Ten Years

I feel really old today. Not that today is any day special...like my birthday...which is next month...but because last night was my ten year class reunion.

I always thought I'd go to every reunion our class had, but I didn't. I stayed here (600+ miles away) and worked my regular shift instead.

Why? Well, getting time off isn't super easy and I would rather go see my family later this month. (SOOOO excited!!!) Also, reading the Facebook event wall reminded me of just how clique-y my school was and how "small town" Vicksburg is. The Village of Vicksburg had a population of less than 2,500 when I lived there.

Please don't get me wrong...I'm all for the small town life. It was a great experience living in a place where everyone knew you. My parents were smart to move us before I hit the over populated middle school we were zoned for in the city. After graduation though, I moved on.

When I look back at trips "home" I think of time with family and getting to see friends I haven't seen in way too long. I also think of running into half my graduating class and seeing that they're still living the same life they did when we were in school...plus a spouse and some kids.

Part of me wishes I had the comfortable life they live in that predictable little town. The other part of me sees just how far I'm come since then...how much I've grown.

Anyway...in honor of the Vicksburg High School Class of 2001, I'm posting my yearbook pictures* from 7th grade (when we moved to town) through graduation.

*Please disregard how grainy the photos are and just enjoy.

Did you notice the change in my eyebrows?

Now that you've gone back and looked... Notice that somewhere between 8th and 9th I learned what tweezers were, and between 10th and 11th I learned how to over use them. I also got contacts that summer. And, since I know you're wondering, the red hair in my senior photo is all me. No hair dye, I swear. My hair just does that sometimes in pictures. (It's also why I can color it red so easily.)

I hope you've enjoyed my little trip down memory lane. Feel free to post your own yearbook photos and let me know where to find them.

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Midge