Read on and discuss amongst yourselves.  It would behoove us all to realize that our classmates don't care about what we look like, the size of our checkbook, or how fast we've climbed the corporate ladder. 

For a few hours, at least, we can all be 18 again!  Well, 18 with wrinkles, anyways...


 

"Swallow your pride and reunite"

 

 Not that we look old enough for this, but high school reunion season has rolled around, and this year is a biggie.

Most of us have not seen each other in such a long time. This will be the first time some of us have seen each other since high school.  In fact, some of our paths never crossed in high school but we've gotten to know each other through this website.

Still, there is a surprising number of fiftysomethings who insist on missing this incredible chance to face - and laugh at - the past.

Why? This is what we're hearing, and why we think they should change their minds.

The Top 10 list of excuses for avoiding the reunion...

I am not rich yet. Or, my job is not high-powered enough.
When will you be successful enough to face everyone?  10 or 20 years from now when our memories will really be foggy(smile)? Please don't wait that long, life is too short to miss a chance to connect. Check your ego, and show up anyway.  Besides, it's later than we think!

I'm 58 and have not yet married, had kids, bought a house, written a book, sold my screenplay, . . .
(fill in your favorite personal disappointment here).  You have been doing something during these past 40 years. Come and tell everyone about it.

I'm too fat/going bald/have an embarrassing skin condition. 
You aren't alone. Not a good excuse. Pull on your Spanx, comb it over, slather on the Eucerin, and forget about it for the night.

I hated everyone from high school. 
Everyone? Not one single person you can remember with fondness? Check your e-mail contacts list, I bet there is at least one faithful high school pal there. Message them and see if they are going. Ask if they would like to see you there.

Everyone from high school hated me. Or, I haven't been in touch in 40 years, so if they didn't hate me then, they hate me now. 
And ignoring this problem will make it go away? Time to make amends. Show up at your reunion, make peace, and enjoy a special bonus - you won't spend the next 10 years being hated.

I can't remember anyone's name. 
That's why God invented name tags and a cash bar.

I'm afraid to see the one who broke my heart/whose heart I broke. Or, I'm afraid I won't see them. 
Suck it up, they probably don't remember you anyway.

I don't want my spouse to know what a loser I was in high school.  They already know. They love you anyway.


I can't go because I (or someone very close to me) is having a baby, living more than 3,000 miles away, just declared bankruptcy...
OK, in those very special cases, you get a free get-out-of-reunion card, and we wish you well.

But seriously folks, there is something to celebrate about where we came from and how far we've come, even if some of you are afraid it's not far enough.  We hope to see you at this very special Old School Reunion because our reunion won't be the same without you there!
See you there.

 

 NO EXCUSES  !!!
WHY UNITE?

If you are NOT coming to the reunion, you need a good excuse and a note from your probation officer or whoever else keeps you out of trouble.
The following reasons have been tried and are UNacceptable.

Excuse #1: I've gained a lot of weight!   
Rebuttal:  Look around!! I doubt any of us could get back into our jeans from high school any more.

Excuse #2:  I'm a different person than I was in high school
Rebuttal: Lucky for you, we ALL are.  Let's face it; we could only have improved.

Excuse #3:   I don't look as good as I'd like. I (choose one or more) am bald, have wrinkles, saddlebags, grey hair and no one will recognize me.
Rebuttal: Guess what! You won't recognize anyone else, either. Using the reunion committee as a representative sample, our whole class looks like a "before" photo in a plastic surgery ad.

Excuse #4: I'm not successful. I'm not (choose one or more) a lawyer, a doctor or rich.
Rebuttal: You'll be pleasantly surprised to find how much everyone has matured. We may be plump and wrinkled (see Excuse #3, above) but we're not stupid. Money is not success. Please note that any doctors in the class are very welcome. Any lawyers will need to ask for special permission to attend.

Excuse #5: I was not in a popular clique in school
Rebuttal: Now that we're older and smarter, those cliques have dissolved just like the superficialities they were based on. The only cliques you'll notice at the reunion will be the sound of your joints as you walk around.


Excuse #6: I don't know who to talk to or what to say
Rebuttal: Don't panic.  No one know who they will talk to or what they will say. Somehow when you get there; it all falls into place, and again, the cash bar is always there to help.

Excuse #7: I don't like the location / format / food / emtertainment, etc. etc. etc.
Rebuttal: I think you may be missing the point.  A reunion isn't about the place.  It's about the people who attend.  My new slogan is "It's not the menu or the venue.  It's the people who show up"!

 

Excuse #8: It's too expensive
Rebuttal: This is one that's hard to argue.  I agree.  It is a lot of money; especially in these economic times we find ourselves in.  The only thing I can tell you is that no one makes any money off this thing.  There is the food, and the tax, and the gratuities.    Before you know it; this budget is in the trillons, just like the bail-out.  If there is any money left over (which I seriously doubt), it stays in the class account; not anybody's pocket.  We are  trying to get you the most bang for your buck; and trying to get as many people there as will show up.  I especially feel for those who are traveling great distances to be here.  They not only have the reunion ticket; but also travel and lodging expense as well.  We have people coming from all over:  California, Arizona, New Mexico, Arkansas, Texas, as well as the midwest and lots of other places.  We're hoping you'll make it too!