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!
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