This week, the Ramstein Class of 2001 descended upon Las Vegas to reminisce about our glorious days of attending high school in Germany. But I was sincerely walking in with some nerves. Throughout the planning process, I could tell that there were many (myself included) folks still carrying some battle scars from high school. I wasn’t sure how it was all going to work out in Vegas…if there were going to be loads of stubborn, hurt people who would act out in passive aggressive, or maybe even straight up aggressive, manners. And folks, let me tell you. There was no. reason. to worry.

I was amazed at how quickly *everyone* fell into conversation. Everyone was genuinely interested in what everyone else was doing in their lives…there was no marking who was in what group in high school, or who did what to whom…it was just a lovely, fun couple of days with a LOT of laughs.

A huge thank you to everyone who made it out…everyone who put aside what may have happened 10 or 11 years ago and just lived in the fact that we all had a pretty unique high school experience, and let it be fun to have that common thread of the Kino, Riverside, doner plates, Kristkindle markts, and the last few moments of an amazing exchange rate. I love you all…can’t wait to see you again…but I’m not planning another reunion for 10 more years. ; )

One of the top five things I was nervous about in coming to Los Angeles was the idea of becoming really self-focused. Not only because the industry I coming out here for is notoriously self-serving…but also because the city in general lends itself to being the same way. With all the billboards and fame and good-lookingness and blah blah blah.

Weellllllllll. I did it. I got swept up in all the excess. And while I was complaining to one of my roommates about why – basically – people didn’t act like I wanted them to, she opened her mouth…and humbled me.

She said it was probably a condition of me needing everything to be about me, and putting myself before others.

And she’s right. So, so right.

It would have been one thing if she and I weren’t friends…or if there was an assumption of intimacy…but this girl has taken the time to get to know me, has been kind and encouraging from the start. So hearing this truth from her caused me to step back and take the time to evaluate.

Embarrassing? Yes. But I’m so. so. so glad to have someone in my life willing to be that up front…and speak the truth in love. And I hope that all of you have, or find, one person to be that kindly honest in your lives.

Now then, to tackle the rest of the issue. Blergh.