10 years

I graduated high school in 1998.  TEN years ago.  It’s hard to believe it has been that long, because it sure doesn’t feel like it’s been ten years.

I had a bit of a reality check today, though, when I returned to my old high school.

Background to this:  I did a lot of singing when I was in school… I was in a couple of choirs, I did all the musicals, and I sang with our high school jazz band.  It was a BIG.DEAL to sing with the jazz band, because they were the cool, hot guys who could make you swoon with their sexy tunes.  (In retrospect, how predictable was that?) I was a band groupie, especially because my high school boyfriend was a sax player in the band.   

So, when the jazz band director asked me to be the only vocalist to join them in singing a few numbers at their many concerts, I jumped at the chance.  I was so nervous to perform with them, but it was always fun and I truly enjoyed being part of the group.  When my boyfriend and I broke up at the end of my junior year, it was even more fun, because hello!  Hot jazz band guys, and single me!  Whooo hoooo! 

Anywho, I happened to see the band teacher a couple of months ago and we exchanged contact info.  I came home one day to a message from him, asking if I was interested in pulling out the old vocals again.  The jazz band is doing a benefit concert at my high school to raise money for the music program, and they were inviting a select few alumni to perform in the concert.  I was so excited!

(I also wondered if my old ex would be there… haven’t seen him in years… but he wasn’t invited. What?  I was curious… don’t say you wouldn’t be, too!)

So, I went to practice with the band during their classtime today, and it was so weird being back in my old high school.  Things pretty much look the same, but there were a few subtle changes.  More locks on the doors, more security measures.  Pretty much par for the course in today’s world.  I walked down the familiar hallways and into the old band room… where I came face to face with… a bunch of babies! I mean, these kids in the band now look so young to me!  Did we look that young back then?  We must have, but it’s funny how skewed our perception of reality is.  We thought we were mature… big and bad… but we were just zit faced brats.

Anyway, the rehearsal went well and I tried my best not to  come across as an old lady.  “O-M-G that song was great! KTHXBAI!”  What’s that you say?  The young’uns today don’t sound like that?  Crap. Well, I still maintain they thought I was cool.  For an old lady, that is.

Funny thing about today… I really missed being in the school atmosphere.  It made me think that some of my (potential) career plans may be a good fit for me.  Not sure if I’ve mentioned, but I am giving some thought to getting my masters in education and becoming a teacher once my kids are of school age.  Being there today and seeing my old school… meeting some cool kids… it made me look forward to maybe doing that one day.

The concert’s this weekend.  Spent the afternoon scouring stores for a dress that makes me look a. skinny b. not nearly 30 years old and c. like Gisele Bundchen.  Such a miracle was not to be found, but I did find something mildly flattering. 

Check back tomorrow for a new project that I’m starting.  It’s going to be quite the adventure, and you’re going to get to see more of me than you might want to!  ‘Til then… ciao!