And smart too

The other night I had a dream in which I came across a girl who went to middle school with me. I honestly have not even thought of this girl or her name for 15 years, so I do not know what she was doing popping up in my subconscious. But anyway, it inspired me to dig out my old 8th grade yearbook (for which I was editor!) from Justice Middle School, Marion, Indiana.

First, here is a lovely picture of me from the yearbook (I'm the tall kid with spiky hair):

In front of me is my friend Tim, and in the background is some kid named Rick who lived near me, and my friend Kasey. I don't remember what we were making though.

But the true joy of unearthing the 8th grade yearbook is reading what some people wrote.


Exhibit A:

You're welcome, Pam. Thank you for figuring out that I merit a "b" instead of an "s." Apparently, however, I am the kind of "brother" who never calls or writes.

Exhibit B:

Thanks, Alison. Even though you moved away the next year, I kept my unique sense of humor just for you.

Exhibit C:

Tracy was a good friend, and then he moved away to another school. I completely lost touch with him. In French class we would play Slow-Mo Rocky, in which he would punch me in slow motion, and I would do that weird slow-mo shout -- "Noooooooo!" -- and then I would spray blood and spit all over the wall. Good times.

Exhibit D:

Jason was my best friend for a couple of years in middle school. We bonded over our love of Michael Jackson and New Edition. He made fun of my sloppy handwriting because he had fancy writing. Now he is a rock star in Austin.

Exhibit E:

As you all know, I remained fresh, and I did stay chillin'.