Altitudes and Depths
I've been feeling rather yo-yo-esque emotionally lately. I've had many events occur that have brought me joy as well as sorrow. As I so commonly do in my posts, I shall synthesize a list comprised of various happenings and my reactions to them.
1) David Sedaris in the Hall of Royce (June 25, 2004)
My mother and I have been impatiently awaiting the day that writer and speaker, David Sedaris, would finally make his appearance in UCLAs Royce Hall. For those of you who are unfamiliar, David Sedaris is a very popular writer and speaker. He has put out several works such as Naked, Me Talk Pretty One Day, and his most recent Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim. He's a frequent contributor to the New Yorker as well as a popular guest on NPR on Ira Glass' This American Life. Mr. Sedaris has what some would call a cult following. In any case, my mother and I have had tickets to see him for the past six months. We arrived early and we noticed a line, at the front of which Mr. Sedaris was signing books. Overjoyed by our luck, we quickly purchased copies of his new book and got in line. When my mother reached the front, somehow I got introduced into their exchange. He seemed extremely happy to see a younger reader of his work. I was as close to being starstruck as I have ever gotten. What happened was quite possibly one of the coolest things that has ever happened to me. Upon finding out that I was 18 and just graduated he pulled out his wallet and gave me a dollar as a graduation present. It was such an incredible experience. It was much cooler in person than the way I tell it. His talk and reading was positively fabulous. It was one of the most enjoyable and entertaining engagements I've ever attended.
2) A Day with My Favorite Guy and Girl (June 26, 2004)
The following day I undertook one of the most draining activities I have ever done. I drove to San Diego to pick up Christina, my ex-girlfriend and one of my best friends in the world. I then drove her back to LA. The car ride back with her was very nice. It's always wonderful to talk with her. It had been so long since I last saw her, she was even more beautiful than I remembered. It's at these times that I wish I could dissolve my feelings for her. Getting back on track, once we returned and made a quick trip back to my place we picked up Jonathan, one of the only other friends whose companionship I value so deeply. From there we went to Little Tokyo. Eating at Oiwake was delicious as always. We went to the Jungle next. I found the coveted second Excel Saga DVD and quickly burned $28 purchasing it. Christina wanted to get gifts so I aided her in a quest to find suitable gifts for Jonathan, her boyfriend, and his friend. After that we walked over to the mall, played DDR and Para Para at Japan Arcade and got boba at LA Scoops. Jonathan ended up launching excess boba via straw like gun turret. I found the display to be rather embarrassing and disgusting. Christina found it humorous and I suppose, deep down, I did as well. Jonathan accompanied us on the ride back to San Diego to drop Christina off. The ride was uneventful for the most part. Until I received my first speeding ticket. I was going 10 mph over in the fast lane. I do realize that there is no excuse for this so don't think that I'm trying to make up any. I feel that I'm a much better driver now in any case. Needless to say, with my semi-melancholic mood towards Chirstina on the way back combined with being humiliated in front of my closest friends, I was in a less than happy mood upon reaching Christina's house. Since the ceiling fans in her house were too high to reach, I quickly left and drove with Jonathan back to LA. On the way home Jonathan and I made enjoyable conversation. We arrived at 12:30 am and I spent the night at the Wagners'. I find myself saddened at times because of the circumstances revolving around Christina and I but I have no regrets and I greatly enjoy maintaining a good friendship with her. She has earned more of my trust than any other person. I truly had a wonderful day with her and Jonathan. Some may see me as foolish to drive twelve hours to spend six with her, but it was definitely worth it to me even with the ticket.
3) Keenan: Little Tokyo Again (June 27, 2004)
I joined Keenan and everyone else on Sunday for his birthday party. I was a little drained by this time so my social and mental reserves were somewhat depleted. We went to Little Tokyo and had lunch in the private room in Oiwake, delicious yet again. I was in somewhat of an anti-social mood which carried over into the kareoke after lunch. I didn't sing a single song. I ditched the group for about one and a half of the four hours we were there. I would linke to apologize to you, Keenan, for my rude behavior. Please forgive me. After that we all went home.
So went friday and my weekend. I have had lots of very happy times, and some depressing ones as well. I suppose it springs from my feelings for Christina. No matter, that is my own issue to deal with and I should not allow it to affect how I act. I am extremely lucky to have maintained the wonderful friendship with her that I have. I am thankful for that. Thank you, Christina, for understanding and putting up with how I am.
Now I have Anime Expo to look forward to on this weekend. I shall post again, reporting the results of my trip next tuesday.
Thank you if you made the time to read this extensive post. I will gladly read and respond to you comments or criticisms.
Warren
1) David Sedaris in the Hall of Royce (June 25, 2004)
My mother and I have been impatiently awaiting the day that writer and speaker, David Sedaris, would finally make his appearance in UCLAs Royce Hall. For those of you who are unfamiliar, David Sedaris is a very popular writer and speaker. He has put out several works such as Naked, Me Talk Pretty One Day, and his most recent Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim. He's a frequent contributor to the New Yorker as well as a popular guest on NPR on Ira Glass' This American Life. Mr. Sedaris has what some would call a cult following. In any case, my mother and I have had tickets to see him for the past six months. We arrived early and we noticed a line, at the front of which Mr. Sedaris was signing books. Overjoyed by our luck, we quickly purchased copies of his new book and got in line. When my mother reached the front, somehow I got introduced into their exchange. He seemed extremely happy to see a younger reader of his work. I was as close to being starstruck as I have ever gotten. What happened was quite possibly one of the coolest things that has ever happened to me. Upon finding out that I was 18 and just graduated he pulled out his wallet and gave me a dollar as a graduation present. It was such an incredible experience. It was much cooler in person than the way I tell it. His talk and reading was positively fabulous. It was one of the most enjoyable and entertaining engagements I've ever attended.
2) A Day with My Favorite Guy and Girl (June 26, 2004)
The following day I undertook one of the most draining activities I have ever done. I drove to San Diego to pick up Christina, my ex-girlfriend and one of my best friends in the world. I then drove her back to LA. The car ride back with her was very nice. It's always wonderful to talk with her. It had been so long since I last saw her, she was even more beautiful than I remembered. It's at these times that I wish I could dissolve my feelings for her. Getting back on track, once we returned and made a quick trip back to my place we picked up Jonathan, one of the only other friends whose companionship I value so deeply. From there we went to Little Tokyo. Eating at Oiwake was delicious as always. We went to the Jungle next. I found the coveted second Excel Saga DVD and quickly burned $28 purchasing it. Christina wanted to get gifts so I aided her in a quest to find suitable gifts for Jonathan, her boyfriend, and his friend. After that we walked over to the mall, played DDR and Para Para at Japan Arcade and got boba at LA Scoops. Jonathan ended up launching excess boba via straw like gun turret. I found the display to be rather embarrassing and disgusting. Christina found it humorous and I suppose, deep down, I did as well. Jonathan accompanied us on the ride back to San Diego to drop Christina off. The ride was uneventful for the most part. Until I received my first speeding ticket. I was going 10 mph over in the fast lane. I do realize that there is no excuse for this so don't think that I'm trying to make up any. I feel that I'm a much better driver now in any case. Needless to say, with my semi-melancholic mood towards Chirstina on the way back combined with being humiliated in front of my closest friends, I was in a less than happy mood upon reaching Christina's house. Since the ceiling fans in her house were too high to reach, I quickly left and drove with Jonathan back to LA. On the way home Jonathan and I made enjoyable conversation. We arrived at 12:30 am and I spent the night at the Wagners'. I find myself saddened at times because of the circumstances revolving around Christina and I but I have no regrets and I greatly enjoy maintaining a good friendship with her. She has earned more of my trust than any other person. I truly had a wonderful day with her and Jonathan. Some may see me as foolish to drive twelve hours to spend six with her, but it was definitely worth it to me even with the ticket.
3) Keenan: Little Tokyo Again (June 27, 2004)
I joined Keenan and everyone else on Sunday for his birthday party. I was a little drained by this time so my social and mental reserves were somewhat depleted. We went to Little Tokyo and had lunch in the private room in Oiwake, delicious yet again. I was in somewhat of an anti-social mood which carried over into the kareoke after lunch. I didn't sing a single song. I ditched the group for about one and a half of the four hours we were there. I would linke to apologize to you, Keenan, for my rude behavior. Please forgive me. After that we all went home.
So went friday and my weekend. I have had lots of very happy times, and some depressing ones as well. I suppose it springs from my feelings for Christina. No matter, that is my own issue to deal with and I should not allow it to affect how I act. I am extremely lucky to have maintained the wonderful friendship with her that I have. I am thankful for that. Thank you, Christina, for understanding and putting up with how I am.
Now I have Anime Expo to look forward to on this weekend. I shall post again, reporting the results of my trip next tuesday.
Thank you if you made the time to read this extensive post. I will gladly read and respond to you comments or criticisms.
Warren