Jody Bugg

Jody's biography follows, but first let's look at some precious photos of her darling great grand niece, Olivia.

(Click on any photo to enlarge)

Now here is Jody's biography...

Reading Karla’s recollections of Galveston brought to mind my very, very early years. For the first four years of my life, my family lived in High Island which is to the east of Galveston on the opposite end of Bolivar Peninsula. Both my sister and I were born in Beaumont since it was easier to access in 1942 and 1944.

My father was a pharmacist, and my parents ran the local drug store which, like the pharmacies of today, also provided groceries. We lived upstairs above the store. My mother tells stories that she would have me all dressed, but that by the time I got down to the beach, all my clothes left a trail behind me as I ran bare-bottomed into the surf. There were times, though, when I did manage to keep my bathing suit on.

My sister and I shared the same birthday. In fact, I have glimpses of memory that my mother went into labor as we celebrated my second birthday.

When I was four and Betsy was two, we moved to Houston into a small house on Kernel Street in Pecan Park. My earliest memories of that first year in Houston were of going to Mason Park for the summer concerts. I also remember going to the park on Sundays to feed the ducks.

We moved to Houston because Daddy decided to take a job as a pharmaceutical salesman. We lived in our house for about a year, and I had started kindergarten at Little Bo Peep when Daddy decided to switch sales routes with another salesman who lived in Beaumont. We simply switched houses, too. Life in Beaumont lasted a little less than a year and during that year, it snowed. It was probably the only time we ever made a snowman.

 

We returned to Houston in time for me to start first grade at Southmayd Elementary. About a fourth of this first grade class continued on to Deady and graduated together from Milby. When I showed my group photo to my students, they were astounded by the number of students in a class.

After graduating from Milby I attended Sam Houston State (teachers college then, university now). I majored in journalism, was certified in secondary education, and graduated in 1964. I taught in a very small school district (Austwell-Tivoli) near Port Lavaca. The high school and junior high were both under one roof while the elementary school was just across the dog run.

I returned to the Houston area after that first year and learned of a second grade position in Crosby. So my second year in education was in an elementary setting. During that year, I also began working as a stringer for Benson Publishing Company in Channelview. Benson Publishing printed weekly neighborhood newspapers that were distributed free of charge. I attended the school board meetings in Aldine and North Forest school districts and wrote articles pertaining to school news. While covering these meetings, I made contacts that would change the direction of my career. I really enjoyed teaching elementary and when I was approached by the superintendent of North Forest (Northeast Houston at the time, and having a much better reputation as well) to teach second grade in the district, I decided to make the change.

During the five years I worked in North Forest, I returned to Sam Houston State to earn my elementary certification. After North Forest, I transferred to Aldine where I taught first grade for two years, fifth grade for eighteen, and was a specialist for three. Twenty of my Aldine years were all in the same school (Mendel Elementary) where I taught first grade, then fifth grade, so I had my first graders twice during their elementary years.

Those of us in education know what teacher salaries are like, so in the mid-70s through the very early 90s, I took part-time jobs working at various car dealerships in Houston in order to supplement my income.  If you called Dodge, Toyota, Chrysler, or Ford, I was the voice at the other end of the line … “Thank you for calling (insert dealership name).  How may I direct your call?”  Since I was around children all day long, another reason for the part-time work was to be around adults. 

 

However, I soon discovered that there wasn’t too much difference between working with car salesmen and working with elementary children.  I still maintain contact with my friends at Helfman Ford in Stafford and have bought all my cars from them since 1980, mostly because they let me think that I’m the still the boss.

In the ‘80s I bought my townhouse in far west Houston and I earned a Masters Degree in Reading (Sam Houston State, again). In the mid-90s, driving an hour each way to and from Aldine was getting to be too much, so I transferred to Alief ISD. I retired from education when school was out in 2002 and now live with a dog (Daisy) and two cats (Coco and Zsa Zsa). 

                  

In 2001, my father died, and I lost my sister to breast cancer in 2003. One of the last trips we took together was to the Pacific Northwest where we took a paddleboat ride on the Columbia River, following a partial route of Lewis and Clark.

One of my former fifth graders became the principal of Mendel where he had been my student. I returned to the school to volunteer in third and fourth grades. Many of my former fifth graders were now parents and still living in the area. So during my volunteering stint at Mendel, I worked with many of my “grand” students.

Since retirement, I have done some traveling. Many trips were taken with my mother who is 94 and still kicking. We took a cruise to Alaska.

 

We’ve seen the Grand Canyon

 

and visited Sedona.

We’ve seen New England foliage in the fall,

as well as Niagara Falls.

I had never been out of the country, but for Christmas 2006 Mother gave me a river cruise through the waterways of Holland and Belgium. Tulips have long been my favorite flower, and I’ve always been fascinated by windmills. So it was the perfect gift. I went in March, and it was cold. I don’t think I ever took off my jacket or cap.

 

 

For the same Christmas, my niece gifted all of us t-shirts announcing her pregnancy.

Olivia arrived in late July, and I’m the proudest substitute granny ever. Jason and Carrie (my nephew and niece) have always called me Aunt “T” … I say the “T” stands for “terrific” … so I’m to be called Granny “T.”

Carrie, Charlie, and Olivia live in Portland, OR. Last November, I visited them for Thanksgiving. While there, I fell on the stairs and broke my leg. My three-week trip turned into a three-month one. The silver lining was getting to visit with “my” baby for a much longer time. She visited me in the hospital regularly.

Since Olivia’s birth, I’ve been thinking about moving to Portland. I’ve lived in the Houston area just about all my life, and the thought of picking up stakes and moving across country at my age is daunting and quite out of my comfort zone. Reading Gladys Payne Bohac’s bio, though, has given me inspiration. She moved to a different country. I’m only considering a different state. Now, moving’s not quite as unsettling an idea as it had been, and I’m thinking a little more positively. I don’t plan to make any final decision until after my leg has completely healed and I’m walking like a regular person again.

In the meantime, I look after Mother and enjoy retirement.

I don’t want to; I don’t have to;

You can’t make me; I’m retired.

Yes, I do enjoy retirement!

An update from Jody, sent May 17, 2009:

I just got back from Portland, Oregon, where I visited my niece and her family.  It was a nice trip, although it was cold and rainy.  I was there ten days, and maybe three days were wonderful.  We drove over to the OR coast to Lincoln City and spent the night.  The day of the drive over was glorious.  The following day ... the day we wanted to walk on the beach ... was cold, windy, and rainy.  Then we had to drive back in nasty rain.  Of course, rain there isn't quite like rain here.  I will return in August for "my" baby Olive's 2nd b'day. 

 [Here is a picture of Olive reading to her doll.]

 

In October, I plan to go to Hawaii with friends from Dallas. Glenda and I went to Hawaii in 1970/71, can't really remember the exact year, so I have actually been, but the Dallas crew has not.  Of course, I know it has changed quite drastically in nearly 40ish years, especially Maui which only had one or two hotels when we were there. 

I'm also still looking at houses in the Portland area. The year after I broke my leg was quiet in the house-hunting department, but now I'm ready to continue my search.  My favorite house that I saw in November 2007 is still on the market.  The price has dropped $30K since I first saw it, but it's still more than I want to pay.  Plus, if I do move and Mother comes with me, it won't be possible to move until the summer of 2010 after I return from my next European trip ... my Dallas friends and I are toying with going to Barcelona. I wouldn't feel good about moving now, then leaving Mother to come back for both the reunion and the Barcelona trip. Carrie's house has lots of steps.  At 95, Mother has difficulty stepping up onto a curb, much less ten even steeper steps to get into the house.  But I am still looking.

Please take the time now to make a comment in response to Jody's biography. You will also enjoy reading the comments that others have left.

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Comments

[Linda Strickland]

Jody,

Great life story! Enjoyed reading of your accomplishments, family, and travel.

I took my mother, eighty-four, to dig for diamonds in Ak., last year. We had a blast and laughed many times.

Hope your leg is healing well at this time. "If God can bring you to it then God can bring you throught it".

My daughter wanted me to move to Ga. in 2000. I had lived in the some place since 1968 and the thought of a move scared me. Read a book entitled "Who Moved My Cheese", gave me insight into my fears and helped me get out of the box. I have no regrets, have seen places and had experiences I would not have had. Make your move, just keep enough sky miles to get back to our 50th reunion!

I give to you an imaginary arrangement of yellow tulips today. Thank you for your great Bio. Linda

[Jody Bugg]

Thank you, Linda. It took me a long time to hunker down and write my bio. After I started looking through old photos, ideas kept popping up in my head. I figured I'd better get down to business while the nostalgia was flowing. For months now, I'd been promising Karla I'd get it done. I've enjoyed reading other postings, too.

[Clyde ( Sonny ) Jones]

Hey there girl,
Thanks for the good words concerning my bio. Your's is really terrific and it was worth waiting for. Did you realize we went all twelve years of school and two years of college together.
I was at SHSTC for two years before dropping out to pursue a recording career. But I don't remember seeing you or sharing any classes. Did we? Please forgive me if I've forgotten because I'm old, feeble, and forgetful.....well, not feeble! I am indeed going to attend the 50 year reunion. I've only gone to one and it was our 20th. I've been really out-of-touch for a lot of years, and I'm lovin' this here blog Karla has ginned-up. Stay in touch!
Your pal,
Sonny

[Glenda Burns Minniece]

Hey J.B. - I've learned things I didn't know about you. As you said, we didn't delve into those things when we were young - and during our adult years we were so busy with our own lives that we didn't keep in as close a touch as we should have. But it's great to be retired, now, together. Maybe another trip to Hawaii??? :) When you, Mother, and I went to the islands, we should have taken your mother, too. Blessings! - G.

[Ann Herman Beatty]

Like Jody, no grandkids, but will be a great aunt in Early Jan. Both of my "boys" almost 35 and 38 are still single.

Daniel is disappointed his paper was not one of the 50 of 260+ submitted for the conference in Vancouver. We are hoping for completion of his dissertation by end of this year or end of spring semester.

Karla, your Nana camp sounds like fun.

[Glenda Burns Minniece]

I didn't remember that Donny had dated Betsy. I loved that guy. What a character. The Hall brothers were very special. Hope they've had happy lives.

[Rita Beeler Robinson]

Hi Jody,
You have some beautiful photos included here from your trips. Olivia is a beautiful baby. Some day I'll take the time to write a biography. I've only been officially retired since October but will go back to work, part-time, in February. It's so good to read about the lives of our classmates.
Rita

[j w tucker]

Hi Jody Bugg,

The most beautiful Nanette Tucker (nee Smith at Sam) said to tell you hello.

[Jody wrote in an e-mail, explaining this comment, "Jerry Tucker's wife was one of my suitemates at Sam Houston. In fact, I introduced them. I sure am glad that connection worked out. I haven't seen Jerry for awhile, not since the 40th reunion.]

[Gladys Payne Bohac]

Hi Jody: Great reading your bio, what an adventure you have had. Your life has really been blessed to have wonderful memories.

Your niece is just precious. I have some precious nieces, great nephew's and great nephew's that are so precious to me also.

I am looking forward to seeing you again next April at the BIG 50 Reunion. It is so wonderful seeing each one that has visited the blog. Seeing their lives through their eyes is just fantastic. Everyone has a story to tell and it is wonderful.

I know whatever decision you make about your move will be the right one. I know mine was. Would not take anything for the experience and memories I had by moving. I did love my travels so much and am thankful for the opportunity to see as much as I have seen. Glad to be back in the good ole USA though.

Take care and enjoy life while you can.

Gladys P. Bohac

[Patricia Farfan-Edgeller]

Dearest Ms. Jody Bugg

I was so excited when I
I came across your name in facebook. It's been so long. I truly enjoyed reading your bio. So glad to hear you've been doing some traveling since you've retired. Hopefully you're living in Houston so we can meet sometime soon. I would love to see you after all these years. I also sent you a message on facebook.

Warmest Regards,

Patricia Farfan-Edgeller
[email protected]

[Diana]

Wow! What a Great journey life has taken you on. I have always remembered my fifth grade teacher and her sister. I am now 39 years old and have many accomplishments of my own.I do not have a great memory due to a brain aneurysm but every time I see a ladybug pendant I always think of you two and the story of how you obtained the "smaller" pendant when your father came home with them. Best of luck to you.