20-Year Reunion

Last night was my 20-year high school reunion. Attending it was on my “40 before 40” list, so of course I went– and it was actually fun!

I wasn’t sure what it would be like. I didn’t enjoy the 10-year, but on the other hand, we’re older now…and many of us are connected on Facebook. So there’s a sense that you know some people, or at least some things happening in the lives of some people. I just didn’t know if that would make getting together in person easier, harder, weirder, or none of the above. And honestly, I’m still not sure.

That being said, one of my best friends from high school and I went together. Kevin picked me up, just like when we were in high school (when he drove and had a car and I didn’t), and we had a drink before the reunion. We talked about who we were looking forward to seeing, who wasn’t on the guest list, compared notes on who we keep up with. Then we headed into the venue and started to mingle.

The presence of cocktails helped take the edge off, as did seeing some old friends and caching up in more detail. There were some people who seemed excited to see me, who I wasn’t expecting to be excited, and that was nice. And of course there were people who didn’t say anything to me and who I didn’t say anything to. I guess some things never change.

We ended up staying until the very end, when the venue kicked us out. A group of very disparate people went out for 1 a.m. Mexican food– always the sign of a good time!

Kevin said after, it was a lot more “social” than he was expecting. That sums it up pretty well. I knew people would be there and we’d see people, but it was more convivial and friendly than I would have predicted. It makes me look forward to (gulp!) the 30-year reunion!