Reunion Weekend aka "She called me M'AM"

It seems like all I've been able to think about or talk about lately was my 10 year high school reunion.  I was really excited, but also extremely nervous.  I loved my school, Bolton in Alexandria, LA, and I loved the time I spent there.  Some of the best years of my life.  As much as I loved it, I have many, many regrets.  So, time to get honest.  I was the kinda shy, quiet girl who was nervous about joining any groups or making friends.  I guess it was the fear of rejection and the fear of failing at something.  Bolton was funny though.  While there were cliques, everyone was still friends with everyone.  So I had many really great acquaintences.. not a lot of friends.  Don't get me wrong, the friends I did have were fabulous.  None of which were going to the reunion.  Insert fear here.    How was it going to be when I see everyone?  Would it be awkward?  Will there be cliques?  I've become friends through facebook with people who I considered my high school acquaintences.  Somehow, we've become closer now than in high school.  But that's through facebook.  How would it be in person? 

And I knew I had to face my senior yearbook picture.  I avoided it for 10 years.  (You can read why I was terrified of it at this link.  http://jessicacharlesphotography.blogspot.com/2011/08/ten-years-in-making.html)  I was all-around a nervous mess.
I was a nervous mess for no reason!!  It was so much better than I could have imagined.  Everybody was friends with everybody.  And it was fun!!  I genuinely enjoyed the entire weekend, and so glad I got to see everyone that went.  After the weekend was over, I began to reflect on my regrets, wishing I was more assertive and outgoing in school, as I am now.  Maybe it's just one of those lessons that we learn as we grow.  And now I have new friendships that I am so thankful for.
Our class president, Molly is also one of my former brides.  http://jessicacharlesphotography.blogspot.com/2010/12/molly-and-jebs-wedding-day-part-1.html  And our class couldn't have wished for a better president.  She, along with the rest of the planning commitee, went so above and beyond to make this weekend out of this world.

First on the agenda, game night.

Then some of our former cheerleaders decided to do a cheer 'back from our day'.  HEY BEAR FANS!

JUMP shake your booty.. JUMP JUMP!!

Cute as a button.  Molly, you haven't changed!!

Cheesin' it up for the camera.

At some point during the game, some students were going up to people asking if they wanted to buy T-shirts.  I asked if I could look at them & the inevitable happened.  They called me "m'am".  They said it, and I swear the world went silent.  Sure, I've been called mam before, and I've hated it then too, but this was different.  I was at my reunion, already feeling old, and these KIDS call me that word.  Sitting there in shock, I felt my eyes get a little wet..  Are these tears??  Hold it back, hold it back...  Why the heck am I tearing up??  I think it was a mixture of emotions.  I was emotional to be back at this school, having fun with people I haven't seen in a decade.  And there was also the sad emotional part of it.. Where has the time gone?  Has it really been 10 years?  But God, I wish I could have not teared up.  Really.  I was mortified.  One of the girls looked at me and even pointed it out.. "Oh no, are you crying???"  Ugh, if you don't know, that just makes it worse.  Don't ever point out to someone that they're crying.  I'm laughing at the same time, well, because it is funny.  So I just play it off, I'm sure not nearly as cool as I wanted it to be.  Along with "move the chain", the anthem of the night was "She called me 'M'AM'."

I adore this picture for so many reasons.

SENIOR SENIOR SENIOR SHOUT... it's been 10 years since we've been out.  (haha, thanks Molly!)

It's senior yearbook picture time.  Granted, it's not nearly as bad as I remember BUT it's still embarrassing.  I'm channeling Diana Ross and Bozo the clown.

This is the front of Bolton.  So many memories.

Yup, 1926.  It's part of what makes Bolton so special.

Also, so many memories of this auditorium, singing.  Man, I miss those concerts with all of my heart.

Some members of the danceline performed for us.  It was nice..  and a little creepy.  Bryan and I were sitting in the front row.  I felt like some kind of teenage dancer groupie.

The students now have a lounge.  Why didn't we have a lounge?

The bear in the lobby.

I loved the archways in the entry way.  I have this same picture from 10 years ago.

I can't imagine having a cell phone as a student.  Texting and facebook would be waaay too tempting!

I don't know why, but the letters are exactly the same. Wonky.

I thought this was very sad & sweet.

Party time, aka Bear Bash Part Deux.

The details that have been saved are incredible. I'm telling you, Molly is the best class president. EVER.

Till this day, my favorite book.  A Prayer For Owen Meany.  I cry and laugh hysterically each time I read it.  Crucial part of my senior year in high school.

Jeb, the Spirit Boa King

I still get the phrase "Hellooooooo Dolly, well, helloooo Dolly" stuck in my head.. quite often.

The photobooth was SUCH a hit.  So perfect.

Here is our photobooth picture of the night.  I heart.

I have to quote what my friend, Emily, said about this picture.

"You see, the old school trays used to have a circle here for the corn and a rectangle over here for the square pizza...." (Poor Molly shaking her head, feigning fascination. Lol.)"

The calender of a class president.  Busy girl!  Note.. BRACES OFF!!!

We were all so excited that Billy (on the left) was able to make it all the way from Germany, where he is currently serving our country.  You, Billy, are amazing.

My new/old friends.  Lauren and her new awesome fiancee, Tony!  I love this couple!!  We got to hang out in New Orleans after this and had a blast.  A few pictures to come.

I know this was an extreeeemely long blog, and thank you for sticking around till the end.

I just want to say thank you again to Molly, Lauren & the rest of the reunion team that made everything so special.  It was a weekend I'll never forget.  I can't wait till the next time I get to see everyone again.  Hopefully it won't be another 10 years!!