Seems Like Only Yesterday

Well, maybe not yesterday. But it certainly didn't feel like it had been 30 years since we'd all spent so much time together. I'm talking, of course, of our high school class reunion.

I'd been unable to make up my mind about whether to attend. I was worried that maybe people had changed too much since senior year and we'd no longer have anything to talk about. But I was also concerned that things hadn't changed and the high-school hierarchy would still exist. I did some thinking out loud about it in my post last week. (And 30 years ago, I certainly wouldn't have said, "Hey, everybody. Take a look at something I wrote!")

Looking through my yearbook and finding my graduation announcement gave me just enough inspiration to hit the road and participate again in the reunion experience. I missed the 25-year, but I think I'd been to the previous gatherings.

"This is my husband. Nice to meet you." "Green Bay. And you?" "One 17-year-old son. Thank you." "I've been a proofreader for years, but I'm between jobs right now." Almost every conversation started the same way. But each one took a different direction. We shared memories of classes and teachers. We laughed about the part-time jobs we held and how our free time was spent. Life had followed carefully planned paths for some, and taken unexpected turns for others. It was truly fascinating to learn a little bit of what was behind those still-familiar faces.

Fortunately, I found someone from my old neighborhood right off the bat. Since we'd known each other since kindergarten (and probably even earlier), the words flew freely. From there it was easier than I'd imagined to move around the room. I was lucky enough to spend time with several classmates from grade school. I guess those bonds you establish during your formative years really DO endure!

The ice was automatically broken because we were all members of the class of '82. I talked to people I'd "hung out with" back in the day and with those who had different circles of friends. I was happy to see many I'd hoped would be there, and pleasantly surprised by some I didn't expect. There were people I hadn't really known that well at the time. But thanks to the wondrous world of social networking, I'm able to call them "friends" now. OK, I admit we might not be getting together for barbecue any time soon, but we have some shared interests and respect each other's opinions. That's part of what makes a friendship, isn't it?

Naturally, not everyone was able to attend, and some surely had no interest in coming. And as is the case at reunions everywhere, some friends are no longer with us. I hope that as they looked down on the party, they saw that we realize our graduating class wouldn't have been the same without them...and they will always be a part of that class. 

There were lots of hugs and handshakes. I certainly didn't talk to everyone I would have liked to. (I can't imagine that anyone was able to make the rounds without missing someone!) That just gives me something more to look forward to next time.

I had no real expectations for the reunion, good or bad. It would have been a shame, though, to miss it due solely to apathy. Memories of high school are a mix of sweet nostalgia and "Gee, I'm glad that's over!" But the memory of our 30-year reunion will definitely go in my mental yearbook as one of the good times. See you in five years!

Graduation Was HOW Long Ago?

The other night I popped in my CD of the "Fame" soundtrack (the original film from 1980, not the--gasp--remake). I could feel the wave of nostalgia wash over me, even though I don't recall any big spontaneous dance numbers taking place in our school cafeteria. (I'm sorry....it was actually called the "commons.")

It also stirs up extra memories this week because we're closing in on our 30-year class reunion. Really? It's been that long? Guess that means we're grown-ups, huh? As they say, where does the time go?

I've pulled out my senior yearbook to try to brush up on some names and faces, though we all look at least a little different than we did in 1982. That got me thinking: Will I be surprised at the reunion by how much everyone (in general) has changed? Or by how much everyone (overall) has not? Surely after 30 years we can find things in common besides simply high school, right?

So let me take a look at myself and see what might make me recognizable as a member of the class of '82.

Naturally there's platinum in my hair that wasn't there before. But I think I look essentially like an older version of that girl in the yearbook. I still don't spend a lot of money on clothes, or a lot of time on hair or makeup. And I rarely use any hairspray.

I no longer play in a band or orchestra. Every now and then I'll get out my clarinet and see if I've still "got it." (Not bad, but my embouchure gives out after about 15 minutes.) I get my "fix" by living vicariously through my violin-playing son.

My other primary extracurricular activities were debate and forensics. I enjoyed both, but they certainly didn't make me eager to speak in front of a group. I think, however, they helped expand my love of the English language. I remember Mr. Grinsel telling us to say during a debate that we have a "quotation" to read, not a "quote." I try to follow that rule to this day.

I'm still not a jock. Sports and such never really interested me (perhaps due, in part, to my overall lack of coordination). I was, however a "soccer mom" for a while. And I am watching bits and pieces of the Olympics!

Never was a real social butterfly, and probably never will be. I was a bit of a nerd in the '80s. I think  I still am, to some extent, though these days "geek" can be "cool." ("Doctor Who," anyone?)

I would still get a kick out of watching "E.T.," "Tootsie,"  and "Star Trek II." I still enjoy listening to Men at Work, Human League, and even Air Supply. (I hate, though, that I have to listen to an oldies station.)

We may have tots or teens...or not. We may have grandchildren! (Not part of my world yet, and I don't expect any for several years, at least.) We may have lived in exotic places. Or our address may still be in Wausau. There have been weddings and divorces, births and funerals, more school and jobs--and unemployment. We might still be in touch with some of those same close friends. Or we might just send an annual Christmas card. For all its faults, Facebook does allow me to once again have some contact with former classmates. It's not the same as regular letters or phone calls or dinners out, but it's a connection all the same.

We no longer fit into the tidy "Breakfast Club" categories. We've all matured enough to form our own opinions based on our own experiences. We're the same people we were, and we're at the same time different people. However we might describe ourselves today, we're still Warriors.

 ♫ ♫ Onward, Wausau West to reach, the victory that is ours...  ♫ ♫ And onward to our reunion!