Yesterday a friend sent me a video of Michael Buble’s Day Off. I wouldn’t have looked for it on my own. Not because I’m not a fan, he has a great voice, but because it felt really false to me to follow his career when I never really noticed him in school. I felt bad. (Even though I was younger and not cool… I mean it’s not like my noticing him would have ever made a difference but when has logic ever ruled my life?) But my friend encouraged me to watch it and I was so glad I did.
It was entertaining.
It was about my home town.
And best of all it helped me realize that the reason I never noticed Mr. Bublé in school was because he was standing directly next to the glowing ray of light that was the boy I was in love with at the time. (Serious love people. Well serious for a 16 year old.) The boy that just happened to be Michael’s best friend (and had a cameo in the video). I was madly deeply and embarrassingly in love with the guy. At the time I thought (as all 16 year olds do I’m sure) that I had cleverly hidden my crush. Looking back I’m absolutely sure that my crush was hair-gel clear.
Does everyone feel their pride sink into their sneakers when they think of themselves in high school? Is it normal to watch a video of someone else’s high school reunion and that “well at least I have a year to prepare for mine?” Well at least now I’m free to be a fan (without the self important irrational guilt).
NB. Why does my husband put up with me? You think I’m joking, but I’m actually that neurotic.
Writing Exercise:
Did you have a tragically unrequited love in school? Or did you summon the bravery to talk to your crush? Think back to the last day of grade eleven. Imagine that you were the kid with the crush. This is your last chance. The boy (or girl, whatever) is graduating. It’s now or never, and you have the perfect excuse, you can ask them to sign your year book. Do you take the plunge? Does fate get in the way? Happy writing.