonderful history you have. Imagine teaching with the same people you went to school with. Pretty neat.

=)

PS. Hope your neurochemistry straightens out soon. That's no fun.

Rocky Mountain Woman said...

Hang in there sweetie and enjoy being a Mom! I know how hard depression can be, but you really are blessed and it'll get better with time.

I'm glad you got help!

xxoo,

RMW

Jen said...

I love it! Celebrate your own identity! Yes!
I was a 70's kid too. Your friends look just like mine did! High School in the 80's. The hair, the prom dresses, etc.
Enjoy your day!

Unknown said...

You are so right about being and remembering you.

The Decorative Dreamer said...

Sorry to hear about what you are dealing with. You really should read the book I am reading right now from Robin McGraw. Another blogger recommended it and I am enjoying it too. She speaks alot about taking care of yourself in this book, I wish I had read something like this 20yrs ago. Better late then never though! I am glad you are getting the help you need to make you feel like your old self again. I can soo relate to the big hair do! LOL!

genie said...

The more blogs I read the more members of our “depression” family exist. When I get down, I am really down. When I am up, I am OK. I live in Lexington- mot far from E and H, but I am a 1959 graduate of Emory...yep...just plain Emory in Atlanta. I started teaching in 1959 and retired in 1998 only to immediately return to the middle school to keep the in-school suspension room...I just couldn’t be away from the kids. I loved your YOU post this week, and your collection of photos just pulled us all into your deal expended family. Thank heavens we all saved those photos. Please stop in to see me, and you will see I am a bit OCD, too....just a normal 71 year old teacher for me!

~✽Mumsy✽~ said...

I like your attitude in re-claiming you back! I had a bad case of postpartum after my last baby was born too..This too shall past..

Hanna said...

Hi there! I am your newest follower. I found you from the blog hop. I think it was an old linky so I'm extremely late but here none the less. I love finding new blogs and your is lovely:) You can find me at www.bouffeebambini.blogspot.com

Jenny said...

Christi. I'm sorry the PPD has grabbed you so hard. It is hard to just live sometimes when the depression is bad.

I hope the look back gave you a smile.

I'm glad you're linking, too. When I get depressed I tend to want to isolate and it is always the worse thing for me. Stepping outside of my comfort level is always difficult but I'm always glad when I do it.

I admire you for getting help and not just feeling blue!

Thank you for linking. This was a good message for a lot of us I think!

A+

Splendid Little Stars said...

Of course you have an identity--just you...by yourself! That identity is affected by the stage of life, relationships, interests. It was fun to see all those and to travel down memory lane with you!
I'm pulling for you!