Kristi Patterson '89

Kadena High School, ah, the memories...the first of which being the words, "Me love you long time," out of Michelle Abbott's mouth. Kind of makes you wonder where she spent all of her time, huh?

The reunion was a blast, for those of you who missed it. I know you've probably heard that a million times by now, but there are honestly no words to describe the feelings and emotions that were running at an all-time high in Vegas, and it wasn't alcohol-induced for a few of us, just so you know. The amazing thing is that no one had changed. Once we got the guys all back together again, it was just like old times in a new location. I don't think anyone got to sleep before 3 a.m. on either night.

Everyone that I have talked to is dealing with this weird depression thing right now. It was really hard to leave Vegas. I did not want to go. There is nothing worse than saying goodbye again to people that you never thought you'd see again when you left Okinawa. And I have been in the worst mood for the past three days as a side-effect. What the hell happened down there? Did you put something in the water, Jack? Is this a ploy to make us all go to the next reunion? It just might work. Only next time, make the reunion just a few days longer, would you?

The biggest problem I had was trying to split my time up between everyone that I wanted to see. Consequently, Jeff Lynn '89 now thinks I'm the biggest flake on earth. Sorry Jeff. Unfortunately, old times also meant that everyone was back into their old cliques again, but I was lucky enough to be able to float between a few of them. You hear a lot of interesting things that way. I think the best was, "Where's the gold on this $65 chicken?" (Sorry, Reunion dudes.)

Jack! I'm so glad I have finally, after four or so years, met you! Way to hang with the group! And I finally understand the feeling of matching a face to a name you have seen hundreds of times. It's nice to know some people outside of the 84-86 era, huh?

Michelle! My favorite roommate! No one has cracked me up more often over the past several months. You've kept me going, kept me laughing and kept me interested in continuing the search. Please don't lose touch again! I need to maintain my insanity! You have to be at my wedding! Who else will tell me they'll "love me long time,"--the groom?

Tammy and Matt! What a pair you two are! Keeping me up all hours, then waking me up early. What? Did you think I had kids? LOL Actually, it was very nice to meet you. And Tammy, thank you immensely for keeping me motivated.

Jenni Humphries! My other roomie. It was nice sleeping with you, I mean sleeping in the same room with you, I mean sleeping in the same room as your clothes. LOL I think you get the award for hopping between the most rooms.

Kim Skinner! My best pal...my longtime friend from Oki and Utah State Univ. Why have we let seven years slip by without so much as a lunch? I have no one to call me Kristi Kae. When are you moving back to Utah? When are you going to start writing me back?

Jenni Walker! I knew you were fun, but I had no idea you were so much fun until our tour of the MGM. I wanted you to stay! But did you find Kevin? Ronni Patterson and Joe Jack -- I see you all the time.

Greg McCormick! You know, for being your best friend, I still only see you once every five years. Your daughter is a doll! And you are still the same old Greg. I'm just glad I wasn't designated driver this time.

Mike Canoy. You grew up. What is up with that? You look mature, even good. Wow. Tell your girlfriend hi. You know she is way to good for you, don't you?

Anthony Canoy. So am I still the same old Kristi, even though my voice is all grown up now? Thanks for the chocolate. I'll look forward to getting them in Hawaii next time.

Jeff Lynn. You grew up too! You look great, even the nose. And Ana is so sweet. You two are very cute together. I hope I'll be that happy.

Manit Pothong. Sorry for standing you up on the magic show thing. You know it was unintentional, don't you? Oh, that's right--it wasn't a date anyway. Ssshhh!

Chad Wilson. You get the award for the best hair. How did you manage to snag your girlfriend. She's too cute for you too.

Jim Harper. Mr. Disappearing Act. When you were around, it was great to see you, I just wish I could have seen more of you. I win the popularity argument, by the way. You were the shit in high school.

Albert Parcero. Wow. Who would've guessed after all these years, that you and I would get along. And I really liked you! You have a great sense of humor. What took us all these years? You are invited to the wedding too, just to let you know.

Armando Parcero. Well, Mr. Motivation and fellow Ink-Slinger. What happened to all of the help, huh?

Jesse Deocampo. I wish I would've had the nerve to talk to you in high school, but I guess I had to catch up with all the really cool people. LOL You are pretty amazing yourself. I'll catch you at the next Mariners game or when you come to see "the sunset on a Rocky Mountain sky," since you suck at writing. But that's what phone cards are for, right? Thanks for hanging out with me on Saturday so I wouldn't be a loner. It was really nice getting to know you.

Victor Sim. There are no words to describe our experiences together. Chris Aucoin, Jon Downer and Noel Gattoc. Next time don't change so much that I don't recognize you! The Bides Boys. We missed you. It would've been nice to have the whole group back together.

Just for the record, I did not touch the tables in Vegas. Hell, I didn't even pull a slot. I was busy enough catching up, that I didn't want the distraction.

I didn't think he would be, but Jack was right when he said that half of the fun of reunions is getting to know the people that you missed in Okinawa. That was so true. And it wasn't nearly as fun playing, "Remember when..." as it was to making new memories.

For those of you who missed, I'm sorry. Actually, unless you had a legitimate excuse I'm not sorry. Everyone who was there is just as busy with work, kids and family and making ends meet as the next person, and they managed. Hell, I'm planning a wedding and I made it. So save your lame excuses and admit it wasn't important to you. For that, I am sorry.

Once in Okinawa, when the guys and I were on our way up to Aha Falls, Greg McCormick said, "Man, this is going to be one of those days that you write down in history." So were the three days we just spent in Vegas.

Kristi Patterson '89

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