It's weird how people grow up...

"Debbie just hit the wall
She never had it all
One Prozac a day
Husband's a CPA
Her dreams went out the door
When she turned twenty four
Only been with one man
What happened to her plan?"
Bowling for Soup - 1985

Just got back from my friend's wedding dinner and reception, and I must say, it was interesting. My 'date' bailed on me, but I still had an enjoyable evening. Not only did I get to meet my friend's beautiful wife, but I got to catch up with three friends from my University of Ottawa days. I'm going to tell you a bit about what they were like when I knew them (1997 - 2001), and what they're up to now. As the title of this post indicates, it's weird how people grow up...

The Groom
Back in the day - The life of the party. Non-stop talker, joker, entertainer. Although he was smart, he never 'shone' academically, cause he was too busy putting smiles on everyone's faces.
Circa 2009 - As his impromptu 'thank you' speech proved, he's still the entertainer. Had a classic line about moving from thinking with his heart (and getting into trouble), to thinking with his head (and still getting into trouble), to letting his wife do his thinking for him (in order to avoid trouble). He's finally letting his intellect shine through as he pursues his PhD at a prestigous Americam university.

The DJ
Back in the day - Very social, artistic, but could pull amazing grades due to his innate intellect. Appeared on three newspaper covers during University as a DJ/member of a band. Had perhaps the best nickname (given by the groom) - Simple and Plain, Ian Swain.
Circa 2009 - Works in stastical analysis and marketing for a think tank in Toronto, studying the relationship between economic development, and various other factors common to urban living. Has a beautiful girlfriend, who is also a musician. He continues to DJ ("scratch"), playing a show last night in Montreal.

The Quiet Girl
Back in the day - Although she never talked much, when she opened her mouth, you knew it was for something important. I'd characterize her as creative, captivating, and friendly. She used to mention her boyfriend named Jeff who she met at 16....
Circa 2009 -....and ended up marrying! They have two beautiful daughters together, and live in the suburbs. She's been successful with her career as well, working in her chosen field in two medium-profile positions in the government. She seems fufilled at a relatively young age.

The Devout, Thinker
Back in the day - Former president of the Muslim Student Association (one of the largest clubs at the U of O), he was a quiet leader. In groups, he was a hard worker, as well as being an idea man. I always had so much respect for him since he held very strong beliefs.
Circa 2009 - Recently married, with his first child on the way, he continues to be very devout in his beliefs. Having passed the bar, and appeared on tv as part of a high-profile human rights case, he's also accomplised in his career. Seems to be striking the perfect balance between work, family, and religion.


Rather than being the only single person at the table, I felt a bit inadequate when comparing professional accomplishments. However, I'm genuinely happy for all four of my friends who are doing spectacular. The groom talked about "falling into a good crowd" at University, and the great times he had during his undergrad, and I couldn't agree more. Those were the days....