“Look Ma! No hangover!”
As predicted, I woke up feeling better this morning. I rarely get the urge to drink anymore, but when I do I have to go into extreme alcohol-defense overload.
Typically when I get the urge it’s no-contest. At best, I set a drinking date that doesn’t conflict with work and go for it immediately after work. I’ll have a bottle at home, and my first stop will be one of the bars downtown where they know me. I am pals with a lot of heavy-handed bartenders. A tumbler full of whiskey washed down with a pounder of pale ale makes for a much more entertaining bus ride home.
As ‘they’ say, “Quitting drinking’s easy, I’ve done it a thousand times.” (I probably have.) It’s not starting again that’s a bitch. It’s tough, because in my narrowly-focused mind alcohol is the only answer to the dilemma at hand.
I suppose if the desire was truly there I’d have called in sick tomorrow already, and this would be much less coherent. That’s another thing; my writing suffers when I drink. What sounds funny as hell in my brain doesn’t translate into written word, and I wake up to a jumbled mess. I’ve found writing to be much more of a release these days. I take my aggressions out on a keyboard, and my brain feels more alive afterward. The words ‘brain’ and ‘alive’ don’t coexist when I drink.
As I laid in bed last night, I got the sweats and shakes. I haven’t had a drop since the end of May, so this seemed weird. Just now, as I started doing the math, I realized it’s been exactly six months since I’ve partaken. My brain may not realize it, but my body knows what time it is: Happy Hour!
The funky brown cloud has blown over. I feel like getting out this morning. I have a plan. Mizelle is back to work, after maternity leave and many vacations around the world. I’m meeting her at the airport later for Scrabble and coffee, something we used to do on a weekly basis. We’d find a quiet corner, and it’d be just the two of us, scheming how to best conquer the world while pondering words that have “Q” without “U” in them.
That sounds like just what I need right now.
Good Time Charlie
It’s one of those nights when I just want to drink. And drink some more.
I don’t usually get the holiday blues. The dark weather used to empower me. I’m good at dodging raindrops. If the sun comes out, I’m off for a long walk, or a bus ride to somewhere to take a long walk. I’d go for a long walk tonight, but am afraid of where I’d end up.
The bottom of a bottle. Read the rest of this entry »
The rapist. Miracle worker. Friend.
It truly was a black Friday.
I’m unspeakably bummed tonight. I got some sad news Friday. One of the favorite women in my life is moving on, and the hole in my heart is big. While I’m happy for her, inside I’m screaming “NO!…”
(sniff sniff) Here’s whazzup… Read the rest of this entry »
Reparations?
I deal with all races, classes and walks of life at work. If I see a color, it’s green. I’m there to separate you from your money as pleasantly as possible, and I’m pretty good at it. People who swear “This is the last time I’ll ever pay that exhorbitant price!” are back the next day, and I’m there, cracking wise and hooking them up with their legal vice(s) of choice.
I swear I’m not a racist. I may be old and ignorant sometimes, but I don’t feel animosity toward other races. We all put our pants on one leg at a time, as Daddy used to say.
Last night a slip of the tongue almost got me into trouble… Read the rest of this entry »
Getting Bald on Saturday Night
It hasn’t been a wild weekend, but an interesting one.
I’ve been dealing with the after-effects of dyeing my hair green. It had finally grown enough that it could all be cut off, and that was my first priority. Clairissa texted me about an opening for 12:30 PM. That’s a bit early in my world, but it’s a Saturday, and I have missions to accomplish around town. This should work out well… Read the rest of this entry »
It’s Not Easy Being Green
It had been a long time. I’d forgotten what it’s like to be teased about the color of my hair.
I really did it up for Halloween, got my Clown on, but there were lasting side-effects, namely bright green hair. It’s been a real conversation starter, and mostly fun. But even in Portland Oregon, in the year of our lord 2008, some people have never seen (or just don’t ‘get’) hair that isn’t brown or blonde.
I think I met most of them. Read the rest of this entry »
Phony Conversations
Music hath charms to soothe the savage beast, as the saying goes. I suppose that’s true, depending on the type of music you listen to. While I don’t recall ever relaxing to the lilting melodies of a Korn album, I do use music to adjust my mood.
It also helps drown out irritating noises. Read the rest of this entry »
Destination: Procrastination
I had the grandest of ambitions this morning. I was going to travel out Barbur to the Original Pancake House and treat myself to apple pancakes and bacon. Got up, showered, dressed, prepped for liftoff. As I sat contemplating the universe, I started watching a football game and something rare of late happened. I got sucked into the game!
The pro football games I’ve seen this year have been uninspiring. Too many injuries to key players. The teams being broadcast are having shitty years. When I saw the Seahawks were the 10 AM game, it hurried me into the shower. Pancakes are sounding better and better. The Seahawks have been poster-children for mediocrity, and that’s being nice. When I saw the opening kickoff go back for a touchdown, their fate seemed sealed.
But wait! The return was nullified by a penalty. I hung in there, and so did the Seahawks. It’s now 14-10, and the Seahawks are rallying. I’ve given up on pancakes, am having frozen pizza for breakfast instead. It’s halfway through the third quarter, and the ‘Hawks are threatening.
Finally, a reason to stay home!
Metal Up Your Ass!
Last Saturday night was a first for me. I went on a blind date… with a guy. We had a head-banging good time.
I know, shocking, huh? Want all the juicy details? That’s what I’m here for. Read the rest of this entry »
Technology Kicks Ass!!
Specifically, mine.
I’ve been fascinated with the MP3 format since I got to use Art East’s player one night at work, so I decided to drink the Kool-Aid and give it a shot. But man, this is trying my patience! Read the rest of this entry »
