Two weeks ago, if you asked if I was going to my 30th high school reunion I would have said "No way, it's not even on my radar screen." But, that was before I got a call from my longest-standing friend in the world (from kindergarten!), "J", asking if I was going.
No way, I replied. I was just in New York last April. It is 2500 miles away. I've got stuff going on here. But the lure of a free ticket from my VERY generous class mate "S" (thank you frequent flyer) plus a place to stay with "J"'s family, convinced me to go.
Unlike my trip last spring to the East coast, this one is a tad rushed. Last time I made sure Everything Was Perfect before I left. This time, I'll be lucky to remember to pack my pantyhose, wash Jacob's soccer jersey before his next game, and create a simple schedule so Sayer knows when I'll be back home.
But I think the short time frame is a blessing. I have little time to think of the excuses not to go, such as these gems on my high school reunion web site:
Excuse #1: I'm a different person than I was in high school.
Rebuttal: You're not alone, we ALL are! Let's face it, look at our yearbook, we could only have improved!
Excuse #2: I'm overweight.
Rebuttal: You're not alone! Don’t believe me? Please note that no t-shirt sizes are being requested!
Excuse #3: I don't look as good as I'd like. I (choose one more) am bald, have wrinkles, have saddlebags, have grey hair, and no one will recognize me.
Rebuttal: Guess what? You won't recognize anyone either! Don't believe me? Take a look at our yearbook pictures we all look like the "before" picture on an Oprah makeover show! Besides, that is what nametags are for!
Excuse #4: I'm not as successful as I would like to be. I'm not.... Rebuttal: You'd be surprised how much everyone has matured! We may be plump and wrinkled (see excuses #2 and #3) but we're not stupid - we know that money and success don't always equal happiness!
Excuse #5: I didn't know many people very well and I don't talk to anyone from high school anymore.
Rebuttal: This would be the perfect opportunity to change that!
You know what they say about being in your 40s...just when you get your mind in order, your body starts to fall apart!!! The only cliques you'll notice at the reunion will be the sound of your joints as you walk around.
So, if you're not in the best shape of your life, haven't become the millionaire you'd hoped to become, or don't feel comfortable with the way you look for some reason.....you are not alone!!
Is it true that we never really leave high school behind? I've decided to take the attitude that I am going to this reunion to see my closest buddies from those years. We haven't been together since my mother's funeral 11 years ago so it will be great to be together under better circumstances. As for all my other class mates, reconnecting with them (or not) will just be gravy.
I have been thinking a bit about how to describe my life in 30 seconds, the so-called "elevator speech." Just exactly HOW does one do that? I think I will just wing it. BUT I do have these key essentials ready to go:
a) A killer "little black dress"
b) Lots of business cards for this web site
c) My Ipod survival set, including recharger
So, think of me on Saturday when I'll be dancing to Billy Joel, Pablo Cruise, Boz Skaggs and the last remnants of disco.
Posts
7 comments:
How fun (and spontaneous!). My 20th was a couple of weekends ago and I didn't go (I couldn't have gone anyway because hubby was out of town until Saturday). I didn't go because at my 10th, they were all in the same old 'cliques', expcept holding an alcoholic drink (seriously, it was SOOOOO pathetic---still playing the old high school games, etc).
Don't worry about home, I am sure everything will be okay...enjoy the couple nights away...
Katie
You can have so much fun. You'll see who you do and you'll have a blast with those people regardless of what happened in the past. You'll enjoy it and wish you were young again (or not!).
As for the 30 second run down. Give little taster...if their worth it, they'll ask for more!
Have fun!
Katie, my tenth year reunion was kinda strange, too. But, I've heard that the 30th and plus ones are the best because people really do let go of the cliques - let's hope so!!
Mia,
That's a good idea; just say a bit and wait to hear if they want more.
Hi Carol, go for it and have fun. We all deserve some excitement sometimes. Pam
Carol...I have heard that too (about the 30th and more..how'd it go?)
Katie
Oooo Pablo Cruise! Man I'm older than you!! :P Still liked them. Now you'll see why it's SOO good that you don't still live in town with all Those People any more. Enjoy!
Post a Comment