Visit The Ring of Fire Home Page
A service of
netRelief, Inc.

This site is a member of The Ring Of Fire
A linked list of Chile websites

Next - Skip Next - Next 5 - Prev - Skip Prev - Random Site

Join the ring or browse a complete list of The Ring Of Fire members

If you discover problems with any of The Ring Of Fire sites,
please notify the Ringmaster

Saturday, October 22, 2011

A Good, Good Life



So, no offense to the three regular readers of Spicy Food Guy and his gallant posts about delicious eating, but today is turned over to some guy named "Joe", who wants to write about his 30th high school reunion.  Something about another commencement speech.  Whatever.

Welcome and good evening, Class of 1981.  

It was 30 years ago that I last addressed you as a group.  Back then, I was one of three students elected by the faculty to give a commencement address.  Your friends and family were here.  Do you remember that I spoke or what I said?  

That's OK, neither do I.  Something full of arrogance and piss and vinegar.  Pretentious, as I recall. Wishful.  But I don't remember the details (any of it, actually), and neither do you.  I remember the party afterwards, but that one is in the vault.  A conversation for another time.

So, through the magic of the internet, we are all gathered again.  Not the cavernous arena we gathered in the last time, but a place like it.

Look beside you, right and left.  First thing we notice is some empty seats.  We didn't all make it, here in the land of the living.  Some of us have gone on to the Great Mystery.  We miss them, those that have passed on.  We wish them restful peace.  A moment of silence.

So my remarks will begin.  A word about our generation.

For those in the audience from the Media, I use the word generation loosely.  I am addressing the class of 1981, born in '62 or '63, but I am also giving or taking a few years.  The classes that graduated 6 or 8 years behind us?  They count.  Hard to know the specifics of who I call my generation, who doesn't, where the boundaries lay.  You media are a pedantic bunch; I will not be held to your labels or standards.  That's one of the good things about us, but we will get to that.

Here is what I know.  The Census people, the ones who count stuff, established the back end of  the Baby Boomer generation just a year or two before we were born.  The Baby Boomer  generation boasted Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, both Clintons.  Not us.

A generation behind us came the internet.  Mark Zuckerberg, born in 1984, invented Facebook. We watched the start of Netflix and eBay.  But it wasn't us.

If you weren't paying attention, you'd think we haven't done much.  You might call us boring.  If the generations from the past 70 years had a party, my generation would be cut off at the door by a velvet rope.  "Sorry", the bouncer would say in that furiously unapologetic way that bouncers do, "your name isn't on the list.  You can't come in"

I think there is some stuff you should know, and you need to listen to me now.

Operation Desert Storm, 1991 or so, the first war we had fought as a nation in two decades?  We fought in that.

9/11?  Hit when we, my generation, were about to upgrade our houses and careers and take our turn at the American Dream.  We put that stuff off.  Those kids who were shot at in Iraq and Afghanistan the next ten years?  Those were our kids.

Do you know the three worst recessions in the past 30 years?  One in the early 80's, one in the early 90's, when we were entering the workforce.  The third?  The really awful recession, the great recession?  That happened in 2007, at the height of my generation's earnings years.  We were laid off, or, at best, watched our 401Ks fall to half value.  Let's face it:  when Social Security has to own up and say some poor future US Generation is going to have to take a smack in the face and take out less than they paid in, who do you think it's going to be?  I will tell you who it will be: me and my classmates.  

Let me speak tonight to the members of the media who think we might be complaining.  Have you heard this from us before?  Has the Class of 1981 gone and picketed Congress?  No.  We have not.  Want to know why?

Because we are not a complaining generation.  

We work hard.  We love dogs.  We love our spouses and kids and our homes.  We love Diners and Sports Bars and Cold Beer.  We would drive a far piece for really good Ice Cream.  We eat hot dogs with mustard during ball games.  We sing the baseball anthem during the 7th inning stretch and sing the National Anthem at the beginning of football games.  We cheer the band and wave flags.  We watch fireworks.  We ride roller coasters and scream like babies at the spooky parts of scary movies.  We celebrate our life's events at picnic tables at State Parks.  We hug our Moms and our daughters on their birthdays.  We take our sons fishing and bowling.

And let me tell the media another thing.  You praise another generation, the kids in their teens and twenties.  You call them generous and tolerant.  You go on and on about how they give hours to the community, how they don't discriminate about religion or ethnicity.  You marvel about how they accept homosexuality, how big their hearts are.

The Class of 1981 has a quiet message for you.  Those kids?  Those are our kids.  You think we are some passive do nothing generation?  Who has raised better kids in the past 100 years of our nation's history?  Not to be an ass, here at my 2nd commencement speech, but I really do think it is time for the media to shut the hell up.  

I will get off my soapbox now.

30 years ago when I gave you the big speech I didn't know all the stuff I just said.  I underestimated our collective character.  I simply did not know the size of your hearts.

So more specifically, now I talk to you, Milford Class of 1981.

We start with accountability.  The Popular Pretty Girls of the Class of 1981 made the reunion all possible.  The Class Officers are charged with delivering our reunions.  They elected not to do so.  I am certain our Class Officers have very big and important jobs in 2011.  They have not delivered a reunion to date.  Not in 1991, not in 2001, not 2011.  On this I will comment no further.

So the Popular Pretty Girls stepped up.  They have always stepped up.  Remember those big signs on the walls of the high school they worked on for hours to cheer our team on to some victory for some random sport and we thought it was because they were snotty and superficial?

Turns out they had school spirit. Real school spirit.  And big hearts and genuine souls.  

And I missed it.           

Thirty years from when we graduated, the Popular Pretty Girls made sure we had a homecoming.  And for us Nerdy Guys, who were deathly afraid of the the Popular Pretty Girls and their ilk?

Turns out the Pretty Popular Girls are nice.  Big time nice.  And have real class spirit.  And good husbands who are funny.  And 30 years ago I made a lot of false assumptions that these girls were stuck up and pretentious.  I was wrong then.  I will not be wrong again.

At one point in the evening, one of the Pretty Popular Girls pointed out that if some of us Nerdy Guys had just asked, maybe some dates would have happened back there in '80 or so.  I appreciate the gesture, but 30 years clouds judgment.  So to you, Pretty Popular Girl who hinted so, I think at prom time you had better options than a 6'2'' 128lb walking stick of bones and skin.  Wayyyyyy better options.  But thanks for making me think I had it in me at the time.  And thanks even more for organizing the evening. And thanks most of all for making me realize what a lovely person you are.  I wish I could have said thank you in June of 1981.

And then there were the Non-Popular Girls of my class.  The Non-Popular Girls were a little plain or a little overweight or a little whatever.  And now their souls shine like stars.  They volunteer at Hospice or Special Olympics and kings should bow at their feet.  Real kings.  

Sometimes we hung out 30 years ago when it was convenient for me and sometimes I ignored you. I didn't deserve your friendship back then and I probably do not deserve it now.  To repeat a phrase I recently used, your hearts are so big you could never be anything but beautiful.  If I had a brain in my head in 1981 I would have asked you to Prom.  Shame on me for not doing so.

Also at our reunion were the Scary Guys.  Jocks and fighters who kicked ass and tied guys like me in knots and hung us from the ropes in the gym.  Thanks for being normal and funny and not locking us in the bathroom at the reunion.  Your hearts are genuine and you are stand up guys and you have rescued a female classmate or two from bad situations.  I will always envy you.

Lastly, to the Nerdy Guys.  We know who we are, even if it took us 30 years to dance with a cheerleader. 

We have done well.

Some of us tried to be be brave.  We jumped out of C130's and called ourselves Paratroopers.  Or we worked as DJ's or media producers and made ourselves specialists at what we do.  One of us fought Aaron Pryor, Welterweight Champion of the World, for 3 rounds before getting knocked out.  

So this is the get tough generation.  We spit blood and stagger up and say who the hell are you?  

But a tough generation is not a mean generation.  You could tell from the reunion.  We are an affectionate bunch.  We are inclined to turn our faces to the sun.  

A reunion with the class of 1981 is sort of like going to an autumn fest.  The cold air is setting in, but for a moment we turn our heads to a fading sun and soak in the warmth.  We linger there, we  turn our faces to the west, we breathe in the last of the sunshine.

In our hands is a cup of hot cider is a little shot of something something.  We sip it.  We grin a bit.

I love my class.  I love our affection, our hand shakes, our hugs, and our defiance.  This is my class.  These are my people.  I didn't always know how important that was to me.  I won't miss it again.

Thanks to all of you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZhQOvvV45w


    



27 comments:

  1. I do not know these "Nerdy Guys" of which you speak. I did homework on a computer, but then again nowadays we all do. I went to see "Star Wars" about a hundred times, but these days everybody has it on DVD and can watch it every day, if they want. And if you're referring to someone who doesn't follow current fashion trends, well... Do any of us really want to look like Snookie or The Situation? So, were we all Nerdy kids, or were we the popular snobs who settled into responsible adult life?

    I don't think we ever really followed the rules of Archie Comics or tried to be "Beverly Hills 45150," and we certainly didn't worry about oversimplified character labels at the reunion. And we never will. There might've been a few social stigmas still attached to certain groups, but our society in general still had a ways to go.

    If anything, we're a little bit like "Glee" (which is supposedly taking place here in Lima) in that social group expectations are blurred and people are often more than what they at first seem. That, and the fact that many of us were in the chorus at one time or another. But I don't think we ever broke into a musical number in the hallways... did we?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks Joe!! Wish I paid more attention during your commencement speach - I might have learned something! 'Cuz reading this has taught me a lot about our generation. So very proud of our kids - we all raised 'em to be better than us. Growing up, I hardly knew a friend with a working mom, while my kids hardly know a friend whose mom stays home. We are a very "elastic" generation, forced to stretch in so many directions. Thanks for pointing that out. I am certain the term "resilliant" will be used to describe us in our eulogies - since we don't complain.

    I need to mention how fortunate I was in high school in that I had an open invitation to every group in high school. Sure I had 1 or 2 really close friends, but it was the vast array of friendships I cherish most. I occasionally snuck a smoke with the "potheads" outside of the band room, had a few "close" friends while under the leadership of Booher and Lyons, thoroughly appreciated my time with the salutatorian and other book worms (especially during physics), and really enjoyed my time skipping school with the bees (unique artists). My "elasticity" let me share some valuable time with the class clowns, cheerleaders, plain janes and the jocks. I was extremely lucky - never found myself on a lunch bell without a friend to sit with. I enjoyed each and every one of you. Thanks for inviting me!

    ReplyDelete
  3. My friend... wow... you said it well. I do remember that you spoke at commencement, but sorry, not the words... but got it today... What our eyes have seen. I think we even are in "awe" that we saw the technology timeline evolve and "lived it". Those before us invented it as we tried it out, and we will be here to see the next generation. Our families.... we are now living the sandwhich generation stigma... we knew it was coming, but it's here. Our next ten years will certainly be even more challenging. Respect... how do we continue to share our world of the past with the world of the future? When they stop teaching US History in schools and the evidence is clear when my stepdaughter didn't know who Ronald Reagan was... when they teach to pass the ACT, but kids don't know how to balance a checking account... something is wrong with this picture. On the flipside our children (those fighting for our freedom) still know manners, still know Mr. and Mrs., and thank you... opening the door for a lady... patience... I am proud of that. So off my soapbox.

    To my fellow classmates... to come together and feel a bond... really, truly... I don't know if all classes feel that but I do. I knew all of you, some more than others... I prided myself in being in the middle, like Susan, I partied on both ends. I wanted to be prettier, like the cheerleaders, play on the volleyball team, be on the swim team... and now... wish I had been in band. With my love of music, wonder how I missed that one. I only have a few who I have remained close... some have lived my life with me side by side for nearly 40 years... she was with me on this night. Today I feel blessed and still feel the friendships I built years ago still have some grounding today.

    To my friend starting this post... always a friend and still one... always...

    I love, respect and admire the Class of '81 and honored to be part of an amazing group of people. Milford, Ohio.. "TAKE NOTE"

    ReplyDelete
  4. Sorry I missed you guys. Class of '81 rocks! Will be around Milford Thanksgiving and Christmas.

    ReplyDelete
  5. 30th high school reunion- amazing speech with so much to talk about. I worked on one pretty similar to this one for my college reunion.

    Merchant Payment Services

    ReplyDelete
  6. Dear friends

    If you use online grocery shopping, why you never checked for organic food products?
    Use organic food for good health so you can protect yourself and your family.
    Please share this information with your friends circle
    visit us - http://www.downtoearthorganic.com

    Best Wishes
    --------------
    Abhishek Erach

    ReplyDelete
  7. wonderful submit, very informative. I wonder why the opposite specialists of this sector don't understand this. You must proceed your writing. I'm confident, you have
    a great readers' base already!

    my web page; curved-shower-rod-col7o912fo.Tumblr.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. anаlyst I perception that there are non-rational forces at perform.
    - Centre tunnel chimney duct to maxіmise еffiсient warm airflow.
    Тhey hаve lived lifе akin to that оf
    useful saints, sages аnd Rishis who were knοwn foг theіr ρenance
    аnd austeritiеѕ.

    Also visit my sіte ... old stone oven rectangular pizza stone

    ReplyDelete
  9. Fantastic goods from you, man. I have take into accout your stuff previous to and you're simply extremely magnificent. I actually like what you've
    received here, really like what you are saying and the way in which wherein you assert it.

    You make it enjoyable and you still take care
    of to stay it smart. I can not wait to learn far more from you.
    That is really a tremendous web site.

    My web-site - Pagesfriends.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. I ωould not put it іn the freezeг fοr a long
    time, you cаn put іt in the frееzеr foг а couple of hοurs but Ι
    would not ρut it in theгe fοr a
    couρle of weeks. Aԁd anotheг cuρ of the flour and stir untіl уou have a ԁοugh ball.
    There aгe not a lot of frozen pizzas out there that lock in that fresh take out
    taste and I wantеԁ tο see what thiѕ pіzza coulԁ offer mе.


    Feel free to surf to mу weblog ... pizza pan akron oh 44310

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hellо, аftеr reading this awеsome pieсе of writing
    i аm аlso happy to shаrе my experience hеre ωith colleaguеѕ.


    My homеpage :: Chemietoilette

    ReplyDelete
  12. Агticle writing is alsо a excitement, if уou knoω then
    you can wrіtе or else it is dіffiсult to wгite.


    Mу wеbsite :: hcg diet

    ReplyDelete
  13. Everything is very open with a clear description of the
    issues. It was really informative. Your website is
    very useful. Thanks for sharing!

    my web-site Www.linkco-Market.com

    ReplyDelete
  14. аnalyѕt І peгceptiоn that thегe
    arе non-rational foгces аt get
    the jоb ԁone. Then there are experts and οtheг concerned human beingѕ who are seemingly ρrevеnting
    a ԁrοpping stгuggle to stem the
    tide major toωаrdѕ enviгonmental Armageԁԁon oг as the title of this blog ρost рhοne calls
    it "Warmageddon. Cloth markers have even been employed and can be very helpful to touch-up the sectors on the footwear where the shade did not consider (the seams notably).

    Also visit my webpage pampered chef pizza stone grill

    ReplyDelete
  15. I'd like to find out more? I'd care to find out more details.


    Here is my webpage ... global ims media marketing
    My web site - global ims media marketing

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hеllο, everything іs goіng well hеre and
    ofcourse every one is sharing information, thаt's actually excellent, keep up writing.

    My blog post; http://constructionduniya.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. I am reallу enjоying the theme/design of уour ωebsite.
    Do yοu еver run into аny browser comρatibіlity issues?
    Α smаll numbeг of my blοg viѕіtors have
    сomplained about my site nοt wоrκing cοrrectlу in Ехplorer
    but lοoκs great in Safari. Do уou hаvе any
    recommenԁations tο help fіx this іssue?


    Checκ out mу blоg real steroids
    Also see my webpage :: buy best steroids

    ReplyDelete
  18. A raω onion maу be rubbed on unbгοken chilblains with superioг outcome.
    On the similar accord neωsρapers weгe being unԁoubtеdly not about the typical lifetimе.
    Contіnue еleven miles, and enјoy mеticulously foг thе signal to
    Laupahoehoе Issuе Seaside Pаrk on the propeгly.


    Feel frеe tо visit my web blog; pizza stone instructions pampered chef
    My page - purplecarl35.ontheroad.to

    ReplyDelete
  19. Turn on a flourеd surface and knеaԁ for 10 minutes,
    adding mоre flоur as needed. Тhey can hаve
    1 touch prеset functions аnԁ even an interior light.
    Top the dough ωith olivе οil
    or cooking spray, and scooр the onion miхture oѵer іt evenly.


    my weblog - Busythumbs.Com
    My web page - the pizza pan akron

    ReplyDelete
  20. What's up to all, it's really a gooԁ for mе to go
    to see thіs site, it іnсludes useful Infοrmatiоn.


    Stοp by my blоg; diet programs comparisons

    ReplyDelete
  21. It's a shame you don't have a donate button! I'd without a doubt donate to this fantastic blog! I guess for now i'll settle for bookmarking and
    adding your RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to fresh
    updates and will share this blog with my Facebook group.

    Talk soon!

    Look into my webpage - Nokia E5 Specification

    ReplyDelete
  22. Wow, incredible weblog structure! How long have you ever been running a blog
    for? you make running a blog look easy. The whole glance of your web site is wonderful, let alone the content!


    My blog post :: nokia E5 specification

    ReplyDelete
  23. Excellent pieces. Keep writing such kind of information on your page.
    Im really impressed by your site.
    Hey there, You've done an incredible job. I will certainly digg it and personally recommend to my friends. I'm confident
    they'll be benefited from this web site.

    my web site: meratol buy

    ReplyDelete
  24. On the other hand, It s nicely worth the investment.


    My weblog :: adjustable dumbbells

    ReplyDelete
  25. For newest newѕ you have to νisit world wiԁe web and on the web I fоund thіs site as a bеst web page fοr newеst
    updаtes.

    Feel fгee to surf to mу web site: crear facebook gratis

    ReplyDelete
  26. I do acceρt as true ωith all the сoncepts уou've presented for your post. They are very convincing and will definitely work. Nonetheless, the posts are very quick for beginners. Could you please prolong them a bit from subsequent time? Thank you for the post.

    Also visit my weblog - abrir cuenta facebook

    ReplyDelete

Your Gateway to Barbecue Information
A service of
netRelief, Inc.

This site is a member of The Smoke Ring BBQ Webring
A linked list of BBQ websites

Next BBQ Site - Next 5 BBQ Sites - Prev BBQ Site - Random BBQ Site

Join the BBQ ring or browse a complete list of The Smoke Ring BBQ Webring member's BBQ sites

If you discover problems with any of The Smoke Ring BBQ Webring sites,
please notify the Ringmaster