Nostalgia Blog - Things I Remember

I remember when I lived on Ohio Ave in Cincinnati with Ryan. It was my first place out of the dorms and I loved it. Ryan was a solid roommate and since we were both Chemical Engineers, we were able to motivate each other and help each other out in class. I remember when Fallout 3 came out, Ryan would sit and play it. He refused to use the targeting system, relying on his own skill. A wise choice, because he could snipe across valleys with ease. I remember the dark room and the blue couch. I remember laughing.

I remember the neighbors next door. They were the dirtiest people imaginable. Since they continually had people over, I could never be sure who actually lived in the house. One night, they woke me up at 2:00 in the morning with their noise and music. I had a big test the next morning and needed my rest. They played the bongo drums until the cops came at 3:30. I was furious...but I had to admit to myself that their beats were pretty good. The test was mediocre.

I remember sleeping with just a sheet, the window thrown open, and my giant fan on. The apartment was so hot. I'd never been in an apartment like that. Sometimes I'd wake up at night just from the heat. I loved it. I loved that I was being challenged. Those hot nights are pleasant memories.

I remember coming home from a night out with friends, drunk. I stumbled around the apartment, allowing myself to collapse on the bed. When I woke up, I had to lay there just to stop the world from spinning. After an hour, I put on sunglasses and went to Panera for orange juice and a bagel. I was happy.

I remember the Halloween party that Michelle convinced me to go to. I didn't even have a costume, but I went anyway. I stayed for a record 5 minutes until some losers started smoking pot. I hate the smell; it gives me a headache, so I went downstairs. Not long after, a huge fight broke out between a dude in a banana suit and a guy in a toga. They toppled a trash can full of glass and fought in it. The girl downstairs asked me what was going on and called the cops. Getting the inside story, I got my group out. We ended up chilling at the apartment. There were barely enough seats.

I remember Ryan sleeping with his window/door open, even in the freezing cold, because he liked it that way. It was too cold for Jayna though, and they always fought for covers.

I remember when we went to Jungle Jim's and then made bananas foster - Ryan and I loved that dessert. I remember the joy of eating together with friends.

I remember when I left for co-op, only to realize I'd left my boots back in Cincy. After work on Monday I drove straight to Cincinnati, only to realize that I'd actually left them in Huber Heights, at home. I drove up I-75, got my boots, finally had dinner and then drove all the way back to West Virginia for work the next day. The money I spent on gas could have bought me new boots, and driving for 8 hours was a challenge, but I don't regret a thing.

I remember when Max told us about Dog Fish Head - 90 Minute IPA and Ryan and I went out and bought some at Party Source. We took it back to the apartment, let it chill, and tried it. At the time, it was the most bitter beer I had ever tasted. It was like drinking charcoal, I thought. Both Ryan and I noted how "hardcore" it was. Neither of us really liked it. I ended up drinking the rest of the case though, over the coming days. Nowadays, I realize how good that stuff is.

I remember working on Fluids and Basic Strength of Materials at my desk, my room illuminated only by the floor lamp. Ryan would work at the kitchen table, even though he had a desk in his room, and we would compare answers. Together we fixed our mistakes and learned. I doubt I'll ever have a comrade like that again.

I miss the old days, but I don't want to go back. I'm moving forward, making new memories. But please forgive this entry and allow me to...remember.