After schlepping our stuff to the car, for what seemed to be the umpteenth time, we drove to the campus of the University of Illinois, my alma mater. Many things looked different, but much more looked exactly the same. I felt both relieved and sentimental as I walked "the quad". It was great to show the kids where I went to school, and I think they were impressed by the old buildings and the number of students going from place to place. Socrates was with us and he had probably never seen so many people!
We then visited my old fraternity house, Tau Epsilon Phi. I don't remember the place being such a pit, but it was great to wander the hallways and see the ghosts of my past-life. It brought to light just how quickly the years go by. After learning just a bit about fraternities and sororities, Jenna is now all excited about going to college and joining a sorority. Apparently, it made quite an impression on her.
At the frat house, I introduced myself to a few guys that were coming home from class. When I told one of them my my member number (PSI 992), one of them asked me if I knew "Boog" (aka Jay Powell), who happened to be PSI 991. Well, we were best friends for several years, so of course I knew him. In fact, I had been wondering how to contact him for several years. As it would happen, Jay was back in school to finish up the degree he never completed all those years ago. What are the odds? So I was able to reach him on the phone and we met on campus, catching up on what has happened in our lives the past decade. It was really great to see him and I hope to keep in touch more regularly.
After this serendipitous meeting, we got in the car for the next leg of the journey, which would take us clear across Indiana and into Dayton, Ohio. We saw the exterior of the Indianapolis Speedway. Tomorrow we intend to visit a historical site in Dayton, then head to Cleveland.
It's Del.icio.us!
Furl It!
October 9, 2003 02:50 PM
How very exciting! And they say...you can't go home again.
October 9, 2003 10:38 PM
How Cool!!! what are the chances!!?!! How wonderful you got to see an old friend!!
October 10, 2003 10:47 PM
Boog still exists! Wild stuff.
of course the house is a pit. always was!
October 22, 2003 09:31 AM
Clam Dip,
I heard that you showed up in Chambana. I happened to be in town on Boog's 40th birthday.
Email me if you get this post.
T.I.
February 2, 2004 05:42 PM
Your pictures are soooo hot! That cut-off tee is sooo sexy! We should hook up!!!! 217-840-5425 Give me a call Boog!!!!