Monday, June 11, 2007

It's that time already?

The moment I checked my email and saw the subject line I cringed.
And the reaction surprised me just like it did before. It’s not like I didn’t see it coming. I mean it’s been 10 years. A whole DECADE since we tossed those caps and set out for the real world of college and adulthood.

But for some reason, my initial reaction is a cringe anytime I see or hear anything related to my high school class reunion. Which can’t be normal because I keep getting all these happy emails and myspace notices from former classmates anticipating the reunion.

Even the subject lines are all enthusiastic. I mean if subject lines like “Register at C/O ’97 Reunion Website” or “REUNION SUGGESTIONS” don’t sound bubbly, I don’t know what does. (Hey, don’t ask me how I can tell they’re bubbly because I wouldn’t be able to explain it. They just ARE.)

It started off like six months to a year ago with whispers. Well, OK, they weren’t whispers, more like questions that came every time I ran into a former classmate, which is crazy in itself because somehow I don’t run into them often. “Have you heard anything about a reunion yet?” they’d ask.
I’d shrug my shoulders and say “Nope, sure hadn’t.” And that’s when I noticed that what I was really thinking was “Nope, thank GAWD!”

I don’t even know why. I mean it’s not like I’m doing bad or anything. I mean, I’m not rich and famous, but at least I can check the “employed” box in a hypothetical survey. That automatically means you’re doing OK, right?

And it’s not like I had a scene from “Carrie” at my high school prom that I’m afraid of re-living or anything.

Heck, I’m still trying to figure out how a nerd like me even made it to prom – with an actual DATE!

I don’t know, maybe it’s because high school reminds me of such a different time in my life, as I’m sure it does for most folks who can even remember it.

I mean, thank goodness I wasn’t the geek that got “wedgies” everyday or got picked on or bullied.
As far as I know I was a pretty likeable nerd.

But I always felt like I found myself in college. That’s where I found my “bestest” friends. That’s where I had the most fun of my life, that’s where I set the foundation for my future career. That’s where I felt 100 percent comfortable being me because there were thousands others just like me. Or maybe not just like me, but all striving for the same goals: success. That’s just where I fit in. Where it all began for me.

And high school? Well, it was high school. I mean it was fun and I had friends, but you know how high school is.

Even if you were one of the chosen popular ones, you still remember. I mean who really wants to re-live adolescence and puberty and all that?

Nevertheless, even as I type this, I’m cringing. Still deciding if I want to go. Fortunately, I feel somewhat normal after running into some classmates who seem to cringe just like me.

At first I said “Absolutely not.” Then I started thinking
“Maybe I’ll consider it.” Now, I’m just at a “Hmmmm…I don’t know…” And anyone who knows me knows what that last phrase usually leads to …

But who knows…At least I still have about two months to decide.

6 comments:

Jason Pugh said...

Donecia,

We had our 10-year reunion last weekend and it was a blast.

Granted, I served on the committee that put it together, but it's well worth going.

It's more worthwhile to go than you think.

Donecia Pea said...

You think so huh? Hmmmm, I don't know. I guess I'll have to give it some more thought.

Janelle Rucker said...

Awww DPea, you have to go. It can't be but so bad and if it is you can always roll out, right?

I can't wait for my 10 year reunion. I'm there. If for nothing else than to be nosey and see what other people have been doing with their lives.

Come on, doesn't the nosey journalist in you want to see what's been going on?

Adam Kealoha Causey said...

Plus, you get to see how all your classmates look now.

Donecia Pea said...

I hear ya Adam, but isn't that what myspace is for? lol.

Then again, Janelle, you do bring up a really good point. Myspace can only tell me so much, lol.

Ashley Northington said...

I agree with all. You have to go. This is a great milestone in your life: you'll have made it through ten years and you haven't suffered a divorce, had children, been fired, you're still employeed, have relative success, a home, a car, friends who love you (like me)AND you still look good!

You have to go, if for no other reason than to show off your wonderful self.