I got a phone call last night from a person I haven't talked to in 10+ years. Dusty Holland, a guy I briefly dated in high school (junior year, I think). He called to see if I was coming to our 10 year high school reunion this weekend. OK, it's Thursday night around 9 pm. He's calling me in New York City to see if I'm going to be there tomorrow night for the Class of '95 bonfire out at the river. Hmm, let's do the math. I live roughly 1500 miles away, it's late the night before and it would take me all day to get there tomorrow (flight to Dallas, then flight to Amarillo, then 2 hour drive to Wellington). Don't think so. I jokingly said something to the effect that it's a little far for a drive, etc., but I don't think he got the irony. Never really was a sharp cookie.
Anyway, it was strange to talk to someone I used to make out with in my driveway on the phone again. No, he did not call me for romantic intentions, as he's married and so am I. He was our Senior Class President and it's his job to get people to come to our class reunions for the rest of his life. But I don't think calling someone the day before the event to see if they're coming qualifies as getting the job done. We chatted for a few more minutes, quickly ran out of things to talk about (What are you doing now? How do you like NY? How's the weather? I'll bet it's cold in the winter. Etc.) and I hung up, thanking him for calling and to please tell everyone hello for me. Then I called my mother to ask why she's giving my number to random people. (She didn't give it to him, so I have no idea how he got it.)
So I guess I'm having a 'Gross Pointe Blank' John Cusack moment. 10 years. Where have I been? What did I do with myself? Am I where I thought I'd be 10 years later? Do I like where I am in my life? Am I missing anything? What did I learn? I must say I am thoroughly pleased with the past 10 years and don't regret a moment of it. I wouldn't change anything, either. Hindsight is 20/20, but those stupid things you did at 20 only helped to shape the person you are at 30. I like where I am and don’t feel like I’m missing a thing. In the past 10 years, I went off to college, earned my first real paycheck, failed a few classes, drank a lot, gained 20 pounds made crazy new friends, lost a few friends, fell in and out of love, earned a degree in engineering, got drunk with my parents, married the love of my life, read most of the bible, moved twice, had 4 jobs, and earned a professional license. I learned that you should not use an exacto knife when you are seriously sleep-deprived. I learned that sleep-deprivation can make you very ill. I learned how to make a killer margarita. I learned that friends come in and out of your life, but those that count are always there, no matter the distance or the time apart. I learned how to carry 4 wine glasses in one hand and 3 plates on one arm. I learned that my parents really DO know everything. I also learned that I should listen to their advice, but it’s ok not to take it. I learned that a little flirting in business never hurt anyone and almost always gets you a smile. I learned that how to enjoy being by myself. I learned how to cross-stitch. I learned that it’s better to listen than to yell. I learned that gossip can be toxic. I learned how to swing dance. I learned that you should let your bridesmaids pick out their own dresses in the color of your choice. I learned how to maximize my use of space. I learned that you can fall in love in a weekend. I learned that holding hands on a walk is one of the most satisfying things ever. I learned how to cook. I learned the positions on a baseball team and how to keep score. I learned that you can lose good friends because of life changes, and that it’s not necessarily a bad thing. I learned that most people really don’t care what you think. But mainly I learned not to take myself to seriously and enjoy the day-to-day things life throws at you.
I’m ready for the next 10 years. Maybe I’ll make it to my 20 year high school reunion. It will definitely be interesting to see all the old faces again. And secretly think I did better in my 20 years than they did! ;)
Anyway, it was strange to talk to someone I used to make out with in my driveway on the phone again. No, he did not call me for romantic intentions, as he's married and so am I. He was our Senior Class President and it's his job to get people to come to our class reunions for the rest of his life. But I don't think calling someone the day before the event to see if they're coming qualifies as getting the job done. We chatted for a few more minutes, quickly ran out of things to talk about (What are you doing now? How do you like NY? How's the weather? I'll bet it's cold in the winter. Etc.) and I hung up, thanking him for calling and to please tell everyone hello for me. Then I called my mother to ask why she's giving my number to random people. (She didn't give it to him, so I have no idea how he got it.)
So I guess I'm having a 'Gross Pointe Blank' John Cusack moment. 10 years. Where have I been? What did I do with myself? Am I where I thought I'd be 10 years later? Do I like where I am in my life? Am I missing anything? What did I learn? I must say I am thoroughly pleased with the past 10 years and don't regret a moment of it. I wouldn't change anything, either. Hindsight is 20/20, but those stupid things you did at 20 only helped to shape the person you are at 30. I like where I am and don’t feel like I’m missing a thing. In the past 10 years, I went off to college, earned my first real paycheck, failed a few classes, drank a lot, gained 20 pounds made crazy new friends, lost a few friends, fell in and out of love, earned a degree in engineering, got drunk with my parents, married the love of my life, read most of the bible, moved twice, had 4 jobs, and earned a professional license. I learned that you should not use an exacto knife when you are seriously sleep-deprived. I learned that sleep-deprivation can make you very ill. I learned how to make a killer margarita. I learned that friends come in and out of your life, but those that count are always there, no matter the distance or the time apart. I learned how to carry 4 wine glasses in one hand and 3 plates on one arm. I learned that my parents really DO know everything. I also learned that I should listen to their advice, but it’s ok not to take it. I learned that a little flirting in business never hurt anyone and almost always gets you a smile. I learned that how to enjoy being by myself. I learned how to cross-stitch. I learned that it’s better to listen than to yell. I learned that gossip can be toxic. I learned how to swing dance. I learned that you should let your bridesmaids pick out their own dresses in the color of your choice. I learned how to maximize my use of space. I learned that you can fall in love in a weekend. I learned that holding hands on a walk is one of the most satisfying things ever. I learned how to cook. I learned the positions on a baseball team and how to keep score. I learned that you can lose good friends because of life changes, and that it’s not necessarily a bad thing. I learned that most people really don’t care what you think. But mainly I learned not to take myself to seriously and enjoy the day-to-day things life throws at you.
I’m ready for the next 10 years. Maybe I’ll make it to my 20 year high school reunion. It will definitely be interesting to see all the old faces again. And secretly think I did better in my 20 years than they did! ;)
4 comments:
This weekend is also the Lazbuddie class of '95 reunion. It is part of a "huge" all-school reunion. I use quotes because when the Lazbuddie graduating classes average 15 even 50 years worth of graduates is smaller than a graduating class from Plano.... hardly huge.
We're not making it either. I went to my 5 year, and we made the baby endure the car trip home just a month ago.
You forgot to mention one of the more important things you've learned. You learned who the original 12th Man is... Tim Smith!
That's RIGHT, Timmie! Please forget my omission, it was not intentional.
I was quite enlightened by that post Katie. I hope you and Joel are doing well!!
I know how Dusty got your number, but I'm sworn to secrecy. Ask your little brother, though. He might be able to tell you. Not sure if he's bound, as well.
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