Everyone looked the same, or at least similar, which is both surprising and impressive and I would detail how well everyone looked but I'd be afraid to leave someone out. The scary part is... despite the fact that my old classmates hadn't changed much, I had such trouble remembering everyone. Thank god we had name tags, because I spent all evening looking at everyone's chests -- to read their names (get your mind out of the gutter, Lenny) -- to place the face with the name because otherwise I had absolutely no clue. I saw Heather when I first walked in, and I did recognize her at least, and we had a real nice chat but all the while I was looking around to see who else was there, and from a distance... I knew no one. Is 20 years really that long of a time, or have all the brew fests in Vermont killed my brain cells? I'm not sure. But it's not good. I saw Chris -- who I'd just seen at the Phillies game, so I had no problem recognizing her -- and then I saw my cousin Linda and my parents' neighbor Barb (who grew up down the street from me), so I knew them. Harry was at Rowan with me, so I knew him, and Melody I'd seen during and after college (but not in 10 years at least!) and she looked the same (even after 3 kids!) so I guess there were a lot of people I eventually recognized, but for the most part, I struggled. Even people who knew me and talked about things we'd done together I had trouble placing, a couple even with a name attached (agh!) Luckily, Heather had her yearbook and Chris and Linda were pointing out everyone's old yearbook photos to jog my memory. That helped a bit. And clearly girls have a lot better memories than guys. Or at least me. The scary part was seeing my note/signature in Heather's yearbook, which I didn't at all recognize as my own, until the part I wrote about the science fair, which obviously had to be from me. I was a big old nerd in high school. So sad. But we had some good times. Everyone looked really, really good, though, and I was real happy to have gone. Special thanks to Chris, Heather, Ronda and everyone else who helped organize it. It never would have happened without your efforts. And how the hell did it only cost $55 for the hall, dinner, a DJ, and an open bar?! Very impressive. And the open bar? Very impressive indeed.
I know that these posts also get fed to my Facebook page (Tanya Moyer, was that you texting that you were shocked I became so "vulgar" -- presumably because of these posts?? I'm sorry!). So perhaps the old classmates will be reading this. Come to Vague Space to see my regular website musings, especially if you like "weird new music" as Heather was wont to call it (thanks for reading!!) And a shout out to everyone who dragged me over to the Hollywood Diner for the after party, which was an equally good time. I did end up crashing at my parents' place because all of the sudden, driving an hour home at 2:30 am after drinking all night didn't seem like such a great idea. I hope everyone else got home safely too. And a special shout out to Kelly for such a great time talking at the Hollywood (and for driving Heather and Linda home for me) and to Buck, for remembering those days in Lynch's class and our trip to wherever we went for the physics field trip, because I'd completely forgotten what a good time that was. Yes, we were reminiscing about a physics trip. Let's just move on. Anyway, good to see everyone again. Hopefully the people who said they'd keep in touch will do so and I'll do my best too. Go Spartans!
God, that was strange to see you again
Introduced by a friend of a friend
Smiled and said, "Yes, I think we've met before"
In that instant it started to pour
Captured a taxi despite all the rain
We drove in silence across Pont Champlain
And all of that time you thought I was sad
I was trying to remember your name
I should have gone to yours.
Posted by: LegFuJohnson | June 01, 2009 at 09:04 AM
We tried to get in but they barred us at the door!!
Posted by: The Ricans | June 01, 2009 at 12:39 PM
Don't feel bad Bill, I didn't recognize anyone either. I couldn't even find you, probably because I didn't see a Phillies hat or someone holding a Magic Hat #9. Nice picture. Is that Koren in the back corner with the bandana?
Posted by: Ira | June 01, 2009 at 10:17 PM
Yes, that's definitely Koren. Damn it!
Posted by: Bill | June 02, 2009 at 12:07 AM