Twenty years this summer.

It's been twenty years since I've worn braces.

How do I remember such a weird milestone? Because I graduated high school wearing those same braces.  My parents wouldn't let me get them taken off before my senior pictures like the lucky girl's parents did.

I was so jealous that the lucky girl got hers taken off just in time for pictures and I still had a year to go.

I'm still bitter about it.

(But I looked like that back then and could have used all the help I could get.)

(I probably should have invested more time in worrying about my hair and less about my braces.)

(Clear braces turn yellow.  Did anyone know that?  Well, they do.  Bright yellow.)

(If only I had a time machine.)

It's so funny what you remember about a time period in which you would love to forget. 

I remember being intimidated by the popular crowd and the "jocks".

I remember thinking that one critical mistake would be the legacy by which people would define me.

I remember agonizing over a pimple (and those darn braces) thinking my life was ruined forever.

I remember wearing Skip's letterman's jacket and feeling like I didn't deserve it.

I remember teachers that liked me and teachers that didn't.

I remember being more concerned about my after school activities than my school work.

I remember the smell of the halls and the sound of Mrs. L's clickety tall boots.

I remember feeling inspired by a science teacher and humiliated by a math one.

I remember wishing I had better clothes and better hair and better shoes.

*somethingsneverchange*


I remember carrying around my insecurities like a giant backpack.

I remember sitting on those bleachers waiting for them to call my name so my grown up life could begin.

A twenty year reunion seems ridiculous when you are 18.  The world is ahead of you and you are invincible.  Anything is possible.  Everything is attainable.   The gap between what you know and what you THINK you know is huge.

Eighteen is a cocky age.

Thirty eight, not so much.  You (hopefully) have ripened and softened and been seasoned by life.  You (hopefully) have become the person you wish you could have been in high school.  Confident, wise, stable, proven.

Improved.

Twenty years is the perfect amount of time for a reunion.  Not that I wasn't a nervous wreck when the planning committee started to send out facebook plans.  I was a MESS trying to get ready for the reunion.  I struggled with my weight and my clothes and my hair just like I did 20 years ago.

But I knew something that I didn't back then.

I knew I was SAFE.  No matter what I blurted out of my mouth, or if my shoes weren't exactly right, or even if I woke up with a zit the size of Texas. 

I was safe.  I knew that life would go on even if these people didn't like me anymore.  It wouldn't change my life to be rejected or snubbed.  My high school self was going to be OK no matter what!

And I am so glad that I realized that.  It was such a fun weekend.  It was great to see old friends and find out where life has taken them since high school.  Everyone was so sweet and genuinely interested in one another.  Such a relief to know that none of that high school stuff mattered anymore.

Here's to the next 20 years.

May we all continue to improve!


And about those braces, SOOOOO thankful!  Even if my 18 year-old self was mentally scarred.  She'll get over it.

Come out, come out wherever you are

Come out, come out wherever you are. I have several friends that I would love to see start a blog. My blog life would be greatly enhanced if you all would join in the fun. Although, my marital life might suffer the consequences of time spent reading all these new blogs. But don't let that stop any of you.

Pam...you are close. You can do it! I know you are thinking that you don't have anything to say, but you are filled with humor, wisdom, insight and thoughtfulness. You would be such an encouragement to mommies in my stage because you have "been there and done that." You have learned what battles to pick and which to let go. You have learned how to savor the moments with your children. You have challanged me to be a better mom. With truth and sweetness blended in, your blog would be amazing.

Shelly L...you have a title. What's ya waiting for? Your stories about life with boys and pets keep me cracked up. You have a knack for seeing the fun side of life. You laugh and play right along side your kids...so I know you have material. Your first post could be about Brandon's broken arm. You even have a creepy picture to post with it. You would help us all relax and have fun with our kids.

Carissa...you have started before (twice, I think.) I know Lurky Lurkerson worries you, but your friends would help fight him off. Your blog would be an instant hit. Your humor and outlook on life is what draws people to you. The world, and me, need more of you. I would love to hear about your trips, your nephew, your books, your stories, your lessons learned. Your life is rich and its time to share it with your fans. I know I could visit you, but really. You don't want my kids in your pretty house. Total. Destruction. Lies. Ahead.

Sonja...I hope you are reading this. You know I love your wisdom and advice. As your neighbor and exercise partner, I know how great you are. Life with 3 active boys has blog material written ALL over it. They keep you hopping, I know because I have barely seen you this summer. I would love to hear all about your trips, your parties, your bargain shopping and your stationary collection. Watching you mother has helped shape who I am today. You have taught me how to relax and not worry about the little things. I love your wisdom and truth. Please consider it...I would be hooked for sure.

Dawn...you are a reader of many but a writer of none. It is time. You are a Southern girly-girl raising 3 boys. And that just screams blog. You would keep us in stitches with your advice and philosophy of raising kids. Plus, your good ole Bible wisdom and accountability keeps me in check. You would rival the B Mama's in wit, advice, recipes, and Southern charm. They would be hooked on you...maybe then we could meet them! Start the "Fun Family" blog today! Your first post could be your Banana Bread recipe. Was that supposed to be for Skip? I really haven't let him near it. It ain't no ordinary Banana Bread. It is buttery-bananay-cinnamon-sugary goodness straight from Heaven.

Amber...you are the busiest woman I know. Raising 2 girls and teaching full time, not to mention married to the coolest world traveller. I don't know how you do it. With your English degree and ability to place commas in the right spot you would put us all to shame. WOW...the blogs you could write. I would love to hear about raising an adopted daughter and the ups and downs of living with the drama queens. I sure had fun writing about them. Life with your girlies is NEVER dull. Not to mention (and never to be blogged about--hee hee) are our adventures. Late HS and early college years would have been the stuff that blogs are made for. I know you don't have a minute to spare, but I would love to hear more about your daily life as a working mommy. I can't get enough of you!

Rhonda...I love that you are reading this. I also miss you like crazy. You definately need to be in blog land. Raising and homeschooling 3 busy kids. You are an inspiration to me who is lazy. You must share yourself with the world wide web. They would be as delighted to know you as I have been my whole life. I drive by your old house(which is an empty lot now) and smile. We had good times. Your ups and downs in this mommyhood thing would be an inspiring read. Please join me.

Tod...don't even think about it. People need to experience you live and in full color. You are too vibrant and insightful for the boring computer. Crank up the volume and here we go! Raise the roof. Tod's in the house.

Skip...I know this is a pipe dream. But, just think. If you had your own blog, we could be like Rich and Alana and flirt in the comment section. You could leave witty, insightful remarks on my blog and I could leave little love messages on yours. It would be like cyber-dating. That would be fun, wouldn't it? Your perspective on our life would be an interesting addition to mine. I would love to hear just what is going on in that handsome head of yours. Then again, maybe we should just keep it in there. We might lose my PG rating and maybe a few friends. HA! You know I love you bunches and bunches. I might not be willing to share you...I wouldn't want our friends to be jealous of what I got.

So, friends. What are you waiting for? Join the fun...it's good for the soul.