Kyle was friends with Ben. They hung out together and they reminded me of John Cusack and that other kid in 'Sixteen Candles', but way less nerdy. They were the same in the way that they seemed to have a secret language, and a million inside jokes. They would randomly start playing a Star Wars song as if prompted by something the other one said (okay, that was nerdy, but these guys aren't social outcasts like in 'Sixteen Candles').
If Kyle took a moment to explain what he and Ben were laughing about, it was usually pretty funny.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Day 77 - Benjamin
Nobody called Ben, "Benjamin" except me and probably his grandmother. Benjamin Lawrence was a year younger than me and in the sax section. For some reason I got in the habit of calling him by his full name; I used all three names as if he were an assassin. I got a kick out of it. It was so proper. I wish I was disclosing full names, I think everyone else would get a kick out of it too, his middle name will have to do.
Benjamin was not a 'Benjamin' per se; he was definitely a 'Ben' adding to my amusement with his full name. I'd like to add that I asked several times if Ben was bothered by my using his full name, and he said he wasn't. Also, when I'd say it (with flourish, or sometimes an awful British accent) Ben would get this adorable grin on his face.
Is there a moral or a lesson to this impression? I think it's a friendly reminder to search out and appreciate adorable grins in the mundane aspects of our lives.
Benjamin was not a 'Benjamin' per se; he was definitely a 'Ben' adding to my amusement with his full name. I'd like to add that I asked several times if Ben was bothered by my using his full name, and he said he wasn't. Also, when I'd say it (with flourish, or sometimes an awful British accent) Ben would get this adorable grin on his face.
Is there a moral or a lesson to this impression? I think it's a friendly reminder to search out and appreciate adorable grins in the mundane aspects of our lives.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Day 76 - Rocky
Okay, Rocky is not a person. Rocky was the dog I grew up with. My parents joke that when we moved to Houston and my brothers stayed in Colorado, Rocky became my brother.
We got Rocky as a puppy when I was eight. My brothers and I piled into our van with my mom to pick him up from his family. He had just crawled under a car in their garage and got an oil spot on the crown of his head. Logically, I voted for the name Spot; instead, Rocky became his name (something about the spot would wash off was involved in the decision). Rocky was a golden retriever and yellow lab mix. Both breeds can be very hyper, so we specifically asked for the calmest puppy of the litter. The precaution seemed pointless as Rocky was a crazy nut from the first moment we brought him home.
Despite his wild nature, Rocky was one of the smartest dogs I've known. He understood so many words and ideas. He would carry his food dish around like a poor, starving pauper, but forget where he left it by supper time. With a little persuading, "Rocky, find you dish," he would tear around the house on the search. If he came back empty-mouthed, you could suggest his next destination, "Rocky, maybe your dish is under Andrea's bed. Go look under Andrea's bed." Up the stairs he'd speed, and you'd hear him running to my room. A few seconds later, he'd be downstairs staring at you with his bowl at your feet. When my oldest brother first went to college it was an adjustment for all of us. I talked to Rocky about it and he'd just sit and listen to me. The first weekend Chris was coming home, I told Rocky and he ran to the door and sat down expectantly. It was amazing. I could spend hours sharing antidotes of Rocky's brains, or you could trust me. You want stories? comment and I'll add some.
The summer before my senior year, my family went on a two week vacation to New England per usual. Rocky stayed at the kennel I worked for. When I picked him up the day we got back, he was acting strange and looked weird. We chalked it up to the stress of staying at the kennel and thought a night at home would do him good. The following morning, Rocky was still acting strange, so strange I called my Vet in a panic. I took his pulse, reported on his dehydration and told Doc about all his symptoms. She wasn't sure what is was but we decided it could wait until the next day, when the clinic was open. After chest X-rays the next day, we found out Rocky had a tumor in his lung that had grown so large, it punctured his lung. He had been having trouble breathing and the cancer was far enough advanced that it was recommended that we put him to sleep.
My mom and I made the decision after a tearful call to my dad and said goodbye to our still-sedated dog. I've been blessed not to have had to experience a lot of death first hand, so other than a hamster I didn't care too much for, Rocky was my first death.
We got Rocky as a puppy when I was eight. My brothers and I piled into our van with my mom to pick him up from his family. He had just crawled under a car in their garage and got an oil spot on the crown of his head. Logically, I voted for the name Spot; instead, Rocky became his name (something about the spot would wash off was involved in the decision). Rocky was a golden retriever and yellow lab mix. Both breeds can be very hyper, so we specifically asked for the calmest puppy of the litter. The precaution seemed pointless as Rocky was a crazy nut from the first moment we brought him home.
Despite his wild nature, Rocky was one of the smartest dogs I've known. He understood so many words and ideas. He would carry his food dish around like a poor, starving pauper, but forget where he left it by supper time. With a little persuading, "Rocky, find you dish," he would tear around the house on the search. If he came back empty-mouthed, you could suggest his next destination, "Rocky, maybe your dish is under Andrea's bed. Go look under Andrea's bed." Up the stairs he'd speed, and you'd hear him running to my room. A few seconds later, he'd be downstairs staring at you with his bowl at your feet. When my oldest brother first went to college it was an adjustment for all of us. I talked to Rocky about it and he'd just sit and listen to me. The first weekend Chris was coming home, I told Rocky and he ran to the door and sat down expectantly. It was amazing. I could spend hours sharing antidotes of Rocky's brains, or you could trust me. You want stories? comment and I'll add some.
The summer before my senior year, my family went on a two week vacation to New England per usual. Rocky stayed at the kennel I worked for. When I picked him up the day we got back, he was acting strange and looked weird. We chalked it up to the stress of staying at the kennel and thought a night at home would do him good. The following morning, Rocky was still acting strange, so strange I called my Vet in a panic. I took his pulse, reported on his dehydration and told Doc about all his symptoms. She wasn't sure what is was but we decided it could wait until the next day, when the clinic was open. After chest X-rays the next day, we found out Rocky had a tumor in his lung that had grown so large, it punctured his lung. He had been having trouble breathing and the cancer was far enough advanced that it was recommended that we put him to sleep.
My mom and I made the decision after a tearful call to my dad and said goodbye to our still-sedated dog. I've been blessed not to have had to experience a lot of death first hand, so other than a hamster I didn't care too much for, Rocky was my first death.
Day 74 - Chris
Chris was one of my band buddies Senior year. He was supposed to be my only one, but then there was one freshman with no good buddy and I volunteered to take him on. Chris was also a Senior and we'd been friends since freshman year. We were going to be buddies to avoid responsibility together and come up with ridiculous gag gifts for each other. It was a fabulous idea.
While trying to decide how to present Chris, I can't stop smiling from all the memories. Think of someone who lights up any room he enters, can make anyone smile, even when they want to cry, and has a fantastic sense of humor, especially about himself; whatever you're imagining, it cannot live up to Chris. Chris broke the mold, was a cut above the rest, and ever other over-used cliche you can think of.
Chris is the kind of guy you hope to fall in love with. The kind of guy you want all of your friends to have a chance to be friends with. You wish everyone in the world had their own Chris to brighten their lives.
While trying to decide how to present Chris, I can't stop smiling from all the memories. Think of someone who lights up any room he enters, can make anyone smile, even when they want to cry, and has a fantastic sense of humor, especially about himself; whatever you're imagining, it cannot live up to Chris. Chris broke the mold, was a cut above the rest, and ever other over-used cliche you can think of.
Chris is the kind of guy you hope to fall in love with. The kind of guy you want all of your friends to have a chance to be friends with. You wish everyone in the world had their own Chris to brighten their lives.
Day 75 - Amanda
Amanda is a shy girl, but once she's comfortable, she's sarcastic, hilarious, and a darn good time. It took me a long time to learn about that side of her. Amanda is also a wonderful friend. I do an awful job of keeping in touch with people after moving away from them. After graduation, Amanda picked up the slack and also understood that my disappearing acts did not mean I stopped caring. Amanda was one of my only high school friends that made the long journey to Oklahoma to visit me. We both changed in college, but it seems not to have mattered. I think we're better friends now (or we were untill I disappeared again). I think we've grown into each other in a lot of ways.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Day 73 - Kelly
I've stopped using last names simply because this is a google-crazy society and I'd hate for someone to stumble across my blog in an attempt to research one of the people I've written about. It's a shame, because this guy's full name is great.
Kelly moved to my high school senior year and immediately fell into a crowd closely knit with my crowd. Kelly came into my homeroom occasionally to hang out. He was amazingly nice. Even when the person he was visiting ignored me although I sit close enough to normally be involved, Kelly would involve me. He'd ask how I was and my opinion on their conversation. He was just a sweet guy.
He left a strong enough impression on me during the handful of short interactions over a year, that I was telling a new friend in college about this great kid that went to my school, named Kelly K-----. That friend was Stefanie, who went to school with Kelly until his senior year when he moved to my school. How funny is that?
That isn't the point. The point is, Kelly was a great guy. I try to remember how inclusive he was when I have the opportunity to act with the same sentiment.
Kelly moved to my high school senior year and immediately fell into a crowd closely knit with my crowd. Kelly came into my homeroom occasionally to hang out. He was amazingly nice. Even when the person he was visiting ignored me although I sit close enough to normally be involved, Kelly would involve me. He'd ask how I was and my opinion on their conversation. He was just a sweet guy.
He left a strong enough impression on me during the handful of short interactions over a year, that I was telling a new friend in college about this great kid that went to my school, named Kelly K-----. That friend was Stefanie, who went to school with Kelly until his senior year when he moved to my school. How funny is that?
That isn't the point. The point is, Kelly was a great guy. I try to remember how inclusive he was when I have the opportunity to act with the same sentiment.
Day 72 - Karyssa Star
I added the star to Karyssa's name, because that's what she is. Our senior year, Karyssa decided to try-out for cheer leading, and made the varsity squad. She decided to try theatre and got a part in Chorus Line. She also had an amazing GPA, was in NHS, volunteered and practically constantly smiled. Karyssa astounded me. If she set a goal, she would work like hell to reach it. I could probably still learn a thing or two from Karyssa.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Day 71 - "K"
K and I were never close, despite being in band for four years together and having a lot of the same friends. I always felt like I was being judged by her. She was a very cute, smart, sweet girl, but I rarely felt she was being genuine with me. It was as if a wall was erected between us and she was concealing it with her smile.
I didn't have a clue what it could be about until after graduation. I found out she and a few of her friends assumed I was obviously having sex because I had a serious boyfriend and wasn't overtly "Christian" (My high school was home to a lot of students who preached Christianity without truly hoping their peers would convert. My interactions with these kids left a bad taste in my mouth and I was bitterly against Christians who were vocal about their beliefs for along time.). It wasn't the fact that they thought I was having sex that made me mad, it's that they judged me because of it, treated me differently, and spread the rumor.
It's a shame. It's a shame a small group of people turned me away from a faith that they were trying to promote. It's a shame I wasn't judged by anything real. It's a shame that this is the lasting memory I have of K. She really was a sweet girl.
P.S. This is the first time I'm trying out an alias, because I don't think this person should be judged by my story... I really don't think anyone should be judged by what I say about them, but that isn't possible. However, this impression was based partially on what someone told me (someone I trust very much, but it's still hearsay).
I didn't have a clue what it could be about until after graduation. I found out she and a few of her friends assumed I was obviously having sex because I had a serious boyfriend and wasn't overtly "Christian" (My high school was home to a lot of students who preached Christianity without truly hoping their peers would convert. My interactions with these kids left a bad taste in my mouth and I was bitterly against Christians who were vocal about their beliefs for along time.). It wasn't the fact that they thought I was having sex that made me mad, it's that they judged me because of it, treated me differently, and spread the rumor.
It's a shame. It's a shame a small group of people turned me away from a faith that they were trying to promote. It's a shame I wasn't judged by anything real. It's a shame that this is the lasting memory I have of K. She really was a sweet girl.
P.S. This is the first time I'm trying out an alias, because I don't think this person should be judged by my story... I really don't think anyone should be judged by what I say about them, but that isn't possible. However, this impression was based partially on what someone told me (someone I trust very much, but it's still hearsay).
Day 70 - Chrislie
Just typing Chrislie's name made me smile. She was so sweet, but not fake. She was real, she had real opinions, real mood swings, real concerns; yet, she was real sweet.
Megan drove her and I to school until I got my parking permit. Then, I drove Chrislie and Megan enjoyed going solo. Chrislie would bake cookies or brownies fairly often and they were good, really good. Even when she was in a bad mood, she got my morning started. Often, on days when I didn't need to drive her, I'd go by her house out of habit. Once I realized my mistake, the morning would seem less bright, the drive longer and all the radio stations would be non-stop talking.
She wasn't just some ditsy girl who made me laugh. Chrislie made me laugh because she was genuinely funny. She also was fiercely loyal to her friends. It was refreshing to see.
Chrislie was a fun addition to my life.
Megan drove her and I to school until I got my parking permit. Then, I drove Chrislie and Megan enjoyed going solo. Chrislie would bake cookies or brownies fairly often and they were good, really good. Even when she was in a bad mood, she got my morning started. Often, on days when I didn't need to drive her, I'd go by her house out of habit. Once I realized my mistake, the morning would seem less bright, the drive longer and all the radio stations would be non-stop talking.
She wasn't just some ditsy girl who made me laugh. Chrislie made me laugh because she was genuinely funny. She also was fiercely loyal to her friends. It was refreshing to see.
Chrislie was a fun addition to my life.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Day 69 - Randi
Randi was my best friend before I moved to Colorado when I was 5. We shared a deep love for New Kids on the Block and watched their videos all the time. When I moved, we became pen pals. As with all of my pen pal experiences, the letters become less frequent until you both stop completely.
Skip ahead ten years to high school marching band. At away football games, some of the band officers visit the home team's band and give them signs and candy and then the home team's band comes over to our side. While at the opposing sides, you get introduced and then hang around and talk to the band. At one of our away games, Randi climbed our drum major stand to be introduced as a flute player from the other band.
I couldn't believe it! I hadn't heard from Randi in years and it had been even longer since I'd seen her, so for her to just be standing up there in front of me was astounding. I knew she lived in Texas, but I didn't know she lived closer enough for our schools to play each other. I'd like to say we stayed in touch after that, but it's not true. We e-mailed back and forth a few times and our parents send each other Christmas cards. Now that the New Kids on the Block are back together, I've been thinking about Randi again. I wonder if she loves NKtoB as much as I do still.
Skip ahead ten years to high school marching band. At away football games, some of the band officers visit the home team's band and give them signs and candy and then the home team's band comes over to our side. While at the opposing sides, you get introduced and then hang around and talk to the band. At one of our away games, Randi climbed our drum major stand to be introduced as a flute player from the other band.
I couldn't believe it! I hadn't heard from Randi in years and it had been even longer since I'd seen her, so for her to just be standing up there in front of me was astounding. I knew she lived in Texas, but I didn't know she lived closer enough for our schools to play each other. I'd like to say we stayed in touch after that, but it's not true. We e-mailed back and forth a few times and our parents send each other Christmas cards. Now that the New Kids on the Block are back together, I've been thinking about Randi again. I wonder if she loves NKtoB as much as I do still.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Day 68 - Kyle W
Kyle was a good friend in high school. We had computer science together our sophomore year. We would joke around about how easy it was and sail through writing the programs. We would even sometimes compete on the same computer science team on the weekends. We got in the habit of hugging goodbye. Kyle gave some of the best hugs. He also gave me copies of every single Green Day Cd, even their first three recordings on cassettes. Kyle was so adorable and sweet. My Junior year, I can't exactly remember if we still had a class together, but we would definitely walk together at least a couple times a week. And we still said goodbye with a hug.
I started to feel that Kyle liked me and there were times when I thought I really liked Kyle. I would feel horribly guilty that I was being unfair to Keith. I always convinced myself that even if Kyle and I got along well, I loved Keith. I even compared it to when married couples form crushes, but don't have affairs. Right before Christmas our junior year, Kyle took me to lunch during one of our half days for finals. Afterwards, back at the school parking lot he gave me a really nice letter. I would feel like I'm giving away secrets that aren't mine to tell if I fully explained the letter, but throughout it he said how much he respected Keith and did not want to mess up what we had.
After that, Kyle and I were still friends, but I felt too guilty. I felt guilty about liking someone who wasn't Keith and I felt guilty for possibly leading someone on who I really cared about. Senior year, Kyle started dating a sweet, cute Junior. I was happy for him, but our then-shaky friendship more or less disappeared.
After graduation, Kyle and I stayed in touch a few times a year. Whenever we saw each other over holidays or the summer, one of us was with someone else. I built him up in my mind as someone I was meant date once the timing was right. The last time I saw Kyle was when I had graduated and was driving through Texas and Oklahoma to visit friends. We went out, and after several beers, dancing in some bar, I felt that maybe the timing was finally right.
It wasn't. Nothing scandalous happened, but the morning after was still terribly awkward and outside of the occassional facebook 'hello', I haven't seen or really talked to Kyle since.
The whole situation showed me that if the universe is putting enough barriers in your way, it's probably trying to tell you something. I try not to over-analyze or push things anymore. ('Try' is the key word there.)
I started to feel that Kyle liked me and there were times when I thought I really liked Kyle. I would feel horribly guilty that I was being unfair to Keith. I always convinced myself that even if Kyle and I got along well, I loved Keith. I even compared it to when married couples form crushes, but don't have affairs. Right before Christmas our junior year, Kyle took me to lunch during one of our half days for finals. Afterwards, back at the school parking lot he gave me a really nice letter. I would feel like I'm giving away secrets that aren't mine to tell if I fully explained the letter, but throughout it he said how much he respected Keith and did not want to mess up what we had.
After that, Kyle and I were still friends, but I felt too guilty. I felt guilty about liking someone who wasn't Keith and I felt guilty for possibly leading someone on who I really cared about. Senior year, Kyle started dating a sweet, cute Junior. I was happy for him, but our then-shaky friendship more or less disappeared.
After graduation, Kyle and I stayed in touch a few times a year. Whenever we saw each other over holidays or the summer, one of us was with someone else. I built him up in my mind as someone I was meant date once the timing was right. The last time I saw Kyle was when I had graduated and was driving through Texas and Oklahoma to visit friends. We went out, and after several beers, dancing in some bar, I felt that maybe the timing was finally right.
It wasn't. Nothing scandalous happened, but the morning after was still terribly awkward and outside of the occassional facebook 'hello', I haven't seen or really talked to Kyle since.
The whole situation showed me that if the universe is putting enough barriers in your way, it's probably trying to tell you something. I try not to over-analyze or push things anymore. ('Try' is the key word there.)
Day 67 - Mr. Mattair
I took Calculus in high school and it was supposed to prepare me for an AP test that would get me out of two semesters of college math. It was a hard class. Mr. Mattair was my teacher. He was really nice, seemed to get a kick out of his students and explained math really well. The first semester I pretty much understood everything. The second semester I got lost.
With only two months left of high school, I started failing tests. Keith tried to help me, but he was busy with a lot of different classes and movie projects. Mr. Mattair tried to help me, but I just could not grasp Calculus II. Thankfully, he bumped my final grade from what should have probably been a D to a B minus. I think he felt bad for me and knew I was really trying. I had always done well enough in math, I was even in the Math Club: Mu Alpha THeta. I appreciated what Mr. Mattair did so much. If he hadn't helped me out, I would have had to change classes for the last month or not graduate. Mr. Mattair got me through school.
With only two months left of high school, I started failing tests. Keith tried to help me, but he was busy with a lot of different classes and movie projects. Mr. Mattair tried to help me, but I just could not grasp Calculus II. Thankfully, he bumped my final grade from what should have probably been a D to a B minus. I think he felt bad for me and knew I was really trying. I had always done well enough in math, I was even in the Math Club: Mu Alpha THeta. I appreciated what Mr. Mattair did so much. If he hadn't helped me out, I would have had to change classes for the last month or not graduate. Mr. Mattair got me through school.
Day 66 - The Schwartz's
The Schwartz's were our neighbors in Colorado, and I'm going out of order to return to them. They had two little girls who were 2 and 8 when I was 12 and babysat them.
Sam, the youngest was like Houdini. When you put her to bed, not only did you have to lock the door, you also had to put up a baby gate outside it and attach this special cover over the lock so she couldn't unlock it from inside. Before this method (which wasn't always enough) was put in place, Sam would escape and either sneak up on you in the living room or run out the front door. It was frustrating and a little scary.
Laura, the elder sister, knew more about sex then I did. She was allowed to watch any movie in the house. Her mother had an enormous movie collection. It was so big Christie and I would joke we were going to the movie store when we went to borrow a movie on the weekends. Laura had seen enough rated R movies to be able to describe things I only now fully understand. It was weird.
I wasn't the best baby sitter when I babysat for the Schwartz's because their kids drove me nuts. I would spend the whole night arguing with them.
I baby sat for them a lot, and I made a lot of money because of it. Between the Schwartz's and two other families who lived very close, I worked 4 or 5 nights a week. It was so cool to have a steady income in middle school, but once we moved, I did not seek out new babysitting jobs and it took nearly ten years for me to even consider the idea of having children of my own one day.
Sam, the youngest was like Houdini. When you put her to bed, not only did you have to lock the door, you also had to put up a baby gate outside it and attach this special cover over the lock so she couldn't unlock it from inside. Before this method (which wasn't always enough) was put in place, Sam would escape and either sneak up on you in the living room or run out the front door. It was frustrating and a little scary.
Laura, the elder sister, knew more about sex then I did. She was allowed to watch any movie in the house. Her mother had an enormous movie collection. It was so big Christie and I would joke we were going to the movie store when we went to borrow a movie on the weekends. Laura had seen enough rated R movies to be able to describe things I only now fully understand. It was weird.
I wasn't the best baby sitter when I babysat for the Schwartz's because their kids drove me nuts. I would spend the whole night arguing with them.
No, you can't watch Beaches. Because I can't even watch that movie. Because it's rated R. I don't know what R stands for. No, you can't eat ice cream. Because we're going to have dinner in a little while. Are you hungry now? No? Then why did you ask for ice cream? I don't care if your other babysitters would give you ice cream. You guys have to finish your meals. I don't care if you eat your dessert first, just empty your plate. No, you can't leave the table yet, take three more bites. Okay, you can leave, but clean up. You're mom doesn't make you clean up? Just pick up the tray and throw it away. I know you know where the trash can is. Did you wash your hands? How did you wash your hands without turning on the sink? Go back and wash them.They knew the schedule and how to divert it. I generally got them in bed an hour after they were supposed to be there and it would take another hour of returning them to their beds and threatening them to get them to sleep. Laura heard the phrase, "if you don't, I'm going to have to tell your mother when she gets home" so often that she started using it on me. "If you aren't nice to us, I'll tell my mom!" I'd calmly replay, "Okay, you tell your mom and I'll have to tell her you were in time-out because you wouldn't eat and you swore at me." It became sickening.
I baby sat for them a lot, and I made a lot of money because of it. Between the Schwartz's and two other families who lived very close, I worked 4 or 5 nights a week. It was so cool to have a steady income in middle school, but once we moved, I did not seek out new babysitting jobs and it took nearly ten years for me to even consider the idea of having children of my own one day.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Day 65 - Annie
Annie was in a class (called something lame like, Scholastic Abilities Studies) with me our freshmen year. I didn't really know who she was until I was dating David and he took her to Prom instead of me. He had asked her before we even met and he assured me they were going as friends. Annie asked me if I was upset that David was taking her to Prom. It was the week before Prom, but it was still really nice of her to ask and I told her I trusted them both. Although they both asked me if it bothered me, neither of them offered to change the plan. I was jealous of Annie because she came before me and because in my eyes they remained close friends.
By Senior year, I was more of less over that silliness, but it was the only memory I had with Annie. The first Monday back to school after I broke up with Keith, I had to make-up an essay quiz in English and so did Annie. Ms. Fritchey sent us to an empty room and gave us the hour. Annie was upset, so I asked her what was wrong. Through tears, she explained she was having family problems and she's been dealing with them for a long time. I don't remember the details, but at the time I couldn't believe I hadn't had a clue beforehand and was beyond impressed that Annie was doing so well under the circumstances. I was still a mess from the break-up and would burst into tears for the smallest reasons. I know it showed and Annie asked what was wrong. As I explained while crying, she expressed her shock and sympathy. We both agreed we didn't need to write the essays and spent the hour talking. (Afterwards, we gave Ms. Fritchey a condensed version of our decision, and she agreed; she was fantastic.) Annie was a huge help, because I didn't have many friends who weren't also really good friends with Keith. It made the break-up more complicated, but it also made me hold back things that I needed to talk about. I hope I offered a similar new ear for Annie.
That hour changed me more than many hours in my life. It made me more trusting and believe in the kindness of relative strangers and start to allow that God may indeed have a plan. It was a perfect example of how things happen for a reason.
By Senior year, I was more of less over that silliness, but it was the only memory I had with Annie. The first Monday back to school after I broke up with Keith, I had to make-up an essay quiz in English and so did Annie. Ms. Fritchey sent us to an empty room and gave us the hour. Annie was upset, so I asked her what was wrong. Through tears, she explained she was having family problems and she's been dealing with them for a long time. I don't remember the details, but at the time I couldn't believe I hadn't had a clue beforehand and was beyond impressed that Annie was doing so well under the circumstances. I was still a mess from the break-up and would burst into tears for the smallest reasons. I know it showed and Annie asked what was wrong. As I explained while crying, she expressed her shock and sympathy. We both agreed we didn't need to write the essays and spent the hour talking. (Afterwards, we gave Ms. Fritchey a condensed version of our decision, and she agreed; she was fantastic.) Annie was a huge help, because I didn't have many friends who weren't also really good friends with Keith. It made the break-up more complicated, but it also made me hold back things that I needed to talk about. I hope I offered a similar new ear for Annie.
That hour changed me more than many hours in my life. It made me more trusting and believe in the kindness of relative strangers and start to allow that God may indeed have a plan. It was a perfect example of how things happen for a reason.
Day 64 - Ms Fritchey
Ms. Fritchey had so much energy, it was easy to describe her as crazy, in an affectionate way, of course. She was my English teacher Senior year. She pushed us, but also understood and didn't bother fighting senioritis. . We read a lot that year, it seemed like every week we were on to something new. This is the year I really started appreciating plays. We read and then watched a BBC version of Tartuffe and I just loved it. The play more than the movie, because the movie was a little embarrassing.
Ms. Fritchey inadvertently gave me my nickname, 'BonBon'. She could never remember how to say my last name and I'd always say, "it's 'bonne' like a bon bon, like a candy." She thought that was hilarious. It didn't seem to matter how many times I said it. Eventually, other people in class would say it and it just became my name.
The last day of class, she stood at her desk and joked with us. "It seems a lot of you have heard I sing." It was true, a rumor was going around our class that Ms. Fritchey sang for the classes she liked on the last day. After goading her for quite some time, she relented and started a song on her computer. We grew silent and she started in, "Daylight/ See the dew on the sunflower..." She sang Memories from CATS. It was corny and beautiful and made me a little teary.
Ms. Fritchey inadvertently gave me my nickname, 'BonBon'. She could never remember how to say my last name and I'd always say, "it's 'bonne' like a bon bon, like a candy." She thought that was hilarious. It didn't seem to matter how many times I said it. Eventually, other people in class would say it and it just became my name.
The last day of class, she stood at her desk and joked with us. "It seems a lot of you have heard I sing." It was true, a rumor was going around our class that Ms. Fritchey sang for the classes she liked on the last day. After goading her for quite some time, she relented and started a song on her computer. We grew silent and she started in, "Daylight/ See the dew on the sunflower..." She sang Memories from CATS. It was corny and beautiful and made me a little teary.
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