The Lion Tags Tonight

Ten Years Ago: May 1998
Let’s see…I would be ending my first year of college right about then. I wish I had a significant insight on the moment, but mostly I remember learning to dislike packing and moving all my stuff. I’m sure I felt a sense of victory. As a naturally shy person who never wanted to leave home, getting through my first year of college was no small feat. As I recall there was a sense of relief, an “okay, I can do this” sort of feeling.

I, no doubt, was a tad disappointed, too. College wasn’t quite like the sitcoms made out. I did not find my social group (that would take another year). I did not become best friends with my roommate (that took two more years). I did not find my purpose in life through a collision of events (still looking). I did not fall in love (yeah, that one is still in the air). Also, much to my surprise, I didn’t magically change into a new person. I was still undeniably me. At the time I’m sure I found that a trifle confusing. (Doesn’t everything change when big things happen?) It would be a few more years before I figured that one out.

But, to be honest, that’s just guessing. The only clear memory I have is trying to cram my worldly possessions into my Mustang and my Dad’s Bronco during the hot humidity of a San Antonio May, while my annoying roommate tried to manipulate me into taking her to Sonic. And that uniquely dorm smell lingering in the air.

Five Things on Today’s To Do List
1. Get out of bed (Check)
2. Email “Happy Birthday” to brother (Oh, crap! Hold on…..okay, check.)
3. Check-in with my work chicas (Check)
4. Worry momentarily about Amy and Co. (Check, check, check, check…)
5. Go to Yoga (To do)

Five Things I’d Do if I Were a Billionaire
1. College funds for various small children in my life.
2. Hybrid Lexus.
3. So many shoes they’ll have to start calling me Imelda.
4. Big ole’ closet in roomy house in the hill country for the shoes in question.
5. Start planning the trips.

Three Bad Habits
1. I am prone to lollygagging.
2. I am prone to eating...everything.
3. Focusing all my hate and unhappiness on Kobe Bryant. (Not really. I don’t consider that a bad habit. How about impulse shopping?)

Five Places I’ve Lived
1. Costa de Oro
2. Shook
3. Magnolia
4. Talavera
5. Gold Canyon

Five Jobs I’ve Had
1. Entertainment Reporter
2. Transcriber
3. Palm Reader
4. Coordinator
5. Editor