Day 41... sunshine and memories

I feel like a student again as I sit here in this coffee shop, laptop in front of me, reports and coffee by my side.  It's funny how situations can bring back the past.  Transport you back in time to moments so often lived before.  Though in those days I can hardly remember days in front of a computer over coffee - computers were confined to the 4th year rooms, to home.  Coffee shops were for reading, much highlighting and scribbles.  For procrastinating - catching up with friends.  But those moments in time were perfection - or they at least are now, in my mind - as I've forgotten the torturous assignments and exams, the work that got me to where I am now.  I just remember the people, the connections, the coffee.

I also remember the late nights - in fourth year - every day consumed with consumption - beer.  Girly drinks on Mondays - our favorite male bartender.  Savoring the moments as girls together when we could, outnumbered every other moment outside those we carved out specifically.  I remember the nights we didn't plan to drink - late night assignments, just a beer or two or several - no matter how hard our convictions the table would always be full of empties when it was over.  And yet, it was a class I rocked - water - thursday mornings, 8:30 am... never made it, too hungover from Bomber nights, assignments over beers with Niki, exams completed first, I don't understand it.  Funny how it all works sometimes.

I remember the card games - briscola - and laughter - the BNL Rock Spectacle the soundtrack to it all - always.  Purple walls, yellow CD - so clear.  And as I sit here and write I realize that I talk to none of them now - our connection dwindled to the fine threads of facebook - so remote - so long ago - so strange as they were such a big part of who I was - who I am now.

Then there are the best friends - the connections made on day one - green shirts and nicknames - same names... such silliness.  Laughter.  Road trips to Toronto - scavenger hunts in yellow hard hats.  Roses.  Guitars.  These moments are carved into my soul - details which I could never forget - never want to.  Two parts - one still in my world, one so far away.  I wish I still had them both.  They're both in my head, my heart.  Memories of years gone by.  Of class rooms and living rooms.  Movies and music.  Teaching and talking.  A cul-de-sac.  Parking ticket.  Stolen hugs, sneaking into my bed.  Late night phone calls.  A lifetime ago. 16 years.

And as I sit here - cold coffee beside me, words flowing from my fingers.  I reminisce of these days gone by, memories that still warm my heart after all this time.  Bring a smile to my face.  Days to be cherished.  Days to be savored.  It's nice to be transported back into that time - at least for this moment.