This picture was taken at the 8th Grade Formal of the Thomas Jefferson Class of 2001. Geez, now I feel old! And where the hell is my neck in this picture? I sorta look like Augustus Gloop from Willy Wonka - with glasses. But Brenda is in the picture, so that's a good thing - although she makes me look even bigger sitting next to her.
     I don't really recall much from that night. Just random things. Like the fact that I hated the coat I had on but was forced to wear it. That the school screwed up and although I had paid, I wasn't given a ticket, so I had to sorta wink at the teacher to get in the door. And yes, the fat kid remembers the food at the Bradley House: ham ...and it was cold.
     I had stopped going to such things after 6th grade. At the time I had the greater social skills of a hermit, not that things have improved much since. And what the hell is a cripple supposed to do at a dance? But this was forced upon me, just like the coat. It was't all bad, I did have fun, as this picture survives to show.
     The one thing I remember clearly was dancing - specifically dancing with Stephanie. It was stiff and awkward, and not just because of the legs. I think she had crush on he at the time, but I was as cluless then as I am now in that regard. So I danced badly to a slow song with her. Hoping that I had my hands in the right place, that I didnt fall, and that the song would just end. Don't get me wrong, I liked her, just not as she may have hoped.
     Lets hear it for obscure flashbacks, and finding old friends in new places! :-)