My Ocean

The Ocean

I did not grow up around the water. Lived in land locked states Ohio, West Virginia, Michigan and Colorado. I remember as a child visiting family in Florida and we went to the beach. I remember that it was fun but it was not a regular thing for us. And I didn't fall in love with the water. It was just a vacation.

Jump ahead to college. I went to Guam with my soon to be husband. And there I saw such amazingly blue waters. And it was so warm!! Had fun snorkeling and discovering this new world. Back to the land lock states I went. But of course had some wonderful memories to take with me.

Then in November of 2005 the ocean came to Atlanta, GA. As a family we visited December of the same year. Was quit crazy! People were every where. But we had such a good time we decided to get passes to go back. And with that I found a new love for the ocean and the aquarium had become one of my happy places for many reasons.
##Family Time

This became a wonderful place for family time. Our daughter was about 3 and half so this was a great place for her. Always lots to look at. Also, lots of great places for her to crawl around and look at some amazing fish. This was where I saw Whale Sharks for the first time. Wow!! Such amazing animals. So big and spectacular. Of course there where other great fish and animals. Beluga Whales, Sea lions, Clown fish, Sharks, Rays, and the list goes on and on.
##A New Adventure

Well, after a few visits I found a new adventure with the ocean. I was approached about being a volunteer at the aquarium. First I was like I don't have the time being a stay-at-home Mom. Then I thought about it and talked to my husband and decided to go to the informational meeting. I liked what I heard and decided that this would be me time. That was in April of 2007. Fast forward 10 years and I am still there. I have put in over 1,200 hours with more to come. I have had some amazing adventures. Meet some great people and get to hang out with really cool animals.

I will share some of my stories in future posts. But for now I have to say I am so glad Bernie Marcus decided to bring the ocean to Atlanta. This girl that didn't grow up around water. Her life has forever been changed by the Ocean.

Would love to hear from you and if you have a love for the water too.