Choctawhatchee HS Class of 69 - Carla Harlan (Gallegos)

After graduation I blindly followed my parents advice and went to college, OWJC. While attending OW, much to my mothers dismay, I started dating my future husband, Capt. Gary Harlan. After a fun filled two years of college while living at home, Gary separated from the Air Force and we got married.

It didn't take long to pack the smallest u-haul ever made and high tail it to Denver, Co. where we lived for 9 years. While out west we had our daughter, Jennifer, (now 27)! and I completed college, graduating from Regis University with degrees in Finance and Economics. Not long after I received the last degree, we moved back to Florida, this time to Clearwater.

The last 21 years have simply flown by. I became a stock broker in 1981 with E.F. Hutton...stayed through all the mergers and then moved on to bank brokerage with Barnett. I must attract mergers, because it wasn't long before Barnett was bought by Nations Bank, and now we are Bank of America. Three years ago, I "retired" from retail brokerage and now train "baby
brokers." A wonderful career move!

Of course I haven't JUST been working all this time. Any of you with kids know what a challenge the teen years can be. Our daughter was no exception. She ran us ragged with swim team, dance lessons, etc. Then she drove us crazy with boys and dating. After all that, was college.....(It's great to be a FLORIDA GATOR).. and the huge wedding! We had no idea exactly how
expensive a child could be, until she was married and on her own. WOW...we were young again...and had money too! What a concept!

Now we are empty nesters who have sold the house, and are enjoying our freedom. I travel frequently, and love that! My husband, is still a broker with Smith Barney, so he holds down the fort when I'm on the road.

I have rediscovered so many wonderful folks from "the old days," that I think I will make the effort to actually attend the next reunion of good old Choctawhatchee High School....
My very best to one and all!!
Carla A. Harlan (Gallegos)