Long Winded
It would be adequate to write that I feel like a douche bag. Not in the traditional sense of the word, more like “That guy is a douche bag.” This all stems from my brief glimpse into our Nation’s current struggle with Hurricane Katrina. Hundreds of miles away, totally removed from all aspects of the unimaginable devastation, and wanting to do something to show the world and my neighbors to the South that yes, I do care. What can I do?
There isn’t much money I can spare, time isn’t a luxury. A simple thought of peace? Light a candle? Hmm… After further consideration and speaking with coworkers and one very special lady, a few things have been determined. First off, whenever a disaster strikes, people need blood. I’m going to give a few ounces of myself. Secondly, my manager gave me the go-head to conduct a progressive potluck with my departments’ 103 employees. Over a few hours time, my coworkers will descend upon a festival of food from festive regions such as Italy or Germany, Mexico and Minnesotan hot-dish! Desserts, beverages, appetizers, etc! Not only will my coworkers be asked to provide food, but a cover-charge of $5 is also required. Why? Because it’s the right fucking thing to do. If you cannot afford it, see me - I’m in charge. If you don’t want to participate - fuck off. We’ll all remember that when you’re left with nothing and need a helping hand! Goal of funds to raise: $500! Hell ya!
I feel less like a douche bag now. It was a perspective thing. My time issues, money problems, having this to accomplish and that to see through - as I watched the news my issues became less than tangible: imagined, made up. Still in the back of my mind, but not devastatingly crucial to my time and place. I’m 20. I feel good. I feel loved. I feel fit. I feel healthy. I’ve got the world by the balls and I’m just grinning. Things are fucking great! That’s perspective I’d like to be conscious of more than often.
In other news: my issue regarding money and time has now been resolved; I quit the Jungle Theater as their intern (read: stagehand) for the production of “Bone Dry.” However, being the cosmic-fool that I am, today my horoscope read: “How annoying when work gets in the way of pleasure! But there are times, when professional opportunities are simply too good to pass by. That beguiling creature you’ve had your eye on will just have to wait for you another day. For now, dear Cancer, focus on the business at hand; with the current aspect at play, the payoff could be tremendous!” Great.
The time that was previously dedicated to the Jungle can now be put back into the Brave New Workshop for their fall show, “Shut Your American Pie-Hole or Discount Family Values.” In addition to earning my keep at the theater on Hennepin where I’m already ‘established,’ I will have the opportunity to finally become involved with BNW’s performance-track classes which not only delve into long-form improvisation, but also writing, pre-production/post-production, etc. YAY!
This weekend is the welcome to fall and the farewell to summer. Katherine and I will be traveling to her family’s cabin Saturday morning for a day filled with family, free food, camp fires bigger than the eye can see, rollerblading, secret kisses and private erotic moments that only two lovers can share in the company of family members… I’m really looking forward to getting away from reality with her, it’s a mini-vacation - I love taking them with Katherine, she’s a wonderful conversationalist (you have to really listen though, is she rambling or is there a point?) thus great for road trips. Between Saturday and Sunday we’ll probably be putting on upwards of 150 to 200 miles and it will feel like mere minutes of flirting in the car.
That’s another thing, she drives! She is a very capable driver (sans pedestrian trampling) and I trust her. While dating Ashlee there were moments when emotions would get the best of her behind the wheel and I would feel less than safe and ask if she wanted me to drive. I suspect that Ashlee felt like these were ploys of mine simply to driver her parent’s vehicle, but it was actually because I trust myself and I didn’t trust her. Katherine has my trust on multiple levels.
A friend my home, Robbie, had written on his journal about how the old clan (Annalisa, Ashlee, Robbie, and myself) have all changed in a matter of six months. Where our priorities and goals, motivations, dreams - realities that we can and cannot control are moving our lives in more stable, desirable positions as young adults. It was good to see Annalisa and Robbie last Sunday. I am still disappointed with myself about smoking, I think Robbie maybe share my feeling - but it was a choice I made, he made.
It was difficult to be around these people from my past, primarily because I have changed. I cannot really explain this in an adequate way that won’t make me sound like an ass, but I’ve changed in a way that makes my skin crawl when I’m around my past - town, the people, the places, the memories. That’s why I seldom return home (typically when I need something or holidays). I do not like the person I was. The lesson, the memory will be carried with me for years to come.
So it’s almost time to go home - actually I’ll probably be here (at work) until 6-ish. I need to make up some time from Wednesday and Thursday. However, I will probably put in more overtime on Tuesday of next week which is great because of that whole time-and-a-half kind of rate! Anyway, I’ve got to search the web for information on book making… It will keep me busy… !~michael james~!
There isn’t much money I can spare, time isn’t a luxury. A simple thought of peace? Light a candle? Hmm… After further consideration and speaking with coworkers and one very special lady, a few things have been determined. First off, whenever a disaster strikes, people need blood. I’m going to give a few ounces of myself. Secondly, my manager gave me the go-head to conduct a progressive potluck with my departments’ 103 employees. Over a few hours time, my coworkers will descend upon a festival of food from festive regions such as Italy or Germany, Mexico and Minnesotan hot-dish! Desserts, beverages, appetizers, etc! Not only will my coworkers be asked to provide food, but a cover-charge of $5 is also required. Why? Because it’s the right fucking thing to do. If you cannot afford it, see me - I’m in charge. If you don’t want to participate - fuck off. We’ll all remember that when you’re left with nothing and need a helping hand! Goal of funds to raise: $500! Hell ya!
I feel less like a douche bag now. It was a perspective thing. My time issues, money problems, having this to accomplish and that to see through - as I watched the news my issues became less than tangible: imagined, made up. Still in the back of my mind, but not devastatingly crucial to my time and place. I’m 20. I feel good. I feel loved. I feel fit. I feel healthy. I’ve got the world by the balls and I’m just grinning. Things are fucking great! That’s perspective I’d like to be conscious of more than often.
In other news: my issue regarding money and time has now been resolved; I quit the Jungle Theater as their intern (read: stagehand) for the production of “Bone Dry.” However, being the cosmic-fool that I am, today my horoscope read: “How annoying when work gets in the way of pleasure! But there are times, when professional opportunities are simply too good to pass by. That beguiling creature you’ve had your eye on will just have to wait for you another day. For now, dear Cancer, focus on the business at hand; with the current aspect at play, the payoff could be tremendous!” Great.
The time that was previously dedicated to the Jungle can now be put back into the Brave New Workshop for their fall show, “Shut Your American Pie-Hole or Discount Family Values.” In addition to earning my keep at the theater on Hennepin where I’m already ‘established,’ I will have the opportunity to finally become involved with BNW’s performance-track classes which not only delve into long-form improvisation, but also writing, pre-production/post-production, etc. YAY!
This weekend is the welcome to fall and the farewell to summer. Katherine and I will be traveling to her family’s cabin Saturday morning for a day filled with family, free food, camp fires bigger than the eye can see, rollerblading, secret kisses and private erotic moments that only two lovers can share in the company of family members… I’m really looking forward to getting away from reality with her, it’s a mini-vacation - I love taking them with Katherine, she’s a wonderful conversationalist (you have to really listen though, is she rambling or is there a point?) thus great for road trips. Between Saturday and Sunday we’ll probably be putting on upwards of 150 to 200 miles and it will feel like mere minutes of flirting in the car.
That’s another thing, she drives! She is a very capable driver (sans pedestrian trampling) and I trust her. While dating Ashlee there were moments when emotions would get the best of her behind the wheel and I would feel less than safe and ask if she wanted me to drive. I suspect that Ashlee felt like these were ploys of mine simply to driver her parent’s vehicle, but it was actually because I trust myself and I didn’t trust her. Katherine has my trust on multiple levels.
A friend my home, Robbie, had written on his journal about how the old clan (Annalisa, Ashlee, Robbie, and myself) have all changed in a matter of six months. Where our priorities and goals, motivations, dreams - realities that we can and cannot control are moving our lives in more stable, desirable positions as young adults. It was good to see Annalisa and Robbie last Sunday. I am still disappointed with myself about smoking, I think Robbie maybe share my feeling - but it was a choice I made, he made.
It was difficult to be around these people from my past, primarily because I have changed. I cannot really explain this in an adequate way that won’t make me sound like an ass, but I’ve changed in a way that makes my skin crawl when I’m around my past - town, the people, the places, the memories. That’s why I seldom return home (typically when I need something or holidays). I do not like the person I was. The lesson, the memory will be carried with me for years to come.
So it’s almost time to go home - actually I’ll probably be here (at work) until 6-ish. I need to make up some time from Wednesday and Thursday. However, I will probably put in more overtime on Tuesday of next week which is great because of that whole time-and-a-half kind of rate! Anyway, I’ve got to search the web for information on book making… It will keep me busy… !~michael james~!