I'm currently reading East of Eden by John Steinbeck, and I love it. I'm only half-way through it (300 pages) but I'm pretty sure it will be amongst my favorites. This got me to thinking about what books I would list as my top choices. I could never pick one favorite, but I'm pretty sure that I have a top 5. So, here, in no particular order, are my Top 5 Favorite Novels:
1. The Return of the Native
2. Love in the Time of Cholera
3. 1984
4. To Kill a Mockingbird
5. East of Eden (pending)
There is nothing ground-breaking or unexpected about these. I think they could be found on a good number of people's short lists. They're classics. I can pick them up at any time at any point in the book and start reading, and I am pulled into the plot automatically.
I think of their characters as real people. I wish I knew them: Atticus, Diggory, Winston, Fermina. I want to know more about them. I want to go to out for a drink with them. Well, except for Scout and Jem. Maybe I could hang out at the mall with those two, or probably the courthouse, they seemed to enjoy that. The Hamiltons and the Trasks are keeping me company during these past few balmy Wisconsin winter nights. But I have a feeling I'm going to be visiting with them again in the future.
Saturday, January 28
Friday, January 27
The Comeback Post Part 1
Oh, there's so much pressure to write. And there's pressure to make it a good post, even though I don't know what precedent would have set up that expectation. My last two weeks have been busy but I don't know what events to talk about. A good deal happened, but I don't know how post-worthy it is.
Jake and I threw a party. It was a success - no vomitting. Huzzah. But we still have that bottle of Gordon's vodka that nobody wants to drink.
I went to Washington D.C. to visit KT. It was good. KT worked on Friday so I had the day to get my touristy things out of the way. I started at the zoo. The mane wolf smelled like a skunk. I watched the elephants get their baths (for 45 minutes - it was cool.) The weather was warm so that I didn't even need a jacket. It was perfect for walking around the Mall. I visited Abe and the Korean War Memorial. I walked past the White House and heckled the president (under my breath (Don't roll your eyes. As if he would have heard me if I had yelled it anyway.)). I saw the National Archives, and I still don't see how Nick Cage could have stolen the Dec. of Indo. I learned how astronauts use a toilet in space. I compared the diceratops to the triceratops. And I learned about Sikhs.
I met KT for dinner. Sushi! I didn't tell her that I had also had sushi for lunch until after the meal. I didn't care. It was very good. We went for drinks at the zoo bar, aptly named as it is across the street from the zoo. However, the name is where the zoo-theme ended. Adina and Tyler both called me that night, which was timely because KT and I had spent so much time talking about our freshman year of college over our beers, which were Yuenglings, by the way.
On Saturday, we took the bus out to the National Arboretum. We looked at trees. I enjoyed it, but really, what more can I say?
That evening KT's friends came over and we cooked dinner together. We experimented with pretzel coated chicken and it was a major success. The highlight of dinner was when KT's boyfriend, Brody, laughed so suddenly that milk came out his nose. By middle school standards, this made the evening a huge success. But by adult standards, it had been successful much earlier than that.
That evening we went out. We met up with some more of KT's friends at one of the hot spots of the D.C. nightlife. The place we ended up seemed to have more men than women at it. It was a little strange to be dancing with so many guys. Luckily I was with a group of girls, but still, it was strange.
On Sunday we went to the National Cathedral, which is also within walking distance of KT's apartment. It was Oklahoma Day, which meant that they had a choir from Oklahoma, an Oklahoman Senator, a Native American chief, and other notable Okies, all in one service. But we didn't stay long because I had a flight to catch.
It was a nice vacation. Just long enough to see the sights and to visit with a good friend.
Jake and I threw a party. It was a success - no vomitting. Huzzah. But we still have that bottle of Gordon's vodka that nobody wants to drink.
I went to Washington D.C. to visit KT. It was good. KT worked on Friday so I had the day to get my touristy things out of the way. I started at the zoo. The mane wolf smelled like a skunk. I watched the elephants get their baths (for 45 minutes - it was cool.) The weather was warm so that I didn't even need a jacket. It was perfect for walking around the Mall. I visited Abe and the Korean War Memorial. I walked past the White House and heckled the president (under my breath (Don't roll your eyes. As if he would have heard me if I had yelled it anyway.)). I saw the National Archives, and I still don't see how Nick Cage could have stolen the Dec. of Indo. I learned how astronauts use a toilet in space. I compared the diceratops to the triceratops. And I learned about Sikhs.
I met KT for dinner. Sushi! I didn't tell her that I had also had sushi for lunch until after the meal. I didn't care. It was very good. We went for drinks at the zoo bar, aptly named as it is across the street from the zoo. However, the name is where the zoo-theme ended. Adina and Tyler both called me that night, which was timely because KT and I had spent so much time talking about our freshman year of college over our beers, which were Yuenglings, by the way.
On Saturday, we took the bus out to the National Arboretum. We looked at trees. I enjoyed it, but really, what more can I say?
That evening KT's friends came over and we cooked dinner together. We experimented with pretzel coated chicken and it was a major success. The highlight of dinner was when KT's boyfriend, Brody, laughed so suddenly that milk came out his nose. By middle school standards, this made the evening a huge success. But by adult standards, it had been successful much earlier than that.
That evening we went out. We met up with some more of KT's friends at one of the hot spots of the D.C. nightlife. The place we ended up seemed to have more men than women at it. It was a little strange to be dancing with so many guys. Luckily I was with a group of girls, but still, it was strange.
On Sunday we went to the National Cathedral, which is also within walking distance of KT's apartment. It was Oklahoma Day, which meant that they had a choir from Oklahoma, an Oklahoman Senator, a Native American chief, and other notable Okies, all in one service. But we didn't stay long because I had a flight to catch.
It was a nice vacation. Just long enough to see the sights and to visit with a good friend.
Friday, January 13
NAACP
I got lost on my way to the NAACP on Wednesday night. Why I was going, isn't important. I kept driving up and down Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive (Seriously, some people say the whole name everytime they talk about it.) but I could not find the office. I couldn't even find a respectable building besides a bank. And as the only black woman in my office said later, I was "deep in the 'hood" so I did not feel safe walking around to get a better view of the addresses.
I eventually found a library, the Martin Luther King Library. (Despite its juxtaposition to a police station, this is the branch of the Milwaukee Public Library that had a shooting at it.) I went inside and asked for directions to the NAACP. The security guard directed me to the reference desk, where the other white person in the room was seated. The librarian was helpful. We checked some websites, but eventually turned to the Address Listing Book, which is really cool. You just turn to an address and find out what's there. It's an artifact from PG - pre-google. It was incredible.
It turns out that the NAACP's office is in the basement of the bank. I found it, but I was fifteen minutes late. Better late than never.
I eventually found a library, the Martin Luther King Library. (Despite its juxtaposition to a police station, this is the branch of the Milwaukee Public Library that had a shooting at it.) I went inside and asked for directions to the NAACP. The security guard directed me to the reference desk, where the other white person in the room was seated. The librarian was helpful. We checked some websites, but eventually turned to the Address Listing Book, which is really cool. You just turn to an address and find out what's there. It's an artifact from PG - pre-google. It was incredible.
It turns out that the NAACP's office is in the basement of the bank. I found it, but I was fifteen minutes late. Better late than never.
Intervention
Last Friday I was to meet Mick and Kate for drinks at a local Irish pub after their dinner with Kate's family. Their friends would also be out so I'd have a chance to meet some more young Milwaukeeans.
I was sitting in my apartment alone, just waiting for the agreed time, so I decided to walk to the pub early. I would stop for dinner along the way and it would help kill the time. Well, the walk and pizza were not enough because I arrived too early. But no big deal - I'm confident. I'm secure. I can sit at a bar alone and wait for my friends. Of course I can - but not without drawing the attention of the bartenders.
The bar is cute. It has small rooms because it used to be a home. An Irish band plays in one of the rooms. There's a fireplace. And a host greets you when you enter and helps you to find an appropriate table for your party.
I sat down at the end of the bar and ordered a whiskey and coke. Just that afternoon, I had learned that I had not passed my actuarial exam from November so I was planning my next few months professionally. I thought I was just paranoid, but it seemed like the bartenders were watching and talking about me. After fifteen minutes or so, one of them, I think the owner, approached me. He asked, "How are you doing tonight? Is everything ok?"
"Yes, thank you. I'm good." And then I realized his concern wasn't that my glass was empty, his concern was that my life was empty. I quickly tried to exude confidence. I sat up straighter. I smiled, not just with my mouth, but my eyes too. I said, "Yeah, my friends are running late, but it's no big deal."
He probably didn't believe me; he said with a tone to imply deep concern, "Well if you need anything from us, you just let one of us know, ok?"
"Ok, thanks."
When Mick and Kate arrived, their friends already had a table in another room. Kate retrieved me from the bar and, as always, greeted me with a hug. As we walked to the next room, she ask me, "Why was that bartender grinning at us? What were you talking to her about?" I explained that I had not even talked to that particular bartender, but I don't think that she appreciated the story until we were leaving and all of the waitstaff waved to me and wished me a good night.
Some people have thought that the actions of the staff were strange, but I found them to be honorable. Despite their busy night, the workers were caring and genuine. It was refreshing to find strangers so concerned.
I was sitting in my apartment alone, just waiting for the agreed time, so I decided to walk to the pub early. I would stop for dinner along the way and it would help kill the time. Well, the walk and pizza were not enough because I arrived too early. But no big deal - I'm confident. I'm secure. I can sit at a bar alone and wait for my friends. Of course I can - but not without drawing the attention of the bartenders.
The bar is cute. It has small rooms because it used to be a home. An Irish band plays in one of the rooms. There's a fireplace. And a host greets you when you enter and helps you to find an appropriate table for your party.
I sat down at the end of the bar and ordered a whiskey and coke. Just that afternoon, I had learned that I had not passed my actuarial exam from November so I was planning my next few months professionally. I thought I was just paranoid, but it seemed like the bartenders were watching and talking about me. After fifteen minutes or so, one of them, I think the owner, approached me. He asked, "How are you doing tonight? Is everything ok?"
"Yes, thank you. I'm good." And then I realized his concern wasn't that my glass was empty, his concern was that my life was empty. I quickly tried to exude confidence. I sat up straighter. I smiled, not just with my mouth, but my eyes too. I said, "Yeah, my friends are running late, but it's no big deal."
He probably didn't believe me; he said with a tone to imply deep concern, "Well if you need anything from us, you just let one of us know, ok?"
"Ok, thanks."
When Mick and Kate arrived, their friends already had a table in another room. Kate retrieved me from the bar and, as always, greeted me with a hug. As we walked to the next room, she ask me, "Why was that bartender grinning at us? What were you talking to her about?" I explained that I had not even talked to that particular bartender, but I don't think that she appreciated the story until we were leaving and all of the waitstaff waved to me and wished me a good night.
Some people have thought that the actions of the staff were strange, but I found them to be honorable. Despite their busy night, the workers were caring and genuine. It was refreshing to find strangers so concerned.
Wednesday, January 4
Resolutions 2006
1. Weekday Bedtime = 11 pm.
Not even reading after this time. Accomplishing this will help my morning exercising, keep me focused at work, and allow for more efficient studying.
2. Eat out for lunch only once each week.
Hopefully this will help to thin the waist and thicken the wallet.
3. Drink less.
Alcohol that is. I seriously don’t think this one will happen.
4. Donate as much money to my church as I spend on alcohol in a week.
Just to keep perspective as I give and as I drink.
5. Make a budget.
I have superior Excel skills. Why am I not using them to become more financially responsible?
In case you were keeping score, I broke Resolutions 1 and 3 on January 2.
Not even reading after this time. Accomplishing this will help my morning exercising, keep me focused at work, and allow for more efficient studying.
2. Eat out for lunch only once each week.
Hopefully this will help to thin the waist and thicken the wallet.
3. Drink less.
Alcohol that is. I seriously don’t think this one will happen.
4. Donate as much money to my church as I spend on alcohol in a week.
Just to keep perspective as I give and as I drink.
5. Make a budget.
I have superior Excel skills. Why am I not using them to become more financially responsible?
In case you were keeping score, I broke Resolutions 1 and 3 on January 2.
Monday, January 2
Back from BONYE 2006
I would have to say that BONYE 2006 was a huge success. I'm back in Milwaukee, finally cleaning my clothes. I'm still smarting from the bruises that I got from snowboarding. I'm trying to put together a timeline of New Year's Eve. Who left the bar when and with whom? And why did they leave? I have a feeling that none of know everything, but then a part of me doesn't want to know everything.
Everytime I go back to Massachusetts I feel the pull to move back there. I know that it's not all party, party, party, but that's not what I miss. I miss the friends with a comfort level that we can spend all day long teasing each other. And this weekend has provided so much new teasing material.
Everytime I go back to Massachusetts I feel the pull to move back there. I know that it's not all party, party, party, but that's not what I miss. I miss the friends with a comfort level that we can spend all day long teasing each other. And this weekend has provided so much new teasing material.
Monday, December 26
Christmas Recap
While I've been in Moscow, I have had absolutely no motivation to contact old friends. Well, one of them. But this is very irregular for me. I'm usually the guy contacting every person in my old phone list and organizing rides and stuff. But, now, I don't really feel like talking to anyone. It's not that I don't want to see them; I just don't want to organize it. One night, though, I did go out with two of my cousins - Lindsey and Mike. Mike recently turned 21, not that that should be construed to mean he's green. I picked up Mike and we met his sister at the hot spot of Scranton. We wandered around it, looking for Lindsey. Mike saw a good number of people that he knew and talked with them. I saw a good number of people that I know, and I avoided their gaze. Part of me wonders if they recognized me anyway. But then when we finally found Lindsey, one of the guys in her group said he knew me from my high school. I did not recognize him. But he was short, bald, and jacked. I'm guessing that in high school he was only short. He seemed a little bothered by the fact that his name was not familiar to me at all. Luckily I had not had much to drink or I may have pointed out that I was well known in high school and he probably wasn't. (Not that I want to fall back on high school class structure but I was always speaking in front of the school and I was a leader of half a dozen clubs. I was the Oracle of the Dead Language Society, for Zeus's sake!) I convinced my cousin's to go to a different bar down the street. I knew that some friends of mine would be there. We'd be able to sit down. The band would be quiet enough that we could talk. And the crowd would be a little older. I'm happy that we went. I met Carrie's fiance and we talked about meeting each other when I'm in Washington D.C. next month. I mentioned to Jim again that forestry is a booming industry in Wisconsin - because it apparently isn't in PA. I saw Ed, who went to Greece with me before our senior year of high school. We were never close friends, but we'll always have that tie between us. It's still listed as the best week of my life. Another classmate of mine was there - Alex. I haven't talked to him since graduation, but it was nice to see him again. He kept reminding me of elementary school. Why didn't anyone ever tell us during those second grade lunches, that the social skills we honed there would someday be useful at a bar fifteen years down the road? My cousins and I left the bar at a reasonable hour. I drove them home and we had a good conversation about our family. It was good to get their opinions on things that Kelly and I talk about like our parents and grandparents.On Christmas, my aunt told me that they had had a good time out with me. They then teased me by telling everyone how sloppy I was and how I'm a talkative drunk. I was reminded of how serious my family thinks I am and how most of them don't understand me. I hope that my time with my cousins has at least convinced them that I'm not a stiff bore and that we'll continue to go out whenever we're all home at the same time. |
Saturday, December 24
From Moscow
Sometimes my mom makes comments like, "Why aren't you staying in town longer?" or "Why don't you use more vacation to come home?" The highlight of my day today was watching the Sumo World Championship on ESPN2. I didn't know that white guys compete in stuff like that. The Bulgarians were kicking butt. |
Sunday, December 18
Ugly Christmas Sweater
I crashed an ugly Christmas sweater party last night. Christie brought me along to a coworker’s party. Lucky for me though, she had spent the day scouring the Goodwill for sweater that I could wear. It was actually a sweatshirt. It had a large bear in Christmas-wear on the front. And then on the back, was the back of the bear. It was sweet. The sleeves only came down to three quarters of my arms. I made the finals in the sweater-off, but the guy in the woman’s candy cane sweater and Santa troll pin took home the prize.
During the party, Christie and I were talking about holiday plans and whether or not we’d be going home. Another party guest overheard us talking about Moscow, PA and was interested to hear more about our hometown. It turns out that he knows someone in Moscow and has been there a few times. We quizzed him on places and names and it turns out that he really had been to NEPA. What a strange coincidence.
Wisconsin is cold. Seriously, when the temperature reaches the twenties, we all talk about how warm it is. And there are no traces of sarcasm.
During the party, Christie and I were talking about holiday plans and whether or not we’d be going home. Another party guest overheard us talking about Moscow, PA and was interested to hear more about our hometown. It turns out that he knows someone in Moscow and has been there a few times. We quizzed him on places and names and it turns out that he really had been to NEPA. What a strange coincidence.
Wisconsin is cold. Seriously, when the temperature reaches the twenties, we all talk about how warm it is. And there are no traces of sarcasm.
Wednesday, December 14
Fields
This past Sunday I went to Chicago with my new friend, John, and his girlfriend, Kate. We wanted to check out the city in Christmas-mode. Our first stop was Marshall Fields - specifically the Walnut Room, which is supposedly the place to eat when doing your holiday shopping. We had to wait in line for an hour, just to get a pager. That was at 11 o'clock. They told us they could seat us at 2 - probably. So, we wandered the downtown, went to eat, looked at the windowfronts and shopped a little, while we waited for our table. Yes, we ate, while waiting to eat.
At a quarter to 2, we went back to the Walnut Room floor. They had not paged us yet but said that we could get in line anyway. We still had to wait another 45 minutes to get a table. Then when we finally sat down, we realized that half of the tables were not even set - they were trying to create the heavy demand! This pissed us off, but we stayed anyway.
The big attraction of the Walnut Room is the giant Christmas Tree in the center of the dining area. Sure, it was nice, but I don't think it's worth waiting 4 hours for. Plus, you can see it from the furniture department directly above the Walnut Room. Another drawing point of the restaurant is the Fairy Princess. This is a woman who goes to all the dining tables and sprinkles fairy dust (actually just mundane glitter) on all the children. She's dressed up in a fancy dress and she has a wand. I'm sure she's magical to little kids. Anyway, the father at the table next to us pointed out how great it would be if "the big kids" at our table were sprinkled with dust too. Kate full-heartedly agreed and John and I agreed too, but not nearly as emphatically. It made for some great pictures and, if Kate gets them to me, I'll send them along to you. The princess fairy took a great deal of liberty when sprinkling John and me. John's hair looked white with glitter. And hours later I was still shaking loose pieces off of my head. It wasn't until I went swimming the next day that I finally lost all of it. Even the pizza guy at dinner asked us, "Dude, what's with all the glitter?" It's fairy dust, buddy, and it makes me fly.
At one point in our shopping, Kate suggested that I buy the fancy chocolate from Marshall Fields, which is called Frango. She and John insisted that it's good enough that I should bring some home to my parents for Christmas. Though not wanting to sound too snobbish, I declined, explaining to them that my hometown has it's own chocolate provider, Gertrude Hawk. I went on about Moscow (as I tend to do) and talked about the recent fire at the chocolate factory and how Mr. Hawk is a volunteer firefighter with my sister. Kate and John listened politely, but still said that I should pick out a small box and try it. I looked around and then discovered that each box of Frango's chocolate was stamped with the message: "Manufactured by Gertrude Hawk Chocolates, Dunmore (football team rival of Moscow), PA." The parenthetical information was not stamped on the box, but it should have been.
True Story.
At a quarter to 2, we went back to the Walnut Room floor. They had not paged us yet but said that we could get in line anyway. We still had to wait another 45 minutes to get a table. Then when we finally sat down, we realized that half of the tables were not even set - they were trying to create the heavy demand! This pissed us off, but we stayed anyway.
The big attraction of the Walnut Room is the giant Christmas Tree in the center of the dining area. Sure, it was nice, but I don't think it's worth waiting 4 hours for. Plus, you can see it from the furniture department directly above the Walnut Room. Another drawing point of the restaurant is the Fairy Princess. This is a woman who goes to all the dining tables and sprinkles fairy dust (actually just mundane glitter) on all the children. She's dressed up in a fancy dress and she has a wand. I'm sure she's magical to little kids. Anyway, the father at the table next to us pointed out how great it would be if "the big kids" at our table were sprinkled with dust too. Kate full-heartedly agreed and John and I agreed too, but not nearly as emphatically. It made for some great pictures and, if Kate gets them to me, I'll send them along to you. The princess fairy took a great deal of liberty when sprinkling John and me. John's hair looked white with glitter. And hours later I was still shaking loose pieces off of my head. It wasn't until I went swimming the next day that I finally lost all of it. Even the pizza guy at dinner asked us, "Dude, what's with all the glitter?" It's fairy dust, buddy, and it makes me fly.
At one point in our shopping, Kate suggested that I buy the fancy chocolate from Marshall Fields, which is called Frango. She and John insisted that it's good enough that I should bring some home to my parents for Christmas. Though not wanting to sound too snobbish, I declined, explaining to them that my hometown has it's own chocolate provider, Gertrude Hawk. I went on about Moscow (as I tend to do) and talked about the recent fire at the chocolate factory and how Mr. Hawk is a volunteer firefighter with my sister. Kate and John listened politely, but still said that I should pick out a small box and try it. I looked around and then discovered that each box of Frango's chocolate was stamped with the message: "Manufactured by Gertrude Hawk Chocolates, Dunmore (football team rival of Moscow), PA." The parenthetical information was not stamped on the box, but it should have been.
True Story.
Thursday, December 8
BONYE 2006
It's official. I'll be in Boston for New Year's Eve. I plan to be there from Thursday night until Sunday night.
Saturday, December 3
Christmas Party
I survived the "Holiday Party." But I'm wondering how my coworkers did. Amazingly I think I was the most sober of the bunch - even though my guest was my flask of Jim. And noone helped me drink it! The party was held in Kohler, Wisconsin, known for its toilets and bathroom fixtures. There were a couple of office parties being held in the same ballroom so there were a bunch of tables though we only took up three of them.
This morning I managed to wake up at 9. Actually someone had called my phone, though the number was "unknown" so I may never know who it was. I made a quick sweep of the continental breakfast and saved the stash in my room. I bundled up and headed out to the sports center and gym. It was a full-fledged salon and spa, but only affiliated with the hotel. I had to walk past a frozen lake, on which there were ice fishermen. The gym had 2 lap pools. The showers had three showerheads. They had real soap. And towel service! It takes so little to impress me. It was great.
The extra money was definitely worth staying in a nice hotel over night and the peace of mind of not having to drive home or watch how much I drink.
I should also point out some highlights of the night. Scanning the crowds for bad hair pieces with a new coworker's husband. Dancing with the new guy's cute girl friend. A lot. Not being punched by the new guy. Telling the manager, flabbergasted by discovering the latest office romance, that there's a lot more that goes on in the office that he doesn't know about. The electric slide.
This morning I managed to wake up at 9. Actually someone had called my phone, though the number was "unknown" so I may never know who it was. I made a quick sweep of the continental breakfast and saved the stash in my room. I bundled up and headed out to the sports center and gym. It was a full-fledged salon and spa, but only affiliated with the hotel. I had to walk past a frozen lake, on which there were ice fishermen. The gym had 2 lap pools. The showers had three showerheads. They had real soap. And towel service! It takes so little to impress me. It was great.
The extra money was definitely worth staying in a nice hotel over night and the peace of mind of not having to drive home or watch how much I drink.
I should also point out some highlights of the night. Scanning the crowds for bad hair pieces with a new coworker's husband. Dancing with the new guy's cute girl friend. A lot. Not being punched by the new guy. Telling the manager, flabbergasted by discovering the latest office romance, that there's a lot more that goes on in the office that he doesn't know about. The electric slide.
Thursday, December 1
Phone w/ Adina
Last night I talked to Adina for quite a long while. That's not the important part of the story.
During the night I had a dream about our conversation. I dreamed that Charley had somehow got his hands on a written transcript of the conversation and was upset over things we had said. Then I was transported to a BU dorm and I had to talk to one of my residents because she was upset over the written transcripts of our conversation. But I wasn't back in the dormitory, I was an RA in a frat house. Everyone was getting ready for a dance as I talked to this girl and then I was pulled away because people were complaining about a naked guy in the kitchen.
I rarely remember my dreams. And when I do they normally have nothing to do with my life - current or past. I don't know why this one was different.
During the night I had a dream about our conversation. I dreamed that Charley had somehow got his hands on a written transcript of the conversation and was upset over things we had said. Then I was transported to a BU dorm and I had to talk to one of my residents because she was upset over the written transcripts of our conversation. But I wasn't back in the dormitory, I was an RA in a frat house. Everyone was getting ready for a dance as I talked to this girl and then I was pulled away because people were complaining about a naked guy in the kitchen.
I rarely remember my dreams. And when I do they normally have nothing to do with my life - current or past. I don't know why this one was different.
Like college, but without the books
This will be my third straight night of drinking (with no end in sight).
Two days ago I went out with the new transfer to the Milwaukee office. We went to a small pub - the new guy, his girlfriend, the guy from church (whose girlfriend I met on Sunday), and Ann (whose parents' house I went to for Thanksgiving.) It wasn't the best night out ever but that was because everyone was meeting each other for the first time and there were a good number of introductory-type conversations. But it was a pleasant enough night that I did stay out until 12:30. This was also the same evening that Christie and I went to the Walt Whitman poetry reading. The best line from that event: "Whitman was not afraid of expressing his manly love."
Last night I went to dinner at one of those family-style Italian restaurants. Ann organized it but she was sick and didn't show up. That left four diners which was just barely enough to make the large meal worth it. The new girl at work came with me. She's new to Milwaukee. Her husband still lives in Chicago and she goes back there every weekend, so I don't get many chances to invite her out. We all ate a ton. And the bottle of wine was good too.
Tonight Jake comes home. He's been in Chicago all week. And last week he had been back East for the holiday. We were in the apartment at the same time for about an hour on Sunday, so we caught up a little. He's already called me as he's driving back. Maybe I'll have the Creepy Daves prepared for when he arrives.
Tomorrow is my office holiday party. This year I have reserved a room at the hotel so that I won't have to worry about driving home. Everyone has asked me if I plan to bring my flask again. The office manager wanted to know if my guest will be Jack or Jim.
Two days ago I went out with the new transfer to the Milwaukee office. We went to a small pub - the new guy, his girlfriend, the guy from church (whose girlfriend I met on Sunday), and Ann (whose parents' house I went to for Thanksgiving.) It wasn't the best night out ever but that was because everyone was meeting each other for the first time and there were a good number of introductory-type conversations. But it was a pleasant enough night that I did stay out until 12:30. This was also the same evening that Christie and I went to the Walt Whitman poetry reading. The best line from that event: "Whitman was not afraid of expressing his manly love."
Last night I went to dinner at one of those family-style Italian restaurants. Ann organized it but she was sick and didn't show up. That left four diners which was just barely enough to make the large meal worth it. The new girl at work came with me. She's new to Milwaukee. Her husband still lives in Chicago and she goes back there every weekend, so I don't get many chances to invite her out. We all ate a ton. And the bottle of wine was good too.
Tonight Jake comes home. He's been in Chicago all week. And last week he had been back East for the holiday. We were in the apartment at the same time for about an hour on Sunday, so we caught up a little. He's already called me as he's driving back. Maybe I'll have the Creepy Daves prepared for when he arrives.
Tomorrow is my office holiday party. This year I have reserved a room at the hotel so that I won't have to worry about driving home. Everyone has asked me if I plan to bring my flask again. The office manager wanted to know if my guest will be Jack or Jim.
Thursday, November 17
My weekend has begun
We finally finished our United Way Campaign at work today. I feel that I have been on this committee forever. I wouldn't mind it so much if it weren't so democratic. Do we really need a meeting to discuss everything? The order in which we raffle off prizes. The limit of tickets a person is allowed to buy. Who's going to ask the United Way contact person for stickers. What we really need is a United Way 2006 Campaign Committee Dictator, or perhaps an Enlightened Despot. Someone to rule with an iron fist. There were four of us on the committee. Our office only has 32 people in it. More than ten percent of the office was on this committee! That's hardly an indirect democracy.
It was also quite evident that I was the only non-democrat on the committee as we argued over raffle ticket distribution. The other three thought that there should be a limit to how many tickets one person could receive. They thought that after someone gives $500, that person should be ineligible to have any more chances in the raffle. "That's fair," they said. No it's not. And really, if someone gives $1000 to the United Way give them a $10 gift certificate to Qdoba. I don't care if they make more money than the rest of us. They donated a large chunk of money to a good cause. We should applaud that and make it known.
I was done with work at 4:30. I didn't do much today. I was caught up in the United Way beauracracy. But I stayed until 6 anyway. I had important things to do like make my football picks and steal left over pizza from lunch. I tried to convince someone to go to see Harry Potter IV with me tonight, but nobody would. Of course, I understand that most people are working tomorrow, but I expected there to be one closet Potter fan amongst the people I've met in Milwaukee.
I suppose I should leave for the theater soon. I'll bring a book to read while I wait in line.
Tomorrow I go to meet Tom in Chicago. I'm excited to see him. We're going to a Brewery tour. Jake, Katie, and Christie are definitely coming with us. The other people flaked out on me. But then John from church said that he'd like to meet us too. But I think he has to do the 6 o'clock news. That's so weird.
It was also quite evident that I was the only non-democrat on the committee as we argued over raffle ticket distribution. The other three thought that there should be a limit to how many tickets one person could receive. They thought that after someone gives $500, that person should be ineligible to have any more chances in the raffle. "That's fair," they said. No it's not. And really, if someone gives $1000 to the United Way give them a $10 gift certificate to Qdoba. I don't care if they make more money than the rest of us. They donated a large chunk of money to a good cause. We should applaud that and make it known.
I was done with work at 4:30. I didn't do much today. I was caught up in the United Way beauracracy. But I stayed until 6 anyway. I had important things to do like make my football picks and steal left over pizza from lunch. I tried to convince someone to go to see Harry Potter IV with me tonight, but nobody would. Of course, I understand that most people are working tomorrow, but I expected there to be one closet Potter fan amongst the people I've met in Milwaukee.
I suppose I should leave for the theater soon. I'll bring a book to read while I wait in line.
Tomorrow I go to meet Tom in Chicago. I'm excited to see him. We're going to a Brewery tour. Jake, Katie, and Christie are definitely coming with us. The other people flaked out on me. But then John from church said that he'd like to meet us too. But I think he has to do the 6 o'clock news. That's so weird.
Tuesday, November 15
"Hi, I'm under 50 too."
I made a new friend!
And I met him at church. And he's not a weirdo (at least as far as I can tell, yet).
A few weeks ago I noticed another young guy at church. I figured it was someone's son, so I didn't say anything. But then on Sundaywe passed each other and said, "hi," and started to talk. It's sort of funny because I kept imagining that's how dogs see the world. There could be tons of other people around but a dog only really notices other dogs. I automatically noticed the other person in the sanctuary who was younger than 50.
After the service there was a lunch and we sat with each other - as well as the old ladies. There are some other people in our congregation who are in their 20s, but they are all chemistry doctoral students from Africa. They stick together and after discussing organic versus inorganic, I'm tapped for conversations.
John and I sat and had a pleasant conversation about college and moving around for jobs. I'm calling him "John" because it turns out that he works for a local news station and is a regular reporter. I had to admit to him that without a TV I wasn't even sure what the local stations are, let alone who he is. As we left church we exchanged phone numbers and decided to go out for coffee on Tuesday night.
Today we set up a meeting place and time. We met for coffee (but I drank juice). I didn't know how to ask him if he drank alcohol. Eventually though our conversation went to what we do for fun and it became apparant that we both frequent the local bars. So, we decided to go across the street for a drink. It was nice and I enjoyed talking with him. We don't have much in common when it comes to interests. He didn't even know there was Johnny Cash movie released this week! But it turns out that John knows a good deal about his pension plan and I know more than I thought I did about broadcasting.
John plans to celebrate Dan Goldin Day with Tom and me on Friday.
And I met him at church. And he's not a weirdo (at least as far as I can tell, yet).
A few weeks ago I noticed another young guy at church. I figured it was someone's son, so I didn't say anything. But then on Sundaywe passed each other and said, "hi," and started to talk. It's sort of funny because I kept imagining that's how dogs see the world. There could be tons of other people around but a dog only really notices other dogs. I automatically noticed the other person in the sanctuary who was younger than 50.
After the service there was a lunch and we sat with each other - as well as the old ladies. There are some other people in our congregation who are in their 20s, but they are all chemistry doctoral students from Africa. They stick together and after discussing organic versus inorganic, I'm tapped for conversations.
John and I sat and had a pleasant conversation about college and moving around for jobs. I'm calling him "John" because it turns out that he works for a local news station and is a regular reporter. I had to admit to him that without a TV I wasn't even sure what the local stations are, let alone who he is. As we left church we exchanged phone numbers and decided to go out for coffee on Tuesday night.
Today we set up a meeting place and time. We met for coffee (but I drank juice). I didn't know how to ask him if he drank alcohol. Eventually though our conversation went to what we do for fun and it became apparant that we both frequent the local bars. So, we decided to go across the street for a drink. It was nice and I enjoyed talking with him. We don't have much in common when it comes to interests. He didn't even know there was Johnny Cash movie released this week! But it turns out that John knows a good deal about his pension plan and I know more than I thought I did about broadcasting.
John plans to celebrate Dan Goldin Day with Tom and me on Friday.
Friday, November 11
Thursday, November 10
Parental Visit
My parents are in town. To kick off a Milwaukeean weekend, we went for dinner at a German restaurant. The leftovers are in the fridge and they stink. I can't believe I ate that stuff.
The visit so far has been enjoyable. Let's see what a full day together is like.
The visit so far has been enjoyable. Let's see what a full day together is like.
Catch the Spirit
At dinner last night, Jake, completely unprompted, says to me, "So, what are our plans for Dan Goldin Day?"
True Story.
True Story.
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