S-A-T-U-R-D-A-Y NIGHT!
S-A-T-U-R-D-A-Y NIGHT!
Gonna keep on dancin' to the rock and roll
On Saturday night, Saturday night!
Dancin' to the rhythm in our heart and soul
On Saturday night, Saturday night!
- from Saturday Night by the Bay City Rollers*
Seven bottles of water, a plate full of Texas-quality barbeque, and an earful of hot news later, it was time to get ready for the big dinner at the Oklahoma Jazz Hall of Fame. After another admonishment from Bo about wearing a tie, in which he used the word "scissors" a couple more times, I decided to go for 'artist casual' and wore black slacks and a Columbia blue pocket T. Unfortunately, the dress shoes I'd worn the night before had aggravated a problem in my Achilles tendon, so I had to wear my hiking boots in order to have the support I needed to walk.
When I arrived at the former Union Depot in downtown Tulsa, I noticed quite a few sports jackets and ties (when will I learn not to take fashion advice from Bo?!?) There were also more than a few people in 'business casual'...tieless with open collars...so I didn't really feel out of place.
At the risk of being redundant, the food was wonderful and the company exquisite! I continued catching up with classmates whom I'd either only exchanged a quick "Hi!" with or had completely missed at the other gatherings. I also got to know some of my classmates' spouses better. Kelly, Clel, Patrick, and Justine have all married some wonderful people.
After dinner, we were entertained by a singing trio called, The G-notes. They were very versatile and entertaining...using canned accompaniment to sing the hits of the 60's, 70's, and 80's. Couples immediately began to hit the dance floor…Sheri was as enthusiastic as she had been 30 years ago. After their first set, we all adjourned outside to have a group photo take under the Depression-era Art Deco facade of the restored Union Depot. Afterward, it was back inside for more chatting and dancing. Diane even got me out on the dance floor once...hiking boots and all. All in all, a fabulous time was had by all. It was incredible seeing how much people like Patrick, Brian, Janet, and Clel had changed over the years…but more stunning was how many like Betsy, Justine, Diane, Mike, Gordon, and Dana look as if the only thing that had changed was their hair styles. I don’t think any of us wanted that night to end…but as has been said many times before, all good things must come to an end.
As people began to filter out, there was a lot more hugging, promises to keep in touch, and more than a few tears. For most people, Sunday was going to be a day of travel back to their homes. That had been my original plan, but one more last minute gathering had been planned for Sunday…a reunion of Memorial’s drama club, the Masque & Gavel.
Next time, Send in the Clowns. Until then, best regards…
* Saturday Night © Bell/Arista Records 1974, 2004
© James P. Rice 2009
28 July 2009
The Sixth Part of 30 Years and Counting: Some Like It Hot
Some like it hot and some sweat when the heat is on.
Some feel the heat and decide that they can't go on.
Some like it hot, but you can't tell how hot 'til you try.
Some like it hot, so let's turn up the heat 'til we fry.
- from Some Like It Hot by The Power Station*
Justine's hug pretty much launched a stellar night for me. As with Thursday night, it was wonderful having the opportunity to renew old friendships and to turn casual acquaintances into new friendships. One of the highlights of the new friendships I made was when I discovered that Patrick, with whom I'd had a casual acquaintance in high school, was one of the people I consider the true heroes of the United States. It seems that after high school, he decided his first college major just wasn't working for him, so he managed to earn an appointment to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis from which he graduated in 1985 and earned his Commission. He is currently the highly-decorated Commanding Officer of a Ticonderoga class guided missile cruiser.
The rest of the night was much the same; a blur of hugs, smiles, laughter, and amazement as I learned how far so many of my classmates had come since our days on South Hudson Avenue. I didn't even think once about 'Captain Paranoia.'
Saturday dawned, promising to be hot, humid, and sunny. Our first event of the day was a Class Picnic that some of the locals had put together at the last minute. My sense of duty wouldn't let me arrive empty-handed, so I stopped at SAM's and grabbed a case of bottled water. Its a good thing I did.
To be fair, living in the Austin area has me acclimated to summer days when the temperature and the humidity are both in the high 90's. I've learned that, as long as I have a hat, a source of water, and either shade or a good supply of SPF 50, a fun time can be had. So I showed up at LaFortune Park with my "workin' in the yard" hat, a case of bottled water, and a heavy-duty camp chair. After stashing the water with the rest and grabbing an already-chilled bottle, I let my memory continue its jogging.
Alan, Gary, Eddie, and all the rest did a fantastic job. The barbeque served was actually prepared by my classmates and it was delicious! But the big surprise from this event was that I discovered that at least a couple of my classmates had been receiving some extra-special tutoring from a couple of teachers. There had always been rumors and innuendos, but it was still entertaining to find out the truth. Hot summer day, hot food, and hot news. Gotta love it!
Next time, S-A-T-U-R-D-A-Y NIGHT!
Until then, best regards...
* Some Like It Hot © Capitol/EMI 1985, 2005
© James P. Rice 2009
Some feel the heat and decide that they can't go on.
Some like it hot, but you can't tell how hot 'til you try.
Some like it hot, so let's turn up the heat 'til we fry.
- from Some Like It Hot by The Power Station*
Justine's hug pretty much launched a stellar night for me. As with Thursday night, it was wonderful having the opportunity to renew old friendships and to turn casual acquaintances into new friendships. One of the highlights of the new friendships I made was when I discovered that Patrick, with whom I'd had a casual acquaintance in high school, was one of the people I consider the true heroes of the United States. It seems that after high school, he decided his first college major just wasn't working for him, so he managed to earn an appointment to the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis from which he graduated in 1985 and earned his Commission. He is currently the highly-decorated Commanding Officer of a Ticonderoga class guided missile cruiser.
The rest of the night was much the same; a blur of hugs, smiles, laughter, and amazement as I learned how far so many of my classmates had come since our days on South Hudson Avenue. I didn't even think once about 'Captain Paranoia.'
Saturday dawned, promising to be hot, humid, and sunny. Our first event of the day was a Class Picnic that some of the locals had put together at the last minute. My sense of duty wouldn't let me arrive empty-handed, so I stopped at SAM's and grabbed a case of bottled water. Its a good thing I did.
To be fair, living in the Austin area has me acclimated to summer days when the temperature and the humidity are both in the high 90's. I've learned that, as long as I have a hat, a source of water, and either shade or a good supply of SPF 50, a fun time can be had. So I showed up at LaFortune Park with my "workin' in the yard" hat, a case of bottled water, and a heavy-duty camp chair. After stashing the water with the rest and grabbing an already-chilled bottle, I let my memory continue its jogging.
Alan, Gary, Eddie, and all the rest did a fantastic job. The barbeque served was actually prepared by my classmates and it was delicious! But the big surprise from this event was that I discovered that at least a couple of my classmates had been receiving some extra-special tutoring from a couple of teachers. There had always been rumors and innuendos, but it was still entertaining to find out the truth. Hot summer day, hot food, and hot news. Gotta love it!
Next time, S-A-T-U-R-D-A-Y NIGHT!
Until then, best regards...
* Some Like It Hot © Capitol/EMI 1985, 2005
© James P. Rice 2009
26 July 2009
A Fifth of 30 Years and Counting -or- Take Me Back to Tulsa
Hurry, don't be late, I can hardly wait.
I said to myself, "when we're old
We'll go dancing in the dark,
Walking through the park, and reminiscing."
- excerpt from Reminiscing by the Little River Band*
Friday morning, after a few hours sleep on Dad's sofa and a late breakfast, I took off to tour Tulsa and do some reminiscing. This was my first time back to town since I'd moved away in 1984 that wasn't stuffed full of family commitments and scheduled events. I wanted to look around my birthplace and see for myself the changes I'd heard about. So I headed for the places that were a big part of my teen years: Sheridan Lanes...the Bowman Twin...Don's Restaurant...Bells...Driller Park...St. Michael's Alley. Okay, in some cases I visited the spot where the place used to be.
I also took the time to find the venues for the Reunion. While downtown checking on parking for the Jazz Depot, I saw the new BOk Center and the pit at First and Frankfort I'm told will be the Drillers' new stadium. It was strange seeing some of the old landmarks hidden amongst new construction. Finally, it was time to get ready for the Meet-n-Greet at the Stokely Event Center, so I headed back to my Dad's place to clean up.
Somewhere along the way, I'd missed the note in the schedule that said 'casual attire,' so I wore a tie to Friday night's event. As soon as I arrived, I knew I was over-dressed. After a few choice words from Bo (which included 'scissors'), the tie came off and I began mingling. . I saw many of the same faces I'd seen at the Sunset Grill, but I have to say the highlight of the night was when I was finally able to get a moment with Justine.
In high school, Justine and I were casual friends. We were in different clubs and orgs...she was in Surfs, STUCO, and the NHS, while I was in Wind Ensemble, Masque & Gavel, and barely graduated...but we had a couple of classes together. The thing I most remember about Justine is that she always had a smile for me. When I began connecting with classmates in Facebook, she was one of the first I 'Friended.' Over the months, I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the mom/banker/entrepreneur into which she had blossomed. The better I got to know her, the more I came to value her opinions and input...even when I did not agree with them.
When I spied her Friday night conversing with three of our classmates, I moved over near her and patiently waited for her to finish, all the while trying not to eaves drop. When she noticed me, though, she immediately paused and came over to greet me.
Now, I have to say that the best non-Maternal hug I've ever received in my life was from my darling wife, Marilyn. But I have to admit that the best non-spousal hug I've ever received was that Friday night from Justine. It was an embrace between old, dear friends...so full of warmth and kindness that the last of my misgivings fled. I received many warm hugs that weekend, but I have to be honest; none could approach Justine's hug. I only hope she got half as much out of it as I did.
In the next installment, Some Like It Hot. Until then, best regards...
* Reminiscing © EMI Music Australia Pty Limited 2002
© James P. Rice 2009
I said to myself, "when we're old
We'll go dancing in the dark,
Walking through the park, and reminiscing."
- excerpt from Reminiscing by the Little River Band*
Friday morning, after a few hours sleep on Dad's sofa and a late breakfast, I took off to tour Tulsa and do some reminiscing. This was my first time back to town since I'd moved away in 1984 that wasn't stuffed full of family commitments and scheduled events. I wanted to look around my birthplace and see for myself the changes I'd heard about. So I headed for the places that were a big part of my teen years: Sheridan Lanes...the Bowman Twin...Don's Restaurant...Bells...Driller Park...St. Michael's Alley. Okay, in some cases I visited the spot where the place used to be.
I also took the time to find the venues for the Reunion. While downtown checking on parking for the Jazz Depot, I saw the new BOk Center and the pit at First and Frankfort I'm told will be the Drillers' new stadium. It was strange seeing some of the old landmarks hidden amongst new construction. Finally, it was time to get ready for the Meet-n-Greet at the Stokely Event Center, so I headed back to my Dad's place to clean up.
Somewhere along the way, I'd missed the note in the schedule that said 'casual attire,' so I wore a tie to Friday night's event. As soon as I arrived, I knew I was over-dressed. After a few choice words from Bo (which included 'scissors'), the tie came off and I began mingling. . I saw many of the same faces I'd seen at the Sunset Grill, but I have to say the highlight of the night was when I was finally able to get a moment with Justine.
In high school, Justine and I were casual friends. We were in different clubs and orgs...she was in Surfs, STUCO, and the NHS, while I was in Wind Ensemble, Masque & Gavel, and barely graduated...but we had a couple of classes together. The thing I most remember about Justine is that she always had a smile for me. When I began connecting with classmates in Facebook, she was one of the first I 'Friended.' Over the months, I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the mom/banker/entrepreneur into which she had blossomed. The better I got to know her, the more I came to value her opinions and input...even when I did not agree with them.
When I spied her Friday night conversing with three of our classmates, I moved over near her and patiently waited for her to finish, all the while trying not to eaves drop. When she noticed me, though, she immediately paused and came over to greet me.
Now, I have to say that the best non-Maternal hug I've ever received in my life was from my darling wife, Marilyn. But I have to admit that the best non-spousal hug I've ever received was that Friday night from Justine. It was an embrace between old, dear friends...so full of warmth and kindness that the last of my misgivings fled. I received many warm hugs that weekend, but I have to be honest; none could approach Justine's hug. I only hope she got half as much out of it as I did.
In the next installment, Some Like It Hot. Until then, best regards...
* Reminiscing © EMI Music Australia Pty Limited 2002
© James P. Rice 2009
24 July 2009
A Quart of 30 Years and Counting -or- Memories: They aren't just for Cats!
"Memory - all alone in the moonlight.
I can smile at the old days,
I was beautiful then.
I remember the time I knew what happiness was.
Let the memory live again."
- excerpt from "Memory" from the musical, Cats*
First night in Tulsa and I felt as if I'd returned home. Great music, cold Guinness, and a wonderfully warm welcome by old friends...and some classmates who had only been casual acquaintances. Even though it was an unofficial event, everyone attending Jaimie's concert at the Sunset Grill had a great time. It turns out this was to be a precursor of the theme for the whole Reunion: great venue, excellent company, and a wonderful time had by all.
One of the best parts of that first night is that my memory took up jogging. After all the "its great to see you agains," nearly every conversation became a mix of catching up and reminiscing. Even now, my memory is playing tricks with me and I'm certain I missed mentioning someone who greeted me Thursday night. Let me assure you that it isn't intentional...a combination of the stresses I've experienced over the last few years and the pain management meds doctors have prescribed for me have wreaked havoc with my memory...especially short term. This is one of the reasons I decided to blog about the Reunion...to help keep my memory jogging.
Walking around the Sunset Grill...chatting with everyone...I found myself suddenly remembering more and more. In some cases, it was an expression on a somewhat familiar face...a turn of phrase...or even one reminiscence simply leading to another. The curtains gradually parted on the stage of the past and, one by one, my memories began to step into the spotlight and take a bow. Have I mixed enough metaphors yet?
I went back to my dad's apartment that night, the evening a cyclone in my mind. Before going to bed, I logged into Facebook and and sent 'friend' invitations to many of the people I re-met at the club. I began making notes, hoping they would help me organize my thoughts and ensure I would remember as much as possible.
Next time, the Hug of the Century and Take Me Back to Tulsa.
Until then, best regards...
* Cats © Copyright The Really Useful Group Ltd. 1981
© James P. Rice 2009
I can smile at the old days,
I was beautiful then.
I remember the time I knew what happiness was.
Let the memory live again."
- excerpt from "Memory" from the musical, Cats*
First night in Tulsa and I felt as if I'd returned home. Great music, cold Guinness, and a wonderfully warm welcome by old friends...and some classmates who had only been casual acquaintances. Even though it was an unofficial event, everyone attending Jaimie's concert at the Sunset Grill had a great time. It turns out this was to be a precursor of the theme for the whole Reunion: great venue, excellent company, and a wonderful time had by all.
One of the best parts of that first night is that my memory took up jogging. After all the "its great to see you agains," nearly every conversation became a mix of catching up and reminiscing. Even now, my memory is playing tricks with me and I'm certain I missed mentioning someone who greeted me Thursday night. Let me assure you that it isn't intentional...a combination of the stresses I've experienced over the last few years and the pain management meds doctors have prescribed for me have wreaked havoc with my memory...especially short term. This is one of the reasons I decided to blog about the Reunion...to help keep my memory jogging.
Walking around the Sunset Grill...chatting with everyone...I found myself suddenly remembering more and more. In some cases, it was an expression on a somewhat familiar face...a turn of phrase...or even one reminiscence simply leading to another. The curtains gradually parted on the stage of the past and, one by one, my memories began to step into the spotlight and take a bow. Have I mixed enough metaphors yet?
I went back to my dad's apartment that night, the evening a cyclone in my mind. Before going to bed, I logged into Facebook and and sent 'friend' invitations to many of the people I re-met at the club. I began making notes, hoping they would help me organize my thoughts and ensure I would remember as much as possible.
Next time, the Hug of the Century and Take Me Back to Tulsa.
Until then, best regards...
* Cats © Copyright The Really Useful Group Ltd. 1981
© James P. Rice 2009
22 July 2009
30 Years and Counting III; Once More into the Breach...
Previously, in 30 Years and Counting...
(I can almost hear Taurean Blacque* reading that line as a voice-over)
I laid out the issues troubling me about the upcoming Reunion and opened up a can of good old-fashioned Texas Whoop-ass on my insecurities. With Captain Paranoia's attempts at reprobation muffled to indistinct muttering, I loaded up the minivan and headed to Tulsa.
At this time in my life, I'm fortunate that I'm no longer chained to a time clock. Having more flexibility than I used to, I was able to head north a day earlier than planned so that I could attend the club gig of Jaimie Muehlhausen...one of my classmates who is a professional musician. Between a minor mechanical problem and Oklahoma's tendency to place nearly every major highway in the state under construction at the same time, I arrived in T-town a bit later than I'd planned. After I got settled at my dad's place (and tried once again to convince him that the purpose of this visit was the Reunion and not to spend every waking moment with him), I arrived at the Sunset Grill about an hour and a half late...well into Jaimie's performance.
I was lucky enough to find a parking spot right in front of the club. As I got out of the van, I could hear a couple of women sitting at an outdoor table speculating on whether or not it really was Jim Rice getting out of the van. I smiled, said, "Hi!", assured them it was I, then headed into the club. Almost immediately, my insecurities began to dissolve. To a faint chorus of "I'm Mellltinngggg!" from the Captain, I was warmly greeted with smiles and hugs by Bo, Diane, and Cheryl. After grabbing a Guinness at the bar, I was warmly greeted by Sheilah, Brian, and Rob...all to a background of "Roots Rockin' Swamp/Blues/Americana/Southern/Country/Soul" by Jaimie, Tom, Kathy, and Liz. I was surrounded by warmth and acceptance. In spite of what Thomas Wolfe once wrote, I felt like I'd come home.
Next time...Memories; they aren't just for Cats!...
Until then, best regards...
*Think: Hill Street Blues.
© 2009 James P. Rice
(I can almost hear Taurean Blacque* reading that line as a voice-over)
I laid out the issues troubling me about the upcoming Reunion and opened up a can of good old-fashioned Texas Whoop-ass on my insecurities. With Captain Paranoia's attempts at reprobation muffled to indistinct muttering, I loaded up the minivan and headed to Tulsa.
At this time in my life, I'm fortunate that I'm no longer chained to a time clock. Having more flexibility than I used to, I was able to head north a day earlier than planned so that I could attend the club gig of Jaimie Muehlhausen...one of my classmates who is a professional musician. Between a minor mechanical problem and Oklahoma's tendency to place nearly every major highway in the state under construction at the same time, I arrived in T-town a bit later than I'd planned. After I got settled at my dad's place (and tried once again to convince him that the purpose of this visit was the Reunion and not to spend every waking moment with him), I arrived at the Sunset Grill about an hour and a half late...well into Jaimie's performance.
I was lucky enough to find a parking spot right in front of the club. As I got out of the van, I could hear a couple of women sitting at an outdoor table speculating on whether or not it really was Jim Rice getting out of the van. I smiled, said, "Hi!", assured them it was I, then headed into the club. Almost immediately, my insecurities began to dissolve. To a faint chorus of "I'm Mellltinngggg!" from the Captain, I was warmly greeted with smiles and hugs by Bo, Diane, and Cheryl. After grabbing a Guinness at the bar, I was warmly greeted by Sheilah, Brian, and Rob...all to a background of "Roots Rockin' Swamp/Blues/Americana/Southern/Country/Soul" by Jaimie, Tom, Kathy, and Liz. I was surrounded by warmth and acceptance. In spite of what Thomas Wolfe once wrote, I felt like I'd come home.
Next time...Memories; they aren't just for Cats!...
Until then, best regards...
*Think: Hill Street Blues.
© 2009 James P. Rice
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