Ever since I left New York in 1993, I try to make it back there at least once a year. This year was no different. But as those of you who grew up here know, traveling here around Thanksgiving is a risk. Will a Nor'easter thwart the plans? Will I get stuck on the Thruway like the motorists in Buffalo? So why would I plan another trip to NY for Thanksgiving 2014? Well, two reasons: 1)I love to be around family, especially during the holidays AND 2) My 25th high school class reunion was happening. While we had to change some driving plans to beat this years snow, we made it to NY on Wednesday morning and the festivities began. I won't bore you with stories of my girls hanging out with their cousin, or how my Megan loves to go into my parents attic looking for treasures or how my brother John paid me two years of lost football bets in dimes. Yes it was only $30 but it's a bitch to carry around 300 dimes in a baggie. Good thing there are coin machines at the Saratoga Racino, even though I lost $3 in processing fees. Hmmm, I lost money in the slots and the money exchange. Maybe I should stop gambling. However, there is one thing that happened during Thanksgiving dinner that had almost the whole table crying; not from sorrow because Chris and his family weren't with us but from laughter. It really doesn't matter what initially brought on this laughter but the outburst of my wife started it all. First, you have to realize, Diane doesn't curse much. It's not that she's prudish; she just doesn't swear much. Let's be honest, up until this past Thursday, she has only blurted out the F-Dash-Dash-Dash word twice in the 17 years we've been married.Anyway, about 10 minutes into our meal, a chain reaction started and as soon as it did, whether she meant to or not, Diane mouthed and we all saw "What the F%^K," part her lips. At first it didn't seem real...what happened to cause her to mouth these words and the fact that she did mouth these words. Then the laughter came along with tears because we were laughing so hard. In the end, we all left the table with our bellies full and hearts warmed because of this explosive situation. Like I said, I love being around family during the holidays and this one will stand the test of time. But the second half of my trip was to see my classmates; some of whom I haven't seen since graduation.
The reunion wasn't until Saturday night, but Friday night was a lot of fun as well. You see, two classmates of mine, Tom Miller and Joely Schwenk are a two person band: Stretch. They were playing at O'Toole's and Diane and I wanted to go see them. Hell we had the babysitter and she was free! (Thanks again Joann!) Anyway, these two are really good. And there is one thing I hope they don't mind me saying, but just watching them play together, I could tell how happy they are together not just as a musical gig but as a couple as well. I have to admit that Tom, Joely and I didn't always travel in the same circles growing up and Hell, I haven't lived in NY since 1993 but when you see genuine happiness and love, you just know it's real and I see it in them. Oh, and they rocked one of my favorite songs, which I requested. So big props to them both!
On Saturday night, about 60 of us came together at Wolf 1-11 to celebrate 25 years of life after high school. First and foremost I have to give a shout out to Amy Travison Jasiewicz. She was the lynchpin behind this celebration and she did an awesome job. I realize she had help, but without her drive, this wouldn't have taken off. Many came for the local area but others traveled from NJ, MA, OH and the DC area. And I fully understand why so many couldn't make it with other travel plans or visitors. We almost cancelled at the last minute because of the snow, but fortunately we modified our plans to come. But for those who were there, in my opinion, it was a great time. The conversation wasn't forced. The Tito, beer, martinis and other mixed libations flowed as smoothly as the words out of Joely's mouth as she sang to Tom's guitar. Again, they played one of my favorite tunes. BTW, whatever Sheryl was drinking, Amy and I thank you. It was a little off-tasting but you left it there on the table so we helped ourselves. As a side note, it wasn't the alcohol that fueled the good times, it was the people and atmosphere. One thing that stood out to me was how the great relationships that formed over the past 40 years (some friends were made in elementary school) withstood the test of time and seem even stronger now. BTW, while the Shaker El crew represented in numbers, Paul Rockenstyre and I were proud to represent Saddlewood! It truly was great catching up with everyone. Facebook has definitely helped in that sense especially for me since I've been away for so long.
Another thing that we all seem to have in common are the trials, anxieties and goals we have for our own children. It was comforting to know some of my own peers were dealing with the things Diane and I deal with. It's easy to listen to those who've already raised their kids, but many of us have children close to the same age and to hear them talk, I was comforted knowing I was not alone.
As I was talking to others, I spoke on how I would someday love to move back to NY. Diane and I have always discussed it and the kids are only on-board if we move close to my family. But then as I was enjoying the evening, another thought crossed my mind. I want my kids to have what we've all enjoyed over the years; life-long friends that start at an early age and last into the later years in life. I want that for my girls and if we uproot them again in a few years, that may disrupt it. This doesn't mean I'll stop visiting NY. And when I do, there doesn't have to be a formal reunion to get together. We can all just meet up somewhere to have a great time, like we did this past Saturday night.
The reunion wasn't until Saturday night, but Friday night was a lot of fun as well. You see, two classmates of mine, Tom Miller and Joely Schwenk are a two person band: Stretch. They were playing at O'Toole's and Diane and I wanted to go see them. Hell we had the babysitter and she was free! (Thanks again Joann!) Anyway, these two are really good. And there is one thing I hope they don't mind me saying, but just watching them play together, I could tell how happy they are together not just as a musical gig but as a couple as well. I have to admit that Tom, Joely and I didn't always travel in the same circles growing up and Hell, I haven't lived in NY since 1993 but when you see genuine happiness and love, you just know it's real and I see it in them. Oh, and they rocked one of my favorite songs, which I requested. So big props to them both!
On Saturday night, about 60 of us came together at Wolf 1-11 to celebrate 25 years of life after high school. First and foremost I have to give a shout out to Amy Travison Jasiewicz. She was the lynchpin behind this celebration and she did an awesome job. I realize she had help, but without her drive, this wouldn't have taken off. Many came for the local area but others traveled from NJ, MA, OH and the DC area. And I fully understand why so many couldn't make it with other travel plans or visitors. We almost cancelled at the last minute because of the snow, but fortunately we modified our plans to come. But for those who were there, in my opinion, it was a great time. The conversation wasn't forced. The Tito, beer, martinis and other mixed libations flowed as smoothly as the words out of Joely's mouth as she sang to Tom's guitar. Again, they played one of my favorite tunes. BTW, whatever Sheryl was drinking, Amy and I thank you. It was a little off-tasting but you left it there on the table so we helped ourselves. As a side note, it wasn't the alcohol that fueled the good times, it was the people and atmosphere. One thing that stood out to me was how the great relationships that formed over the past 40 years (some friends were made in elementary school) withstood the test of time and seem even stronger now. BTW, while the Shaker El crew represented in numbers, Paul Rockenstyre and I were proud to represent Saddlewood! It truly was great catching up with everyone. Facebook has definitely helped in that sense especially for me since I've been away for so long.
Another thing that we all seem to have in common are the trials, anxieties and goals we have for our own children. It was comforting to know some of my own peers were dealing with the things Diane and I deal with. It's easy to listen to those who've already raised their kids, but many of us have children close to the same age and to hear them talk, I was comforted knowing I was not alone.
As I was talking to others, I spoke on how I would someday love to move back to NY. Diane and I have always discussed it and the kids are only on-board if we move close to my family. But then as I was enjoying the evening, another thought crossed my mind. I want my kids to have what we've all enjoyed over the years; life-long friends that start at an early age and last into the later years in life. I want that for my girls and if we uproot them again in a few years, that may disrupt it. This doesn't mean I'll stop visiting NY. And when I do, there doesn't have to be a formal reunion to get together. We can all just meet up somewhere to have a great time, like we did this past Saturday night.
2 comments:
1.) Curious about what Diane was "wtf-ing" about...
2) My ten year reunion was a few back and it was terrible. Poorly planned and poorly attended. Sounds like yours was much more the satisfying venture.
3) That is all. I dismiss myself.
-Capt Wilk
It was great to have you all here even with the "crop dusting" event and all!!
Love you all.....Joann
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