Tue 27 Sep 2005
Someone give this girl some clearisil! (I think I was sixteen in this picture):
I’m still reflecting on my reunion. Probably one of the neatest things is realizing how special the whole event was. There is no way to recreate the evening, no way to truly continue communicating with people I only passed by in the hallways, no way to really sum up ten years of life experience in one conversation. People I barely new came up and hugged me. Girls that said vicious things about me at one point in my life embraced me. We were truly invested. The few who were weird (like this random guy I vaguely remember, he oozed all over everyone, yuck) were easy to avoid. I was so impressed by the people who already had several kids, and I admired them in an odd way. There’s no way I could have done what they’ve done, raising children, maintaining a household…I still think of myself as too young for kids and WOW here are people I grew up with giving it a try.
I walk into social situations all the time, random parties where I don’t know anyone, and it was nice to be able to walk into a room with people I used to have to be around all the time. It was nice to be able to stand tall, know I’ve been successful, and have people say: “I expected you to become a performer, a teacher; I’m glad that is the case.” Was the reunion just a way to validate myself? Well…yeah, sure…I had a pretty big grudge going for a while. I felt misunderstood, picked on, ugly…right? Didn’t we all feel that way? I don’t know very many people that had a glowing experience during their entire high school run.
I also forgot random things, like the way Gina R. used to laugh–kind of like an inhaled guffaw, or how funny Casey was and still is, or the way I used to compete so badly with Jessica. So there we all were: Eating hor’dorves, drinking beer, and laughing over how we used to chase after each other on the playground.
(Top Row, L-R: Brad (Cool kid), Angie (Crazy girl, made comments on her nursing boobs, popular girl who’s still married to Brad), Casey (went to Ben Franklin with me, funny kid, class clown), Joel (Good as gold, I once lent him my favorite pencil in 2nd grade and he made every effort to give it back) Amy (loud, funny, lives in Ft. Collins surprisingly, was in all my honors classes), Kelly (once warned me about the guy who was going to ask me to homecoming and than stand me up the night before), Ryan (my five year long crush), I-Totally-Forgot-His-Name (looks like he likes wine).
Bottom Row, L-R: Jessica (former dance rival), Mara (looking a lot better), Matt (former art rival).
August 8th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
OHMYGOODNESS!! The Ben Franklin crew. It’s so wonderful to see everyone! Casey looks so different, I didn’t even recognize him! Joel! You’re right, Joel is as good as gold. He was always a really nice guy. Congrats to Matt. Now that you mention it, I do remember his artistry.
I had forgotten much of what you wrote about in elementary school, to be honest. I don’t have many memories of people I’m ashamed to admit. I think I bonded more with people from other schools, who were in the arts wing. Not many of the BF people made it to the arts wing.
I faintly remember Jessica. Geez, I’m horrible.
It’s crazy to see everyone tho.
I think you’re one of the people who looks very much the same – just older and more mature. You look beautiful! I don’t know why people gave you a tough time – I think if anyone called you ugly they did it cuz they secretly had a little boy crush on you.
Did they have a special memorial for Tim? I still pray for him.
I wish that I could have been there… I was kinda hoping they’d have a 15 year reunion instead of having to wait another 10 years. Sean and I can’t wait to come home to the PNW again – he missed his 10 year reunion as well.