memory lane

This afternoon I took a trip down memory lane-literally.   I had a conference I needed to be at near where I grew up.  I ended up driving a bit from the hotel to find my favorite lunch place.   On my way to lunch, I drove by the hospital where we used to meet my grandma's ambulance when she had her heart attacks.   Then I drove through the town where the neighborhood child molester relocated.  I don't know exactly where he lives, but every time I drive through there, I always look at every driver to see if it's him.  I don't know what I will do if I ever come face to face with him.   My next turn took me past my old high school, where I remembered getting dumped by this gorgeous guy via a passed note.  Those were the days.   I drove by the fancy restaurant where all the popular girls went after prom.  It looks like such a dump now.   Next I drove past the huge house of a party I went to once.  I met a guy who, after I made some stupid mistakes, had the decency not to take advantage of me.  Still embarrassing to think about.   I also drove by an entrance to the freeway that I used to take only when I went to my country home.  I lived out there for 6 months with a guy.  I still have mixed feelings about whole the thing.   Then I drove back to the conference for the rest of the day.   After the conference, I took a different way home.  A way I rarely take.  I really had to pay attention so I didn't miss my turns.    I saw a lake I had never seen before.  There were new houses being built near one intersection.  I passed a cool looking little Italian grocery store.  Before I knew it, I was home.