Today for the first time in a while I actually feel good about running. I finally put in 14 (15 including the mile that I ran to go pick up my bike) and I finally know that in 10 weeks I will be running Chicago (I thank my running team for reminding me about this). I was going to post a blog about my training and how it is preparing me for Chicago but tonight I got probably the most important message that was a wake up call about who I am. It is a good letter so don't take what I say as a negative:
When I say "your are amazing" I really mean it. I started running with TMIRCE in January and right away your were warm, friendly, supportive, kind, amazing.... you are a credit to TMIRCE and I see all you super funny posts and the tremendous you effort you put in to makeing fun and inclusive events, and it really makes me feel good to be running with TMIRCE. When I saw you at the track I was very happy because it reminded me of all the great things about running with this group of people. When I first started running with TMIRCE my play list was dominated by songs that were themed "I will destroy you" (Ex. 99 Bottles by Slaine) but then, after a couple weeks it changed to "you can't control me" (Ex Wake Up by Rage Against the Machine). And then I started to connect with people and the songs became about "I forgive you" (Ex. One Sunday Morning by Wilco) and now today the songs are mostly "I love you" (ex On Melancholy Hill by Gorillaz). Its clearly the wonderful people of TMIRCE that have created that transformation and I see you as primary example of the group. So I know this message may seem strange, as we do not talk all that much, but I wanted you know that all the nice, friendly kinds things you do not go unnoticed and they actually mean a lot to a guy like me who just shows up at the club one day because I decided it was time to start running. Today I ran my second 10 miler and I don't think I would have gotten this far without club members like you. So I really just wanted to say; George, you are amazing AND thanks!
See, I told you it wasn't that bad but looking at things I tend to blame myself for a lot of things I have no control over. I've almost made myself the sacrificial guinea pig several times for no reason. I even had the feeling that it was my fault that someone else hadn't come to one of the running clubs for a while and was intent on giving it up. It isn't the first time I had felt it but reading this I realize that I might just be sacrificing myself for nothing and missing the chance to help someone else in the future. However tonight I realize that I am important. It isn't all about me but I know I add a lot to it and that is what matter. I also realize how without running I would still be in a much darker place. I would weigh a lot more than I do now and I would have a much darker outlook on life. I also understand the musical part of this message to me. Most of my blogs do have a song at the end of them. At times it is easy to speak in music. For the past week the song "Reunion" from M83 has been on repeat for the past week. I can't stop listening to it. For you my friend I hope there is a Reunion with us soon.
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Sunday, July 29, 2012
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Somehow I lucked out!
So a week and a half ago I got the room filled by a couple of friends of mine. He saw the ad and immediately called in the meantime let's talk about the ones who called and who wouldn't be allowed to live here:
Caller one at 9:43 am Saturday morning:
Caller- "Whu whu whu let me tell you a little more about myself I go to school in Sullivan Square (the armpit of Somerville) and I need somewhere closer to school there. Would I be covering all the utilities?"
Me- "yes"
Caller- "I saw where I would have to pay first and last up front but I only get $733 a month from Social Security disability. Bu bu bu but I also get food stamps"
Me- *click*
Caller two later in the afternoon:
" I really like the place and I want to go ahead and rent it. I only plan on staying until December and I won't be up there until September 1"
Me- "Yes, I have never met you and that would be awesome. I so look forward to doing this again at Christmas!" *Sarcasm*
Email from Sunday:
"George: Stopped by the say "hi"
Caller one at 9:43 am Saturday morning:
Caller- "Whu whu whu let me tell you a little more about myself I go to school in Sullivan Square (the armpit of Somerville) and I need somewhere closer to school there. Would I be covering all the utilities?"
Me- "yes"
Caller- "I saw where I would have to pay first and last up front but I only get $733 a month from Social Security disability. Bu bu bu but I also get food stamps"
Me- *click*
Caller two later in the afternoon:
" I really like the place and I want to go ahead and rent it. I only plan on staying until December and I won't be up there until September 1"
Me- "Yes, I have never met you and that would be awesome. I so look forward to doing this again at Christmas!" *Sarcasm*
Email from Sunday:
"George: Stopped by the say "hi"
.
Everything unlocked and open but no one at home.
Medford is in a retro time warp, I'm convinced."
What does "Stopped by the say "hi"' mean?
Sorry but the verbal agreement has been done in the back yard. New roommates as of September 1 complete! BOOM!!!
P.S. Medford is 1984 and it is fact!
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Five ways of not becoming my roommate!
So September 1st is around the corner and I will hopefully have a roommate by then. What I am worried about is the amount of idiots that will come through that will give me more stories than I will remember to write. Here are five types of offenders who will not be my roommate regardless:
1. You can't call or write for yourself- You are going to be living here. Your mom, dad, boyfriend, girlfriend, aunt, uncle, godfather, caretaker, or life-care proxy are not. Sorry, but I have ran into this problem before. Also, I'm willing to go into a little more details in step 2. However, here is my main point: You should be a Grown-Ass Man or Woman! I am and I should expect nothing less from you!
2. You want to tell me about your horrible previous living experience was- When I had lived in East Somerville three years ago I had an older gentleman call me for his "friend's son". This son had a problem with a roommate he was living with whom had alcohol problems. Not only that but this roommate got sick and would throw up constantly. Eleven months later I was looking for a new apartment because this roommate(the "friend's son") was smoking pot every day. After I had moved out six months later I needed to use the desktop computer that I graciously let this roommate("friend's son") use prior in the previous apartment. I come to find out that craigslist casual encounters male for male and _a__y_ater.com (place a d in the blank spots and even go back to the older gentleman part of this line if needed) were two websites that pulled up constantly from the user history. What was I told this computer was being used for?: Schoolwork. Yep, not falling for that one again!
3. Smoking is smoking no matter what you are smoking- I'm not living with a smoker of any kind. I don't care if it is regular cigarettes, pencil shavings, crack, pcp, daisies, or marijuana. It is still smoking! This is mainly for those who smoke marijuana. I don't dislike you but it is not my thing and I am not a fan of any part of my house smelling like it. I don't smoke it and I am not looking for someone who does (unless you never have it or smoke it in the house). Besides, You would be best served to live with four other roommates who do it instead (in most cases).
4. You refuse to read the ad and have stupid questions - There are going to be certain things that are going to be listed in the ad which are not going to change. These things include:
Rent price
Utilities not included in rent price
Need of first and last months rent
Tenancy at will
So when I get questions of:
Can you drop the price of rent?
Can you included utilities?
Can I Smoke pot? It's not cigarettes.
The answer is NO and you can't move in!
5. You can't afford it - This is pretty simple but there are a lot of times where this quote comes into play: "Well, I don't have the full amount that you are asking for first and last but I can get it to you next week."
Also here is another example: "I mean all these utilities are in my name, can't you take one of them?" (Note that I am the one that sends off a full rent check to the landlord so the amount of the rent check to myself would be your amount of the rent minus half of what the utilities cost).
Both of the statements usually are saying, "I don't have my shit together and I am constantly late on payments I owe if I even decide to make those payments." In hindsight if you fall into any or in about 50% of cases that involve bad roommates you would fall into all of these then you can't live here. I'm not letting you burn down the house.
1. You can't call or write for yourself- You are going to be living here. Your mom, dad, boyfriend, girlfriend, aunt, uncle, godfather, caretaker, or life-care proxy are not. Sorry, but I have ran into this problem before. Also, I'm willing to go into a little more details in step 2. However, here is my main point: You should be a Grown-Ass Man or Woman! I am and I should expect nothing less from you!
2. You want to tell me about your horrible previous living experience was- When I had lived in East Somerville three years ago I had an older gentleman call me for his "friend's son". This son had a problem with a roommate he was living with whom had alcohol problems. Not only that but this roommate got sick and would throw up constantly. Eleven months later I was looking for a new apartment because this roommate(the "friend's son") was smoking pot every day. After I had moved out six months later I needed to use the desktop computer that I graciously let this roommate("friend's son") use prior in the previous apartment. I come to find out that craigslist casual encounters male for male and _a__y_ater.com (place a d in the blank spots and even go back to the older gentleman part of this line if needed) were two websites that pulled up constantly from the user history. What was I told this computer was being used for?: Schoolwork. Yep, not falling for that one again!
3. Smoking is smoking no matter what you are smoking- I'm not living with a smoker of any kind. I don't care if it is regular cigarettes, pencil shavings, crack, pcp, daisies, or marijuana. It is still smoking! This is mainly for those who smoke marijuana. I don't dislike you but it is not my thing and I am not a fan of any part of my house smelling like it. I don't smoke it and I am not looking for someone who does (unless you never have it or smoke it in the house). Besides, You would be best served to live with four other roommates who do it instead (in most cases).
4. You refuse to read the ad and have stupid questions - There are going to be certain things that are going to be listed in the ad which are not going to change. These things include:
Rent price
Utilities not included in rent price
Need of first and last months rent
Tenancy at will
So when I get questions of:
Can you drop the price of rent?
Can you included utilities?
Can I Smoke pot? It's not cigarettes.
The answer is NO and you can't move in!
5. You can't afford it - This is pretty simple but there are a lot of times where this quote comes into play: "Well, I don't have the full amount that you are asking for first and last but I can get it to you next week."
Also here is another example: "I mean all these utilities are in my name, can't you take one of them?" (Note that I am the one that sends off a full rent check to the landlord so the amount of the rent check to myself would be your amount of the rent minus half of what the utilities cost).
Both of the statements usually are saying, "I don't have my shit together and I am constantly late on payments I owe if I even decide to make those payments." In hindsight if you fall into any or in about 50% of cases that involve bad roommates you would fall into all of these then you can't live here. I'm not letting you burn down the house.
Monday, May 21, 2012
....and the sun sets.
After running the Harpoon 5 miler and spending several hours on the porch I realized that it was coming close to sundown. I had come to the realization that I wanted to see the sun set on Spy Pond in Arlington. I've been noticing that there are several people in my live that are moving on to fulfill their dreams in different places. It is somewhat of a sad moment for me but I have seen other suns set which I've woke to see a new sunrise again. There are certain things that I have to say to certain people and I must not have fear. I must not have fear because I have to escape this limbo. That is my state at the moment. It's no fun. I don't know what changes will happen between now and Chicago but they will happen and I have to accept them. There will be a lot of sunsets at this point. However, I am not for sure if I will chase all of them. Some of them strangers will push me to go faster but I can't always expect that. Sometimes I will need to find that voice that was there with me from mile 19 to 20 of the Eastern States.
Right now my objective is to be courageous and not be afraid of the water. Right now it's time and everything happens in it right time. I need to catch the sun.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Pain and Rest
I've officially come to it. I realize that I need to take a little time off from running.
Too long? No but enough to get back into the shape of things. It hit me yesterday afternoon that I am limping and have been doing so for the past few weeks for about 50% of the time.
Too long? No but enough to get back into the shape of things. It hit me yesterday afternoon that I am limping and have been doing so for the past few weeks for about 50% of the time.
Chicago (Part 1)
Some of you may know that my very first run of the year was 10 miles. Ironically what no one knows that last year I never did a run that equaled 10 miles for the full year of 2011. This year I've done 26.2 but not so officially. Well October 9th I get my chance to do it officially in Chicago. Chicago has a lot of meaning to me in so many weird ways. I feel like I grew up with WGN though I grew up in South Carolina. I always wanted to be on the bucket game with Bozo the Clown. The Cubs were my second favorite baseball team. I always wanted to go there and when I was making a list of places to move it was on the top of my list. So Alas Chicago has a place in my heart.
I have completed Boston. I made it more of a fun experience. I know that now it is time to be serious. I need to work on myself much harder than I have before. I know I need to lose around 20-25 lbs. Where there was only one 20 mile run there will now be three. Where my training for Boston started on January 1 my training for for Chicago will start in June and go right through the summer. If you ask my parents I've been running too much (maybe) and drinking too much beer. Maybe I should go ahead and cut out some of the beer. Summer heat may also allow me to lose a little bit of weight as well. We'll see.
The hotel room for a few days is set but maybe I should ask friends if I can couch surf for a couple of extra days to enjoy the experience. I also need to get the plane ticket but for right now I have a one month rest period where I should enjoy the smaller races in life. The 5k and 10k races. Enjoy them because the road over the summer will be longer!
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Hopkinton to Boston: A mile by mile account of one of the greatest journeys ever!
As a preface to my journey I must day that if it wasn't for a brave little girl named Malia then I may have skipped out on this experience! With the heat and the fact that I wasn't an "official" runner I decided to make this 26.2 miles a journey and not a race! This is a journey not for a medal or a time etched in stone but a message that running can be fun
Monday April 16
5:15 am - Nerves are a little shaky and it must have woke me up before the alarm clock.
6:30 am - Passed first school bus full of marathon runners. Pretty happy I'm not on the school bus at that moment.
6:50 am - My roommate wants a full account of how many runners I see poop their pants! The official runners who poop themselves while running count is on! Hopkinton city limits!
7:00 am -Dropped off at the shell station in Hopkinton!
7:26 am - I saw the most amazing sized collection of port-a-johns ever (coffee up and poop out)!
7:40 am - I follow runners into an oblivion called athletes village. Wait, this isn't where we're supposed to meet up!
7:45 am - Get turned around in the right direction! Walk down the street and get asked by a bunch of teenagers to sign their board. I oblige and give my number as bandito!
7:52 am - Just curious about a lemonade stand when the girl working it says it got shut down by the board of health...cute.
8:01 am - Found my running team so let's do this!
8:45 am - Tried to find a Dunkin Dounuts! Foursquare says it is 1.5 miles away! Went with Hopkinton Gourmet. Afterwards, I'll go to the city of port-a-johns for a visit to deploy the troops.
9:30 am- I walk down to the start line to catch a glimpse of what the beginning looks like. Pretty impressive!
10:00 am - Announcer officially announces at the start of the race that it is the "2016" Boston Marathon. No really he did!
10:55 am - Bandit start
20 ft - Fuel belt pops off and I have to retrieve it. This "unofficially" puts me in last place at the Boston Marathon!
.25 miles - WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
.50 miles - Passed my first official runner with a bib. That was quick!
Mile 1 - I haven't broken a sweat yet and I am going at a 7:45 pace! I also passed Elvis!
Mile 2 - "Welcome to Ashland": For some reason I may have over hydrated and I have to make a pee break. I attempt to tweet but the amount of sweat I am letting out is flooding my phone. I hit the send button. Message doesn't go through. Also two miles into any race is too soon for a pee break. Well except I had to go to the woods because the five port-a-johns were full.
Mile 3 - The Thirsty Irish Runners were doing a great job but were swamped so I decided to help the pour water for a few moments to help them catch up!
Mile 4 - Hey it's Kier Byrnes!
I'm gonna give Kier Byrnes a big hug!
Mile 5 - "Welcome to Framingham": B-good burger looks delicious while running but more tasty in my mouth. Seems like I have ran by several of these already!
Mile 6 - I was thinking about the idea of since I was a "bandit" runner I would pet every puppy and dog along the trail. I was not thinking about that at this moment.
Mile 7 - Decided to stop and tweet this time around. Guy watching the race asks me what I am doing. I inform him that I am tweeting the race. He tells me, "Tell 'em you're hanging with some Ricans in Framingham" Actually tweet says: Mile 7 - chillin w/ some...well I can't say it but rhey are some awesome peeps!
Mile 8 - "Welcome to Natick" After making a second stop Kier Byrnes caught up with me. Why? Santa! I know him! (it also took 10 minutes to get this picture to work and load).
Mile 9 - I saw a sign that says "Don't poop yourself running!" Also something started to smell like poop for a moment. Poop count: One (unconfirmed).
Mile 10 - I run into Mr. Snacks and he gives me water and more water! A trampoline, I also tried to get a picture of a high five moment with a toddler wearing a Malia shirt but here comes twitter with a bunch scribble and the Santa pic. Fuuuuuudddggggggeeee!
Mile 11 - Ooooohhhh nice a mist tunnel to run through. Oh no! Chest chaffing. Time to stop by first aid while there are seven other dehydrated runners laid out on stretchers! Actually there wasn't but maybe one at this point. No more chaffing for the rest of the race which is a positive!
Mile 12 - "Welcome to Wellesley" Signs that I saw on this mile of the journey:
"Kiss me, I'm hot!"
"Kiss me, I'm a Georgia Peach!"
"Kiss me, I'm from Korea!"
"Kiss me, My boyfriend is into it!"
"Kiss me, I'm single and ready to mingle!"
"Kiss me, I'll make all your wildest dreams come true!"
"Kiss me, I'm and Eskimo who has one arm, one leg, and can juggle and ride a tricycle at the same time!"
It's official I'm a kissing whore (I still didn't make out at beer summit).
Mile 13 - Road muck all over my shoes and socks. For those of you who do not know what road muck is it is when the cups and water from a race get so soggy it rips to shreds and gets all over your shoes and socks!
Mile 13.1 - We're halfway home but this has turned into more of a walk than a run with all the heat signs informing everyone to walk instead of run!
Mile 14 - You can't twitter when your phone is about to die. Not good but the announcement got out!
Mile 15 - Cookie? I don't mind if I do. Also my back is killing me. I need a ton of advil!
Mile 16 - "Welcome to Newton" Woooooooo another downhill and I-95 or 128 as the locals call it is crossed. I feel like the city is in reach.
Mile 17 - I just saw a marine go down. Not one in full camouflage but dressed in regular running clothes. The heat is NO JOKE!!! I will also recognize that you are cheering me on if you are screaming out Malia even if it is mispronounced!
Mile 18 - SSAC and My friend Ryan's water stop and a massage. Probably the most welcome water stop and massage in my entire life! He also took my fuel belt because it was an annoyance with boiling water in it!
Mile 19 - Yes! The SRR water stop and Paul G is there to give me a sponge, banana, and more water. It was well received and I found out that my friend who is running Chicago is 20 minutes ahead of me! I can deal with this!
Mile 20 - Here comes heartbreak hill! Dreaded heartbreak hill but at the very top is the Race Menu tent. Spiderman was there and I gave him my bib that fell off at mile 4. Also My friends from The Most Informal Running Club Ever was there to douse me with water. I was also thankful that Ray was there to take my phone and give it back to me later. This might have been the most welcome spot in the entire race.
Mile 21 - "Welcome to Brighton and Boston College" Once you make it here there is a boost of energy that hits you and the BC students are an obvious awesome push!
Mile 22 - "Welcome to Brookline" Bacon wrapped asparagus looks delicious but I am going for plain at this point. Four miles to go and I don't want an upset stomach. I would take a beer at this point however!
Mile 23 - If I would have been kissed there would have been no mile 12 on the marathon course! I also got great advice at this mile of the race as well!
Mile 24 - I have an older lady telling me that we have been back and forth for the past few miles. This in helpful information!
Mile 25 - I see a girl I used to date so I stopped and got another kiss. Reliving Wellesly all over again. Also the older lady and I are still in a back and forth race. She says that she hopes "I beat her".
Mile 26 - I pass by the lady one more time and then catch up with Peter Mcneil who organized "Bandits for Maila" Crossed the finish line and the marathon was completed. My garmin said 4:42 but I stopped several times along the way and enjoyed it. This was a race for fun. No need to take it hard on one of the hottest days of the year! Also I look good after the race as well!
5:00 pm - I get out on the platform at Sullivan Station waiting for the 101 bus to drop me off by my house.
5:10 pm - Here comes the 101 bus but no it is going out of service!
5:20 pm - Alright, another 101 bus and nope we're going out of service again!
5:30 pm - I'm done waiting. I'll take the 89 bus even though it is only halfway to home.
5:50 pm- I get home and see that others are running in the neighborhood. Inspiring to know others are inspired.
6:10 pm - shower time
6:11 pm- Just realized I showered with my garmin on.?
6:52 pm- Ray has my phone and I picked it up.
7 pm- Stopped in Sligo for post marathon beer and chicken nugget.
8 pm - Dinner and beer with the freedom runners.
10 pm - I get home.
10:02 - I passed out!
Monday April 16
5:15 am - Nerves are a little shaky and it must have woke me up before the alarm clock.
6:30 am - Passed first school bus full of marathon runners. Pretty happy I'm not on the school bus at that moment.
6:50 am - My roommate wants a full account of how many runners I see poop their pants! The official runners who poop themselves while running count is on! Hopkinton city limits!
7:00 am -Dropped off at the shell station in Hopkinton!
7:26 am - I saw the most amazing sized collection of port-a-johns ever (coffee up and poop out)!
7:40 am - I follow runners into an oblivion called athletes village. Wait, this isn't where we're supposed to meet up!
7:45 am - Get turned around in the right direction! Walk down the street and get asked by a bunch of teenagers to sign their board. I oblige and give my number as bandito!
7:52 am - Just curious about a lemonade stand when the girl working it says it got shut down by the board of health...cute.
8:01 am - Found my running team so let's do this!
8:45 am - Tried to find a Dunkin Dounuts! Foursquare says it is 1.5 miles away! Went with Hopkinton Gourmet. Afterwards, I'll go to the city of port-a-johns for a visit to deploy the troops.
9:30 am- I walk down to the start line to catch a glimpse of what the beginning looks like. Pretty impressive!
10:00 am - Announcer officially announces at the start of the race that it is the "2016" Boston Marathon. No really he did!
10:55 am - Bandit start
20 ft - Fuel belt pops off and I have to retrieve it. This "unofficially" puts me in last place at the Boston Marathon!
.25 miles - WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
.50 miles - Passed my first official runner with a bib. That was quick!
Mile 1 - I haven't broken a sweat yet and I am going at a 7:45 pace! I also passed Elvis!
Mile 2 - "Welcome to Ashland": For some reason I may have over hydrated and I have to make a pee break. I attempt to tweet but the amount of sweat I am letting out is flooding my phone. I hit the send button. Message doesn't go through. Also two miles into any race is too soon for a pee break. Well except I had to go to the woods because the five port-a-johns were full.
Mile 3 - The Thirsty Irish Runners were doing a great job but were swamped so I decided to help the pour water for a few moments to help them catch up!
Mile 4 - Hey it's Kier Byrnes!
I'm gonna give Kier Byrnes a big hug!
Mile 5 - "Welcome to Framingham": B-good burger looks delicious while running but more tasty in my mouth. Seems like I have ran by several of these already!
Mile 6 - I was thinking about the idea of since I was a "bandit" runner I would pet every puppy and dog along the trail. I was not thinking about that at this moment.
Mile 7 - Decided to stop and tweet this time around. Guy watching the race asks me what I am doing. I inform him that I am tweeting the race. He tells me, "Tell 'em you're hanging with some Ricans in Framingham" Actually tweet says: Mile 7 - chillin w/ some...well I can't say it but rhey are some awesome peeps!
Mile 8 - "Welcome to Natick" After making a second stop Kier Byrnes caught up with me. Why? Santa! I know him! (it also took 10 minutes to get this picture to work and load).
Mile 9 - I saw a sign that says "Don't poop yourself running!" Also something started to smell like poop for a moment. Poop count: One (unconfirmed).
Mile 10 - I run into Mr. Snacks and he gives me water and more water! A trampoline, I also tried to get a picture of a high five moment with a toddler wearing a Malia shirt but here comes twitter with a bunch scribble and the Santa pic. Fuuuuuudddggggggeeee!
Mile 11 - Ooooohhhh nice a mist tunnel to run through. Oh no! Chest chaffing. Time to stop by first aid while there are seven other dehydrated runners laid out on stretchers! Actually there wasn't but maybe one at this point. No more chaffing for the rest of the race which is a positive!
Mile 12 - "Welcome to Wellesley" Signs that I saw on this mile of the journey:
"Kiss me, I'm hot!"
"Kiss me, I'm a Georgia Peach!"
"Kiss me, I'm from Korea!"
"Kiss me, My boyfriend is into it!"
"Kiss me, I'm single and ready to mingle!"
"Kiss me, I'll make all your wildest dreams come true!"
"Kiss me, I'm and Eskimo who has one arm, one leg, and can juggle and ride a tricycle at the same time!"
It's official I'm a kissing whore (I still didn't make out at beer summit).
Mile 13 - Road muck all over my shoes and socks. For those of you who do not know what road muck is it is when the cups and water from a race get so soggy it rips to shreds and gets all over your shoes and socks!
Mile 13.1 - We're halfway home but this has turned into more of a walk than a run with all the heat signs informing everyone to walk instead of run!
Mile 14 - You can't twitter when your phone is about to die. Not good but the announcement got out!
Mile 15 - Cookie? I don't mind if I do. Also my back is killing me. I need a ton of advil!
Mile 16 - "Welcome to Newton" Woooooooo another downhill and I-95 or 128 as the locals call it is crossed. I feel like the city is in reach.
Mile 17 - I just saw a marine go down. Not one in full camouflage but dressed in regular running clothes. The heat is NO JOKE!!! I will also recognize that you are cheering me on if you are screaming out Malia even if it is mispronounced!
Mile 18 - SSAC and My friend Ryan's water stop and a massage. Probably the most welcome water stop and massage in my entire life! He also took my fuel belt because it was an annoyance with boiling water in it!
Mile 19 - Yes! The SRR water stop and Paul G is there to give me a sponge, banana, and more water. It was well received and I found out that my friend who is running Chicago is 20 minutes ahead of me! I can deal with this!
Mile 20 - Here comes heartbreak hill! Dreaded heartbreak hill but at the very top is the Race Menu tent. Spiderman was there and I gave him my bib that fell off at mile 4. Also My friends from The Most Informal Running Club Ever was there to douse me with water. I was also thankful that Ray was there to take my phone and give it back to me later. This might have been the most welcome spot in the entire race.
Mile 21 - "Welcome to Brighton and Boston College" Once you make it here there is a boost of energy that hits you and the BC students are an obvious awesome push!
Mile 22 - "Welcome to Brookline" Bacon wrapped asparagus looks delicious but I am going for plain at this point. Four miles to go and I don't want an upset stomach. I would take a beer at this point however!
Mile 23 - If I would have been kissed there would have been no mile 12 on the marathon course! I also got great advice at this mile of the race as well!
Mile 24 - I have an older lady telling me that we have been back and forth for the past few miles. This in helpful information!
Mile 25 - I see a girl I used to date so I stopped and got another kiss. Reliving Wellesly all over again. Also the older lady and I are still in a back and forth race. She says that she hopes "I beat her".
Mile 26 - I pass by the lady one more time and then catch up with Peter Mcneil who organized "Bandits for Maila" Crossed the finish line and the marathon was completed. My garmin said 4:42 but I stopped several times along the way and enjoyed it. This was a race for fun. No need to take it hard on one of the hottest days of the year! Also I look good after the race as well!
5:00 pm - I get out on the platform at Sullivan Station waiting for the 101 bus to drop me off by my house.
5:10 pm - Here comes the 101 bus but no it is going out of service!
5:20 pm - Alright, another 101 bus and nope we're going out of service again!
5:30 pm - I'm done waiting. I'll take the 89 bus even though it is only halfway to home.
5:50 pm- I get home and see that others are running in the neighborhood. Inspiring to know others are inspired.
6:10 pm - shower time
6:11 pm- Just realized I showered with my garmin on.?
6:52 pm- Ray has my phone and I picked it up.
7 pm- Stopped in Sligo for post marathon beer and chicken nugget.
8 pm - Dinner and beer with the freedom runners.
10 pm - I get home.
10:02 - I passed out!
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Rooms for Rent!
So there are a couple of rooms in my apartment that are uninhabited that could use someone to fill the space. Would you like to see the entrance to the rooms.
You have to come through my room. That wouldn't be a big deal I hope. Regardless, you should see the next picture because I know you will be impressed:
Oh, that's my wardrobe. Let's take a look to the right:
Those are stairs, those are in my closet. So who wants to take a look at the first room? Of course you do:
Of course this room could use a little bit of cleaning. How does $200 a month sound for rent? Is it a deal? I think so. I mean I know this room looks like what an attic would look like but it is livable. And the other room:
I'll take $250 a month for it unless you want to clean the mess then it is only $200 a month. It is more furnished though. It doesn't look like it would have insulation on the floor so we will leave it at that.
But it is in a closet so it wouldn't have a closet right?:
Bam! Closet within a closet. It also comes with the swaggerful leather coat with the fuzzy collar.
But aren't you a week late pasting this?
I am but better late than ever!
You have to come through my room. That wouldn't be a big deal I hope. Regardless, you should see the next picture because I know you will be impressed:
Oh, that's my wardrobe. Let's take a look to the right:
Those are stairs, those are in my closet. So who wants to take a look at the first room? Of course you do:
Of course this room could use a little bit of cleaning. How does $200 a month sound for rent? Is it a deal? I think so. I mean I know this room looks like what an attic would look like but it is livable. And the other room:
I'll take $250 a month for it unless you want to clean the mess then it is only $200 a month. It is more furnished though. It doesn't look like it would have insulation on the floor so we will leave it at that.
But it is in a closet so it wouldn't have a closet right?:
Bam! Closet within a closet. It also comes with the swaggerful leather coat with the fuzzy collar.
But aren't you a week late pasting this?
I am but better late than ever!
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Adventures in Road Racing (The so far in January 2012 edition)
So yes you got me and road racing is a big part of my life. However the first weekend of January might have been the most interesting weekend of running in my life.
It first starts off at the Resolution to Kick Cancer. I actually had my best race I have had in a really long time and was just a few seconds from breaking my 5k record. That being said I went looking for my friend James at about the 40 minute mark of the race (18 minutes after I had finished). Walking towards this finish line I ended up watching a guy as he was coming up on the finish line. He looked more in place at a phish concert and not a road race but still. He was at the finish line when he had lost his footing and then the cartwheel faceplant.
The next day I did the Winter Challenge up Winter Hill and through Somerville. It was less than eventful running time wise and I felt worn down from the previous day. However, during the middle of the race and turning onto Medford street and off of Lowell street there was a lady who was yelling out "my baby, my baby!" It seemed ironic until I looked behind me to see a car that looked to be driving slowly in the opposite direction. A. Car had baby in it. B. No one was driving it. So another runner and I worked to stop this moving car. He got in the car and somehow stopped it while not in park While I pushed to make sure it would stop rolling. After the woman said her husband was coming I decided to bolt because I was doing a race!
Monday I needed to get another long run in so I did the 6.5 at the Lululemon run in Boston. On Mass Ave close to the end there are two guys in the middle of the street in a shouting match. I mean one of the most traffic filled roads in the middle of Boston and here is two idiots about to fist fight.
Fast forward to this past Sunday. Doing my long run of 13 miles for the week when 1/2 of a mile from the end I run in between what seems to be two girls yelling at each other on Broadway Ave in Somerville. I was expecting to see a slap fight but then again when I hear the word cops I think it is time to walk away. I don't have time to waist in court for other peoples stupid disputes.
Now come to February and I can say that I have put in about 100 miles of running for January and even more. More stories? Maybe. We'll see what life brings. As for now my body has a date with Miss Misery.
It first starts off at the Resolution to Kick Cancer. I actually had my best race I have had in a really long time and was just a few seconds from breaking my 5k record. That being said I went looking for my friend James at about the 40 minute mark of the race (18 minutes after I had finished). Walking towards this finish line I ended up watching a guy as he was coming up on the finish line. He looked more in place at a phish concert and not a road race but still. He was at the finish line when he had lost his footing and then the cartwheel faceplant.
The next day I did the Winter Challenge up Winter Hill and through Somerville. It was less than eventful running time wise and I felt worn down from the previous day. However, during the middle of the race and turning onto Medford street and off of Lowell street there was a lady who was yelling out "my baby, my baby!" It seemed ironic until I looked behind me to see a car that looked to be driving slowly in the opposite direction. A. Car had baby in it. B. No one was driving it. So another runner and I worked to stop this moving car. He got in the car and somehow stopped it while not in park While I pushed to make sure it would stop rolling. After the woman said her husband was coming I decided to bolt because I was doing a race!
Monday I needed to get another long run in so I did the 6.5 at the Lululemon run in Boston. On Mass Ave close to the end there are two guys in the middle of the street in a shouting match. I mean one of the most traffic filled roads in the middle of Boston and here is two idiots about to fist fight.
Fast forward to this past Sunday. Doing my long run of 13 miles for the week when 1/2 of a mile from the end I run in between what seems to be two girls yelling at each other on Broadway Ave in Somerville. I was expecting to see a slap fight but then again when I hear the word cops I think it is time to walk away. I don't have time to waist in court for other peoples stupid disputes.
Now come to February and I can say that I have put in about 100 miles of running for January and even more. More stories? Maybe. We'll see what life brings. As for now my body has a date with Miss Misery.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Home
So another holiday trip to Sparkle City S.C. is in the books. I can say I had an unhealthy diet and I feel like a whale but at the same time I am starting to question a lot of things. I guess there is that fear that I don't know what the future holds but in some ways I do. I know that my parents are not going to be around forever. They are both at the median age of 70. I'm concerned as to what happens once they are gone. Of course Spartanburg is home originally but ........
I realize now that I have been lazy and I haven't blogged in over a month. I'll do better. I promise. I blame the holidays.
xoxo
G
I realize now that I have been lazy and I haven't blogged in over a month. I'll do better. I promise. I blame the holidays.
xoxo
G
Monday, December 12, 2011
The spirits that guide your way!
Last Wednesday I had a wonderful opportunity to meet and get to know the race director for the Cambridge 5k. Somehow this was familiar territory of where I had been. Seeing that most of the shoots were done in Cambridge (well all really) it felt oddly familiar and maybe symbolic that we would do the shoot in Niketown. See, Niketown is where I first found out about TMIRCE . If it hadn't been for a woman named Pauline I would have never known about it. I remember going and meeting a few people right off the bat then roughly a year later I met more people who would later become some of my closest and favorite friends in Boston.
How did I end up doing Niketown? Well there was a running crush that I had who might have announced this run to me. I can't remember for sure but I know she was there. At least for two weeks and then she disappeared. I had ran with her for the first time at the Burren prior to that and had met her previous through a mutual friend. The reason that I mention here (anonymously I must add). It is because somehow her calming force and being always seemed to make me feel better. I had ran with her the day after I had broken up with a girlfriend for good. A day that I was so nauseated and sleepless that I took a personal day from work. At the end of the day though and after her being at running club at the Burren I felt better. I felt ready to take on the world. I can't say that I have seen her in a year and a half at least but there is always ways to keep in touch with people. Facebook! Yeah it seems kitschy and dumb but you know how I found out about the Cambridge 5k? She originally posted it on her wall. I found out about it and then found out there was a team competition as well. I knew that TMIRCE had to get involved. And now with their second race it seems that over half of our club is running and is gunning to take Team Race Menu down at Yulefest. Would this have happened if I would have not see the link to the Cambridge 5k on her page? I don't know. Maybe this was meant to happen and somehow me seeing this on her page set a spark. Can I say for sure? No. But I am feeling positive that if it wasn't for her then maybe the support that TMIRCE has given to this race may not have happened. I wouldn't have found a race director who I have seen as a nicer and kinder person than any other race director I have ever known.
Even though these spirits are people I haven't seen in a year. Their actions and invites have led me to places I would have never known about and things that I have achieved in my personal life. They led me to Niketown to a photo shoot that had more symbolic meaning than anyone could ever imagine. It is where I first found out about TMIRCE, the club I will run for Sunday!
Thank you my running spirits and to you I say goodnight!
P.S. I hear Mr Bivins playing melodica in the background!
How did I end up doing Niketown? Well there was a running crush that I had who might have announced this run to me. I can't remember for sure but I know she was there. At least for two weeks and then she disappeared. I had ran with her for the first time at the Burren prior to that and had met her previous through a mutual friend. The reason that I mention here (anonymously I must add). It is because somehow her calming force and being always seemed to make me feel better. I had ran with her the day after I had broken up with a girlfriend for good. A day that I was so nauseated and sleepless that I took a personal day from work. At the end of the day though and after her being at running club at the Burren I felt better. I felt ready to take on the world. I can't say that I have seen her in a year and a half at least but there is always ways to keep in touch with people. Facebook! Yeah it seems kitschy and dumb but you know how I found out about the Cambridge 5k? She originally posted it on her wall. I found out about it and then found out there was a team competition as well. I knew that TMIRCE had to get involved. And now with their second race it seems that over half of our club is running and is gunning to take Team Race Menu down at Yulefest. Would this have happened if I would have not see the link to the Cambridge 5k on her page? I don't know. Maybe this was meant to happen and somehow me seeing this on her page set a spark. Can I say for sure? No. But I am feeling positive that if it wasn't for her then maybe the support that TMIRCE has given to this race may not have happened. I wouldn't have found a race director who I have seen as a nicer and kinder person than any other race director I have ever known.
Even though these spirits are people I haven't seen in a year. Their actions and invites have led me to places I would have never known about and things that I have achieved in my personal life. They led me to Niketown to a photo shoot that had more symbolic meaning than anyone could ever imagine. It is where I first found out about TMIRCE, the club I will run for Sunday!
Thank you my running spirits and to you I say goodnight!
P.S. I hear Mr Bivins playing melodica in the background!
Sunday, December 4, 2011
"That's just the way he lives!"
The Apartment search of 2011 was not as eventful as the apartment search of 2009. Somehow this time everything seemed like it would work out. I liked the second place I saw and the first place was with my current roommate. The first place was small and the shower head came to my lips. Not good unless you're a little person. Regardless lets move forward to the apartment on Summer street in Somerville. I didn't know what to think because the voice was super shaky. But, I need a place to live so I will check i out. After viewing a somewhat messy apartment I figured to keep looking.
What I found was a nightmare. I went in it smelled like 3 day old pot. Smelled like that faint smell that will never go away. I meet with him and the live in girlfriend. They were kind of befuddled I was there. I was set to meet with the people in the apartment at 6:30 on Friday. I knew from the smell I wasn't going to live there but I can't be a jerk about things. I meet the potential roommate who is around 30 and half of his teeth have rotted out. I go in and view the room. Not what I am looking for. However, he shows me the porch and no less than six inches there is a chair in front of the door. I think common knowledge of placing things would make you believe that the chair should have been placed over to the side. Not this guy. His exact words when I make a comment about the chair, "That's just the way he lives!" . So we view the rest of the house and the more famous words I remember from him at the end was "You know we just hang out, smoke a little pot." Not interested. Here goes the apartment search of 2009 all over again.
On the walk back on the bike path to a place called will I get a text message: "The apartment has been taken. Would you be into us getting a two bedroom like before? Maybe in JP?" His apartment was taken and we ended up with a place together but not JP. These are the things that are called fate!
What I found was a nightmare. I went in it smelled like 3 day old pot. Smelled like that faint smell that will never go away. I meet with him and the live in girlfriend. They were kind of befuddled I was there. I was set to meet with the people in the apartment at 6:30 on Friday. I knew from the smell I wasn't going to live there but I can't be a jerk about things. I meet the potential roommate who is around 30 and half of his teeth have rotted out. I go in and view the room. Not what I am looking for. However, he shows me the porch and no less than six inches there is a chair in front of the door. I think common knowledge of placing things would make you believe that the chair should have been placed over to the side. Not this guy. His exact words when I make a comment about the chair, "That's just the way he lives!" . So we view the rest of the house and the more famous words I remember from him at the end was "You know we just hang out, smoke a little pot." Not interested. Here goes the apartment search of 2009 all over again.
On the walk back on the bike path to a place called will I get a text message: "The apartment has been taken. Would you be into us getting a two bedroom like before? Maybe in JP?" His apartment was taken and we ended up with a place together but not JP. These are the things that are called fate!
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Hey, Did you ever hear of Craigslist?
If this is hard to read then here is what it says:
"I am rent 1 room 5 minutes the davis square $450 it is close to the Tufts campus
Awesome guy, You made a hand written sign and put it on a post in the square. Not to mention that you could have the lost confused souls who believe that the welfare office masquerading as a Social Security office still exists might become a roommate. Scary! Davis isn't bad but that part is. Ever thought about Craigslist? Apartments get rented there in two seconds flat... Now go get some novocaine for the soul!
Monday, November 28, 2011
A Reason!
I was going to post on how I would love to just beat the fool to a pulp who stole the wheel off my bike. How I would like to just shatter his knee caps and give him a couple of thousand swift kicks to the hurtful parts! This happened Saturday night. Sunday around 11:30 I walked my one wheeled bike all the way to Davis Square in Somerville from Medford. My plan was to go to Bike Boom and see if they have a new wheel. Place opens at 10am per their website. Get there at around noon and they are not open until 2 pm. I walk it further to Wheelworks. $90 later and I have a new wheel on my bike. Being pissed about things I was informed by the guy who fixed my bike that they didn't break into my apartment and steal my bike and records. Yeah that didn't happen but it doesn't bring my wheel back. I mean I got to pet the sweetest sad eyed puppy dog I ever seen but still I walked a mile and a half with my one wheeled bike before fixing it.
On Monday, I ended up in Boston Brewin Coffee and ended up bring up the story about my bike. He said that sometimes things happen for a reason. The wheel could have popped on my way somewhere else. Also the person who stole it could have done something good and was able to bike to someone to save their life. I realize it isn't so bad after all.
I also realize I could also be in a worse spot. I could be just like a person from High School who keeps posting on facebook the status of her homelessness and no one to help her. It's truly sad but I wouldn't know how to help a thousand miles away. But then again this could be something to where she will do something with it and help someone else out later in life.
Is this guaranteed?
No
But even with most agnostic and atheist people I've met who in the end think that there is nothing at the end of the rainbow, They for the most part believe this.
There is a reason that I saw that someone else was keeping their mustache for a week for $25. I said this was a great idea and emailed all my friends last night. I'm now stuck with the stache until Mid-January at least!
So every day I have to look at the way things happens at least until the sky starts falling!
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Thank you Mr Bivins!
Dear Mr. Matthew Bivins,
I remember seeing you perform with Jump, Little Children for the first time around 16 years ago and being amazed by this instrument called a melodica. It was a keyboard which you blow into. I remember being in Alston back in May when I saw one up close and for sale. I wanted it but decided to hold off. Now though I can't hold off any longer. I bought it. I am now a proud owner of a melodica! Such a proud owner of such a beautiful creation that I can't believe I didn't mail order one 16 years earlier! I'm just sad that I can't find "Opium" or "Easter Parade" on youtube. I wonder if those songs have went up in smoke.
Thanks,
me
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Movembersgiving!
This day and Month always seem to be a new awakening for me. It somehow does signify death with the leaves falling off the trees and the air becoming crisply cold. Sunlight falls before 5pm in Massachusetts and it will only get dark earlier. However, I find this as a time of year that I become rejuvenated. I know that December will be cold and snowy but somehow things feel a little off because it has been 70 degrees in Boston today.
I have a lot to give thanks for but I have a lot to give!
This year as have the past three have started with a road race. In the third year in a row this race has been different. This race was my favorite because it was a team effort. Teamwork is important. My friend James organized our team. I can't think of anyone who loves road races more. I can't think of anyone who knows runners and their abilities better than James. The course was uphill for the first couple of miles but I respect it. I am learning to pace myself. Right at the first mile and a half I felt the pain in my side (like I do a lot). However, I could hear my running sensei in my head telling me not to give up. This time I didn't. I did notice my time slipping but at the end there was a nice downhill. At the end my friend Mr. Sony raced me in (he was four minutes faster). It was a great race and I had a great time which would have been an Athlinks.com PR if it wasn't for the extra .05 miles at the end.
Later in the day James, Mr. Sony, Chris, and my roommate all had Thanksgiving at the Rock. I burnt the ham to a blackened char, I almost darkened the mac and cheese, and those onions on the green bean casserole look super dark! The only pizza place that was open set my mouth aflame along with everyone else. The corn casserole was delicious as was the bites. Pumpkin pie with ice cream topped of the night. Then afterwards to Deep Ellum with more friends and good times. It makes me reflect on past thanksgivings and what to be thankful for: Friends and Family.
I remember all of my Thanksgivings for the past seven years I lived here.
Year one: My roommate and I made thanksgiving dinner and hung out on our own. No one else there to stop by but it worked.
Year two: I was by myself this year but I ended up being invited downstairs to our landlord's place. They were a Chilean family and I can't think of another Thanksgiving I will ever have which had tamales and hot peppers.
Year Three: I found out my father had prostate cancer. This wasn't good news to find out. My father also didn't want me to know or worry about him. I knew I had to go home and see him though. This was important. This is the only father I have and I have to see him through this. I know he was going through pain. I know this wasn't easy but knowing friends that have had this happen before I know that I am in a lot of ways lucky to have him alive! He made it through and is healthy today. I am joyous for this occasion. I know that my mustache for Movember is for an important cause. I know that the act of it may just be a little dumb but if one man gets awareness and has the symptoms checked out. It felt like an important visit because I got to see my family and My aunt who didn't survive lung cancer. In the end it let me know how important family really is.
Year Four: Friendsgiving with my roommate, his former girlfriend, and a couple of other friends.
Year Five: I really wanted to volunteer but ended up in Rockland, Ma with a friend. I do wonder if she was spying for the ex-ballbreaker though.
Year Six: I would say this was a transformation year with my life and another. A successful Friendsgiving with a last minute invite. I am grateful to the person who invited me.
Year Seven: See Above.
I have a lot to be thankful for even if there was no Turkey this year. I'm sure I can get some for Christmas. This is a holiday for those you care about and love. This is a holiday for friends and family. My cause for them is very deep. One day there will be a cure for cancer and one day there will be a cure for pain...
I have a lot to give thanks for but I have a lot to give!
This year as have the past three have started with a road race. In the third year in a row this race has been different. This race was my favorite because it was a team effort. Teamwork is important. My friend James organized our team. I can't think of anyone who loves road races more. I can't think of anyone who knows runners and their abilities better than James. The course was uphill for the first couple of miles but I respect it. I am learning to pace myself. Right at the first mile and a half I felt the pain in my side (like I do a lot). However, I could hear my running sensei in my head telling me not to give up. This time I didn't. I did notice my time slipping but at the end there was a nice downhill. At the end my friend Mr. Sony raced me in (he was four minutes faster). It was a great race and I had a great time which would have been an Athlinks.com PR if it wasn't for the extra .05 miles at the end.
Later in the day James, Mr. Sony, Chris, and my roommate all had Thanksgiving at the Rock. I burnt the ham to a blackened char, I almost darkened the mac and cheese, and those onions on the green bean casserole look super dark! The only pizza place that was open set my mouth aflame along with everyone else. The corn casserole was delicious as was the bites. Pumpkin pie with ice cream topped of the night. Then afterwards to Deep Ellum with more friends and good times. It makes me reflect on past thanksgivings and what to be thankful for: Friends and Family.
I remember all of my Thanksgivings for the past seven years I lived here.
Year one: My roommate and I made thanksgiving dinner and hung out on our own. No one else there to stop by but it worked.
Year two: I was by myself this year but I ended up being invited downstairs to our landlord's place. They were a Chilean family and I can't think of another Thanksgiving I will ever have which had tamales and hot peppers.
Year Three: I found out my father had prostate cancer. This wasn't good news to find out. My father also didn't want me to know or worry about him. I knew I had to go home and see him though. This was important. This is the only father I have and I have to see him through this. I know he was going through pain. I know this wasn't easy but knowing friends that have had this happen before I know that I am in a lot of ways lucky to have him alive! He made it through and is healthy today. I am joyous for this occasion. I know that my mustache for Movember is for an important cause. I know that the act of it may just be a little dumb but if one man gets awareness and has the symptoms checked out. It felt like an important visit because I got to see my family and My aunt who didn't survive lung cancer. In the end it let me know how important family really is.
Year Four: Friendsgiving with my roommate, his former girlfriend, and a couple of other friends.
Year Five: I really wanted to volunteer but ended up in Rockland, Ma with a friend. I do wonder if she was spying for the ex-ballbreaker though.
Year Six: I would say this was a transformation year with my life and another. A successful Friendsgiving with a last minute invite. I am grateful to the person who invited me.
Year Seven: See Above.
I have a lot to be thankful for even if there was no Turkey this year. I'm sure I can get some for Christmas. This is a holiday for those you care about and love. This is a holiday for friends and family. My cause for them is very deep. One day there will be a cure for cancer and one day there will be a cure for pain...
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Full Circle
I remember six and a half years ago when I decided to write out a list of places I wanted to move to. I was putting Upstate South Carolina in my rear view and not looking back. The list in order of where I wanted to live was as follows:
1. Chicago
2. Charleston, SC (West Virginia is not an option)
3. Asheville, NC
4. Atlanta
5. Tri-city, NC (Raliegh-Durham-Chapel Hill)
6. Columbia, SC (I visited a couple of friends there and realized it wasn't for me)
7. Boston
Irony is that I only put Boston here because my current roommate got a job with a company here and I thought that he could have gotten me on (He did). Therefore six years later I am where I am now. There have of course been a lot of times where I thought I would never make but alas I am still here. However something was quite startling yesterday while shopping at Trader Joe's in Cambridgeport. I ran into the first girl I ever went on a date with in Boston. Do I remember the details of everything? No, but I remember that our first date was at trident and our second date was just down the street at a Tapas place. Somehow she remembers who I am and I vaguely remember who she is. It is vague and I remember the details of how she seemed to be a beautiful socially awkward soul. We caught up for a moment. She said she hadn't seen me in three years but I know it had been six. Regardless I feel like something has completely circled itself. I look and see how I got here and question if it is the way I should get somewhere else. Right now I am not in the same place though my roommate may leave in the spring. Right now I like where I live and I am happy with the people in my life. I'm happy with the outcome of the situation but will I need something more? It's a tough question to ask. I'm finding a book from my past of goals I wanted to attain. Ironically I was more entertained by the letter from a friend I found in it...
The good friends I have down South are not much different than my friends here and if you know me deeply you know my fondness of maps.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
So my roommate is gay. Wait! What?!?!?!?!
"So your the roommate you are living with now is gay?" No, not at all, but once upon a time....
I remember four years ago living in East Somerville which I referred to as Slummahville I had a roommate who didn't say much or really make much noise in the house at all. He would usually spend three hours at a time in the restroom. Ironically, I remember the time he took a seven minute shower and he was done. Why? Because the ex-ballbreaker was having a pool party and he was coming. His reasoning for only taking a seven minute shower? He reads for the other two hours and 53 minutes in the bathroom. I thought it was because he used every Burt's bee bottle he had ever had in the shower. There was around 30 bottles in there.
Regardless, his schedule was weird because he got to choose it to be as such. He worked at the state house and would usually go into the office around three each day. This meant he was a night owl. Nothing wrong with that because he never made much noise. He was like the roommate who was not there (in a house of four). So on a Friday night with nothing going on I decided to surprise him and meet him at his favorite restaurant in Cambridge. We ended up talking about life and he started to share a lot of his thoughts about life with me. For some reason I remember that he had mentioned that two of his college guy friends were getting married. For the year I had lived with him there was no such thing as a gaydar going off in the house. It never dawned on me.
So on the drive home things get a little political.
Roommate: "So I believe that gay people should have the same rights as straight people!"
Me: "Yeah, I believe that gay people should have the same rights as we straight people."
Roommate: "What do you mean we?"
SILENCE
I knew at this point he was gay and I was completely OK with it. I mean if I were in an earlier stage in my life I would have said it would have scared me. At this point in my life I knew it was harmless and knew that he was a person trying to survive in this world just like myself.
That is what this blog is though. Stories of people who affect us and even though we may not share a common area every day. Are there more stories about apartments and roommates? Yes, and those people who I would never accept as roommates (sorry). There is also the stories of life. When you share parts of your life with other people in a way you become their roommate. Sometimes its others around you who help you figure out who you are and locate the pieces.
I remember four years ago living in East Somerville which I referred to as Slummahville I had a roommate who didn't say much or really make much noise in the house at all. He would usually spend three hours at a time in the restroom. Ironically, I remember the time he took a seven minute shower and he was done. Why? Because the ex-ballbreaker was having a pool party and he was coming. His reasoning for only taking a seven minute shower? He reads for the other two hours and 53 minutes in the bathroom. I thought it was because he used every Burt's bee bottle he had ever had in the shower. There was around 30 bottles in there.
Regardless, his schedule was weird because he got to choose it to be as such. He worked at the state house and would usually go into the office around three each day. This meant he was a night owl. Nothing wrong with that because he never made much noise. He was like the roommate who was not there (in a house of four). So on a Friday night with nothing going on I decided to surprise him and meet him at his favorite restaurant in Cambridge. We ended up talking about life and he started to share a lot of his thoughts about life with me. For some reason I remember that he had mentioned that two of his college guy friends were getting married. For the year I had lived with him there was no such thing as a gaydar going off in the house. It never dawned on me.
So on the drive home things get a little political.
Roommate: "So I believe that gay people should have the same rights as straight people!"
Me: "Yeah, I believe that gay people should have the same rights as we straight people."
Roommate: "What do you mean we?"
SILENCE
I knew at this point he was gay and I was completely OK with it. I mean if I were in an earlier stage in my life I would have said it would have scared me. At this point in my life I knew it was harmless and knew that he was a person trying to survive in this world just like myself.
That is what this blog is though. Stories of people who affect us and even though we may not share a common area every day. Are there more stories about apartments and roommates? Yes, and those people who I would never accept as roommates (sorry). There is also the stories of life. When you share parts of your life with other people in a way you become their roommate. Sometimes its others around you who help you figure out who you are and locate the pieces.
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