Word of the Day: Schadenfreude

I was waiting for a good word of the day to write another entry. Today's word seems very pertinent to the topic of discussion, which is the recap of my high school reunion over the weekend. The word:

schadenfreude \SHOD-n-froy-duh\, noun:
A malicious satisfaction obtained from the misfortunes of others.

Honestly, it wasn't that bad coming back home and seeing all the people I've dreaded seeing over the years. When I first got there Friday night, I was nervous and worried that I wouldn't recognize anyone. Some people had gained a few pounds, although no one really ballooned. Some of the girls who've had a couple babies...but that's expected.



The strangeset part was that no one had really left the area. Milton-Freewater is home to at least half the class, which to me is hard to imagine. I've moved to Montana, Washington State, Oklahoma and Virginia. I told people I live in Washington DC with hesitation because I didn't want to sound like I was bragging, but I have a pretty good job and a bigger life than anyone else in the class. I found out quickly that I was one of the most modest there. No one minded launching into a half hour speech about their latest accomplishments or their three beautiful kids.

Then there were the cows. We call them cows because they are boys AND girls, not because they are fat. They're the type who wear cowboy hats and boots and drink way too much and, apparently, sleep around. They *almost* ruined the weekend, but we all tried to ignore.

The next reunion I'll be 37. Hard to believe.