Thursday, October 28, 2004
Eighty-Six
Well, Boston's curse has finally ended. The Red Sox won the World Series. If the Pats win the Super Bowl this year, bean-town won't be sober till next fall. At this point, who will stop them? I hate Boston.
I am at work this morning, surfing the internet. We are having an office lunch today. We are going to some southern Brazilian place called Fogo de Chao. After we eat, we get the rest of the afternoon off. Our reservation is at eleven am. This office is so full of slackers that this means no work will get done till next Tuesday. I write the truth. Mark it.
I tried to get Rich to go see Cornmeal with me last night at Griffin's. It was a free show that started at ten, but Rich said that he didn't have enough money for beer. I didn't mention how pitifully broke my ass is, but he said that he will go next week. That's cool, cause rich is old. He needs time to work up to it, I suppose(This remark is a personal jab at Rich, in hopes that he won't wuss out on me so easily next time) .
I am going with Rich and Sarah to see the Drive-by Truckers on Saturday night, though. That should be fun, but I still haven't come up with a costume for that show or the YMSB Boo-grass throwdown the next night with Drew in Cincinnatti. Any costume ideas people? Come on, help a poor, skinny white guy out.
I am at work this morning, surfing the internet. We are having an office lunch today. We are going to some southern Brazilian place called Fogo de Chao. After we eat, we get the rest of the afternoon off. Our reservation is at eleven am. This office is so full of slackers that this means no work will get done till next Tuesday. I write the truth. Mark it.
I tried to get Rich to go see Cornmeal with me last night at Griffin's. It was a free show that started at ten, but Rich said that he didn't have enough money for beer. I didn't mention how pitifully broke my ass is, but he said that he will go next week. That's cool, cause rich is old. He needs time to work up to it, I suppose(This remark is a personal jab at Rich, in hopes that he won't wuss out on me so easily next time) .
I am going with Rich and Sarah to see the Drive-by Truckers on Saturday night, though. That should be fun, but I still haven't come up with a costume for that show or the YMSB Boo-grass throwdown the next night with Drew in Cincinnatti. Any costume ideas people? Come on, help a poor, skinny white guy out.
Tuesday, October 26, 2004
Wall-Ass
Drew Wallace is a good man. In fact, he's one of the best men that I know. That is Drew in our crazy faces picture on my side bar.
I met Drew during my first year in college. He was one year ahead of me, but I quickly forced myself into his social cirlce, which also included Todd, Chris, A.J., Eddie, Galloway, and many others. Drew and I certainly didn't hit it off immeadiately. We were friends and I used his cologne, but thats about as far as it went.
Although we had our disagreements during the first coupla years, by my junior year, I began to realize that Drew was the kind of friend that you find very seldom. He is reliable. He is honest. He will always do his best to be on time. He was a boy scout. He is at once masculine and cuddly(not that I ever have, but i have heard women refer to him as a man sized teddy bear). He is also extremely loyal to his family and friends, and that is something many people claim, but few exhibit.
After Drew graduated, the college hired him as shop foreman, so he was around for the whole year and a half of my senior year. Good thing too. At least three nights a week we could be found vegetating on my couch, watching 24 or RAW, and eating at least on large bag of BBQ chips and a bag of coffee and creme Oreos. We did get out to hike and camp, but the nights on the couch probably formed our closest bonds. We both left North Carolina around the same time. He stayed for one more season of summer theatre, and even then I often found myself back in NC on his spare bed.
Drew lives in Cincinnatti now. We still talk a few times a week.
I realize now that friends such as Drew are even more rare than I first realized. I have maybe two other friends that know me as well as Drew, but neither of them can start a fire with just one match. Neither one of them are republicans, either though. No one is perfect.
I met Drew during my first year in college. He was one year ahead of me, but I quickly forced myself into his social cirlce, which also included Todd, Chris, A.J., Eddie, Galloway, and many others. Drew and I certainly didn't hit it off immeadiately. We were friends and I used his cologne, but thats about as far as it went.
Although we had our disagreements during the first coupla years, by my junior year, I began to realize that Drew was the kind of friend that you find very seldom. He is reliable. He is honest. He will always do his best to be on time. He was a boy scout. He is at once masculine and cuddly(not that I ever have, but i have heard women refer to him as a man sized teddy bear). He is also extremely loyal to his family and friends, and that is something many people claim, but few exhibit.
After Drew graduated, the college hired him as shop foreman, so he was around for the whole year and a half of my senior year. Good thing too. At least three nights a week we could be found vegetating on my couch, watching 24 or RAW, and eating at least on large bag of BBQ chips and a bag of coffee and creme Oreos. We did get out to hike and camp, but the nights on the couch probably formed our closest bonds. We both left North Carolina around the same time. He stayed for one more season of summer theatre, and even then I often found myself back in NC on his spare bed.
Drew lives in Cincinnatti now. We still talk a few times a week.
I realize now that friends such as Drew are even more rare than I first realized. I have maybe two other friends that know me as well as Drew, but neither of them can start a fire with just one match. Neither one of them are republicans, either though. No one is perfect.
Monday, October 25, 2004
Arranged Marriage
Sometimes I wonder, how bad those arranged marriage things could have been?
The thing that makes dating suck so much in my opinion, is how tiresome it is to constantly be in hunting mode. When I am single(which is most of the time), I tend to not be as open or relaxed. I worry about how I look most of the time, just in case I run into some new female who could be a possible date or girlfriend. I worry about what I say, how I stand, where my hands are, and what people think about me. I don't try to be someone different or anything, its just part of being on "the hunt", and it is a very exhausting experience overall.
Maybe its just me,but after just a couple weeks of dating the same person, I finally seem to relax and put down my hunting gear. At least that's how I remember it being in that distant age when I was with woman. What a huge burden relieved it was.
Its fair to say I am single now, but not desperate yet. I do feel the desperation beginning to creep in though. It wouldn't be the first time, but hopefully I won't let it lead me into trouble and drama, like it has many time before.
I have even tried the online dating services a bit. No success yet, but I am close to actually going on another date with someone I met in cyberspace. Ah, how technology can make even the laziest man seem ambitious.
There is another matter that seems to make the situation more pressing. I continue to find myself a little interested in my roommate. Maybe its just because I see her so often and we get along pretty well, but maybe its because I know that I shouldn't be. Either way, the situation presses me to find someone to date so that I do not make things awkward. I don't know what she really thinks about me, but I do know that dating someone you are living with would take a certain grand level of maturity and openness. I am not sure either one of us has that.
Someone arrange a marriage for me. Cast system be damned!
The thing that makes dating suck so much in my opinion, is how tiresome it is to constantly be in hunting mode. When I am single(which is most of the time), I tend to not be as open or relaxed. I worry about how I look most of the time, just in case I run into some new female who could be a possible date or girlfriend. I worry about what I say, how I stand, where my hands are, and what people think about me. I don't try to be someone different or anything, its just part of being on "the hunt", and it is a very exhausting experience overall.
Maybe its just me,but after just a couple weeks of dating the same person, I finally seem to relax and put down my hunting gear. At least that's how I remember it being in that distant age when I was with woman. What a huge burden relieved it was.
Its fair to say I am single now, but not desperate yet. I do feel the desperation beginning to creep in though. It wouldn't be the first time, but hopefully I won't let it lead me into trouble and drama, like it has many time before.
I have even tried the online dating services a bit. No success yet, but I am close to actually going on another date with someone I met in cyberspace. Ah, how technology can make even the laziest man seem ambitious.
There is another matter that seems to make the situation more pressing. I continue to find myself a little interested in my roommate. Maybe its just because I see her so often and we get along pretty well, but maybe its because I know that I shouldn't be. Either way, the situation presses me to find someone to date so that I do not make things awkward. I don't know what she really thinks about me, but I do know that dating someone you are living with would take a certain grand level of maturity and openness. I am not sure either one of us has that.
Someone arrange a marriage for me. Cast system be damned!
Friday, October 22, 2004
Wasting Time
Why am I here today? There are only two of us here in the office. The phone has rang three times between 8am and 12pm. I still sit here and watch video clips from the internet and write a few emails. Why? Is this what being an adult is about? Sitting in a boring job all day long, and just waiting for the end of the day? This sucks. I want a job where I create things and am appreciated. No, scratch that, I don't want a job. That's right, no job. Just give me the money, and trust my love for mankind. I will share with others when they are hungry, and I won't take more than I need. Sound like socialism? Maybe.
I just wonder if when I am retiring, if I will look back on these few years in life as a total waste, or the beginning of something that I can't even see right now. I am certainly not working towards any goal that I can see or comprehend, so what is it that I am working towards? If I throw it all down and go live somewhere slower, will I miss the thing that I can't see? What if I stretch for that brass ring and fall off?
I am here now, though. In this quiet office. Watching Jon Stewart on Crossfire, and getting paid. Maybe its not so horrible, but I can't help but feel I am missing something. Something...like maybe a dog, a girl, some passion,...my keys? Where the hell did I put my keys?
I just wonder if when I am retiring, if I will look back on these few years in life as a total waste, or the beginning of something that I can't even see right now. I am certainly not working towards any goal that I can see or comprehend, so what is it that I am working towards? If I throw it all down and go live somewhere slower, will I miss the thing that I can't see? What if I stretch for that brass ring and fall off?
I am here now, though. In this quiet office. Watching Jon Stewart on Crossfire, and getting paid. Maybe its not so horrible, but I can't help but feel I am missing something. Something...like maybe a dog, a girl, some passion,...my keys? Where the hell did I put my keys?
Wednesday, October 20, 2004
Sick and Tired
Well, I am sick. Its my body saying, "Whoa, slow down there old-timer!". I guess this is what comes of doing too much partying in one week.
I am still kinda upset how I had to hear about Shelby talking behind my back and all, but we discussed it on some emails, and I think its a little better. Still no apology, but I guess she doesn't think I need one. It just always surprises me when people who claim to be my friend say bad things about me behind my back. I guess I am more of a confrontational person, and I would much rather them talk to me about it if they are my friend. Either that, or drop all the faking and stop acting like you are my friend. I mean, its not easy to tell someone who is your friend that you think they may be making bad choices. Sure its hard, but if they are my friend I bite the bullet and confront them, cause no one wants to hear second hand gripes. Ugh, sorry, I am sick and tired, so that's my rant for today.
I am still kinda upset how I had to hear about Shelby talking behind my back and all, but we discussed it on some emails, and I think its a little better. Still no apology, but I guess she doesn't think I need one. It just always surprises me when people who claim to be my friend say bad things about me behind my back. I guess I am more of a confrontational person, and I would much rather them talk to me about it if they are my friend. Either that, or drop all the faking and stop acting like you are my friend. I mean, its not easy to tell someone who is your friend that you think they may be making bad choices. Sure its hard, but if they are my friend I bite the bullet and confront them, cause no one wants to hear second hand gripes. Ugh, sorry, I am sick and tired, so that's my rant for today.
Tuesday, October 19, 2004
More JCHTP2 and Kinfolk
So the two of you who actually read a few of my previous posts probably realized that I didn't mention Kas in my mention of the JCHTP2. Well, that just didn't work out. I don't know if I had actually put effort into it whether or not it was possible, but the simple fact probably is that I was just too lazy and focused on partying to really make a significant effort. So, this quarter century old man slept all alone on his big birthday weekend. Not to worry, cause I didn't.
The three nights of YMSB's Kinfolk celebration was an excellent way to end a great vacation. The first night included the covers "Bloody Mary Morning", and "Two Hits and the Joint Turned Brown". That night we decided we had drank a bit too much, and crashed at a Days Inn in Madison...in two beds. The second and third nights were at the House of Blues here in town. So, a mere cab ride returned us to our front door. I really had a great time, but I confess the week had worn me down enough that I couldn't fully enjoy the shows. I lost my oldest glass piece at the last night of the shows. A security guard found it when we were going in. What a bummer, but we were going in to meet the band before the show, so I just let it go. No use in getting kicked out before I got to meet the band. I still am not sure how to thank Mary Beth for buying me these tickets.
I didn't get to bed the last night of the shows until about 4am. So, the next day I was completely drained from a whole week of throwing down, so I had to skip my rehearsal with Crash Davis, my IO team. That caused a little drama with Shelby. I have to admit, I really thought we were cool, and that my problems would come from somewhere else, go figure. You think you know somebody, but you never really do.
The three nights of YMSB's Kinfolk celebration was an excellent way to end a great vacation. The first night included the covers "Bloody Mary Morning", and "Two Hits and the Joint Turned Brown". That night we decided we had drank a bit too much, and crashed at a Days Inn in Madison...in two beds. The second and third nights were at the House of Blues here in town. So, a mere cab ride returned us to our front door. I really had a great time, but I confess the week had worn me down enough that I couldn't fully enjoy the shows. I lost my oldest glass piece at the last night of the shows. A security guard found it when we were going in. What a bummer, but we were going in to meet the band before the show, so I just let it go. No use in getting kicked out before I got to meet the band. I still am not sure how to thank Mary Beth for buying me these tickets.
I didn't get to bed the last night of the shows until about 4am. So, the next day I was completely drained from a whole week of throwing down, so I had to skip my rehearsal with Crash Davis, my IO team. That caused a little drama with Shelby. I have to admit, I really thought we were cool, and that my problems would come from somewhere else, go figure. You think you know somebody, but you never really do.
Monday, October 18, 2004
JCHTP2 Recap
Well my friends, I have returned from a much needed vacation. Last Thursday I headed out of Chicago for my big trip. I spent the first night in Cincinnati at my good friend Drew's. The next day we got up early and headed for the Cabin in NC. We picked up a little Ely in Knoxville a little after noon. By four twenty I was chillin' in the hot tub and enjoying a splendid view of the Appalachian mountains. Much partying, eating, and drinking was done over the next three nights.
Saturday night was definitely the most raucous. We started a game of flip cup around one in the morning. I do remember putting on my trunks about four and waking up in them the next morning. I am pretty sure I didn't make it in the tub that night...pretty sure. I did better than Ray, though. He went to sleep in his car. I guess he started it before he went to sleep, cause the next morning he awoke out of gas.
Drew invited his brother who promptly hooked up with Pamela. Too bad for Drew, but he knew he was essentially "cock blocking" himself. That's some love he has for his brother. We were all glad Jeff came though, he and his friend Chris definitely added some fun to the party when they introduced us to the new game "Fuck the Dealer".
The weather was perfect. Clear skies and highs in the mid seventies each day. The hurricanes devastated a lot of the high country area, but the closest ridge from the back porch of our cabin was still covered in beautiful yellows, reds, and oranges.
I spent Monday and Tuesday with my dad went camping along the blue ridge parkway, and hiked back into Linville gorge. Time with dad around the campfire is invaluable.
When I got back to Chicago on Thursday, Mary Beth and I set off to Madison for the first show of Yonder Mountain String Band with Todd Snider.
What a week.
Saturday night was definitely the most raucous. We started a game of flip cup around one in the morning. I do remember putting on my trunks about four and waking up in them the next morning. I am pretty sure I didn't make it in the tub that night...pretty sure. I did better than Ray, though. He went to sleep in his car. I guess he started it before he went to sleep, cause the next morning he awoke out of gas.
Drew invited his brother who promptly hooked up with Pamela. Too bad for Drew, but he knew he was essentially "cock blocking" himself. That's some love he has for his brother. We were all glad Jeff came though, he and his friend Chris definitely added some fun to the party when they introduced us to the new game "Fuck the Dealer".
The weather was perfect. Clear skies and highs in the mid seventies each day. The hurricanes devastated a lot of the high country area, but the closest ridge from the back porch of our cabin was still covered in beautiful yellows, reds, and oranges.
I spent Monday and Tuesday with my dad went camping along the blue ridge parkway, and hiked back into Linville gorge. Time with dad around the campfire is invaluable.
When I got back to Chicago on Thursday, Mary Beth and I set off to Madison for the first show of Yonder Mountain String Band with Todd Snider.
What a week.
Wednesday, October 06, 2004
Crashed Davis and Packing
I hate packing. Even if its just for a trip, a short one. Packing just makes me angry. That is about all I have to do tonight. I am leaving around lunchtime tomorrow, so I gotta have the Jeep loaded when I get home from my half day at work tomorrow.
I posted this new pic, cause its gonna be my new title picture in a few weeks. Just wanted to post it here so that I know the link won't go dead while I am using it. I think it pretty much captures my feelings of being on the "road to somewhere".
I had my second show with Crash Davis last night at ImprovOlympic. It kinda sucked, but I guess that happens to the best of them. Mary Beth was there when I came off stage. It was nice to see a friendly face after such massive suckage. I skipped out on notes and the last group.
When I got home Mary Beth and I went to Toons to grab a bite to eat. It was fun, and a great way to forget about that awful Crash Davis debacle. We had some great conversation and even a few good laughs. I seriously don't know what to think about that girl, though. Oh well, I am looking forward to going and seeing Yonder with her three nights when I get back from my vacation.
I posted this new pic, cause its gonna be my new title picture in a few weeks. Just wanted to post it here so that I know the link won't go dead while I am using it. I think it pretty much captures my feelings of being on the "road to somewhere".
I had my second show with Crash Davis last night at ImprovOlympic. It kinda sucked, but I guess that happens to the best of them. Mary Beth was there when I came off stage. It was nice to see a friendly face after such massive suckage. I skipped out on notes and the last group.
When I got home Mary Beth and I went to Toons to grab a bite to eat. It was fun, and a great way to forget about that awful Crash Davis debacle. We had some great conversation and even a few good laughs. I seriously don't know what to think about that girl, though. Oh well, I am looking forward to going and seeing Yonder with her three nights when I get back from my vacation.
Tuesday, October 05, 2004
Asleep on the couch
My newest roommate, Mary Beth, finally finished moving her furniture in this weekend, with a little help from yours truly. She brought an old, dingy ass couch. It seems to suck me into its gravitational pull now anytime that I am in the apartment.
I don't know what to think about MB. She is a nice girl, but I think she's probably a little crazy. That's good, cause a normal girl could never handle living with Gabe and me. There does seem to be this weird flirty tension between us, but I think we both know that that is just trouble.
Last night I fell asleep in the couch. I woke up and I had gotten hot I guess, cause my pants were on the floor next to the couch and I was curled up in my boxers. I kinda freaked, but no one seemed to be around, so I watched a little more TV before turning in for the night. About two minutes after I crawled into bed, I heard MB come home from work. Good thing she didn't find me in my boxers, I thought as I drifted off to sleep.
I don't know what to think about MB. She is a nice girl, but I think she's probably a little crazy. That's good, cause a normal girl could never handle living with Gabe and me. There does seem to be this weird flirty tension between us, but I think we both know that that is just trouble.
Last night I fell asleep in the couch. I woke up and I had gotten hot I guess, cause my pants were on the floor next to the couch and I was curled up in my boxers. I kinda freaked, but no one seemed to be around, so I watched a little more TV before turning in for the night. About two minutes after I crawled into bed, I heard MB come home from work. Good thing she didn't find me in my boxers, I thought as I drifted off to sleep.
Monday, October 04, 2004
Too old to party?
So, okay, I will be 25 next week. It hasn't bothered me much until today. I was telling my coworker, Heather, about my upcoming party in NC. After excitedly telling her why I was looking forward to it so much, she asked me how much longer I could do this. "Do what?" was my reply.
"You know, keep partying like you are still a kid." she said
I thought about it all afternoon. How long can I keep doing this? Is there an age where wanting to get together with your friends and get crazy becomes silly and embarrassing? I don't know. It still feels right to me, but sometimes I have a hard time believing I can buy beer legally. Other times I consider if I am putting enough into my 401k. Such is the duality of my life. For the time being I shall party on, Garth.
"You know, keep partying like you are still a kid." she said
I thought about it all afternoon. How long can I keep doing this? Is there an age where wanting to get together with your friends and get crazy becomes silly and embarrassing? I don't know. It still feels right to me, but sometimes I have a hard time believing I can buy beer legally. Other times I consider if I am putting enough into my 401k. Such is the duality of my life. For the time being I shall party on, Garth.
Friday, October 01, 2004
One Week
Well, I am getting really excited about going to NC next weekend. The second weekend in October is usually the best weekend all fall to see the leaves change in the highcountry. I put a picture from 2002 up so you can see what I am looking forward to. Somehow I think the mountains refuel my soul. Sure, it sounds a bit cliche, but you talk to me when I get back and see if I am not all smiles and good stuff. Right on. Rock on. Then when I get back it is three nights of Yonder! Kinfolk'n A!
