Aaaaaahh…home

We’re back in Austin after a short trip out west for our 10-year reunion. When we first arrived, our classmates looked so different…older, quieter, maybe a bit heavier, and crawling with kids. At the end of the day, though, everyone seemed to be just as they were in high school…they talked the same, walked the same, laughed the same.

It was good to see everyone after 10 years…we hadn’t kept up with any of them, so it really was surprising to see how much they’ve changed. Most people were married and had children, which seemed so strange to us…and the first thing we were asked (and repeatedly throughout the weekend) was, “No babies yet?!” We had to explain our choice not to have children so many times.

I eventually memorized my intro…”We live in Austin, I work at a B&B, I was a dietitian for about 5 years and hated it, I’d like to get my masters degree in gastronomy, and Justin…” (this is where Justin would pop in with his own blurb). There were pharmacists, doctors, dentists, dental hygienists, nurses, teachers, professors, landscape architects, bankers and financial advisors…it was amazing to see which professions everyone chose.

A friend here in Austin said that he hated the 10-year reunion, because it seemed to be centered around “Where are you? What is your job? Do you have children? How much money do you have?” whereas the 20-year reunion is more about “How are you? Are you happy?” I think that sounds about right. I was disappointed not to have more time to really talk to people, and see if they were happy, or had dreams, or changes in beliefs about life.

I think Justin and I came away with a gladness to see old friends, a confidence in the lives we have chosen, and pride in the people we have become. Outwardly, we look about the same as we did 10 years ago, but inside, we’re completely different people. And I’m happy about that.

Hope you all had a fabulous weekend!

5 responses to “Aaaaaahh…home”

  1. Hey Crystal! I was very excited and suprised to see you and Justin this past weekend. My only regret about the whole thing was that I didn’t get to see you guys as much as I would have liked on Saturday. We missed you at dinner! I agree and wish we had more time to get beyond where we live and our occupations, but that’s pretty much all that can be done if you want to talk to everyone.
    I’d like to find out more about what you and Justin are up to, so email your contact info if you don’t mind too much!

    Josh Smith

  2. Awwwwww..the 10th! I missed mine. And I’m kinda glad, but I have to say that I will certainly attend my 20th. Those good ol’ days of high school..moments I miss, many I do not!! tee hee!

  3. I’m glad you came away from this experience not miserable like a lot of people do. Some people get caught up in the whole ‘oh, I thought you wanted to do X…’ like it may be failing on a dream. But really life just happens

  4. I didn’t know you back then, but I for one am so happy that you are exactly who you are now! I love you!

  5. hello precious! i am glad that u came this weekend but i wish i would have been off to hang with u more! i am glad u had fun. i cant wait till next time we see each other! i miss you so much! love you! i better go bell is going to ring for my next class!

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