Back In The Day...

Playing along with Jamie...

Google Images enclosed

1. Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Southern California... the City of Ontario to be exact located in the IE (Inland Empire for those that don't know. lol)

2. Do you consider your childhood a happy one?

Yes, very. I joke that I grew up in the "Cleaver" household. My mom was (and still is) cookie-cutter... and I could only hope to be just like her. My childhood was amazing and I am so grateful for everything my parents were able to allow us to experience.

3. Do you have any siblings?

Yes, I have a beautiful younger sister, Lisa (27) who has become one of my very best friends. Growing up with just one sister, we loved each other and we disliked each other, but we were always family. We didn't always get along (we still don't always get along) but now more than ever I am so proud of the woman she is. She has been through some incredibly tough times, but she has made the best of what life has given her. She continues to be a wonderful mother, sister, daughter, and friend. She truly deserves the BEST in life, and I believe it is coming.

4. Who did you think was the smartest person in the world?

The President, Ronald Regan... duh! lol

After that, Donald Trump. lol

5. Did you ever run away from home?

((dying of embarrassment)) Yes. My freshman year of High School. I decided to 'run away' to the beach, only to come back to Chino (where I went to HS) and less than 24 hours later get picked up by my 'cop' father. I was grounded for a MONTH!

6. What about being a child do you miss the most?

The lack of responsibility. The bliss of being young and naive. The ability to pee in your pants and getting away with it because you're a kid. lol.

7. Where did your family go on vacation?

Every year (for about as long as I can remember) we would drive up north, to Lake Shasta and spend a week on a houseboat. These were some of my favorite family times.

8. What is something you really wish you hadn't started earlier in life?

Oh geez, the obvious answer (you would think) would be having kids (since I started at 17) but actually I would have to say smoking. I can honestly say that I wish I was strong enough to say NO. It's a bad habit that still haunts me (no, I'm not a smoker anymore).

9. Did you have any serious accidents or illnesses as a child?

Um, none that I can remember. I was born a month premature. I was dropped on a cheerleading stunt and broke my right wrist freshman year. And, as mentioned above I was pregnant my entire senior year, but other than all that... nah.

10. Did you have any nicknames?

When I was born, my daddy sang to me "You Are My Sunshine" so that is my nickname from him. But my parents and sis call me JJ. Pretty much everyone else calls me Jen (rather than Jennifer which is way too formal for me, and I am SOOOO NOT a Jenny). In high school, I was also known as 'Paul's girlfriend'. lol.

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11. Name 5 school days accomplishments.

1. I made Academic Achievement or Super Citizen every year of elementary school.

2. I won first place bowling with Girl Scouts when I was 8 or 9.

3. Entering junior high, I made the Flag Team.

4. Entering high school, I made the Cheerleading Squad.

5. I graduated high school, even though they tried to send me to a continuation school because I was pregnant. My parents stood up for me to graduate and walk with my class to accept my diploma.

12. What stories have been told about yourself as a baby?

Aside from the 'You Are My Sunshine' bit... Um, I almost drown in the pacific ocean on my Aunt Vangie's watch. 

13. Did religion/church play a part in your childhood social activities?

Absolutely. Without a doubt. We went to church every Sunday, whether it was at our home church, or my grandmothers (Spanish-speaking) Southern Baptist Church in East L.A. Both my parents were our Sunday school teachers. And when I was older, I was very involved in Youth Group.

14. What objects do you remember from your childhood?

Rainbow Brite

Holly Hobby

Fashion Plates

Snoopy Snow Cone Machine

15. What was the number of students in your graduating class?

I have no clue.

16. What is one thing that you never did in high school that you wish you would have done?

Joined Christians on Campus.

17. Did you go to college and what was your major?

Ha! Technically, I did. I went to Chaffey Community College, and took a summer course (English 101) and that was the end of my college days. I got married and moved to AZ.

18. What was the funniest thing someone wrote in your yearbook?

I'm not sure. Gonna have to go check...

19. How has your hometown changed since you were a kid?

It's become more crowded, more aged and rundown, and more, um, ethnic.

20. If you could go back and tell your younger self anything, what would it be?

Sigh... the same thing my dad always told me... the same thing I tell my kids now...

Be A Kid As Long As You Can... 

You Have The Rest Of Your Life To Be An Adult.