Top 10 Favorite TV Programs

In no particular order of preference:

1. Sopranos
2. The Office (original BBC series)
3. 24
4. Dexter
5. Californication
6. Lost
7. Friends
8. Star Trek (see a later list which "brands" are preferred and which order)
9. The Closer
10. Law & Order (the original)

Top 10 Favorite Songs

In no particular order of preference

1. Just Like Heaven, The Cure
2. #41, Dave Matthews Band
3. Today, Smashing Pumpkins
4. Whichita Lineman, Glen Campbell
5. Clocks, Coldplay
6. Accidentally in Love, Counting Crows
7. Solsbury Hill, Peter Gabriel
8. Undone (The Sweater Song), Weezer
9. The Distance, Cake
10. Wonderwall, Oasis

Top 10 Favorite Bands/Musical Artists

In no particular order of preference

1. Maroon 5
2. Seal
3. Live
4. Smashing Pumpkins
5. Coldplay
6. Weezer
7. Sade
8. The Police
9. The Beatles (and subsequent solo and group endeavors)
10. Michael Jackson (including the Jackson 5)

20th Year High School Reunion Report

Having missed my 10th year reunion, I was not sure what to expect from the 20th. As I mentioned in a previous blog, I chose to wear a bit of a disguise. My sunglasses and huge afro wig fooled nobody. I was not 10 paces into the Refinery Lounge when 2 or 3 people called to me. Just a little freaky. I was told that my jaw line gave me away.

It was nice seeing some old friends and getting to touch base with people that I have not seen in a long time. There were, of course, some physical changes however, personalities tended toward the familiar. Having worked hard on a few personal issues since my divorce I found myself able to avoid some of the old relationship pitfalls that I used to fall into. Having said that, I am sure my old friends thought that I too, am very much the same person they new in high school and college.

I wonder when we pass the point of no return with our personalities.

I was very nervous going to this reunion... and now I wonder why.  Given that these people were my friends and cohorts in high school and college, why would they treat me any differently?  Of course they did not.  They joked with me, listened to me, and shared with me.  I actually felt safe.  Maybe I was nervous because in high school you are really never safe.  

When you get older friendship and friendliness are too valuable for hormones and petty teenage stuff.  When you are older everything that is unimportant simply peels away leaving just the fruit of friendship.  Pretty nice.

Reunion Weekend Coming

As a 1988 graduate of North Pole High School I have a class reunion, our 20th year, coming up this weekend. I am not sure how I feel about it, a little curiosity mixed with dread I suppose. I am not anything like I was at the age of 18. In fact, it just occurred to me that, we have lived more since our graduation than we had up to that point.

I am looking forward to seeing some folks a bit more I suppose. I still consider Richard Reimers to be one of my closest friends dispite the fact that I have not seen him in a few years. Jim Simmons, Dain Cunningham, Suzi Pearson, and Kathy Jenkins are all people that were good friends in HS and college. What will it be like this weekend?

I am going to wear my afro wig, sunglasses, and a trucker cap to see what sort of response I get. Either that, or to go incognito. I have not decided...