It's a day I've been thinking about for years. And because I came to Oz this year, it's now twice as significant.
For one: today marks four months that I've been in Australia, having arrived on Feb. 27. It's amazing how quickly the time passes. I think most travellers can relate to the way your conception of time changes when you're away from home. In some ways, it's all one, big blur that has come and gone in a flash. In other ways, I feel it has been years since I last saw my family and friends in Canada. And since I ate poutine. (I just had to throw that in.)
For two: I graduated from high school on June 27, 1997 -- exactly 10 years ago today.
I can remember the day so clearly. It was only partly sunny. Not the perfect weather one would hope for on such a day, but at least it wasn't raining. I remember so many small details: the ceremony of going to pick up the rental car (a brand-new, hot-red Pontiac Sunfire coupe) from the dealer; the extra time I took showering, shaving, and getting dressed; driving to my best friend Kim's house to pick her up, as well as a couple of other friends; the way we drove down Albert Street and then around the block a couple of extra times before parking the rental car at the hotel.
Later on after the dinner and ceremony, we boarded yellow school buses and set off for the after-grad party at a local nightclub (it was terribly exciting for a bunch of underage kids to be partying in a nightclub, although we weren't allowed to drink alcohol. It was an event organized by the school, after all). We danced, we ate, we talked until dawn. A big group of us went for breakfast at an all-night diner. Everyone was in a terrific mood, despite the lack of sleep.
And then we went our separate ways, not knowing exactly what the future would bring or what we would make of our lives.
Some of us have moved to far-flung parts of the world. Some of us still live in Regina, Saskatchewan. Some of us went to university. Some of us didn't. Some of us are married with children. Some of us are single. One of us is sitting in a public library in Brisbane, Australia, typing a new entry for his blog (a word that didn't even exist on June 27, 1997).
Did I think this was what I would be doing 10 years from graduation day? Of course not. Although I had always dreamed of travel and had been to Europe my first time just a few months before grad, I had no ambition to live in Australia back then.
I think what strikes me most today is that I don't fundamentally feel any different than I did when I was 18. Sure, I'm a bit wiser to the world. I've gained confidence and life experience. I can be proud of several achievements while I try not to think about the failures.
Otherwise, I'm still that same kid who loves to have a laugh with friends; who loves food from all corners of the Earth; who sometimes takes life too seriously; who is more shy than he would like to be.
Just one question remains: where will I be on June 27, 2017?
A picture of my friend Tana Cameron and I on graduation day, June 27, 1997. Thanks for sending this to me recently as a surprise, Tana!
2 comments:
Memories, ahhh yes. They can be a wonderful thing. I'm glad that you have pleasant ones to reflect upon. I do remember your dad escorting me to my grad and the fabulous dress I found to wear. It was very chic for the time. Dare I say it 1971. I received a locket that I have to this day.
Time can move incredibly slow at times and at others it can seem out of control with hardly enough time to breath and to record what is actually happening. Then there are other times where you feel it is standing still and you feel paralysed.
One thing I have learned is that you can't go back and you can't stand still. So it is forward we must move. Sometimes reluctantly and at other times with great anticipation! Live each day as though it were your last. I think you are doing a wonderful jop at experiencing and getting the most out of it.
I too was a Grad 97 smartass and we actually held a lame reunion for ourselves in Unity a few weeks ago. I will tell you the piece of wisdom I took away from that event: 10 years is not nearly long enough to really appreciate the absence of some individuals. I also doubt this is the life I was working towards but it isn't so bad. And I still have writing, which is what I'm actually procrastinating from right now. Miss ya buddy - Kelly b
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