Journey back to Woodson: It has been a while, but we're back

Friday, October 10, 2008

It has been a while, but we're back

I want to apologize for not giving you much of a reason to check in on this blog recently.

Most of my efforts have gone into "When I'm 64," which is moving along nicely. I do want to update you on what's happening there, but I also want you to know I'm going to try and post two or three times a week on other subjects so that we can rebuild our camaraderie.

Anyway, the book:

I couldn't be more fascinated than I have been with some of the places our class has been and things we have done. I have been working on chapters about Rande Barker, Lee Millette, Dudley Wilson and yes, even myself. I also am in the early stages of working on Darla Garber, Mike McCuddin and Bob Douthitt, as well as one on Dale Morgan and Judy Hart and another one on Mike Willis.

There are other fascinating stories I haven't gotten to yet, and more of you that I still hope to hear from. The book ultimately will have an introductory chapter and about two dozen chapters on people and their lives. I am aiming for a completed first draft by the end of 2008.

Some of you have promised to send in questionnaires and haven't yet. I have not given up on you.

Anyway, I'll keep you updated on this, but look for other posts as well.

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The questionnaire

We're still looking for more people to participate in "When I'm 64." Below is the questionnaire to fill out and send to Mike Rappaport at m_rappaport@earthlink.net.

Thanks.

Please answer the questions as fully as possible. Short answers are not useful, although they can be helpful in providing areas for follow-up in an interview. An answer of 2-3 paragraphs or longer to many of the questions will be appreciated.

1. Short answer here, and be honest. How did you view yourself in high school? (popular, jock, politico, nerd, school-spirited, etc.) And how did others view you?

2. How did you see our years at Woodson (1963-67) in the context of the same period in the U.S. Remember that there were race riots all over the country in those years, that Vietnam protest was beginning, etc. Were we involved? Were we sheltered?

3. A lot of fascinating things happened in the years immediately after we left high school – assassinations, Chicago ’68, the moon landing, Woodstock, more war protests, etc. What involvement did you have with any of these things?

4. In those same years, were you hippie or straight, military or protester? In other words, how did you finish the ‘60s?

5. Moving ahead, how did you enter adulthood? The traditional college and job model, or in and out of school finding yourself? Or have you resisted growing up all these years?

6. Here’s one you can skip if you like: Was the sexual revolution a part of your life, or have you been fairly traditional?

7. An important one: Has your life been relatively similar to that of your parents or very different? If so, how?

8. How much has high school remained an important part of your life? Lifelong friends, contacts, etc.?

9. How has your life so far turned out compared to what you thought it would be when you were 18? Very similar? Very different? How and why?

10. Tell us about your family.

11. Tell us the most interesting thing that ever happened to you.

12. Tell us – if you want – the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you.

13. When was the time you stopped thinking of 64 as extremely old? What do you expect to be doing "when you’re 64?"

14. Philosophize a little – if you’d like – about the long, strange trip our generation has been on since 1967.

15. Tell us the best way to get in touch with you for a follow-up interview.

Journey back to Woodson

Friday, October 10, 2008

It has been a while, but we're back

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The questionnaire

One year and still going strong

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