At the moment I am dealing with two kinds of heartbreak, one is the loss of history, innocence, and familiarity. The second is more bitter sweet.

As a kid growing up in Green Country some things are universal to each of our lives. I do not know one kid who had never been to Bells. Bells was on the Tulsa County Fairgrounds (better known as EXPO Square) property and paid rent. Notice I say 'was'. Last fall the EXPO square authorities chose to not renew Bells lease that has been in effect since 1951. Today I stumbled across a news article in the Tulsa World. The Zingo is being taken down. As kids we would ride this over and over till 9PM when the law stated that it must close. My first ride on an amusement park ride was the Lady Bugs at Bells. I just cannot believe that they are gone. On the site there is a place for the information on the Grand Reopening in a new location. If I can find a way I want to be there.

The forced removal of Bell's breaks my heart. For me and I am sure others, Bells was one of the last reminders of childhood innocence. I remember vividly the anticipation that I would have knowing a trip to Bells was approaching, from the Lady Bug's, Canoe's, and motorcycles to the time where I would ride the Chilli Pepper plunge to cool off on a hot July Oklahoma night and then ride the Super Round Up hoping to dry off before mom would let us in the car. Bob, Robbie, Jason.... my heart goes out to each of you. I only wish I were closer to help you at this time. Thank you so much for my fondest childhood memories.

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The second as I mentioned is bitter sweet. We always knew Norfolk would not be our 'forever home'. The time has come for us to move on. The Navy is sending us to Denver. Denver holds alot of promise for us and our future. Both of us can complete our schooling. Oklahoma is a short drive away and there are tons of things we have always wanted to do at our finger tips.

I *think* I have settled on a course of study--- x-ray tech. And a school too.

But I am just not ready to leave! When we left Pensacola I was thrilled to get on with it. I am exited to get to Denver don't get me wrong! It is simply this is the first time in my adult life that I feel like I belong. I have my urban family, and my derby family. I am just not ready to move mentally!

At the moment we do not have move date. Some time between July and Sept. The lack of time frame is the hard part. I have delayed mentioning it in blogs because I was not ready to tell all my urban and derby families. I think I may actually cry when I leave. For those of you who do read this ... and you know who you are. I will miss you more than I can say. If you don't come visit me in Colorado I will drag my ass back to VA and beat the living hell out of you. Thank you so much for believing in me.