When my friends called to tell me about our high school reunion this past weekend, it made me recall lots of old memories and people that I hadn't thought about in quite a long time. One of these people is Nick Gardner. To say I was obsessed with him would be a total understatement. I was BANANAS for this kid (b-a-n-a-n-a-s!). Now, I would typically deem anyone I had a crush on as lucky (um, hello!)—not Nick. Looking back on it, I feel sorry for him. I was a freakin' psycho.
I learned his route between classes so we'd pass each other in the hallways—sometimes we'd say hi, usually we didn't. I joined the ski club just because he was in it. I couldn't ski. I started listening to Phish because he loved them (The only song I liked was "Bouncing Around The Room," so I'd listen to it on repeat. I think it's the only Phish song that has WORDS, btw.) When Liza, Foster and I would arrive to school in the morning, I'd look around the parking lot to see if Nick's yellow station wagon Volvo was there. If it wasn't, I'd make up an excuse to stay in the car (Umm yeah, I wasn't actually studying those flashcards, guys!). When he arrived, I'd get out of my car and walk behind him. He knew I was there--we never spoke. We probably didn't say more than fifty words to each other in two years. He was painfully shy, and I was a nervous wreck around him. Not exactly a magical combo.
It didn't matter what weird phase Nick was going through at the time, I was into it. Even, when he returned to school one year with a totally heinous MUSTACHE. That was the same year he asked me to prom. I know for a fact that he did not like me, but I guess he decided to throw a girl a bone. I can't say we had a blast, or even that we kissed, but at least I got to write "NICK ASKED ME TO PROM TODAY!!!" in my journal.
It didn't matter what weird phase Nick was going through at the time, I was into it. Even, when he returned to school one year with a totally heinous MUSTACHE. That was the same year he asked me to prom. I know for a fact that he did not like me, but I guess he decided to throw a girl a bone. I can't say we had a blast, or even that we kissed, but at least I got to write "NICK ASKED ME TO PROM TODAY!!!" in my journal.
Probably the biggest crush I've had since Nick Gardner is Channing Tatum. Random, I know--they couldn't be more opposite. And don't get me wrong, I've had plenty of crushes in my lifetime, but I guess these two guys fit the definition of a crush more than anyone else because as much as I hoped something would happen between us, I knew it never would. (Hey, don't laugh. Channing would have fallen madly in love with me if we had ever met!)
Don't even get me started on Channing. I chose this headshot instead of a full body shirtless pic so you wouldn't get all hot and bothered at your desks during work. Trust me, you would. Read about the interview I had with Channing here. It was awwwesssome!
Tell me I'm not alone here. Have any of you had a crush like this before? Did it make you act like a psycho?? What about a serious celeb crush? I'd love to hear your stories!
Don't even get me started on Channing. I chose this headshot instead of a full body shirtless pic so you wouldn't get all hot and bothered at your desks during work. Trust me, you would. Read about the interview I had with Channing here. It was awwwesssome!
Tell me I'm not alone here. Have any of you had a crush like this before? Did it make you act like a psycho?? What about a serious celeb crush? I'd love to hear your stories!
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Drew Barrymore (Wedding Singer character)
ReplyDeleteI went to L.A. with my father on business when I was like 14. Thought all celebs just hung around in public all day. Was so scared I'd bump into her.
I can't decide if I am more into Taylor Kitsch or Tim Riggins (the character he plays on Friday night lights). I don't know what it is about him that gets me going but I bought Men's Health because he was on the cover. The article inside was TERRIBLE. I wouldn't even call it an article but the pictures of his biceps were worth it :)
ReplyDeleteHaha, that is SO funny PK, love it.
ReplyDeleteAnd I didn't see that Men's Health issue yet. Eye candy is ALWAYS a good thing...just might have to pick it up, LIS :)
Came here from the Single-ish blog. I've only read a few posts yet buy I'm love your writing and your spirit! And yes, I had a crush almost exactly like your back in undergrad. Only difference, I ended up telling him after 3 years and all he said was that he was surprised and it was good I got it out of my system. Bah!
ReplyDeleteHey Footloose! Well, I failed to mention that I confessed my feelings to Nick, too. In an email. He wrote back, but didn't mention a word about what I had confessed. Needless to say, he was NOT surprised. It does feel good just to get it out though, right?
ReplyDeleteOMG, what is it about my comments that always end up with a zillion grammatical errors that I'd never make elsewhere?
ReplyDeleteAnyways, yes it did feel good getting it out, but after all these years, I feel like a fool y'know? 4 years of undergrad crushing on ONE guy! And he wasn't even that cool.
Don't stress about the grammatical errors, FL, I won't judge. I make grammatical mistakes all the time (one reader even called me on it! FLIP!)... and I'm SUPPOSED to be good at that stuff.
ReplyDeleteYeah, the guys usually aren't even half as cool as you build them up to be in your head. He probably was really flattered, but didn't know what to say, so he did nothing. That's what guys usually do when they're in doubt...NOTHING. They are babies. I swear I'm not a man-hater, but it's true. Now, go out there and make up for lost time!!! :)