Twenty Years Later

There we are - Joannah and Teresa. Friends since 1982, when we had English with Mrs. Vena, and science with Mr. Smith (he was a little crazy, no really!) our freshman year of high school. I wish I had a scanner so I could show you some pictures of us back in the day! ;-)

So where do I begin with my rundown on last night? Not surprisingly, it was overwhelming for me in some ways. Lots of faces I recognized but couldn't remember the name that went with the face. Oops!

I was disappointed that the people I hoped to see the most weren't there. I had been in Concert Choir and Troubadours during high school, and most of my close friends were also involved in vocal music. Only one other member of the Troubadours, John H., attended and he sat with us for dinner. I enjoyed seeing him. He's a unique individual, with a great sense of fun, and he still has a real sweet spirit. He used to wear his hair long back in school, but he decided to cut it during our senior year. Trouble was he decided to cut it during a "Battle of the Bands" concert in the school amphitheater - onstage. The school administrators marched out of their building and took him off the stage rather quickly because we all know what cutting your hair in public leads to, right? (Imagine me rolling my eyes, if you will.)

There were quite a few people that I had gone to elementary school with though, and it was good to see them because I've known them since first grade. Being an elementary school teacher, I have a unique perspective on how young we once were. Yikes! Seeing them brought back memories of slumber parties, favorite teachers, and playing after school in the neighborhood. I remembered when John A. was riding my ten-speed bicycle, rode it into a parked car, and chipped his front tooth. Do you think I was concerned about his injuries? Nope, I was mostly upset about any damage my bike had incurred.

Most people I talked to were married with children and still living in Orange County. The women were sharing pictures of their children every chance they got. I would have been too, if only...

Everyone looked older, and some looked much older - that's to be expected. I received many compliments on my appearance and, being a wallflower most of my life, that felt good.

Overall, it just wasn't all I thought it was cracked up to be. I'm glad I went, but I wish I hadn't spent so much emotional energy being apprehensive about the evening. Oh, well...

I've got another ten years until I have to consider doing it again.