As I walked into work this morning, I was listening to the theme music from Caddy Shack II; a song entitled “Nobody’s Fool” by Kenny Loggins. Let me go ahead and say that Kenny Loggins is one of the finest American artists ever, and screw you if you think otherwise. Either way, I had an epiphany as I gazed into the clear morning sky probably still a little buzzed from last night. I came to the realization that I haven’t any time to waste. As I get ready to go back to school in the fall, I now realize that I must strive to be better in all aspects of life in the coming days, months, and years. Not that this was a totally new and novel idea, but sometimes things conjure little reminders. I have said many times that it is too easy to get into routine and forget about striving to move beyond what you have already done.
I want to fill this little spiel with positive things. I realize that I strayed away from that last week and I pledge to not do so again in the future. I did not begin this as an outlet for frustrations, per se, and especially not those that have little bearing on my situation in life. Life is good. I love this city and the life I have forged for myself. I have been lucky to have been in the position to do some cool things in DC so far.
Last weekend was a great time. It started Friday afternoon after a short trip to Baltimore. After dropping off our stuff, we headed to the ballpark to do some pre-gaming. I figured that we would park some blocks away from the stadium and hoof it back to the area. I was wrong. Rachel pulls into the prime time parking spot right across the street from the main entrance to Camden Yards. One of her best friends growing up was the proprietor of the bar and so we got rock star parking. Then after eating and drinking for free for the next couple hours, they send us into the stadium to sit in the club level. If you have been there before, it’s the giant red brick warehouse in the outfield. The atmosphere was great, and they even set us up with a pre-paid bar tab, which needless to say was pretty sweet. After the game it was back to the beginning for another hour of revelry before retiring for the night in anticipation of Preakness.
After getting up way too early the following morning, we drove back into the city proper and made our way to the bar that organized the bus trip to Pimlico. After a couple hours of breakfast and bloody mary’s, we all boarded the bus in high spirits and headed out to the track. We had our own roped off section right next to one of the betting booths. We had a great view of the horses as they went into the final turn. We also were out of the main fracas in terms of beer bombs, and had a straight shot to the restrooms. In short, it was a pretty baller spot to be in. I didn’t come away in the positive in terms of wagering on the races, but I made bets on almost all of them and only ended up losing about $20. It was an insanely long day and I think I stood on top of the cooler for about 7 hours simply observing the raucous that took place all over the infield. It was a great experience.
Sunday morning came too early, but Jacqueline and I had to be at the National Aquarium early for a dolphin show. I must say that I always enjoyed going to things like this and I am glad that JQ is interested in going as well. When your mother is a science teacher, you kind of have to grow up fascinated with sea creatures and whatnot. We got back to DC that afternoon and immediately crawled into bed, where we remained except for a short break for dinner. At the end of the weekend, I can say that the experience at the race course was like a mix between a football Saturday and a NASCAR race, for better or for worse. It was a great time and now we get to watch and see if Big Brown can lock up the Triple Crown. Go Big Brown!
In an unrelated note, the Ole Miss Rebel baseball team has gotten hot at exactly the right time. They won last night’s game at the SEC tourney in dramatic fashion and they look to have all the momentum going into their games this weekend. While they will not host a regional even if they do win the tournament, they should go in as a #2. Hopefully, they pull that out and we see another #2 win their regional opposite of ours. In that case, there is a very real chance that Oxford may be able to host a super regional. If that is the case, maybe this is the year I have been waiting on. Perhaps this is the year when we see a breakthrough and the you-know-who’s make it to the you-know-what’s in you-know where. I don’t even want to say it, but I feel I must. If the Rebels make it to Omaha this year, I am going to make the trip, hands down, bar none. Every year I have been disappointed this time of year, but this year, I am starting to believe. All it takes is being hot this time of the season and catching a few breaks. If they do, I am booking my flight while jamming Counting Crows and will finally make the trip to collegiate baseball Mecca. Go Rebs!
Live triumphantly.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Friday, May 16, 2008
Weekly Affirmations
In six weeks, half of the current calendar year will be finished. It will be time to take stock of accomplishments and setbacks that have occurred so far in this fair year of our lord, 2008. Enough of that for now though, as it is still 6 weeks away with much to do.
Last weekend was exhausting. One of Jacqueline’s roommates from Italy came for a visit and while we had a good time and she is a cool girl, there wasn’t a lot of downtime left over after entertaining all weekend. And now as we are heading into another weekend of grand activity, all I can think about is crawling into bed and staying there for a few days. Perhaps one of these weekends can be a little less energy intensive and allow me to catch up on much needed mental health reparation. No rest for the wicked however.
So tonight, we will load up our coolers full of beer and high hopes, and boom north to Baltimore. Apparently, Rachel not only scored us box seats for the game (clutch since the weather prognosticators say it will rain) but also a free in-game bar tab as well. So there goes taking it easy tonight I guess. Either way, rain or no rain, we should have a good time as we have good and motivated crew. I have been doing my research on horses this weekend and I think I have a decent shot at not losing much money betting on horse racing tomorrow. Mental note: remember to bring a pen. We have infield tickets, so I expect to return to our home base tomorrow night completely covered in mud. I can just imagine what all day rains and 100,000+ spectators are going to do to Pimlico. Either way it should be a good time and I am especially glad that I self-vetoed my pledge to drink only boxed wine that day. I think that would be an exceptionally bad idea given that we will arrive to the race field about 8:00am…
There has been some negative backlash after the filly Eight Belles went down after the Kentucky Derby. People say that horse racing is barbaric, outdated, and simply too taxing on the horses. While I must respect their opinions, I cannot agree. Hundreds of horse races occur every day. Rarely does a colt or a filly sustain injury. It is just the last two years that grievous injuries have occurred on the biggest stages of the sport. Now we have funds and charities set up in the names of the fallen horses. I am all for charity in most shapes and forms, but I think people should pay more attention to what is really important in the world instead of concerning themselves with such inconsequential and inane drivel that is spoon-fed to them by way of popular television news services. Make your OWN opinions about things!!! Seriously, in today’s “look at me” society, one would things that more value would be placed on individual ideas and points of view. It is a travesty that the “cookie-cutter” rationalisms and idealisms are so quickly taken up by the general public (talented cattle). The facts are out there people! Quit making it so easy to be duped!
Well…Now everyone can take a breath. A little venting there I guess, but DC is like that sometimes. Actually, while I am in the mood, I will address another dagger in my heart concerning the American Public at large. American Idol and Dancing With the Stars. Who fucking cares? I want to yell this at friends and metro patrons alike with such vehemence that they would swear it was religious fervor. God have mercy on the souls that ask what I thought about Idol last night. I. Do. Not. Care.
Okay this time I am serious. I am done with the anger management. However, I am now tired and have errands to run before the weekend odyssey begins.
Live in triumphant reality.
Last weekend was exhausting. One of Jacqueline’s roommates from Italy came for a visit and while we had a good time and she is a cool girl, there wasn’t a lot of downtime left over after entertaining all weekend. And now as we are heading into another weekend of grand activity, all I can think about is crawling into bed and staying there for a few days. Perhaps one of these weekends can be a little less energy intensive and allow me to catch up on much needed mental health reparation. No rest for the wicked however.
So tonight, we will load up our coolers full of beer and high hopes, and boom north to Baltimore. Apparently, Rachel not only scored us box seats for the game (clutch since the weather prognosticators say it will rain) but also a free in-game bar tab as well. So there goes taking it easy tonight I guess. Either way, rain or no rain, we should have a good time as we have good and motivated crew. I have been doing my research on horses this weekend and I think I have a decent shot at not losing much money betting on horse racing tomorrow. Mental note: remember to bring a pen. We have infield tickets, so I expect to return to our home base tomorrow night completely covered in mud. I can just imagine what all day rains and 100,000+ spectators are going to do to Pimlico. Either way it should be a good time and I am especially glad that I self-vetoed my pledge to drink only boxed wine that day. I think that would be an exceptionally bad idea given that we will arrive to the race field about 8:00am…
There has been some negative backlash after the filly Eight Belles went down after the Kentucky Derby. People say that horse racing is barbaric, outdated, and simply too taxing on the horses. While I must respect their opinions, I cannot agree. Hundreds of horse races occur every day. Rarely does a colt or a filly sustain injury. It is just the last two years that grievous injuries have occurred on the biggest stages of the sport. Now we have funds and charities set up in the names of the fallen horses. I am all for charity in most shapes and forms, but I think people should pay more attention to what is really important in the world instead of concerning themselves with such inconsequential and inane drivel that is spoon-fed to them by way of popular television news services. Make your OWN opinions about things!!! Seriously, in today’s “look at me” society, one would things that more value would be placed on individual ideas and points of view. It is a travesty that the “cookie-cutter” rationalisms and idealisms are so quickly taken up by the general public (talented cattle). The facts are out there people! Quit making it so easy to be duped!
Well…Now everyone can take a breath. A little venting there I guess, but DC is like that sometimes. Actually, while I am in the mood, I will address another dagger in my heart concerning the American Public at large. American Idol and Dancing With the Stars. Who fucking cares? I want to yell this at friends and metro patrons alike with such vehemence that they would swear it was religious fervor. God have mercy on the souls that ask what I thought about Idol last night. I. Do. Not. Care.
Okay this time I am serious. I am done with the anger management. However, I am now tired and have errands to run before the weekend odyssey begins.
Live in triumphant reality.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
the week ends, the week begins...
Ernest Hemingway describes his early writing processes while living in 1920’s Paris in his book “A Moveable Feast”. He began writing this work in between trips to Cuba, Spain, and Idaho of all places during the late 1950’s. The title of this work, which was published posthumously, was derived from a letter he penned to a colleague in 1950.
“If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you are for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast.”
Although I presume to understand his intended meaning, I found it difficult to draw a true parallel to his words at first. Given some time to reflect, I think I have come to a greater understanding of what old Ernie was saying. I think anyone could substitute Paris for anywhere that is the setting for formative experiences, whether it be Paris, France or Paris, Arkansas. This is apparently a rather unvarnished thought and it is difficult to articulate exactly what it means to me at this moment. Thus, I will continue onward.
The last week and change have been pretty nice here. My petition was accepted and so long as lodge voting goes well, I can reasonably expect to be raised to an Entered Apprentice sometime in the next 6 weeks or so. One of our customer relations reps here called to ask if I would like tickets to the Boeing corporate suite in the new Washington Nationals stadium last Friday. I told them I could probably stand to work it into my schedule and even though the home team lost, it was a pretty sweet setup…Everyone and their mothers had Cinco de Mayo parties and so Saturday was mostly spent trying to stay upright and coherent amid a maelstrom of cheap tequila. I even managed to speak quite a bit of Spanish with some nice Chileños that were patrons at one of the fiestas we made it to. Sunday was a glorious day here and full of fresh sunshine. Jacqueline and I made brunch and proceeded to do nothing the entire day, which was enjoyable to the maximum.
The next few weeks will be fraught with good times and great oldies. This weekend, one of JQ’s roommates from Italy will be staying, so we get to play tour guide. I don’t really mind doing this, since I still think that this stuff is all pretty cool. I realize that I need to learn more about things still so I have some background on some of the museums and monuments to relay to our guests, much akin to what I did while working in the Capitol.
The following weekend is what I am truly ready for. A small group of us will be heading up to Baltimore on Friday for the Orioles game in Camden Yards. I have heard that if you are a true fan of baseball, Camden is one of the ballparks that you must make it to. Saturday will be the Preakness Stakes and my first experience with a Triple Crown horse racing event. One of these years, I would like to make it to all three events, but in the meantime it cannot hurt to make it to one or two. I am especially excited for the port-a-let racing. Check it out on YouTube if you don’t get know what I am talking about. I plan to buy some boxed wine and pack a picnic lunch with our compatriots and hopefully the weather will hold us as well. On Sunday, JQ and I will hit up the National Aquarium, also in Baltimore. This is something that the both of us have wanted to do for a while now, and finally our plans for going are coming to fruition.
All in all, life is good here. You never really know where you can find a moveable feast, but there seems to be one right here with my name on it. As the good doctor wrote in the Vegas book, “You could strike sparks anywhere”. I feel you Dr. T.
Now, who wants to go to Spain next year for the Fiesta de San Fermin and run away from large and ornery bulls?
Live triumphantly.
“If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you are for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast.”
Although I presume to understand his intended meaning, I found it difficult to draw a true parallel to his words at first. Given some time to reflect, I think I have come to a greater understanding of what old Ernie was saying. I think anyone could substitute Paris for anywhere that is the setting for formative experiences, whether it be Paris, France or Paris, Arkansas. This is apparently a rather unvarnished thought and it is difficult to articulate exactly what it means to me at this moment. Thus, I will continue onward.
The last week and change have been pretty nice here. My petition was accepted and so long as lodge voting goes well, I can reasonably expect to be raised to an Entered Apprentice sometime in the next 6 weeks or so. One of our customer relations reps here called to ask if I would like tickets to the Boeing corporate suite in the new Washington Nationals stadium last Friday. I told them I could probably stand to work it into my schedule and even though the home team lost, it was a pretty sweet setup…Everyone and their mothers had Cinco de Mayo parties and so Saturday was mostly spent trying to stay upright and coherent amid a maelstrom of cheap tequila. I even managed to speak quite a bit of Spanish with some nice Chileños that were patrons at one of the fiestas we made it to. Sunday was a glorious day here and full of fresh sunshine. Jacqueline and I made brunch and proceeded to do nothing the entire day, which was enjoyable to the maximum.
The next few weeks will be fraught with good times and great oldies. This weekend, one of JQ’s roommates from Italy will be staying, so we get to play tour guide. I don’t really mind doing this, since I still think that this stuff is all pretty cool. I realize that I need to learn more about things still so I have some background on some of the museums and monuments to relay to our guests, much akin to what I did while working in the Capitol.
The following weekend is what I am truly ready for. A small group of us will be heading up to Baltimore on Friday for the Orioles game in Camden Yards. I have heard that if you are a true fan of baseball, Camden is one of the ballparks that you must make it to. Saturday will be the Preakness Stakes and my first experience with a Triple Crown horse racing event. One of these years, I would like to make it to all three events, but in the meantime it cannot hurt to make it to one or two. I am especially excited for the port-a-let racing. Check it out on YouTube if you don’t get know what I am talking about. I plan to buy some boxed wine and pack a picnic lunch with our compatriots and hopefully the weather will hold us as well. On Sunday, JQ and I will hit up the National Aquarium, also in Baltimore. This is something that the both of us have wanted to do for a while now, and finally our plans for going are coming to fruition.
All in all, life is good here. You never really know where you can find a moveable feast, but there seems to be one right here with my name on it. As the good doctor wrote in the Vegas book, “You could strike sparks anywhere”. I feel you Dr. T.
Now, who wants to go to Spain next year for the Fiesta de San Fermin and run away from large and ornery bulls?
Live triumphantly.
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