This past weekend I went to a 90th anniversary celebration of the school I went to for 1st through 8th grade. Overall it was an enjoyable experience, and I enjoyed seeing some of my old teachers and reminiscing about days gone by. It also stirred up a lot of memories about an awkward time I had at school. I wasn't a popular kid by any stretch of the imagination, so going back to those memories plopped me right back into thoughts of my pre-orthodontia, oxford shoe-wearing days. While others were busy laughing and kibbitzing, I sat quietly and observed like I did so many times before. Part of me is still that shy, quiet kid, but another part of me is more comfortable in situations of my own choosing. Also, how does one explain what's changed since they were in elementary school? All through the event, the song "My School" by the Galactic Cowboys ran through my head:

My mind is like a video of memories, but I don't know if I'm crazy
In the classroom I would pray I wouldn't have to read that day, I was lazy
People thought but didn't say, I turn the page of red and gray...I'm bolder
The golden boys who got the girls are going bald with no more curls, they're older
Well, the moon is full tonight and I'm going back, tell me where you are tonight
'Cause I'm going back to my school, going back to my school

Teachers smirked but never knew what I had inside and when I'd grow I'd show them
But I realized the other day it wouldn't matter what they'd say, I'd know when
Well, the moon is full tonight and I'm going back, tell me where you are tonight
'Cause I'm going back to my school, going back to my school

You locked me up inside, my feelings I denied
Well, the moon is full tonight and I'm going back, tell me where you are tonight
'Cause I'm going back to my school, going back to my school
Tell me where you are, oh, tell me where you are tonight
Oh, tell me where you are tonight?

So, I'd like to pull out of my own navel-gazing and focus on what's really important here. Rather than look at this through the negativity of a school reunion, I'd rather think of this as a celebration of the school and the staff. I wish the school many more years of continued success, and wish everyone there the best of everything life has to offer. There are very incredibly dedicated professionals who give nothing less than their all for their students.

Thank you!