That's how a lot of conversations started last weekend at the college reunion in Connecticut. And that made me pretty happy, especially because we recently talked here about the benefits of looking back once in a while.
On the first night, we joked that it felt a lot like our first day back at school each year. On those days, we would return to the dorms (or the apartments) and spend several hours reminiscing, getting caught up and hoisting many, many drinks as we rang in the new school year. This time around, we also scanned a couple of old photo albums that I brought along -- dude, what were you thinking here, and hey, you really were skinny at one point in your life, etc. -- and talked a lot about our jobs and our families.
We cranked some Pearl Jam, Black Crowes and Blues Traveler, filled our bellies with grilled food and enjoyed good beer and wine. And we had a little R 'n' R at the beach.
Aaaahhhhhh. That's the stuff.
After 25-plus years, we've taken many different paths. This crew includes a physician's assistant, a state marshal, a school administrator, a health care controller, a corporate vice president, a pharmaceutical consultant, an electrician and a workforce analyst.
But in many ways, we're quite the same. We're all dads. We're providers, and good husbands. And none of us can believe we're all still married. It's not that we're opposed to the institution. It's more like, how are the wives still putting up with our nonsense? Ladies, if you're reading, please don't answer that.
But as I'm going through this period of introspection, writing this blog, trying to make things right with my job and my life in Virginia and my family in Connecticut, it's just good to know I'm not alone.
I love ya, boys. Let's do it again soon.
I'll answer! am I a lady? According to the 10 year old daughter of my dear friend, "ladies don't drink beer" so I suppose I am DQd at the door because as you well know Joe, I LOVE BEER. And I love and miss each of you. I too still listen to Blue's Traveler, keep a Crowes CD in my kitchen Bose and have seen Chris Robinson more times than I can count, which is most likely because I don't remember every time exactly 100%. But each time I see either band or hear Pearl Jam, I am transported back to a killer game of hearts or spades in Keller House in a fragrant room on the 2nd floor. I cannot tell you how many times I have told the story of the car in the snow drift. I still laugh out loud thinking of it... Sorry Brian T, that was yours, right?? Great blog Joe, I have a similar goal to start one for myself, maybe you will motivate me to the finish line. xox cheri
ReplyDeleteand how could I forget! I have entertained my kids with stories of Dude Man. He is alive and well in our house. They can imitate him really well which brings me great joy... Duuuuude..... MAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANNNN
ReplyDeleteCheri, it's great to hear from you on here! Glad you enjoyed hearing about the reunion. Good luck with your own blog and please keep in touch.
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