Saturday, January 3, 2009

New Friends from Old Days

Yesterday I met up with an old friend of mine from elementary, middle and high school. She and I have been friends since we were 7, but haven't seen each other to talk face to face in close to 5 years. The reunion was fantastic. We picked up where we had left off, as if no time had passed. We caught up and talked about future plans, not reminiscing too much, just enough to keep happy.
We spoke for 2.5 hours at a coffee house. We talked about plans for that night, when I devuldged that I had contemplating going to a reunion meet up at the pub later, but had decided to turn down the invitation. Melissa, my friend, had also decided not to go. We parted ways, and hopefully we will see each other soon. If not, here's hoping 2014 is a good year for coffee! Haha.

My parents took me out to eat last night. It was lovely, free and delicious. We went to the Washington Street Pub, a local favorite. It was also the location of the SSPP reunion that I had been invited to. With about 3/4 of the dinner behind us, I decided that I would go to the reunion later that night, and that I might find something fun, even if it wasn't with the same crowd I normally see at home.
On our way out, I spotted the reunion. Several of my former schoolmates were sitting at a table. At first I didn't recognize them, not to say that they were all old and fat, just different and possibly adults.
I did a double take and said hello to the table. They all exclaimed "Alexis!?" to which I was notably surprised (the note will come in a minute, stay with me!). I told the crowd that I was planning on coming back and if I could join them after I ditched my parents... so lightly she puts this.
I gave them my cell phone number, because they asked for it. I was trying to leave and go 2 miles (back and forth) with out leaving a number. I told them to stick a note in the wall with a knife if they left, but apparently this isn't 1940 and we do in fact have the technology to avoid destruction of property for notes.
As I walked out with my parents, I told them that the greatest surprise had just happened. I totally thought (through my cynical little pea brain) that this group of people would most likely NOT want my company. I also assumed (which we all know what they say about that) that this group of people probably thought that I was an asshole and a jerk, due to high school's ins and outs of melodrama. Pleasantly surprised by the contrary, I went back.
I caught up with a group of former high school mates, and now well rounded adults. These people had completely grown up, and where was I?
I apparently, to the naked eye, am also an adult!
Luckily, my personality proves otherwise. Yes, we had some serious moments at the bar. There were discussions of art, film, politics, religion, academia-- all of which was throughoughly entertaining as well as informative. We joked and talked about assholes from high school and how generally we were all mistreated at one time or another -- as well as mistreating.

I genuinely had a great time. The air was full of a different excitement that I don't normally see in Easton. There was a culture. An underlying exuberance of intellect, desire and insanity. I didn't expect to hang out with anyone beyond my normal crowd of 6, and they all found me in one day!

I was so happy to be treated as an equal and to be welcomed with such open arms, to what might look like a closed group.

I think that this experience is a grand one to be logged away and to keep in mind when I get negative about high school. It was probably only one person who really didn't like me in high school, ironically, she was my best friend for 2 years, then disappeared from any pleasant memory or new adventure. Apparently, her loss.
Thanks to the group last night.
I hope you guys follow through on my unashamed plug to read this blog. So here are some shout outs:
Ashe- good luck with David and your writing. I think you should put yourself into your writing. Who says there are rules?
Christina- I've always thought you were extremely talented. Continue your work in the community and with your stilts. I hope you get to Berkeley someday... I think you'll never return.
Sophia- I'm glad your iPod didn't break and that you found wi-fi last night! Thanks for being a DD around, protecting me from creepy old dudes and good luck with your schooling- sounds like you're on the right track!
Jackie- Marilyn has a great fan. You're knowledgeable about a lot of things- good luck with your spa, I think great things will come of it! Just don't wax too many friends!
Cass- Good luck with your photography! Get lighting down and you'll go far!
Alyssa- Grad school is tough- I admire your stamina and remember to take a break to have fun in Charlotte too!

(Please excuse all of the exclamation marks... I just get really excited)

1 comment:

Unknown said...

ummm...it is still perfectly acceptable to leave messages by knife point. I prefer tables to walls, but you have to go to the 1840's for the practice to be contemporary.

reunions are great sources of inspiration. use it wisely, all of you...