The ‘Mats’ “Bastards of Young” just came on Kathleen Turner Overdrive and I was sucked into some time-space wormhole right back to 1996. I’m not sure where this memory came from. But it has attacked my brain with a suddeness that takes my breath away.

I think it was 1996, but I can’t quite remember. I think it was when Sister #2 and the Stink were living in Eau Claire.

Near as I remember, I had gone back to visit my sister and some friends. It was after the bars had closed, so probably close to 2:30 in the morning. I was drunk, that much I do know.

You should know as I am remembering this story, I am actually sitting at my desk blushing furiously with embarrassed tears pricking at my eyes.

So drunk after bar closed, Ray and I decided it was a good idea to go somewhere and get high. Apprently I was not chemically altered enough. For some reason I think Ray was not drunk because I think he drove. So we get to this strange house, somewhere in Eau Claire.

Ray and I walk in and standing in the middle of the living room is Nathan! Oh, I hadn’t seen Nathan in about 100 years, or so it seemed. Nathan is a 6’3″ish blonde beanpole of a guy. I met him through Ray and Sister #2. He’s funny and progressive and completely insane. All those things you just adore in a boy.

I barrelled right into his arms the moment I saw him. It was just so damn good to see him. We hugged for about an hour, and then the three of sat around this strange living room and talked.

Now that I’m thinking back I’m not sure if there was any smoking up taking place. I just know that I was drunk and we were talking about baby boomers and parents and old people (of which I am officially one of the 30somethings we were bitching about).

I can’t remember the exact topic, but what I do remember (and this is where the flushed cheeks come in) is that on the topic of baby boomers and Gen X or what have you, I quoted with the utmost sincerity this line from the ‘Mats song and said something like: “Of course they don’t know what to call us, they’ve got no war to name us.”

Who knows if I quoted more of the song. But I do know that Ray and Nathan burst into giggles. Which developed into great gulps of laughter.

Sometimes I’m amazed I have any friends at all.