Old Friends Month
The past thirty days have been a roller coaster of old friends and memories. I thought when I first moved back “home” four years ago after twelve years away, joining and working for my high school alumni society for two years, I would reconnect with all my old friends. I helped the class president contact classmates for the “20 Year Reunion”. I reconnected with my BFF since second grade, then I went to the reunion.
And remembered why I hadn’t remained friends with the Class of ’85.
I still have fond memories of some of the people I hung out with. And I still visit with those who are on Facebook (a decidedly small percentage, thank whichever god you choose.) But many of those I saw three years ago? Still douchebags. You know that Springsteen song, “Glory Days“? Yeah, imagine pictures of offspring dressed in our high school’s cheerleading outfits, or football outfits. Ugh.
Now, you may be thinking, “You’re just a jealous band geek no one ever hung out with.” And to a certain extent, you would be right. I was a band geek, and proud of it. I was on the color guard (captain two years). I was on the newspaper staff. I always worked with the musicals the drama club would put on.
But it was so much worse.
You see, my father was the assistant principal in charge of discipline at my high school. Held that position for seven years before I attended the same school. Picture, if you will, Jim Belushi in “The Principal” and you have an idea of what my dad was. An ex-Marine with a plexi-glass paddle walking the halls of my high school. In those days corporal punishment was still allowed. My first date? Dad set me up with one of his office assistants for the Sadie Hawkins dance because every guy I asked ran screaming in the other direction. EMBARRASSING!!! (Please note, my high school was NOT like the high school in the movie.)
By my sophomore year, Dad was promoted to the Central Office, head of transportation. Alas, the damage had been done. Everyone thought I was a narc by then and the guys were still terrified. And though most of the time people were decent to me, I was neither “Old Town Money” nor “Cool” enough to spend more than a few minutes of school time with. My BFF from second grade? We were always on again/off again. Depending on which way the “cool kids” wind was blowing. (She apologized for that last year and thanked me for always being there for her, though she wasn’t for me. For both high school and college. God I was a sucker back then. But all is forgiven.)
I don’t tell you any of this because I am angry or upset or harbor any real animosity towards any of these people. It’s just interesting to see who comes out of the woodwork in times of reminiscing. Here are a few from the past 30 days:
- Thirteen from high school (two “old money”, none “cool”)
- Four from college (college was so much worse, but we won’t go there tonight)
- Fourteen from various jobs over the years
- Six friends. (not school relations, not work relations, just friends)
Later this week I’ll share my visits with you. It was great to meet up with some of these people, see where they are after all this time. Especially the college friends I found (hi Lynne and Alisa!!!) I am so happy I found these people, again.
Sorry to ramble. If you made it through, thanks! I’m not always filled with this much baggage, but we all have it. You may as well enjoy some of mine!
“In those days corporal punishment was still allowed.” Just to let you know-Corporal punishment is still legal in 21 states. Some school districts have legal immunity when children are injured requiring medical care. Indiana Gov. Daniels is working to pass this legislation right now citing frivolous lawsuits. A boy in Vidor, Tx had a vertebra fractured when paddled.
Even if you don’t post this comment, I thought you should know. Thanks!