Auld Lang Syne

I'm a sentimental sucker, I'll give you that. Which is why it's really strange that I've lost step with pretty much every friend I had before my Cal Baptist days, and many a friend since. Something about my wiring makes it hard to focus on anything that is not right in my vicinity. Right now my family is my life, with one, maybe two concentric circles out from that, and that is the extent of my reality. Well, not really my reality, more what balls I can actively keep juggling. My reality is, I think about all my old friends a lot, especially this time of year, and especially tonight.

Not that I could take them all back in. As I said, my family requires the vast majority of my attention, and I have almost no social life outside of that. And, I'm ok with that. My family SHOULD mean the world to me. From my wife, to my son, to the tiny Walnut on the way (it's a girl!), they are my primary responsibility, and thus should be my primary focus.

But, tonight, I'll be taking some time out to think about my old friends, and all the joy they selflessly gave. I think it would be irresponsible, not to mention a privacy violation, to give their full names. Google does hit this blog pretty regularly, and some people don't want to be on the internet. But, here's some folks I raise a glass to (Martinelli's, of course):
Dr. Tab, the reason I'm alive.
Everyone I basically grew up with at Bonita Street Elementary School.
The tight circle of Jr. High friends today's Political Correctness would never allow us to call "The Fro Bros." (RIP Gabe)
A certain Michelle and Theresa at Carson High School, who were the only people I could even call friends.
Anyone I ever played football with. You guys hit hard and saved me from myself.
The guys who hung out at "The Amp" at San Pedro High School. Especially Sam, Mike, Car and Webster who got my other ticket to see The Cult just because he had a car.
The '89 - '91 Peer Counseling class at same. Especially Staci, Belinda, Margie and Lizzy.
Miss Elizabeth
The 17 Brian's at same. "Sup Brian."
The fine folks at early '90s KHCR radio at LA Harbor College.
The Boys in the band Corona De Espinas, later 3N1.
All of the great guys and gals that could truly be called Cabrillo Beach Locals, as if that was a badge of pride. Especially Mitch, Bird, Rob (who got everyone calling me Kahuna), George Susanna and John (RIP). And all you mooches who stored the 47 (at peak) Surfboards in my garage and asked for free ding repair.
Steve, the Guitar Hero.
Amanda Beth.
Rob the Ummchocalotin.
All the wonderful friends from Cal Baptist.
Pastor Bob.
Temple Heights Baptist Church.
The Fine Gentlemen of Danelectro Guitars.

Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind ?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and auld lang syne ?
For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne,
we’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet, for auld lang syne.

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And that's enough for now.

Brian Norwood

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