Life is filled with milestones, and another one of those passed for me on Saturday. Societal ritual dictated that after 10 years members of the Pt. Pleasant Boro High School class of 1995 were to assemble for a reunion. For about nine and a half of those years, if you had asked me if I would be attending this little soiree I would have had to say no. But time and thoughts change, so I found myself strolling into the Lobster Shanty, not quite sure what to expect.
In the weeks and days leading up to it, I was calm about the whole thing. Just keeping tabs on everything else in your life helps to preoccupy the mind and prevents it from dwelling on what you can’t foresee and can’t control — the kind of thing that quiet little Andrew used to do back in his high school days. That was a lifetime ago, though I’m only now really coming to terms with that.
There was a touch of nervousness at first, but doc prescribed himself two rum and cokes and the shakes went away, leaving a steady hand and a calmer mind for engaging in the social experiment. I’ll be honest: more than once I had to ask “who was that I just had a conversation with?”. I was so praying for name tags to avoid just this situation. Then slowly but surely, certain faces snapped into place with name attached. Some I had run into in the years between graduation and reunion, in many manor of ways. Talk of kids and careers dominated, as was expected. I was happy to say that I actually liked what I did for a living. I know not everyone was in as stable a situation — just months ago, I wasn’t either. For the most part I’d say it was like stepping into a more matured version of my past.
What amazed me most from this whole experience is that it has had something of a softening effect on my memories of those high school days. A good many people have it rough through those years, though I claimed for ages that mine was much worse that others. I’m starting to see now that it’s mainly because I was only focusing on the bad points — which seemed much more focused and vivid — and not remembering all those many good faces and experiences that painted memory with much broader strokes. Having seen the character that time has etched into my classmates forces me to reevaluate my memories: how much of it was just the result of a hypersensitive teenage mind and how much of it was truth? Well, I’ve got nothing but time to mull through all that.
Afterwards, some of us made our way over to Jenkinson’s, which I found very ironic. I had never actually gone into the club until that night, only because I always joked that it would be like my high school reunion because of the number of classmates that frequented it. Now I can be more honest with myself and say it’s because I’m not big on cover bands. Besides, I always thought the Seaside Heights bar scene was better. But that was about half a lifetime ago. ^_^
Thank you for indulging my personal recollections. Enjoy the pics inside.
Tags: Personal
Don – Is that the only tie you own?
What’s up, where’s Jessie and Adam. Actually, I’d be more suprised if they did show up.
Mine’s next year. I probably should have gone to yours though. I knew more people in your class than mine.
Actually Mike, I own several tiess. In fact I have two that are almost identical, yellow with a blue pattern.
Thanx for the pictures Andy !! It was sooo good to see you all, I had an absolute blast Im glad everyone is doing well. Theres an open invitation to my email if anyone wants to stay in contact
If not see u all in another 10 years !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wow…I don’t know about any of you, but I am getting too old for this!!! I had a good time. I can’t say that about the following day, however. Yuk!!! Anyway, it was nice to see everyone and get that out of the way, another 10 years gone by. Where did the time go, anyhow? Well, whatever. See you all later and BTW, thanx for the pics!!!
Surprisingly enough, I was in decent shape the next day. A little dried out perhaps, but then again that’s a usual state to find myself in after a Saturday night on the town. Of course, the more I hear on the subject, the more I think I’m in the minority on this one.
I have to agree with Hope in that I was in horrible condition, but well worth it. Thanx for the pics Andy.
I am with the group here, I felt like I was gonna die on Sunday. I guess the drinking doesnt get harder as you get older but the recovery sure does!! Keep in touch everybody.
PS, I also want to appologize to anyone I said anything stupid to. I am usually good for at least one!
Andrew, your post regarding the reunion pretty much summed-up my sentiments before and after the reunion. I had a great time Saturday night, and unlike many others, I felt fine the next day. I guess all that “training” overseas paid off.
It was pretty ironic that I had my picture taken with many of our female classmates at Jenks later on. You can tell I was a bit sauced.
I wish I could have had better conversations than, “You’re fuckin’ Michelle!” Unfortunately, Don Facundo Bacardi and Captain Morgan conspired against me.
The obligatory stop at the OB Diner was pretty special in and of itself. The walk back to the Surfside Motel from the OB Diner was thankfully uneventful.
I can’t wait for the next one!
Mike,
I can vouch for Don. . . that tie was NOT a clip-on.
That is all.
Don, I swear that even I have a tie that looks like that one. It’s been missing since my last trip to Jersey, though. Any ideas where it went? Regardless, you looked like a pro. And who was the red head you were with? I don’t remember graduating with her? (haha)
I am sorry that I missed this glorious event, although Jaime mentioned something about Bar-A next August (instead of waiting to see how poorly/well we age in ANOTHER ten years, why not try to do a yearly thing – I think it’s a good idea). I will do my best to attend that one.
I’m still filtering through the pictures … can someone help with name tags or something? I recognize the people … but I forget the names.
Until next time
Ian
ps- I’ll be in Seaside Park from 12/23-1/2 or so …. I’ll keep in touch as those dates get closer, there are quite a few people I want to see when I get back.
Here’s a morbid question for eveyone – does anyone know who, from the Class of 95, couldn’t make it because they were dead? I mean … it’s not the most enlightening thing to think about while watching CSI or helping yourself to seconds at the dinner table (and I’m sure this list will pile up as the reunions go by). But I guess I’m just curious to compare those who couldn’t make it as to those who just, for a lack of a better term, didn’t make it.
Poor word game, but boredom and odd thoughts do that to one, no?
Ian
well it looks like i missed a grand ole evening! would have loved to have seen everyone in their grown up version of themselves….wait, did i say grown up? i have seen lots of pics and it is killing me….who is the redhead with the goatee? a few names have escaped me for a moment, but faces have not except that one- is he somebody’s husband? hope you all are happy and healthy and i too, would love another go at it before 10 more years has passed-
-emily
nevermind…..i just got it- that’s you andrew!
In responce to Ian. I know that John Flora is one that didn’t make it, I don’t know if he even made it to graduation though.
However, from the class of ’96, Melissa Jobes passed away about two or three years ago. I just found out that Kyle Kenney passed away two weeks ago. Both of them died in their homes. I don’t know what the cause of death was.
Emily – That is Shaggy from Scooby Doo. Honest mistake.
In responce to Ian. I know that John Flora is one that didn’t make it, I don’t know if he even made it to graduation though.
However, from the class of ’96, Melissa Jobes passed away about two or three years ago. I just found out that Kyle Kenney passed away two weeks ago. Both of them died in their homes. I don’t know what the cause of death was.
Emily – That is Shaggy from Scooby Doo. Honest mistake.
Adam and Jesse go? Even the open bar wasn’t enough to drag them there…I tried…maybe at the 20th?
just to add to Ians’ comment , not sure if it is true but I heard brian guide had passed on as well. You all know how stories circulate. Although death is just gods way of population thinning and this world definately needs more of that. “THINK IT’S NOT ILLEGAL YET”
Everyone,
You all look great I wish I could have seen it, brings back alot of old memories take care of yourselves. 1157 Miss you.
Love,
BDF