Today was a huddle. David Gardner spoke on the topic of self-consciousness. He reminded everyone that the best way to pursue an ambition is simply to do it - without fear of failure. I've heard others speak on the same topic with far more eloquence and far better anecdotes. But please understand that David Gardner has spoken on other topics far better than this one.
It was also pizza day. I like pizza.
This evening I went out with Jessy, Whit, and friends from the office. In a confrontation over a parking spot, The Boss threatened to throw a man through a window. Later, everyone fell asleep in what was probably the best place for each party.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
May 28, 2009
Here's a description of Bryan, my other roommate:
Bryan is an African American dude, age 29. He works for Trader Joes, in Old Town. Maybe if you shop there, you'd recognize him. He dyes his hair with bright colors, including pink, red, orange. Or sometimes with jet black.
Bryan grew up in South Carolina, south of Charlotte. His parents lived somewhere else. They didn't treat Bryan kindly and showed favoritism to his brother and sister. He was raised by his grandma and went to a high school with both wealthy white kids and impoverished black kids. And a mix of others. Like anyone, this upbringing had an impact on how he interacts with people.
Once, Bryan was in a fire and his back was badly burnt. He was also in a dramatic and dangerous car crash with his mom and syblings. His brother is now in prison for murder. These circumstances have also had an impact on how he interacts with people.
Bryan lives in the smallest room in our house, excepting the bathroom and perhaps the laundry room. His room smells. He smells. His feet smell the worst. He is a dirty person, generally speaking.
Bryan doesn't leave his room often, other than to go to work. Or to go outside for a smoke. Most of his free time is spent watching videos online. He professes to have an interest in physics and computer programming. He's as much of a poet as any of us, and sometimes draws illustrations or borders around his work. William Blake did the same.
Bryan's best friend is Crystal. She comes over now and again. He also has a friend named Steffers. Crystal and Bryan own a rat and call themselves its parents. It only stayed one night in our house.
Bryan very much enjoys pirate memorabilia. I've noticed him wearing an eye patch some days. Back on January 1st, I found him stumbling around drunk with oars in his hand. He has some pirate t-shirts too. Those are black. In fact, most of his clothes are. Except a few things, like his leopard skin jacket.
Bottom line, Bryan is a good person. Most would call him bizarre, a recluse, a misfit, an outcast, a gothic (he calls himself such), or other things. I think you have to meet him before you pass judgement.
Bryan is an African American dude, age 29. He works for Trader Joes, in Old Town. Maybe if you shop there, you'd recognize him. He dyes his hair with bright colors, including pink, red, orange. Or sometimes with jet black.
Bryan grew up in South Carolina, south of Charlotte. His parents lived somewhere else. They didn't treat Bryan kindly and showed favoritism to his brother and sister. He was raised by his grandma and went to a high school with both wealthy white kids and impoverished black kids. And a mix of others. Like anyone, this upbringing had an impact on how he interacts with people.
Once, Bryan was in a fire and his back was badly burnt. He was also in a dramatic and dangerous car crash with his mom and syblings. His brother is now in prison for murder. These circumstances have also had an impact on how he interacts with people.
Bryan lives in the smallest room in our house, excepting the bathroom and perhaps the laundry room. His room smells. He smells. His feet smell the worst. He is a dirty person, generally speaking.
Bryan doesn't leave his room often, other than to go to work. Or to go outside for a smoke. Most of his free time is spent watching videos online. He professes to have an interest in physics and computer programming. He's as much of a poet as any of us, and sometimes draws illustrations or borders around his work. William Blake did the same.
Bryan's best friend is Crystal. She comes over now and again. He also has a friend named Steffers. Crystal and Bryan own a rat and call themselves its parents. It only stayed one night in our house.
Bryan very much enjoys pirate memorabilia. I've noticed him wearing an eye patch some days. Back on January 1st, I found him stumbling around drunk with oars in his hand. He has some pirate t-shirts too. Those are black. In fact, most of his clothes are. Except a few things, like his leopard skin jacket.
Bottom line, Bryan is a good person. Most would call him bizarre, a recluse, a misfit, an outcast, a gothic (he calls himself such), or other things. I think you have to meet him before you pass judgement.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
May 27, 2009
Wow, today was an alright day.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but the Red Wings are the NHL's best team - far and away. Jessy and I think so.
She spent the day walking all over DC. Most of the neighbors were friendly with her. She wept at the Vietnam Memorial and grinned at Shepherd Fairey's renown painting. At the end of the day, she had walked too much and her knee is now in a bad way.
Nonetheless, we metroed to D.C. in the evening. Made friends everywhere we went. Walking home I pulled a Bryce and took my shirt off like a B.A. Then I left a note for the babe across the street. Told her her car light was on and I'd give her a jump in the morning.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but the Red Wings are the NHL's best team - far and away. Jessy and I think so.
She spent the day walking all over DC. Most of the neighbors were friendly with her. She wept at the Vietnam Memorial and grinned at Shepherd Fairey's renown painting. At the end of the day, she had walked too much and her knee is now in a bad way.
Nonetheless, we metroed to D.C. in the evening. Made friends everywhere we went. Walking home I pulled a Bryce and took my shirt off like a B.A. Then I left a note for the babe across the street. Told her her car light was on and I'd give her a jump in the morning.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
May 26, 2009
Oh wow, today was nice and sleepy.
It was pb&j day at work, and Jessy came by to join us.
She spent the day walking all over Alexandria. From the cemetery to Slater's Ln. From Carlyle to Old Town. From the metro station to the water. All over.
It was pb&j day at work, and Jessy came by to join us.
She spent the day walking all over Alexandria. From the cemetery to Slater's Ln. From Carlyle to Old Town. From the metro station to the water. All over.
Monday, May 25, 2009
May 25, 2009
Wow, today was rough. I said goodbye to my family, and came back to Alexandria.
Jessy came with me. We had a good time driving. Until we hit the Beltway, and the sky opened up. Puddles dominated the roadway. We are a good team, Jessy and I. We made it through.
Jessy came with me. We had a good time driving. Until we hit the Beltway, and the sky opened up. Puddles dominated the roadway. We are a good team, Jessy and I. We made it through.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
May 24, 2009
Wow, "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing." Anyone who is anyone goes. Even Dick Vitale came.
Before the race I got a bit teary eyed while Jim Neighbors sang "Back Home Again in Indiana."
Then me and Jake walked around the infield. Everyone was playing cornhole and laughing and smiling. I think that if there is a heaven, it is a lot like the brickyard.
Before the race I got a bit teary eyed while Jim Neighbors sang "Back Home Again in Indiana."
Then me and Jake walked around the infield. Everyone was playing cornhole and laughing and smiling. I think that if there is a heaven, it is a lot like the brickyard.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Friday, May 22, 2009
May 22, 2009
Yo, Galen and I just rolled through the Appalachians. We stopped at Ohiopyle park, SE of Pittsburgh. There were running trails and a natural water slide. We went down in our pants and sneakers. A bunch of hillbilly kids came in a school bus.
Later we were at a Taco Bell outside Columbus, Ohio. There was a melancholy girl working and we considered inviting her out for the Indy 500. But instead we went back to driving and took turns reading Panama.
I arrived home at 2:22am. My Mom was awake. We hugged.
Later we were at a Taco Bell outside Columbus, Ohio. There was a melancholy girl working and we considered inviting her out for the Indy 500. But instead we went back to driving and took turns reading Panama.
I arrived home at 2:22am. My Mom was awake. We hugged.
May 21, 2009
Today was an alright day.
Galen has arrived! He joined a porch party with The Kid and I. Then we went to Trio Restaurant for a late meal.
While we were eating one of The Kid's friends - drunk on wine, high on life - nearly attempted a swan dive into a prickly bush. He was standing on top of the porch ledge, 8 feet above the ground. Some people urged him on, others sensibly warned him not to. In the end, he didn't dive - probably because the audience was more indifferent than my last sentence lets on.
Galen has arrived! He joined a porch party with The Kid and I. Then we went to Trio Restaurant for a late meal.
While we were eating one of The Kid's friends - drunk on wine, high on life - nearly attempted a swan dive into a prickly bush. He was standing on top of the porch ledge, 8 feet above the ground. Some people urged him on, others sensibly warned him not to. In the end, he didn't dive - probably because the audience was more indifferent than my last sentence lets on.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
May 18, 2009
Wow, I woke up at the buttcrack of dawn this morning. I wish I did that every day.
At the grocery store tonight I bought 5 items:
At the grocery store tonight I bought 5 items:
- 1/2 gallon fat free milk
- raisins
- 2 bananas
- hint of lime chips
- Cherry Garcia froyo
May 17, 2009
Wow, Whitney graduated as top student in classical literature. Congratulations.
Things got really serious when her grandfather gave her roman candles as a gift. We set them off by the pool. Buddy the dog jumped up and down and later hopped in the pool for an evening swim.
Dog Tired: Buddy rests up after a long day of chasing balls and fireworks.
Things got really serious when her grandfather gave her roman candles as a gift. We set them off by the pool. Buddy the dog jumped up and down and later hopped in the pool for an evening swim.
Dog Tired: Buddy rests up after a long day of chasing balls and fireworks.May 16, 2009
Wow, I couldn't tell you what happened today if I tried.
Tonight Ricky and I shot hoops over at Mid-County Park. There were about 15 serious dudes picking up out under the lights. A lot of the dudes could throw down - even though they were under 6'.One guy was called Doc. Not only was Doc the sole white player, he was the only one with a mouthpiece and sports goggles. He was also the only guy who missed every shot he took. But you could tell everyone really respected Doc for his charlie hustle style.
At Pauls tonight someone asked Bryce what he planned to do after graduation? He said "go to the 3rd Eye Blind concert." Which is true.
Tonight Ricky and I shot hoops over at Mid-County Park. There were about 15 serious dudes picking up out under the lights. A lot of the dudes could throw down - even though they were under 6'.One guy was called Doc. Not only was Doc the sole white player, he was the only one with a mouthpiece and sports goggles. He was also the only guy who missed every shot he took. But you could tell everyone really respected Doc for his charlie hustle style.
At Pauls tonight someone asked Bryce what he planned to do after graduation? He said "go to the 3rd Eye Blind concert." Which is true.
May 15, 2009
Wow, this morning I woke up with sunlight streaming into my room and ringing in my ears.
The Kid had spent the night on my couch, so I woke him up. He jumped up and did a little jig and then went back to sleep.
At work we had a meeting. Then we had a BBQ party down by the river. I passed the time passing a football and talking to coworkers. Trog told Sam the story of me taking complimentary cake from his bank. Ollen asked me if he could ask me a personal question. The Boss urged me to have a beer.
When it was all said and done, I went home and fell dead asleep.
The Kid had spent the night on my couch, so I woke him up. He jumped up and did a little jig and then went back to sleep.
At work we had a meeting. Then we had a BBQ party down by the river. I passed the time passing a football and talking to coworkers. Trog told Sam the story of me taking complimentary cake from his bank. Ollen asked me if he could ask me a personal question. The Boss urged me to have a beer.
When it was all said and done, I went home and fell dead asleep.
May 14, 2009
Wow, today was Foolapalooza. There was a basketball tournament and other games. Between all the winning and all the losing I came out marginally behind.
May 13, 2009
District championships tonight at T.C. Williams track. The 4X800 was won in 8:02 by West Potomac. Annandale had the lead, but their anchor ran like a chump and get passed in the last 5 steps.
Afterward I ran a workout. A couple black children yelled at me every lap. They were saying "T.C. sucks titties."
May 12, 2009
Yo, today I broke the Boss's ankle playing basketball. To be fair, he tossed my shot into the stands before he came down funny.
The basketball got me excited. I went home and shot on the Fayette court late into the night. 3 hoods who work for the Metro showed up and asked me to play 33 with them. 33 is like 21 with no tip rule. And you shoot from the top of the key instead of free throws. Even though all these guys were way quicker and way stronger than me, I won. To be fair, I might have been the only guy breaking a sweat. Except the little guy, Eddie. He tried.
The basketball got me excited. I went home and shot on the Fayette court late into the night. 3 hoods who work for the Metro showed up and asked me to play 33 with them. 33 is like 21 with no tip rule. And you shoot from the top of the key instead of free throws. Even though all these guys were way quicker and way stronger than me, I won. To be fair, I might have been the only guy breaking a sweat. Except the little guy, Eddie. He tried.
May 11, 2009
If you want to read a Shakespeare play, why not try Antony and Cleopatra?
There are a couple other good ones. Merchant of Venice and Coriolanus come to mind.
There are a couple other good ones. Merchant of Venice and Coriolanus come to mind.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
May 9, 2009
This is Josh. He plays basketball, football, baseball, soccer, golf, tennis, and other sports. When he was 5, he could drive a golf ball over 100 yards.Last fall, Josh played receiver for his football team. He was tackled only once all season - on the one yard line after an 80 yard reverse. His team went undefeated. They beat the 2nd place team 8-0 on Josh's pick-6.
This spring Josh is dealing from the Little League mound. He faced 17 batters in one 5-inning game and single-handedly retired 14 of them. 12 K's, 2 walks. 2 liners back at the mound, 1 slow roller to first.
That same day he won a mile race on the track - 7:12.
Listen: Josh is 9 years old and he's already a better athlete than most anyone who reads this post.
May 8, 2009
There's this book Junky by William Burroughs. The worst part is when he describes addicts trying to stick themselves but they can't find a vein.The other awful scene is when the cops tell a junky he can either serve hard time or walk away with cash and a week's supply of junk...if he rats. The junky is sick and can hardly move because he hasn't had a fix in a week.
Then there are a few homo scenes. Like Miss California, I don't much care for that.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
May 6, 2009
Alright, today was an alright day. The highlight might have been eating a bowl of Mini-Wheats.
Before I fell asleep I made a list. It was:
20 Important American Novelists
1. Twain
2. Fitzgerald
3. Kesey
4. Hemingway
5. Dos Passos
6. Morrison
7. Steinbeck
8. Mailer
9. Kerouac
10. King
11. Faulkner
12. Wharton
13. Vonnegut
14. Sinclair
15. Updike
16. Warren
17. Dreiser
18. Bellow
19. London
20. Crane
There are others.
What's up tune squad?
Before I fell asleep I made a list. It was:
20 Important American Novelists
1. Twain
2. Fitzgerald
3. Kesey
4. Hemingway
5. Dos Passos
6. Morrison
7. Steinbeck
8. Mailer
9. Kerouac
10. King
11. Faulkner
12. Wharton
13. Vonnegut
14. Sinclair
15. Updike
16. Warren
17. Dreiser
18. Bellow
19. London
20. Crane
There are others.
What's up tune squad?
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
May 5, 2009
Oh wow, today was a normal day. I ran before work.
I also ran after work. After that, I went to the library for a few novels.
May 4, 2009
Today Trog, The Boss and I rocked out in the Duke St. gym.
Later, we all met at Soutside 815 to watch the Caps game.
I went home and watched ESPN Gamecast until the Reds lost in the 14th inning.
May 3, 2009
Race results are in!
- Mine That Bird wins the Kentucky Derby
- Jeff Powers finishes as 1st American (4th overall) in Indy Mini
- John Grey 28:55, Emily Anderson 16:03
May 2, 2009
Wow, the boss is impressive live. We saw him and his band play tonight in Greensboro, NC.
The crowd was chock full of bros and "buddies." I texted The Kid: "Bruce is for people who have indiscriminate musical taste, shoot me"
May 1, 2009
I couldn't sleep tonight. Here's how it happened...
It got to be late and it was time to go to bed. Whitney wanted me to sleep with her in her top bunk. Then her roommate came in. She started to drift off to sleep. Then her roommate left the room for a long time. But she was already sleeping soundly.
I lay awake for an hour. I thought about running and about writing. Then I thought about weekend trips I'd taken with my family as a kid.
After a while I gave up. I went to the living room to put on my jeans and grab a book from my bag. Then I sat down at the computer for a long time. Then I looked out the window for a long time. Then I stared at my book cover and at Whitney's indoor herb garden.
Finally, I lay down on the couch. I slept until 6:15 when Whitney came to wake me up and invite me back into her bedroom.
It got to be late and it was time to go to bed. Whitney wanted me to sleep with her in her top bunk. Then her roommate came in. She started to drift off to sleep. Then her roommate left the room for a long time. But she was already sleeping soundly.
I lay awake for an hour. I thought about running and about writing. Then I thought about weekend trips I'd taken with my family as a kid.
After a while I gave up. I went to the living room to put on my jeans and grab a book from my bag. Then I sat down at the computer for a long time. Then I looked out the window for a long time. Then I stared at my book cover and at Whitney's indoor herb garden.
Finally, I lay down on the couch. I slept until 6:15 when Whitney came to wake me up and invite me back into her bedroom.
Friday, May 1, 2009
April 30, 2009
Yo, Trog and I went to see the Cards and the Nats. Adam Dunn struck out 3 times, twice looking.
Trog recounted his basketball glory days on the train on the way to the game. And then when we got to the game, The Boss was on the loudspeaker singing Glory Days. And then on the train home I recounted my glory days to Trog. So, you see, it was a nostalgic night.
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