Nashville, it's Largest Industry is Health Care

And do you know why it's largest industry is health care?


I'm sure there is a connection somewhere with all those broken-hearted love songs coming out of that city.

Well, I made that part up, but it could be true.

In just a few hours, I'm heading to the airport and flying there to meet up with John, Ginger, and Laura.

[Wait does this look like John is planning something?!?!?]

Later tonight, we'll be at the Sommet Centre all excited to see these dudes:

The Eagles

[ Umm, yeah, we won't talk about the "what ifs" from my past. ]

Ginger has arranged a blogger meet-up at The Flying Saucer for Saturday night. From the RSVP's, looks like quite a few will be there.

I won't be able to post about this trip until Sunday ... [and per John] after photo approvals.

I hope they all aren't the "What happens in Nashville stays in Nashville" type.

On second thought, until my weekend is over, I better not criticize that mantra.

34 Years Later ...

John and Nancy 1973 and 2007

We decided to meet early and watch the Michigan vs Michigan State game. John lives about an hour from me, out in nowheresville. I drove to the corner of the designated spot to meet and pulled in the parking lot. If he hadn't told me he'd be there on his motorcycle, I have to admit, I wouldn't have recognized him. I followed him back to his house, and yes, it wouldn't have been easy to find, so I see why he had me meet him where we did.

I could tell he was nervous. After 15 minutes, he was fine, the funny, fun guy I remember from high school. We flipped through the yearbook for awhile and showed each other our kids photos, then left to go watch the game at the only bar in his small town. We had fun going down memory lane, recalling high school stories, and playing I wonder what ever happen to (so-and-so).

We had dinner, a few drinks then went back to his place. More talking, catching up, and laughing ... he is funny. He admitted to having a crush on me in high school and shared his fears of even talking to me. He settled for sitting next to me in all the classes we had together and copying off my paper. He thanked me for his good grades.

John was a kind, liked by all guy in high school, funny and fun, with a impish boy charm to him. That hasn't changed. He still likes his cars, motorcycles, video games, and guitars. I know, you're wondering if we'll go out again. I think I will just keep it as "buds".

Date with Destiny?

I dialed.

Nancy: Hi, John? This is Nancy (last name) from high school. I hope it's OK, Sam (last name) gave me your phone number.

John: Hell yeah! How the heck are you? You're single? Right?
(scary amount of excitement in his voice)

Nancy: Umm, yes ... so you remember me?

John: I wouldn't have passed history without sitting next to you. *laughs*

Nancy: Ahhh, so you remember me for my brains?

John: *laughing* No, you had nice b**bs too.

Nancy: *** wondering if I made a mistake calling ***

Then he calmed down. We talked for about an hour. Playing catch up, on thirty five years of reminiscing, of our pasts and our today's. He asked to get together this weekend, but since I already have plans we decided on next weekend. To be continued.

SHS 1973

That's the year I graduated from high school. My best friend since 8th grade Karin and I still keep in touch. After hearing about the passing of a classmate recently, she and I begin reminiscing.



Karin and I were too cool for school. We aced our classes, excelled at 1st hour breakfast, and regret our lacking in those bonded type friendships with others.

We didn't go to dances, proms, or school sports. Being "too cool" we had already entered into going to concerts and chasing bands at the venues in Detroit (sneaking of course) and attending pro-sport games. Especially Red Wing hockey. We hung out at clubs and bars (ignorance is bliss) instead of home parties and under the bleachers.

Yep, to cool. Sad part is, we missed out on all the too cool, fun, friendships, and bonding that stay with most through these later years. The passing of someone is a name and a face and a "wow, I can't believe it". But to conjure a good time, a fun memory of that person, well it escapes me.

There was one guy, John, that I secretly liked. But whoa! He was my age and in high school ... best to keep that crush to myself.

I just learned he is single and according to my source (thanks Sheila) he's still looking good. I called a friend of his and got his phone number. I'm going to call him tonight.

I'll keep you posted.

P.S. I still have his senior pic he gave me. Is it fair to post it?