joyfuljai62
 
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AARP Member
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Background
Name: Judy
Birthday: August 7
Gender: Female
Ethnicity: African American
Religion: Spiritual
Location:
MIAMI, Florida
United States
School:
Xavier, New Orleans
University of Miami
Hometown(s):
Miami, FL
New Orleans
Liberia, West Africa
Quote:
The only way to go is up!
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About Me

Whew! That's me on a very hot day somewhere in the Nevada desert on the way to Hoover Dam. Born and reared in Miami I can still get lost here. (Thank God for GPS.) I've traveled to several of the lower 48 states; to the Bahamas, my mother's birthplace; the US Virgin Islands; and to several countries on Africa's east and west coasts. One day, I'll visit my father's birthplace - Augusta, GA. As a Peace Corps volunteer in Liberia, West Africa, I taught second and fifth grades. After 35 years as a government employee back in Miami, I retired in '07 to pursue other interests, like attending AARP conventions and thoroughly enjoying the Internet. I grew up a lot in Liberia - upcountry where the only town with electricity was 15 or more miles away. Standing before my students who were so eager to learn freed me of shyness. Thank God they all spoke English. If remaining in the country depended on my speaking Kpelle and Loma (two of 36 Liberian dialects), I would have been deported after the first lesson. Fortunately, they let me stay and I met some of the kindest people in the world. They still think the streets of the USA are paved with gold

Interests:
Writing poems, short stories, and essays, and reading make my day. I also love to meet new people and read and listen to their stories. We all have a tale or two to tell
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I Don't Gamble

But AARP's 2009 Convention accomplished what neither family nor friends could - that is, get me to visit Las Vegas. Ever since a friend convinced me to bet on a Jai Alai game, I've vowed to never again waste money on gambling. I lost a hard earned two dollars. Don't laugh - that was a lot for me in the '70s. 

 

Amazingly, casinos appeared everywhere - in the airport, hotel lobbies, on the way to and in restaurants. The cashiers even wished me a lucky day. I'm surprised there was no penny machine in my hotel room. Call me a spoilsport, but I survived Vegas!

 

Now, I don't judge those who gamble. That is their choice. However, I want to receive something worthwhile for my spending. So, I saved for my trip to Las Vegas@50+, and, as expected, the university sessions were quite informative. And the freebies added three pounds to my luggage weight! 

 

Penny and Gary Marshall with John Amos and George Takei kept us laughing during the opening session. Maya Angelou and Norman Lear imparted wisdom in the closing session as only an 80-something can. I should be as wise when I reach my 80s. Hopefully, AARP will make copies of their conversations available.

 

Next year, it's Orlando@50+ in my home state of Florida, a four-hour drive for me. Orlando is the home of Disney World and several other tourist attractions. Ironically, I've never visited Disney World, only Disneyland. Next year, for sure.

 

Added: October 30, 2009
Views: 47 | Comments: 2 | Bookmarks: 0
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  Comments (82)  
Zil
Zil says:


Posted: November 20, 2009 10:47AM EST
joyfuljai62
joyfuljai62 says:

God bless you also, Zil, and have a wonderful weekend.

Judy
Posted: November 20, 2009 12:59PM EST
Deborah357
Deborah357 says:

Hey Judy, glad you pointed out that my journal was on the Travel page. I saw it on the general Online Community page a couple weeks ago but didn't notice the other posting until you said something! Guess I'll have to travel more often...
Deb
Posted: November 11, 2009 12:10PM EST
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