Skip Daze

Yesterday was a bit of a fog, and I was unable to execute the photos for the Weekly Words Challenge (by Tink). The words were "Arch" and "Purple". Sorry I didn't get to join in the fun this week, doesn't mean you can't Run by and see everyone else's talents!

Speaking of "Skipping", and since it is Springing into Summer pretty much around here, I am reminded of that famous phenomenon, Senior Skip Day (wiki).

Now, in the time leading up to my very own graduation, I have to go ahead and admit that I never did anything very interesting. It's quite sad honestly. I wasn't much of a class 'skipper' really, that is until I reached college. By then the rebel factor was no longer in effect, it was just go to class, don't go to class. There were no ringing bells, no tardy slips. It was a whole different ball game.

Yes well when the time came for our very own Senior Skip Day, I even contemplated whether it would be worth my participation. All of my good friends had already graduated in the last couple of years, and the friends that I hung with now were more just replacement friends. I wasn't "popular", and moreover there was nothing very interesting to do in our small down which was buried right smack in the middle of a dry county for Christ's sake. What was it I should aspire to, finding a floor mat and plopping down for a day in front of Sesame Street?

Alas, in the spirit of Seniority I pushed myself to participate in all of those final events (even went to a few senior parties). On Senior Skip Day, one of my replacement friends, Annette, and I cruised over to Harold's house in my powder-blue Impala and spent the lamest few hours possible doing nothing. For me, all it added up to was watching Harold hit on Annette all day, listening to his lame jokes and desperately watching the clock.

Unfortunately in fact, all of the Senior-events combined consisted of activities far paling in comparison to a movie such as American Pie (1999) although I do admittedly wear a few medals for a "Band Camp" story or two. ;)

Looking back, High School for me was the proverbial End of The Innocence in essence (aside from Band Camp), because of those harmless crushes that went nowhere, lack of real-life troubles, and everything still reeking of childhood fairy-tale bliss. Once all that snowy drift washed away the floodgates were opened for real-life pains and true heartbreaking permanent scars. In short, nothing got that interesting until college.

If we had realized the jewel of pure innocence in those shiny-faced days, looking back, I think we would have listened more closely when our parents or loved ones told us to really savor and enjoy our youth, and not to be such a hurry to grow up. We probably all giggled and rolled our eyes to those words at the time, but knowing now how fast that time zoomed by I wish we had listened fully with ears wide open.

Graduates (and everyone) I challenge you; seize the day, live with no regrets, and slow down a little... really. There's no need to rush, believe me when I say these moments have fast wings.