extended family

i went to an alumni event tonight and was pleasantly surprised to run into 4 classmates (since i already knew my bff was going) from my graduating class ('04, represent!).  i don't think i've seen some of them since graduation, though we've kept in touch here and there.

we recounted some of our favorite memories, like the infamous movie we were forced to watch, or when B fell off his chair when he fell asleep in class, or when fellow classmates interviewed for the same job i did (and how i was the one who was hired).  we talked about other grads we've remained in contact with, some who have moved out of the area and doing other things.  although we ourselves have moved in different directions with our degrees, conversations were easy and light, as all of us were excited to see each other. 

i was also able to briefly catch up with other alumni who i've met over the years through various venues and our awesome professors who are exactly as i've remembered them.  it was a mini reunion of sorts.

when i was leaving, one of my classmates quipped that he'd see us in another 8 years, and i thought, 8 years?!  has it really been that long?  attending a "class" in the student center on campus made it feel like only yesterday when we were all together like this.

it was then that i realized that we are very much like a family, at first bonded by circumstance, but now comforting and familiar at once, despite the passage of time.