II: Reunions

I babysat a boy named Luke for several years while I was in middle school and high school.  I was there for his very first day of kindergarten.  He lived down the street from me.  Not even a full block.  My family and Luke's family have become dear friends through the years.  You know, we comment on each others Facebook and send the annual Christmas card.  Basically inseparable.  So, when I was landing in Pittsburgh one day before the wedding I called his family to see if I could crash on their Tempurpedic guest bed and stay up late telling old stories.
They indulged me.
First of all, the snacks were great.  I started off with a chipped ham sandwich with Mayo (something Ken would never make... Mayo is the white death to him.)   Then I went in on the chips and Pittsburgh Pretzels.  I rounded off the box of brownies from Giant Eagle, ate a row of Chips Ahoy, and finished off with a theater size box of Dots.  But, I drank about 5 big glasses of water.  So I consider this healthy.
Luke got married last summer so we talked all about that.  Mark is joining the Navy.  And Rita is exactly exactly the same.  I loved it.  She has the answer to everything.  And still smokes Virginia Slims.  So grateful for that.  I just love the smell.  Nothing commandment breaking about that.  I felt like this family and their house had been in a time capsule just waiting for me to open it.  I mean, Luke was like 3 feet taller... but it felt homey.  And it was good to hear that Luke still basically only eats pretzels, Pepsi, french fries, and Oreos.  Though, credit to his wife for introducing him to steak.

Lukie Pie back when I was babysitting him.

Patty Cake back when I was babysitting.

Me and Rita.
Whitening Strips have done a lot for me.

Mark, Rita, Luke

Friday I met Nikki and Rachel from high school at the Olive Garden for lunch.  Oh.  Em.  Gee.  I haven't laughed that hard... probably since high school.  They were giving me the scoop on everyone.  I must have just camped out in Naive-ville during those 4 years of my life because I thought smoking and swearing were pretty much the worst thing people did.  I didn't know kids were having sex and doing drugs.  Nikki let me in on a little secret:  I was probably the only one not doing those things.  As I carved my way through 2 big bowls of Olive Garden salad and about eight bread sticks... I was reminded that I am young.  Rachel's got 3 girls and she spoke so honestly about them.  She called them brats and spoiled and rotten but also beautiful and funny and adorable.  (All in a Pixburgh accent.)  To be hearing such honesty was liberating.

Rachel and Woobs

Sometimes, where I live, I get the feeling no one is really telling the truth.  About anything.  Everyone is trying to paint a picture of how they want you to see their life.  Perfect this.  Perfect that.  Perfect lie.  It's been difficult for me not having an outlet to say, "Kole is being a brat today."  and not hearing back, "Oh, but he is a child of God and you should love him."  When did I say I don't love my kid?  I do.  But it's not all unicorns and chocolate covered cherries.  HELL-o!  Being with those girls reminded me that I am only 27.  And that's exactly how I should be acting.  Lose the gramma sweaters and the reading glasses.  Go out.  Be honest.  Have fun.  Live YOUR life. 
Sing it with me now:
Toniiiiiight...
We are YOUNG!
Let's set the world on fiiii-iire!

Man!  It makes me wish they lived close to me.  I need that reminder.  A lot.
Oh!  And the whole time I was there.... my hair... just WORKED.