High school memories

Here’s a longish meme I found at Chewymom’s; feel free to join in the fun.

1. Who was your best friend?

C. M.

In eighth grade we met by mistake — I thought she was someone else I remembered from years past and started talking to her. We really clicked. That year we both became Christians, through talking with each other, our youth pastor, other Christians, reading the Bible together, and things like that. We were very close throughout high school, but drifted during college. I didn’t realize it at the time, but this issue she brought up once as an academic discussion, was really a personal issue, and my academic response made her feel she couldn’t trust me with the personal side of it.

2. Did you play any sports?

Not in high school.

3. What kind of car did you drive?

First an ‘82 blue Volvo — then an ‘81 after the first one was totaled when someone rear-ended me as I was waiting — with my signal on — to turn into C. M.’s driveway.

4. It’s Friday night. Where were you?

With friends. In a home. Having a great discussion, supporting one another, and enjoying our friendships. Friday night was youth group night.

5. Were you a party animal?

Nope. I was either shy or obnoxious at parties — or both. I am more comfortable with smaller groups of people. I’ve gotten a little more socially gracious since then — I hope.

6. Were you considered a flirt?

I don’t think so. Unpopular folks aren’t usually noticed for anything. There were a few people I flirted with, but not enough to be labeled for it.

7. Were you in the band, orchestra or choir?

Church choir since first grade. I only had one year in the high school choir, but it was pretty cool. Even better, the same year I was in a community choir and the church’s adult choir, both really good.

8. Were you a nerd?

In some ways. I got good grades and was socially awkward, liked Star Trek and fantasy novels, enjoyed pleasing my teachers…

9. Were you ever suspended or expelled?

Nope. I think I only got detention once — for writing on a desk. The conversation was just so interesting I had to join in.

10. Can you sing the fight song?

No. Did we have one?

11. Who was your favorite teacher?

Mr. Krimmel. He was my art teacher two years, and was very encouraging and generous.

12. What was your school mascot?

The Mariners.

13. Did you go to the Prom?

I went to junior prom, with a youth group friend. I got caught up in the romantic atmosphere and was too flirty — I knew he went with me as a friend, but I didn’t know he had a girlfriend. Oops.

I didn’t plan on going to senior prom. When one of my friends was complaining about not having a date, I offered to go with him. He laughed. I stayed home. I don’t really regret it. It’s not like I longed to be part of the inner circle of my class at school.

14. If you could go back, would you?

No. I wouldn’t want to relive it. I wouldn’t want to change it. It was what it was, good and bad, and it’s part of what makes me me.

15. What do you remember most about graduation?

The stupidity of having the girls wear the mustard yellow gowns while the boys got the navy blue.

16. Where were you on Senior Skip Day?

I don’t remember. I might have gone to school…

17. Did you have a job your senior year?

I don’t remember that, either. I had a few jobs during high school, but I think they were all summer jobs? Maybe not. Anyway — I worked at Woolworth’s, Denny’s, a drycleaner’s, and Hallmark Cards with my mom. Oh, and I worked for my pastor, filling and shipping orders for his mail-order baseball card business.

18. Where did you go most often for lunch?

The cafeteria. I remember going out a few times — usually taking a bag lunch to the park with the playground. I love swings.

19. Have you gained weight since then?

Yes. I’m about two sizes larger now.

20. What did you do after graduation?

I went to William and Mary for college.

21. What year did you graduate?

1992.

22. Who was your Senior Prom Date?

N/A

23. Are you going/did you go to your 10 year reunion?

I thought about it, but it was far away and expensive. Some of my friends were in other classes or schools — they wouldn’t be there. Most of my class were not my friends. If we didn’t keep in touch already, why would seeing each other at a reunion make any difference? The only reason I would have gone would have been to enjoy the food and show off my husband and new business success — not sufficient reasons to go.