The wrong way, the right way, and…

Lately I’m beginning to wonder why I work.  Oh yeah, that’s right - BILLS! Anyway, I have those things, “bills”, and therefore I go to work.  Don’t get me wrong, I like the sense of accomplishment that comes with getting up each morning (it takes 3 alarms to finally make me move), driving down the road ($3.95 per gallon feels criminal), and taking calls all day to help the helpless with their retirement.  “Excuse me Craig (I have no idea why CHRIS sounds like Craig), I was wondering if there were any way to withdrawal my money?”

“Ma’am/Sir, you have $30 in your account in total.” I respond with a smile.  By smile, I mean my brain slowly slams itself against my skull.

“THAT’S MY MONEY. YOU CAN’T KEEP ME FROM MY MONEY!” is normally the phrase of the day.  Seriously, if I were living in Pee Wee’s Playhouse, we would all scream everytime we hear “My money”, “Hardship” and “You people”.  Also, furniture would talk, and I’d get to play connect the dots more often than I do.

Don’t misunderstand that I don’t work hard and try my best to provide the best quality service I can on each individual call, it’s just that it can be a little mind-numbing.  I keep telling myself that when you work hard and devote yourself, you move up the ladder.  I also write this because I think some people from work read my blog, and I’d hate the word to get around that I don’t like my job or something to that nature.  I do like my job, mostly because of the people grinding away, side by side with me on a daily basis.  These people are the reasons I come to work.  I’m a social creature - like a meercat. Yes, I compared myself to a meercat.  Is that how you even spell meercat? I like to be in groups of people and have fun and just laugh.  I think my best job experiences have been places where I felt like we had fun, regardless of the job.   I suppose this is the reason why I’ve been just a little bit lonely as of late; lack of social stimulation outside of the workplace.

You see, I like being alone sometimes, just as much as the next guy or gal.  Actually, on Saturday evening, I purposely drove to Starbucks, bought a coffee, and sat and read a book about Chris Farley (The Chris Farley Show).  The sad part of that whole situation was I would have dropped everything I was doing and driven an hour away just to spend time with someone, which was my plan that day, until someone cancelled our plans.  I get enough forced alone time each day, I don’t need it on my weekend as well.  Unfortunately, I get no calls, and therefore, I lack social life. 

Honestly, I’m beginning to wonder why in the world I take my cell phone anywhere.  Sure, sure….emergencies (here’s an example - it could happen!).  Aside from that, no one calls or texts.  There are a few stragglers who occassionally text, but the calls are few and far between.  I’m a communicator.  I suppose other people are not.  I’m sure people are busy and have lives, which I accept.  I’m honestly not the guy you want around all the time.  I’ve got no girlfriend for double dates (hahaha…double dates is such a funny thing), nor do I play well with others.  Apparently, I have a tendency to say rude things.  Please note the scientific diagram below:

It’s my curse really. I just wish I had more friends who were able to deal with that part of me, and accept me for who I am.  I also wish that a woman out there would see the bright, funny, charming side of me before she decides I’m not worth her time. Better yet, I wish I could find a girl who doesn’t bore me after twelve seconds.   Honestly, I’ve found a few, and they turned me down.  I’m a catch-22. I don’t like the girls who like me, and the ones who don’t, I love.  Ah…The Mystery of Max!

As the weekend approaches and I prepare myself for the lack of rest I’m going to receive because of staying up too late, and getting up too early, I have been thinking about a few important facts of life.  This, of course, is all brought on by the fact that a good friend of mine, Carrie, is turning thirty. To some people, this would be tragic.  I say “Screw You!” to those people. In a year from this June I will be 30.  I’m not worried at all.  Actually, that’s a lie, sometimes I lay in bed at night and think “Woah, I’ll be thirty”, and I get this sick feeling in my stomach.  Turns out to be gas mostly, but it’s there.  Let me tell you why I’m not scared and no one else should be scared of thirty.

I’ve lived for nearly thirty years, and therefore my knowledge of the world has expanded. I’ve seen 4 different presidents (5, if you count the first year I was born - I don’t).  I’ve experienced 80’s hair bands, 90’s pop, Metal, Grunge, Punk, EMO, Techno, and plenty of other musical styles be born and die.  As I’ve gotten older, my humor has expanded and I really feel like even though I’m not getting any more attractive, I’m at least getting funnier, which helps in most social situations.   I’ve got two degrees, which I use almost never.  Of course, college wasn’t about “degrees”, it was about educating yourself on being an adult and how life really will be outside of high school.  So, turning thirty is great, because you’re “mature”, whatever that means. 

Also, something that makes me proud is the fact I’m not married.  Don’t get me wrong, there is a part of me that wants to be in love, and that part of me gets frustrated with the games love play.  I just appreciate the fact that I’m not naive and rush into love.  I don’t freak out and think that if I’m not married by the big 3-0 I’m some kind of loser who will live the rest of his life alone. I’m sorry, that is not a reason to just marry the first girl who will say “YES”.  Actually, how many stories do you hear of girls saying no? That would suck. I’d like to see that happen - to me. That would bring a whole new level of bitterness to my personsality.   Before we go on, I need to stop and make a point here. 

I want to make sure that all of you know that I am in no way judging you if you are married or will be married before you turn thirty.  I’m know there are plenty of people out there who are meant to be together and therefore got married or are getting married young.  Apparently, some people feel I should tone down my attitude.  There are certain people who feel that my blog should never be an outlet of judgement of their “love”.  These people think that “the idea of love and marriage is so far off for you at this point in your bitter life” is the reason I make comments about love. Maybe they are right, but I choose to believe it’s because I’m better than them.   Hey, it’s my blog, it’s my opinion - I’m better!

Before anyone get’s confused, this is about Michelle and Ashley (I have decided to refer to them as Mashley to make it easier on me. They seem to only think about each other, so let’s just combine them).  I would hate for any of you to get the wrong idea that this was about you.  Mashley would tell me that I’m just bitter and angry and that love has yet to grace me with it’s ever inspiring presence.  Mashley would also tell me that this is because my life is “boring and mundane” and that I have too much free time on my hands that I feel the need to ruin their good times.  Mashley may be right. Who knows, maybe I am bitter and jaded and just an ass.  You know what though, I’m cool with that! 

I’m not asking anyone to accept this as their beliefs or their attitude.  Actually, I would advise you all against it - it’s extremely hard to keep this level of pessimism at a constant and still be as freaking cool as me. Most people would crap themselves. I’m only telling all of you my opinion of the world and love.  I’m pretty sure I know my opinion isn’t worth two dumps in the woods.  Some people, this includes Mashley, don’t like it when your views contradict theirs.  Why? The don’t want to feel bad.  I don’t blame them.  Who wants to hear how someone else can’t be happy because they don’t have love?  (I’m raising my hand right now) They want to be caught up in their world, where everything is great, shiny and new.  Unfortunately, being someone’s friend can mess this up.

I’m going to say it, and I’m going to say it loud and clear, and for the very last time.  I’m doing this because I’m confident in what I feel and what I think has happened to me, and I need to let it go.  I’m also doing it because I’m 95% sure they don’t read my blog anymore.  Mashley didn’t want me around anymore because I wasn’t a love cheerleader for them.  I didn’t stand up and say “Yay, love is so wonderful” or “Marriage is so beautiful”.  Did I tell them they were wrong for each other? No. Did I tell them to think this over and not rush? No. Did I talk behind their backs? No. Was I happy for them? Yes.  Can a run a mile without puking? Probably not.

The problem is that I didn’t jump and down, pee my pants, and pass out from the sheer amazement of them getting married.  Sorry if the idea of two of my best friends getting hitched makes me just a little sad about my love life.  I was happy for the two of them, and part of me wanted to get excited, but the part of me that understands REALITY wouldn’t let me.  They would tell you the reasons for my anger today and the seperation of our friendship would be due to my lack of sensitivy, and they would be right to a degree.  I’m not a nice guy sometimes, and I know that. Ask any girl that dated me. I can be a real dick! The trouble I have is that both of them knew this long before the dreaded “Never trust a Tony” incident.  I haven’t changed, and probably never will.  I just think it’s sad that because, in my opinion, Mashley decided to change and they no longer found it funny. 

Come to think of it, this could be why I’m still single and almost thirty. Huh, there is some good that came from Bizzaro Chris…

PS - All complainst can be lodged in the forms of either comments, emails, or just sitting at home watching TV and thinking “Man, he sucks”. These all work.

There is no real rhyme or reason behind today’s entry.  I haven’t had any epiphanies or moments of undeniable truth that I felt you should all know about, but then again, maybe I have and it will all spill out over the next lines.  You never where I’ll go. I’m an enigma!  Needless to say, I felt compelled to write something for my loyal readers, only b/c I myself am not a big fan of people who NEVER update their blog.  Case in point: The Fireman. 

Now, we’re not really friends anymore, and I’m sure he has his hands full, but you would think he might at least post once a month.  I suppose the strains of engagement have diminished his blogging time.  On the other hand, writing about “We stayed home, watched TV and didn’t talk to anyone” isn’t really an “exciting” read.  Of course, I only have like 10 devoted readers and I feel theirs is more out of obligation than intrigue.  Yes, yes…I’m self-depreciating.  Isn’t it attractive?

Why can’t people return calls?  Now, I need to stop here and tell Meggy I’m not talking about her.  Meggy, this is not about you! She will appreciate that because I think there are times when I talk about things and the poor thing thinks I’m upset with her.  That could never happen, by the way.  She’s too cool. If you haven’t already read her blog, I suggest you do, and you’ll see what I mean. Anyway, I called/messaged 7 people on Sunday afternoon, and only 1 of them called me back.  Are you serious? It’s 2008 and you can’t even send me a text back saying “Hey, Max Power, you’re awesome, and smell great and are so charming. Sorry, I can’t talk, I’m a little busy.”?  Is this too much to ask? Let me tell you something friends and family. You call me, I will call you back.  Please don’t let this scare you off. I know you love talking to me.

May is slowly approaching, which means 1) My friend Carrie’s big birthday bash next Friday night (totally stoked), 2) Mother’s Day, and 3) The anniversary of my Mom being diagnosed with a brain tumor.  I can’t believe it’s been almost a year since we found out the news.  I can remember being in the doctors office with her when he told her for the first time.  She has been clear for a while now and is still going through treatments, but it’s still scary.  A good friend of mine from high school just lost her fiancee to cancer.  I won’t say more on this, but I want to wish her my condolences, as well as his and her family and friends.  I can’t begin to imagine the pain. 

I would like to end the blog with a short list of things I’ve come to appreciate quite a bit lately, and I hope you can appreciate them.  Here, in no particular order:

• Mila Kunis!  Do I need to really say more here?  I just saw Forgetting Sarah Marshall and she was so hot in this movie. Please…see what I mean.  HOTTIE. 
• John Cusack movies from the 80’s.  I’m talking Better off Dead, The Sure Thing and Say Anything.  I really do love his movies.  They are classic.
• Music of choice lately: Atreyu, Beyond the Fall, M.I.A. (this site will give you seizures), Ryan Adams, All Star United, and Fall Out Boy’s version of Beat It.  I’m going to work on getting a playlist on my blog for the enjoyment of my readers.  Updated:  The playlist is to the right. Just click on pop out and it will take you to a stand alone version.  You can send your thanks in the form of cash.
• The fact that The Office has new episodes coming on now, which make me smile, cringe and laugh all at the same time.  I hope I do that to all of you.  I’m sure I do.

I’ve come to realize I’m my own best friend.  I’m saying this because I seem to spend all of my free time just hanging out with myself, and I’m not real sure what to think.  I love having company, and being social, but lately I haven’t had the opportunity to do so.  Let me take a moment to explain why. It seems I have absolutely no friends in my area to hang out with.  Oh, I have friends I work with, and people I know up here, but when I leave work and I’m home either at night or on the weekend, I’m by myself.  I wonder if maybe I should start attempting to get together with workmates more often? 

The point here is there are times when I want to be by myself, and there are times when I am alone, I’m lonely.  It sort of sucks. I enjoy my own company.  Actually, I don’t really have much choice on that matter.  If I didn’t enjoy my own company then I would either 1) Be totally insane, or 2) Be a depressed lonely mess!  My ps2 has helped me deal with this issue quite well over the last few weeks.  Ever since the subtraction of two of my friends, I’ve had no choice but to find something to fill the void.  Quite frankly, one of them was a guaranteed get together at least once a week.  Now, I have an extra evening to try and fill with activities, and it’s just too much stress.

I would like to note right here, that my level of stress that I have to deal with is substantially lower than most of the populace.  I just like to feel like I have a big issue to deal with.  Humor me, people!

Some activities I’ve considered:

1. Exercise - actually, I’ve got a contest beginning next week with Meggy. 
2. Knitting - I have absolutely nothing to say here.
3. Yodeling - it looks fun.
4. Bass Fishing - I’m the world’s worst fisher.
5. Bullriding - This was just to see if you were still listening.

Really, I’m beginning to wonder if life would be a little different if I were not single.  I’m becoming accustomed to the fact that I may spend the rest of my life without a relationship, and that’s ok.  I would prefer to find this “love” business everyone keeps referring to, but I’m not sure I will.  I think I’m ready to accept the idea, if need be, that I will be a solitary man for the rest of my life.  Of course, if it happens, I’m cool with that too, but I won’t let it change me.  I’m still going to spend as much time with my friends as possible, and give myself as much love as possible.  I don’t care what SOME people think, being in a relationship will not make me become co-dependent.  

I’ll start this blog with the point that I’m pretty sure I spelled illiterate correctly.  I mean, it would fit pretty well into the topic of discussion, but I’m pretty sure I would look like a complete idiot for spelling it wrong.  Alas, I’m too lazy to look it up to make sure, so I’ll wait until I get to the end of the blog and run spellcheck. Yay…technology!

I’m pretty sure I’m the worst “reader of people” in the world.  I want to say that I’m wise and intelligent when it comes to guessing how people feel and will react, but I’m just not.  I wouldn’t even go as far as to say I’m decent at it.  This is apparent to me on a regular basis when I can not for the life of me figure out what is going in the brains of those I care, or thought cared about me.  For instance, I can never tell when someone likes me.  Let me clarify.  By “like”, I mean wants to date me, b/c we all know it’s not hard to tell that people like me.  I’m sort of a big deal.  I’m just saying that figuring out her intentions is HARD! Am I just dumb? I think I might be. 

I’m pretty sure the reasoning behind this is my ridiculous habit of over-analyzing everything they do.  Seriously, I think so hard about what each call and conversation means that it freakin’ drives me crazy! I’m thinking I’m just one step away from recording my calls, going over each of them, building sentence diagrams, making graphs and charts, and then eating a bag of burgers and falling asleep in my own filth.  Yes, it sounds like the life to live, but believe people, it is not…oh, it is not! Why can’t it be simpler? How about we make a policy that when you like a guy you have to wear something to let him know.  How about a sign that says “I like you”? See, this is simple and direct.  You could also just make out with me and that would be a good sign as well, but the problem is people who you don’t like back.  I mean, if they have the sign up, you can then know to let them down nicely, but if they just make out with you then you’re pretty much in an awkward situation. 

Furthermore, my judge of people carries over into the people who have screwed me over.  These fall under numerous categories; ex-girlfriends, salesmen, pirate hookers, government officials, friends, publisher’s clearing house, and many more I can’t remember.   I mean, I have dated some beasts in my past.  This of course, is not saying they were hairy, taller than 6 feet and strong, but they were mean! Oh yeah, some of them were also crazy.  I literally had one girl I dated who ended up taking medication for her level of craziness.  To those who knew her, I can now just refer to her as crazy “her first name” and they immediately go “Oh yeah….”.  Why couldn’t I see she was a nutjob?  I’ve had a few of those.  Or, why couldn’t I tell that my most recent ex was slowly buy surely trying to indoctrinate to be her perfect mate.  Seriously, we got along so well at the start and everything was cool, and then slowly over time, she started cutting things off.  Love really does make us blind.  Love…HA…more like boredom.

Actually, I should stop here and just say that love is beautiful.  It really is.  There are people out there who really do love each other and have devoted their lives.  To name a few, my parents, brother, sister, my best friend Lance, and quite a few more I can name.  There are actually quite a few people around me in love.  Am I jealous? You know, maybe I am. I’m not stupid though.  I want romance and devotion and fun.  I’m not just going to run into something forced b/c I’m bored, alone, or desperate.  I don’t want to be a in a relationship where we argue over petty stuff or don’t trust each other.  I want someone who loves everything about me as I do her.  I may not be able to read people, but I know that there is someone out there who will care for me like I can care for them.  You may not believe it (shoot, I’m having trouble believing it myself), but I’m a sweet guy when you give me a chance.  I’m a big softy. 

I also can be mean as a snake if you make me mad, but hey, let’s save that for another time…

As those of you who keep up with my blog on a regular basis may know, I’ve been having some friendship issues as of late.  I’m not going to rehash those issues, b/c that would be sort of repetitive, but if you’re interested in reading more about this, I would suggest you read Friends Lost, Friends Enjoyed for starters.  I have been advised it is an enjoyable read, but then again I think the readers are trying to butter me up.  Maybe they are actually trying to trick me until comfort and then going to cook me slowly. I do have tender meat!

Anyway, I have received a calvicade of response to the issues I’ve been having as of late, and I wanted to address what I’m hearing.  First, let me say thank you to all of the people who have offered their advice and opinions.  I have to say that I still feel I have the best friends in the world, and therefore I’m not totally depressed over this whole issue.  Also, PS2 helps to ease away the pain.  It’s very soothing!  To lose friends can be an awkward and difficult time, mostly because it’s like breaking up with someone.  I mean, there is part of you that wants to call.  You are itching so badly to know what is going on with them or to try and chew them out, but you just know you can’t.  I’m staying strong.

Secondly, I’d like to say how surprised I am to find so many people who agree with me.  I mean, I’m a pretty vain guy who thinks his own opinion is flawless, but I didn’t expect nearly the response I got on this one.  Of course, none of this came in the form of comments on here, b/c I’m pretty sure the people I’m referring to are readers who I interact with on a regular basis in the real world, and I’m sure they preferred not to get in the middle of this situation.  I understand their need for anonymity.  To all of you out there who have helped me feel better by assuring me I’m not a total nutjob for thinking what I did and pointing out the shock at the rudeness - Thank You! I wasn’t looking for agreement from anyone, and whenI received, it’s even that much more appreciated. 

I think this struggle in my life is indicative of a lot of things that people go through.  Just like I said, losing someone you were friends for so many years sucks.  I know I seem strong and controlled here (yeah….right), but I really was depressed this past weekend.  I have turned the corner though it seems.  I feel better about myself (even though my throat was killing me today to the point where I didn’t work), and I feel confident that everything will work out for the best.  Furthermore, I know that my friend and his girlfriend are content in where they are currently.  Last I heard there was a good air of prospect on the horizon for her that would lead to them having more time together.  Regardless of how I feel about them (it’s not really positive), I feel the need to wish them luck in all of their endeavors.  Doesn’t forgive their selfish, rude actions towards me, but I hope they are well.

On a side note, there have been some things to keep a smile on my face lately.  Juno came out on DVD today. If you have not seen it, then I suggest you go rent it, buy it, or illegally download it (yeah, I said it). It’s a great movie with such a touching heart.  I sound ridiculous! Also, this past weekend rehashed some friendships I had forgotten.  It also has lead to some VERY entertaining conversations.  I’ve got hope for the future…

I’m tired of the drama.  Maybe I’m part of it, maybe I’m the cause of it, and maybe I’m the solution.  Wow…that is insightful.  I’m like a conundrum all in myself.  See, this is why you read my blog; deepness!  Anyway, I’ve decided it’s not healthy for there to be drama in my life.  Mostly I’ve decided this because I’m sick and bloody tired of having to constantly assert any of my ideas to people who don’t seem to care.  You’re right, I have not been “excluded” from friendships, and I know there are going to be some who don’t appreciate me saying this in my blog (please note: I don’t care if you don’t appreciate it).  I just think being told my opinion doesn’t matter from my friends is pretty much where I draw the line in the sand. 

How should I have responded to the comment “frankly my friend you are not one to really be giving advice on relationships”? (try to disregard the total lack of grammar skills) Should I have just let it go and moved on and not responded? You know, I probably should have, but I didn’t, and let me tell you why. 

First, this came from someone who has been a great friend, and it hurt.  It didn’t hurt because it was rude and attacking, but more of where it came from; a friend.  I would not expect a friend to manipulate my lack of a relationship and misfortune in the area of love to make their point.  This person knows all too well what I have been through, and yet they still have the nerve to use that against me like they are all too wise in “love” and I am oh so ignorant.  This is seered into my heart even further because I have trusted this person’s opinion on love and turned to them so many times in the past, as they with me before they found “true love”. Furthermore, this shows just a lack of respect for my opinion in any way shape or form.  It was almost like saying “Oh yeah, by the way, I just found love like 7 months ago, but obviously I know WAY more than you, you single ass!”

Honestly, this attitude would be my biggest complaint, if any, against the friends I have now lost.  My complaint is how quickly those who struggled in love and suffered along side me for so long, can forget where they ever were.  I think we all know what I’m referring to.  The people who are smug in their relationships and keep telling you “Oh, you’ll find love” and “See how happy love made us?”.  Then when you feel the pains of loneliness, they look at you strangely as if they had never felt that emotion.  “How can you be so negative?” they will ask.  Of course, they listen long enough to hear why.  It doesn’t matter to them. You’re too single to have an opinion about any relationship.

So, alas, I must let go.  I don’t like it, nor do I look forward to the coming months of having to try and forget they exist.  I hate losing friends, particularly over something so trivial and pointless, but the attitude I was presented today can not be overlooked.  Honestly people, I’m depressed about this.  Unfortunately, I feel I have no choice.  I wish them luck, and I will always care for them, but apparently, I’m in their way, and they don’t care about my path.  

On a happier note, I had a fantastic conversation with Meggy last night.  It never fails that when I’m feeling down and needing a pick me up, there is someone who can make me smile. Yesterday, Meggy was that angel.  See, she is what I want in a friend; honesty, laughter, charm, hotness (yes, hotness), and complete awesomeness!  She listens and even though she loves playing Devil’s Advocate, she communicates and never makes me feel like what I feel is not important.  Also, she makes me laugh hard.  HARD!  So, cheers to Meggy!  Although I might be losing friends, I still have great ones who never fail me.

So, the big guys weekend is over.  Three of my good friends came into town this past weekend and we went out on the town and then Sunday we enjoyed a big win by the Reds. It was a great weekend, and one that was long overdue.  It just seems that lately my friendships are lacking.  Going downhill, so to speak.  I don’t know if it’s something I’m doing or more of life’s little inconveniences.  You know the ones I’m talking about; work, family, responsibilities…blah blah blah!  Anyway, we put those aside and had a good time.  Of course, just like all good things, this had to end and back to the real world I retreated.  Now, life is just as boring and stupid as ever.

This week has not really been what I would call “enjoyable”.  I have nothing to do after work other than come home, watch whatever DVR program I have or play PS2, and then go to bed.  To describe my life as mundane, would be right on.  Of course, there are always these short moments of drama I get to look forward to.  Boy, are those ever fun.   About the only excitement I’ve had this week is the series of intense emails I exchanged between myself and unnamed parties.  I’m not going to vent on this issue, lest they cry fowl, but it basically consists of me having to explain my dickheadish ways all over again.  Seriously people, are there any of you out there who have yet to figure out that I enjoy making you mad?  Come on! I like to see you shocked!

Moving on.  I do however have a grievance with a portion of life.  Why is it that love must make us blind?  I’m not referring to “love is blind” in regards that love sees no imperfections or races.  No, that is a wonderful thought by the way, but total bologna.  Hey, if love were blind, all those drop dead hot girls I try to talk to would actually be interested in me.  Actually, in saying that, I have recently been talking to a really charming girl off eHarmony, and she is attractive, so up yours love!

No, I’m talking about how when people think they are in love (I said think b/c a lot of times they are WAY off), they can’t see how stupid they are.  I’m asking this b/c I’ve been down this road.  There have been so many women in the past who have been so bad for me and made me make stupid choices, but for some reason I was too dumb to know any better.  Not only blind, but deaf! I couldn’t hear the train coming.  Of course, I’m not the only one.  There are plenty of people like me out there who think the answer to their life’s problems are someone of the opposite sex.  Depressed? Alone? Bored? Here’s the answer; fall in love. WRONG!

I’m sorry, but I refuse to accept that the only way you can be accepted as normal and emotionally healthy is if you are in a committed relationship.  I know, I know, this is a rant and it completely defies my “New Year, new me” policy, but I’m becoming just a little bit sick of it all.   There are blind, deaf idiots out there thinking they need to be in love to make their life complete, and they ignore the problems that relationship brings.  They ignore the fact that the fun, incredible person they used to be died on the day they decided that their biggest fear was dying alone.  Everyone reading this knows the people I’m talking about.  Hell, many of you are the people I’m talking about. 

I’m not saying give up on love, and stay single for life, but don’t get caught up in the other person so much that you can’t see clearly and ignore those you once cared about, the good times you used to have, or the issues that seem to be standing between yourself and a truly happy life.   I have been that guy who let’s a relationship change who I am, but I can guarantee that’s never going to happen again.  Some of you think that part of being in love is “compromise” and I agree, but compromising what you are is just downright dumb. 

So, I’m sure I’ve made some people mad, and that’s ok.  You will get over it.  Trust me.  Well, I don’t know, if you’re a woman, or a really pissy guy, you’ll probably just let it linger for a while.  Oh man, see, there I go again.

Today I got a nice suprise. I was reading Meggy’s blog and it turns out she nominated me an Excellent Blog award.  There are lots of people I would like to thank; My parents, my friends, the academy, Chuck Norris, my dog Claude (who unfortunately lives with my ex in Australia - UGH), and God. 

After getting through this, I realized it was my turn to nominate 10 of my favorite blogs for this same award. I don’t even know if I read 10 blogs. Oh well, here is my best shot and they are in no particular order.  Actually, they are in the order I read them and decide they are going in.

1. Ply the Silent Planet
2. Everything Must Go
3. The Brat Patrol
4. To Be Relevant
5. The Assignment Guy
6. Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Heart Club Soda
7. Albert Power
8. The Fireman
9. Trying to be “Me”
10. Choppy Chop

I’m getting excited.  It’s really getting hard to hold it in, and I’m just wishing that this week would just fly by so that it can be Saturday.  “Why?” you may ask. Well, pretty simple really. This Saturday, three of my friends are going to be in town and we are officially having the Nati Part 2: This Time it’s Nasty!  Some of the faces may have changed, and some of us may be engaged this year (not me people…oh no…not me), but it’s still going to be a rocking good time.  Please note these photos from last year’s festivities:

That will be quite enough of the gang signs and tongue showing for this blog, but I just want you to know that it’s going to be awesome.  Would you expect any less from me?  Yeah, no, I didn’t think so.  I did also want to point out to all of you who care that I have now been back in the U.S.A. for whole year.  That’s right, on March 31st, 2007, I flew back into Cincinnati, OH (Actually Covington, KY) and have never looked back.  This the majority of the reason for this weekend.  It’s a celebration of my return. I think it’s safe to say that 2007 would not have been the same without me. 

It’s been a wild ride people, so let’s just recap some of the highlights of the last 12 months:

• Rekindled friendships that were long forgotten and lost - To Man-Ashley, Stu, Chase, Meggy and all the rest, I’m so glad we’re friends.  What would I do without you? Yeah, you got it right…nothing!
• Hooked up two of my friends together.  Now, for some unknown reason, they’re going to get married. I think they call this reason “love”. Have any of you heard of this? By the way, because of this random pairing, Lance continues to call me Hitch. Yeah, I don’t get it either.
• Had numerous nights out on the town peacocking, not talking to women, laughing hard at my own desparity, sweating it out to live bands, riding mechanical bulls, and whipped cream…please don’t ask.
• Met a load of new friends who have made me an even more amazing person.  Michelle, Jill, Emily, Brett, Steve, Mike, and Bob to name a few.  These are the people who have yet to get tired of my stupid jokes.  They will learn soon enough.
• Grown closer to my family through adversity and trials, but in the end came out on top. 
• Didn’t work for a summer, then worked my butt off until now.  I love getting paid.
• Made a style all my own.  If you haven’t realized, I don’t follow just one trend, I like to dabble in them all. Of course, I look like an idiot sometimes, but hey, I’ve got no one to impress.
• Two Words: THE NATI!!!
• Became Spicy Uncle Raunchy.  Glad to find out that there is soon going to be one more niece/nephew to realize that Spicy Uncle Raunchy likes to sleep ’til noon on your downstairs couch. Also, he doesn’t wear a shirt to bed.  Thank goodness he wears pants.

I have a great year.  I’ve laughed, cried, questioned my manhood, wished I were somewhere else, and loved exactly who I am and where I am, but I NEVER looked back.  I don’t regret the years I spent away, because I know I wouldn’t be the man I am today without that time.  I’m sorry my friends couldn’t be there with me, and I’ll never let it happen again.  I do however, wish I could have had all of that time without a girlfriend. O-bla-di O-bla-da…life goes on!