Last night I had a reunion of sorts with some of my grade school classmates. The evening was an attempt to reconnect with those who live in New York City. Some I had not seen since ninth grade graduation. Some I stay in touch with. Two are still quite close friends. But I was a little nervous to walk into the bar by myself. I had talked myself out of the whole evening the entire afternoon. What was I going to wear? The bar was further than I normally venture from my apartment, on the West side for that matter. I felt awkward going solo (not that I go other places plus one!) and it was pouring rain. Translation, my back was feeling like staying home. And then I remembered the reach. So I showered, put on my uniform of white pants and blue jacket that I wear out at least once a week and hailed a cab.
When I walked in, my good friend A was sitting there and ran to give me a hug. Behind me came a hug from my other friend M who lives in Texas but was in town for a wedding. Hours later, laughs, stories and a couple of shots had been thrown around. By the time I was in the taxi going home, I immediately felt like going back to the bar. Ok - maybe not actually going back. But I wanted more of those nights to continue, with friends who no matter how long it has been since last seeing them, its as if no time has passed at all. Of course, reunions come with some interesting characters who you might never see again other than at the next one. And there are those faces who you have forgotten and names you need reminded. But I was pleasantly surprised at those who did show up. Four guys, who I had been intimidated by in ninth grade and teased me of my hair ribbons, sat around with girls who probably would have been characterized by the "cool" guys in ninth grade as "dorks." And everyone was reminiscing about funny memories and telling stories. We had definitely grown up. Moral of the story to remind myself next time I convince myself otherwise - get in a cab and go, regardless of the outfit, and always be friendly to those whom I have least in common with because ten years down the road, they might be my neighbor.
