SUNDAY OCTOBER 1ST 2000
Quick day! Lions freaking lost to the Vikings. 3-2! I finally beat Kevin at tennis. It got dark as I cut the front yard. Vice, Brad, Cook and I went out to Fremont to check out the “Haunted Hydro”. It wasn’t quite worth the $10 charge. It was fun though. My cheeks hurt afterward from so much laughter. I’m very, very sleepy. I’ll mention a funny thing I wrote to Heather then I’m out. I told her to give Ashley a big kiss for me then I said maybe she should just tell her “hi” instead. I hope she laughs and doesn’t think I’m a sick-o.
TUESDAY OCTOBER 3RD 2000
Oh Boy! No news about email girl but do I have something to write about the most attractive girl ever…to work as a hostess at Fricker’s on Monroe. First I’ll get up to date. On Monday I worked till 4pm. The weather was incredible so Kevin and I threw the football for a bit. I don’t think he enjoys it the way I do though. Brad, Brian Ray and I went to Arnie’s to watch Monday Night Football. Stamp was there! I guess his girlfriend just dumped him via email so I bought him a “Jack on the Rocks” to help him drown his sorrows. We had quite a few laughs then I had to get to bed because I had to be to work at 9am this morning. Got off at 4pm again. I may be known as the “weird dude” instead of the “quiet kid” now. I guess when I’ve been around people long enough I can act normal…which is weird. I think everyone likes me…they are nice to me anyway. This evening I went to the Sports Arena with Brad’s family to watch the Toledo Storm’s first pre-season game. Before that I shot hoops for a long time miserably. I must’ve made less than 1% of my shots. The hockey game was fun. On to Fricker’s. I said it best when I wrote “My God!” I sat shaking at the bar knowing that I wasn’t going to leave until I asked her out. My first attempt at approaching her was unsuccessful. I made eye contact then walked past her straight into the men’s room. After making a few tense facial expressions into the mirror I was next in line at the hostess counter where she stood alone. The first thing I asked her was if she had a boyfriend. She said “no” then “yes” then “no”. Analysis: The first “no” was an honest reaction. Then she realized what my motive was and said “yes” but it was too late, she had already admitted that she is the hottest single hostess in the history of Fricker’s on Monroe. I said that I didn’t expect that answer and stumbled over my tongue until a group of waitresses came over to cash out. Should I have proceeded to ask her out? No, she was busy. Should I have went and sat down to return later? Too embarrassing. I stood and waited…and waited…confidently. When the last waitress was ready to leave the hostess begged under her breath to go with her. Ouch! I understood. I put her (and me) in an extremely awkward situation and she wanted nothing to do with it. I motioned to Brad and we left. I felt like the biggest ass so I had no choice but to go back in and quickly apologize. I count that as a rejection but I’m not down about it. I’m proud that I actually made a move! I’m only scheduled to work two days next week! Must get second job.
WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 4TH 2000
Lazy day. Exhausting evening. I woke up in the middle of the night last night to the loudest thunder I have ever heard. It was neat-o! Then I had a dream that I could fly. Well it was more like floating. I didn’t let it end until almost 2pm. I showered and got ready to go out and get applications but I never got around to it. Too lazy to go get Mom’s car from Hiawatha. I fought the computer all afternoon instead. Ashley wrote me some pretty personal things about her faith. She has pretty strong beliefs. Which is good…I think. I went with Kevin to the Library. He got a job at the airport. Hmmm? Should I? I responded to Ashley. I took my time but still didn’t write what I felt needed to be written. Luckily the computer wouldn’t let me send it. This evening I went with Brad to play 5 on 5 full court basketball. I made 0 baskets! I suck! The people were cool though so it didn’t matter. I may play again next week. I like Ashley. I responded again and this time it went through. I think she likes me. I can’t wait until I write the wrong thing and she never wants to talk to me again. I had opportunities to do that responding to her last email. She is very spiritual…and southern. I’m supposedly going up to Detroit with Lisk and people to see Pearl Jam on Saturday!
FRIDAY OCTOBER 6TH 2000
No response yet. Did I write the wrong thing? Heather said that I should be careful what I say to Ashley about religion after the fact. Oh well, it would be best if I didn’t concern myself with that anyway. Here’s something odd: The two poems I submitted to poetry.com have been selected to be published in a book and are in the semi-finals to win $1000. I guess I’m honored though it is silly. Cold day! Oh, yesterday I worked. Today I got up at 12:30pm and fought the computer, applied at Kinko’s and Bally Fitness then went to Super Cinemas with Kevin to see “The Patriot”. Very good…not quite “Braveheart” good though. Pearl Jam tomorrow!
SATURDAY OCTOBER 7TH 2000
Squirrel! Damn dog woke me up at 7am and I couldn’t get back to sleep. Brad and Vice decided to go to the concert too. Vice drove. The clouds looked sweet on the way! The Palace of Auburn Hills seemed a lot further today than in the past. We got there on time though. Pearl Jam kicked ass even though we were all of the way in the back so we could barely see them. At times the only way I could hear them was if I plugged my ears because the crowd was louder than the music. I felt disrespectful leaving during the last song but that’s what everyone else wanted to do.
MONDAY OCTOBER 9TH 2000
The Lions WON yesterday!!! Brett Favre sure knows how to turn the ball over at just the right time. I like seeing Green Bay lose. After the game I went to the UT campus with Vice to throw the football around. Then I lost 3 sets of tennis at Whitmer. I am REALLY bad at tennis. Vice made sure that I know that. Beautiful cold fall day! At night I went with Brad and Vice to Showcase in Maumee to see “Remember the Titans”. Great film! I guess one of Vice’s little girlfriends dumped him yesterday so he was pouting all night. Brad and I got as many laughs out of if as we could. I got up and went to work at 9am today. A nice little old black lady tipped me $5 for helping her pick out a frame. She made my day. Not the money…she was so friendly! I walked home at 2pm with hopes of playing my drums and just enjoying the day but Dad was off today so I couldn’t do either of those things. Damn the History Channel! I decided to sleep until it was time for Monday Night Football. Brian Ray, Brad and I watched the game at Damon’s Steakhouse. Same old stinky Damon’s. The game was very cool though. Tampa Bay almost came back to beat the Vikings but I wasn’t so lucky. Had they won, the Lions would be tied with both teams for first place in the NFC Central. They now stand alone in second. Ashley finally responded to my email from last Wednesday. I didn’t say anything wrong. She’s just been too busy to write. I understand…I wish I was too busy too. I picked up more hours this week.
FRIDAY OCTOBER the 13TH 2000
FULL MOON! Good thing I’m not the least bit superstitious. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. What can be said of those three days? Oh yeah, SICK!!! I’m still sniffling but the worst has been terminated. Vice and Brad “got me”. Vice didn’t really get dumped. The laughter Brad and I shared was really at me for falling for their little joke. Newbold got into town Wednesday night. We all hung out at Craigsta’s apartment while everyone were being dicks to everyone else for old time’s sake. After work on Thursday Newbold brought his keyboard over and we jammed until my dad made us stop. It was pretty cool playing again. That night Brad, Matt and I cruised around then we met Vice and Mosqueda at Fricker’s where we messed with Vice’s little High School chicks. It was pretty fun. Then we met up with Craig and went out to this pond/wooded area and had an illegal campfire. Alcohol was consumed by all. The only reason I took a few disgusting sips was because I was eating spicy chicken wings and there was nothing else to drink. I can’t stand alcohol! I enjoyed myself otherwise. My cheeks hurt from so much laughter. Today I worked ALL day. Oh, by the way, I start at Kinko’s on Tuesday. Full time. $7 p/h. Two jobs! I can do it! The interview went pretty good. They know I’m clueless. Tonight I went to Newbold’s, ate cake for his birthday this month, then we picked up Vice and cruised down to BG. Nothing happening there so we went to UT but didn’t feel like “partying” so I just came home and watched TV.
SUNDAY OCTOBER 15TH 2000
The day after Lisk’s wedding. Bye week for the Lions…and I’m glad because I worked all damn day at Michael’s. About yesterday: Newbold and I jammed again for about an hour before the wedding. He is performing “My Life” by Billy Joel in the Opryland Talent Contest next month so we mainly played that. The wedding was just starting when we got there. Vice gave me his wallet because he didn’t want to lose it on the trolley (he was the best man) so Matt, Brad and I ate at Hooter’s on Vice. The reception was up in Michigan and after Vice gave his speech I was ready to go. But I didn’t want to be a poop (I was the DD after all) so I took a couple long walks and laid in a cornfield to watch the sky for a long time. Most enjoyable…until I got chilly. Brad was having a good time because one of the bride’s maids took a liking to him. We left Vice in a drunken stupor with his little High School chicks and went to a retarded frat party at UT. I again abandoned everyone to walk the neighborhoods. Oh yeah, on the way there I accidentally drove over the cement median and into oncoming traffic. DD? HA! Today I worked and worked and worked and watched “The Patriot” at Super Cinemas again. At work my drawer was off a little. Oh well, who really gives a shit about a stupid retail store? Not I.
MONDAY OCTOBER 16TH 2000
It is so difficult to get in the habit of reading and writing before going to bed. I guess I should start writing what goes on in the workplace being that all of my hours will be spent there starting tomorrow. Today I didn’t work and I don’t have much to tell. Wet and cold weather led me downstairs to my drums and guitar until Dad made me stop at 4:40pm. I talked to Ross in NY. We had a good chat with no new revelations. Brad and I went to a couple sports bars to see if they were worthy of our company but none were as good as Arnie’s so that’s where we watched the Titans destroy the Jaguars without Brian Ray! I couldn’t get a hold of him all day. Why am I so serious lately? I don’t like it!
TUESDAY OCTOBER 17TH 2000
“Toy Story 2” came out on video today. I just watched it. Long day #1. Off at 3pm at Michael’s, on at 5pm at Kinko’s. I did paperwork till 6pm then a girl named Tracey showed me around enthusiastically. She’s pretty hyper. Everyone tonight was very eager to teach me stuff. There is way more to know than at Michael’s. I’m not intimidated in the least. I expect to mess up plenty. Enough about work…Kevin got braces today and there are things to mention about Nashville. Heather told me NOT to come to see Ashley. I imagine she has a boyfriend or something.
THURSDAY OCTOBER 19TH 2000
Worked all day yesterday and today. I’m tired. I’ll mention a couple things then I’m out. The Lions won tonight!!! 5-2! Yee Haw! Brad leaves on the 29th for boot camp! Weird! Vice gave a lady $10 for being the 100th African American he had ever seen driving a minivan. I’m not sure if he’s telling the truth but it’s funny either way. Heather told me that Ashley doesn’t want a boyfriend so I should forget it. Done. Matt wrote a few emails telling me to get back to Nashville so I can move “up in life”. He may have found a rock band that we could both tour with. I’m sure it’s nothing…it’s Nashville! There are miserable people in this world and I’m not one of them though I’m not necessarily liking things these days. I’m referring to the lowest form of life…”customers”.
FRIDAY OCTOBER 20TH 2000
ALARM! I had to get up before work today to cut the grass. I wanted to set up…or I should say, I intended to set up a bank account but the line was too long and I had to be to work. I have dreaded going to work in the past and today was no exception. When I lie to myself and think, “I don’t have to be anywhere” I fill with joy. Then the sickness returns as the lie fades…as all lies do. I’m just not a business minded person. That will hold true forever. I will NOT work my life away! The ONLY reason I work at Kinko’s is for money. SICK! I don’t mind Michael’s…except dealing with “customers”. Not all customers are “customers”…most of them are fine. It’s just that class of miserable souls that I’ve mentioned many times before. There is one girl at Kinko’s that I find attractive…and I’m not nervous around her. Hmmm? Off tomorrow!
SATURDAY OCTOBER 21ST 2000
Wrong date…
SUNDAY OCTOBER 22ND 2000
Wrong again…
MONDAY OCTOBER 23RD 2000
That’s more like it! Saturday was very, very, very enjoyable. I slept in then ran at Wildwood with Brad. I just read a few entries from when I was in the cabin. I wrote much better back then. Now I just sorta mention things that I do but not much else. Oh well, Wildwood was incredible! Perfect fall day! Lady bugs everywhere! We shot hoops at the park for a short while then I took a short nap. When I woke up I picked up Vice and we cruised around town. I got pretty lost and when I finally got to a familiar road I was completely baffled by how I got there. I killed a kitten in the process. Why!? Why was I on that road at that exact time? Fate. At Meijer’s I was abused by a shopping cart then Vice and I just decided to rent a dumb movie. Dad was at his High School reunion all night so it was okay to watch the movie here. Sunday was spent at Michael’s. The girl from the video store came in. She’s pretty nice…and now I have her number mwahaha! No, I didn’t write it down…though I did think about it for a split second. I watched “Toy Story 2” again because Mom and Kevin fell asleep last time. They fell asleep again! Today I set up a bank account then worked at Kinko’s till 11pm. I met Brian Ray and Brad at Arnie’s just as they were getting ready to leave. I dislike my job at Kinko’s. I let it bother me for a little while then I forgot to care so it’s just silly!
TUESDAY OCTOBER 24TH 2000
I just entered a new poem on poetry.com titled “Miniature Literature”. It is an experiment. It is a couple lines of nonsense then a couple lines of baseball commentary. I am curious if it will be “chosen” to be published because of its “artistic vision”. I got up at 5:30am today, unloaded boxes from a huge truck until 9am, fit and sold frames until 2pm then took a nap until 3:30pm. Then came the strangest half-hour in a long time. I had no idea what day it was when some lady was at the door to give Mom a haircut. Mom wasn’t home because her car broke down a few blocks away. When she finally got home she sat in the middle of the kitchen while this lady cut her hair and I uncomfortably weaved around the room making a meat loaf sandwich. It was smelly and bad. The fridge is broken. I worked at Kinko’s from 4pm to 11pm. It was just me and another guy all night so we got free pizza. Ashley wrote to me for the first time in like two weeks. She apologized for not writing for so long and wants to know if I think of her as she thinks of me…as a newfound friend. How nice. I honestly have very minimal thoughts about the whole Nashville scene so I don’t really have anything to write. Maybe I’ll meet Ashley and we’ll become friends…or more…but it really doesn’t matter…so…how should I respond? I suppose I should just be polite. I have to study a framing manual soon so I can become a “Certified Framer” and make a little more money. This two job thing is getting old but soon it will be over and I will have what I want: Head phones, microphones, a car, Star Wars dudes and maybe enough money saved so I can go back to the cabin. Eyes closing.
THURSDAY OCTOBER 26TH 2000
Yesterday I worked both jobs till midnight. Kevin drove me to and from each time. I should start looking for a vehicle. Mom’s car stalled the other day because the gas tank was jarred loose. Oops! I doubt it was the cat that I hit…must’ve been something bigger…say, a cement median? Oh well, it’s fixed now. At 8am this morning I learned how to run reports, check orders in and order frames then I spent the rest of the day putting out freight. Boohoo! I hate doing that shit! I guess I am to do it once a week. I guess Matt is setting up auditions for us in Nashville. If I can live by just playing drums then I’m there. But it’s not very likely. That sounds silly, “If I can live”. Kinko’s gives me nightmares. I should quit but I don’t want to be a wuss. I got a frame manual to study but every time I look at it my eyes start to close…like they are doing right now.
SUNDAY OCTOBER 29TH 2000
DAMN DAMN DAMN DAMN!!! DAMN! 5-3!!! The Colts only led by 5 points at the end of the game but of course Batch threw an INT! So many squandered opportunities were created by the Lions’ awesome defense. Damn. On Friday and Saturday I worked. I got a haircut Friday morning at Danny’s then tried to rake leaves before work but didn’t finish. Friday night Brad, Vice and Craig picked me up and we got lost looking for a go-cart place that turned out to be closed. We got even more lost looking for a haunted house. It cost $7 to get in and it was just about worth it. I want to go again. There was this spinny tunnel thing that made me feel like the floor was swinging back and forth. On Saturday I made copies until 4pm then went to Brad’s going away party. It was a good time. Brian Ray was there with his hot girlfriend. Good for him. After Ohio State got beat there was a grand viewing of the 1997 Spring Break Classic “The Dance of the Yeti”. It was a hit! After that I drove down to Bowling Green to see Mosqueda’s new band play at Howard’s Club H with Brad, Vice and Roberts. I was entertained by the same wild guitarist from years ago. Skeda is much better than I am at drums. Vice puked. Today I woke up to a phone call from Chris. He only has a couple weeks left of boot camp then he gets to decide where he gets stationed. I yelled at the Lions at BW3’s with Brad and Vice, took a nap till 7pm then Brad and I listened to “The ‘Burbs” on his front porch.
TUESDAY OCTOBER 31ST 2000
This journal is so dull that I don’t even feel like writing “Happy Halloween”. Must sleep—
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