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Vivian's Life
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Started first grade at Pratt Elementary School
I learned I was a school nerd! I love school. -
Graduated Malvern High School
Graduation meant freedom...and responsibility. I left my small hometown of Malvern and went to college at UCA in Conway. While it was a journey of just over an hour, it meant I was mostly responsible for myself. I learned so much from my independence--there was only me to blame if I missed class or did not get a bill paid on time. Personal accountabilty and the support of good friends were my most valuable lessons in this period. -
My father died.
My father had been diagnosed with lung cancer just a few weeks earlier, and he died in the middle of exam week--not cool, Dad. I learned the grief and pain from losing someone I loved, and I also learned tp control my emotions and be responsible. I knew that my father would expect me to earn A's on my exams, so I did. It was very hard, but learning to compartmentalize my emotions was valuable. I am good in a crisis--from learning the hard way. Thanks, Dad! -
Married Dan Blair - Janet Kay Neel Blair
Getting married meant taking into account someone other than myself. This was both wonderful and very difficult. I appreciated having someone to share the burdens, but it was harder when it was my time to compromise. Dan and I balance each other. He is calm and steady. Being married to Dan makes me a better me. -
First Teaching Experience - Joe T. Robinson High School
I taught sophomore English at Joe T. Robinson for two years. I cried every night for the first two weeks. Dan had to make me get up every morning and go to work. After that, I LOVED it. I realized that teaching English was my life's work. It is what I am supposed to do. I am very fortunate that I can do work that I love. -
Hayden was born
Becoming a mother made me totally responsible for another human being. It is my job to raise a kind, aware, responsible, productive, contributing member of the human race. It is the hardest, biggest work I have ever done, and also the best. I have learned to be consistent, ask questions, and make my children be responsible when it would be much easier to let them do what they want. -
I met Peggy Bosmyer-Campbell.
Meeting Peggy was the beginning of my spiritual journey. Growing up, my family did not attend church. Joining St. Michael's gave me a spiritual community, and I began a conscious relationship with God, wihich strengthens and upholds me. -
Completed Master's Degree in English
Finishing my master's degree in English was a significant accomplishment. I was the first person in my family to graduate from college, so this was a source of pride for my mother. -
Riley was born.
Parenting a girl is different from parenting a boy: girls have cuter clothes! Riley is a different child from Hayden, and I have learned that fair does not mean "exactly the same." A better definition of fair would be "each one gets what he/she needs." I have to parent differently because she is a different person. Both my children make me a better me. -
Teaching at Episcopal Collegiate School
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Started Small World Big Fun Travel Agency
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Legally Changed My Name to Vivian Janet Kay Neel Blair
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Returned to Teaching English at Episcopal Collegiate School
