Chapter Three, In Which He Went Anyway
Posted by Trixter on November 28, 2009
A great reason to go to a reunion is to catch up with old friends and see how everyone is doing. A bad reason would be to despair over missing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the sole reason it comes along once in a lifetime. I went to my high school reunion for the latter reason, and lack the words to express how overjoyed I was that it led to the former.
I love the phrase “time heals all wounds”, despite how hackneyed and worn it is. It represents what I keep forgetting: The older everyone gets, the more level the playing field gets. There are people I have met in my professional career that would have never given me a second thought in high school (think “computer nerd meet-cutes head cheerleader”), and every time we interact, my inner nerd simply cannot get over the fact that we are interacting. It never ceases to amaze me how normally everyone can get along despite dissimilar backgrounds.
There were a few snags; my cell phone broke this afternoon so I had nothing to take pictures with, and there were two people from the high school radio station that I started to talk to but couldn’t because my ears were shot and I just couldn’t understand them. But those were secondary concerns compared to the best discovery of the evening: Viewing myself through other people’s eyes. We imagine the worst for ourselves, about ourselves, and yet the simplest things can completely turn your entire perspective on life around when you hear things like:
“I wanted to tell you how much your writing influenced me and shaped my own writing.” (It did?)
“I found people to talk to here tonight, and I wasn’t a part of anywhere near the number of clubs and organizations you were in.” (I was?)
“I just wanted to let you know how much I admired your character.” (My what?)
“You need to come over next time [we have a party]; you’d really get along with all the people who come.” (I would?)
I still find it somewhat hard to believe. But I’m starting to.
It’s humbling, and wonderful.
Oldskooler Ramblings 
Tomer Gabel said
There is a saying in Hebrew, מעז יצא מתוק (pronounced meh-ahz yah-tsa mah-tok… sorta), meaning “from bitter came sweet.” Glad it turned out to be a good experience for you…
ben said
Last time I was going to post about how one should really never leave any such chances to do something one normally wouldn’t do, even how scary. Point is that one almost never regrets it. And I’m glad you arrived at that line of thinking and that you had a good experience. :) I like how correct that little advice usually turns out.
Matt Hite said
I’m glad curiosity got the best of you! Always a rewarding experience to be had…
Matthew Patten said
Jim,
I am glad you had a good time. I don’t think I would have remembered anybody. I barely remember you, and only as a result of that Soundtracks Photo.
I am somewhat on the same page. I hated my time at NT. I don’t even like driving by the school when I am in town.
It is strange, because I am known as a very social and outgoing person now.
Trixter said
I didn’t entirely hate my time at NT, but I never felt like I was good enough. You’d think that the latter would lead to the former, but somehow it never did.
As for being social and outgoing now, I am definitely more of that as well, although I credit college for getting me halfway to that point (and my wife Melissa for the other 50%).
neppie said
I am not sure how you could say such a thing, to be honest, Jim. Having not known you personally, we’ve spoken back and forth a few times about mutual acquaintances – usually when I was incredibly depressed (and usually half drunk), and I can’t say you ever did anything but make a good impression – could talk the talk, walk the walk, and just be there to listen.
I don’t care if you prefer 8/16 split, you’re a good egg in my book. Now then, it’s been almost a decade, will you please catalog the gravis equipment I sent? ;)
Trixter said
After I finish MindCandy 3 (before August, hopefully!), then that’s my next project!