Goodbye Shannon (like high school all over again)

I walked in late to the memorial service. With the people there, it felt like high school all over again. The 1st person I saw was an old friend named Merrick who I haven't seen in years. I chilled in the back on the left. But then Mrs. Fernandez showed up on the opposite side.

Mrs. Fernandez was 1 of my favorite teachers. A lot of students think of her as their 2nd mom. I am 1 of them. Years ago, I came clean to her about adult-oriented stories of how I've fucked up since getting out of Catholic school. The reason why I haven't kept in touch with my favorite teacher was because I've fucked up even more since then. And after too many fuck-ups, it gets embarrassing.

But then she caught me from the corner of her eye, walked all the way across even though I was hoping she didn't see me, and gave me a big hug.

Ms. Ponterero, the former secretary who had been fired, hugged me and then gave me this look and said, "Stay out of trouble."

What the hell kind of stories have been going around about me?

CHRIS: It's Providence. They know everyone's story.
JUSTIN: Even after you've graduated?
CHRIS: Especially after you've graduated.

I was reunited with Justin. He was my tag team partner from 2004-2005.

This stoner named John (not to be confused with my raver buddy John) from CSUN was there. What a small world.

JOHN: Let me get your number, bro.
RYAN: You know the last time we exchanged numbers, we were at the dorms, I was wasted, and you were stoned.

Other than that, I didn't get to say "hi" to Ms. Learned, who was another mother-figure among students and who's also been fired. Also missed Tommy, who was my role model back then, and who coincidentally knows Carlos and Michelle's friend TJ (wow, this world keeps getting smaller and smaller).

Anyway, 1 of Shannon's friends sang Amazing Grace really well. And she had a pretty face. I had to phone Brian at the GNC to tell him.

RYAN: Dude, this chick who sang Amazing Grace ... I need to find out who she is. She is so in my database! Until then, I'm gonna be jacking off to her all day long, maybe even with Amazing Grace playing in the background!
BRIAN: Dude, that reminds me of the movie Wedding Crashers when they start crashing funerals.

There was a reception at Shannon's house afterward, but a lot of people felt awkward going. Many went to Islands in Burbank instead because it was her favorite place to go. Got lost twice. The 2nd time, Justin's bad directions sent me to North Hollywood. Finally found it on my own.

Caught up with Patricia and her sister, Anjelica. Patricia used to act like my mom back in the day, dubbing my bad boy adventures as "hooligan activity." They want me to keep them posted about any future Kelly Clarkson concerts.

I had dinner with my mommy and her accountant at Cheesecake Factory in the Americana. Got my usual beef ribs and raspberry lemonade. The seasonal cheesecake is pumpkin pecan. Watched last night's episode of Glee on the internet and called it a night.