Alright Miss Alicia, I hope you're reading this every now and then because here is a new song blurp for ya. Check it!
I love almost anything by ELO. However, my favorite has to be "Fire on High". Pure instrumental, heart thumping music. It is the type of song that I will drive around the block just to hear the end of. In fact, I just did that a few weeks ago because I consider it a great loss to turn off this song before its head banging ending. Most ELO fans probably would not count this as one of their personal favs but I consider it to be my #1. I am saddened hat it did make it onto their simple greatest hits album.
Thursday, March 30, 2006
The Value Of A Year....
Last night I had a conversation with one of my good friends concerning how much things have stayed the same & yet how much they have changed since a year ago. An old email that I had saved from March 30, 2005 prompted our discussion.
A year ago we were both in frustrating and bad places in our lives. We both had different sets of circumstances that prompted our situations but we both shared the commonality of not exactly knowing how to deal with a life that was not fulfilling us.
A year has passed and we both feel that our friendships and our lives are in better places at this time. I believe that this is true because of two vital things. We both never gave up on our friendship. Even when it seemed that we were just too different to see eye to eye on even the most simplistic of matters, we both believed that understanding and caring can and did, prevail. Secondly, we both took an honest look at what was making us so unhappy. A few of these unpleasing matters could be solved or at least made better but most of them just needed to actually be brought out into the light instead of being hidden away. If shining a light on the sadness did not solve the dilemmas, it was at least good to know that you had a friend to share them with and be there for the good and bad times. Unconditional support may be one of the most awe inspiring gifts to give in this world.
A year ago we were both in frustrating and bad places in our lives. We both had different sets of circumstances that prompted our situations but we both shared the commonality of not exactly knowing how to deal with a life that was not fulfilling us.
A year has passed and we both feel that our friendships and our lives are in better places at this time. I believe that this is true because of two vital things. We both never gave up on our friendship. Even when it seemed that we were just too different to see eye to eye on even the most simplistic of matters, we both believed that understanding and caring can and did, prevail. Secondly, we both took an honest look at what was making us so unhappy. A few of these unpleasing matters could be solved or at least made better but most of them just needed to actually be brought out into the light instead of being hidden away. If shining a light on the sadness did not solve the dilemmas, it was at least good to know that you had a friend to share them with and be there for the good and bad times. Unconditional support may be one of the most awe inspiring gifts to give in this world.
Friday, March 24, 2006
An Open Letter To The Boston Athletic Association...
Dear Head Race Officials (or whichever a$$ clown or clowns who decided upon the 2 wave start)-
My name is Athena Mericsko and finally, after competing in five marathons, I was able to obtain the qualifying standard of 3.40 to compete in The Boston Marathon for my age division. I was so excited when I hit the finish line in Columbus and learned that my dream of getting to run in the world's most prestigious marathon would soon be a reality. Honestly, it was probably one of the best days of my life.
My excitement did dim a little a few months ago when I noticed after sending in my registration money and booking my flight, that there would be a two wave start. I, like many of my fellow friend runners, was surprised that for the first time in one hundred and ten years the Boston Marathon would attempt to foster a two wave start as an attempt to create more order in the race and ease the amount of time that runners set up farther back would be waiting to hit the actual starting line.
After learning of this new tactic, I was a little confused by this new strategy but I accepted it because I held out hope that I would be in the same wave as all of my friends that were also competing. I learned on Friday, much to my dismay, that I am not in the same wave as them. I am in the second wave because my qualifying time was a few minutes slower. Thank you Boston Marathon for screwing me over and taking a big crap on something that I worked so hard to accomplish. Honestly, if I would've known this before committing to run the race I would've instead saved the money for a down payment on a new place.
One Very Pissed Runner,
Athena
My name is Athena Mericsko and finally, after competing in five marathons, I was able to obtain the qualifying standard of 3.40 to compete in The Boston Marathon for my age division. I was so excited when I hit the finish line in Columbus and learned that my dream of getting to run in the world's most prestigious marathon would soon be a reality. Honestly, it was probably one of the best days of my life.
My excitement did dim a little a few months ago when I noticed after sending in my registration money and booking my flight, that there would be a two wave start. I, like many of my fellow friend runners, was surprised that for the first time in one hundred and ten years the Boston Marathon would attempt to foster a two wave start as an attempt to create more order in the race and ease the amount of time that runners set up farther back would be waiting to hit the actual starting line.
After learning of this new tactic, I was a little confused by this new strategy but I accepted it because I held out hope that I would be in the same wave as all of my friends that were also competing. I learned on Friday, much to my dismay, that I am not in the same wave as them. I am in the second wave because my qualifying time was a few minutes slower. Thank you Boston Marathon for screwing me over and taking a big crap on something that I worked so hard to accomplish. Honestly, if I would've known this before committing to run the race I would've instead saved the money for a down payment on a new place.
One Very Pissed Runner,
Athena
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
A Disagreement With The Sales Pitch To Students... I Also Gotta Bridge For Sales...
The following sentence is the first blurb from the Mount Union website describing the Writing major:
Do you wish you could write song lyrics like Jewel? Are you a fan of Stephen King?
Oh heavens, do they offer a false hope package as well when you are calculating your tuition costs? Yes, it is a good attention grabber but come on! The first sentence should lead into a plan of action for you defending your major choice to your parents. "Once you have kissed any hope of med & law school goodbye, here is how you break the news to the parentals..."
Do you wish you could write song lyrics like Jewel? Are you a fan of Stephen King?
Oh heavens, do they offer a false hope package as well when you are calculating your tuition costs? Yes, it is a good attention grabber but come on! The first sentence should lead into a plan of action for you defending your major choice to your parents. "Once you have kissed any hope of med & law school goodbye, here is how you break the news to the parentals..."
The Best of What I Believe To Be Around...
Okay, about a month ago my friend Alicia gave me the suggestion to write a blog posting about some of my favorite songs. I believe that me confiding in her that the song "Dirty" was among my favorites prompted her idea. I know, it is hard to swallow that one but for some reason every time I hear it the damn song it just makes me want to bop my head and move my arms. As many of you know, I enjoy many different types of music. Much has been influenced by my older brother and his love of classic rock.
When I was running yesterday Rod Stewart's "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy" came on 106.5. This song always does two things for me: it puts me in an instantaneous good mood & it makes me laugh out loud. A major part of why the second is true for me is because I can't help but recall the part in "So I Married An Ax Murderer" where Charlie's dad (played by Mike Myers) is blaring on his bag pipes to his personal rendition of this sultry classic.
The song is so incredibly cheesy. The innuendoes are smack you in the cheek obvious; "He says I'm sorry but I'm out of milk and coffee. Nevermind, sugar, we can watch the early movie." I think the fact that Rod Stewart, belting it with his outrageous mop of curls, makes it even better!
When I was running yesterday Rod Stewart's "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy" came on 106.5. This song always does two things for me: it puts me in an instantaneous good mood & it makes me laugh out loud. A major part of why the second is true for me is because I can't help but recall the part in "So I Married An Ax Murderer" where Charlie's dad (played by Mike Myers) is blaring on his bag pipes to his personal rendition of this sultry classic.
The song is so incredibly cheesy. The innuendoes are smack you in the cheek obvious; "He says I'm sorry but I'm out of milk and coffee. Nevermind, sugar, we can watch the early movie." I think the fact that Rod Stewart, belting it with his outrageous mop of curls, makes it even better!
Tuesday, March 14, 2006
For Your Luck....
I know, after reading the title it might be hard to get the quasi-similar Yardbirds song out of your head but oh well. If I had to suffer with the association, as do you. : )
In the movie "A Beautiful Mind" the character John Nash remarks to his new love under a blanket of stars that he does not believe in luck but he does believe in assigning value to things. Even Mr. Nash, one of the most logic driven of them all, believed that having those "special, sacred items" is a necessity. This got me reflecting on the things that I hold value to, particularly the concert objects that I rely on for mystical powers when I am in a bind...
When I was five I gashed my face in pretty bad wrestling with my cousin on Christmas Eve. The cut was remedied by a trip to the emergency room and a few stitches. Luckily, it was under my eyebrow so the scar is hard to detect unless we are up close & personal. Before the sewing up took place, my parents promised me that we could visit Children Palace (remember that toy store?) and I could pick out a toy if I behaved while the doctor fixed me up. Well, it took some sedation, intense screaming and a straight jacketish device but I got patched together. I did not keep my part of the bargain with my parents but they did and I picked out a Carebear figurine. It still sits on the shelf in my livingroom & before that it was on my desk at college.
As for athletic good luck charms, I used to believe that particular pairs of my underwear could make me run faster. I saved those pairs for race days. This held true for a while but at last my mom, who was doing my laundry at the time, made several comments about how I was not poor (I guess my intimates were starting to take a beating) and I abandon the theory of the lucky underwear.
Recently, I used to carry around a check as a form of good luck. It was with me on recent significant occasions such as my oral thesis defense and the Columbus Marathon. I have since retired it. Usually I carry around a small religious medallion as a form of comfort.
What about the rest of you? Got anything you want to share?
In the movie "A Beautiful Mind" the character John Nash remarks to his new love under a blanket of stars that he does not believe in luck but he does believe in assigning value to things. Even Mr. Nash, one of the most logic driven of them all, believed that having those "special, sacred items" is a necessity. This got me reflecting on the things that I hold value to, particularly the concert objects that I rely on for mystical powers when I am in a bind...
When I was five I gashed my face in pretty bad wrestling with my cousin on Christmas Eve. The cut was remedied by a trip to the emergency room and a few stitches. Luckily, it was under my eyebrow so the scar is hard to detect unless we are up close & personal. Before the sewing up took place, my parents promised me that we could visit Children Palace (remember that toy store?) and I could pick out a toy if I behaved while the doctor fixed me up. Well, it took some sedation, intense screaming and a straight jacketish device but I got patched together. I did not keep my part of the bargain with my parents but they did and I picked out a Carebear figurine. It still sits on the shelf in my livingroom & before that it was on my desk at college.
As for athletic good luck charms, I used to believe that particular pairs of my underwear could make me run faster. I saved those pairs for race days. This held true for a while but at last my mom, who was doing my laundry at the time, made several comments about how I was not poor (I guess my intimates were starting to take a beating) and I abandon the theory of the lucky underwear.
Recently, I used to carry around a check as a form of good luck. It was with me on recent significant occasions such as my oral thesis defense and the Columbus Marathon. I have since retired it. Usually I carry around a small religious medallion as a form of comfort.
What about the rest of you? Got anything you want to share?
Monday, March 13, 2006
Some Random Points That I Learned Over The Weekend (Not Listed In Any Order Of Importance)...
1.) Athena looks really really dumb & not sexy attempting to smoke at a bar. Oh why
won't she listen to her friends?
2.) Drunk men are not good secret keepers.
3.) A plastic St. Patrick's Day hat can also function as a barf container.
4.) A person can go from drunken gitty to passed out in 9 seconds flat.
5.) It is great to see some people that you have lost contact with because sometimes
all the bad stuff gets left in the past.
6.) My mom makes the best lemon wine sauce chicken in town & it may be more
addictive than crack or Lifetime Movies on a Sunday afternoon.
7.) Striking a pose for pictures with your friend's mom in front of an old military
tank is good drunken fun (even if only one person is drunk!)
8.) My mother cannot do any type of line dancing.
9.) I believe that I am 50% clairvoyant& I want to work on boosting that percent up
to at least 71% by the end of this year.
10.) I am 26 years old & thunder storms still scare the piss out of me.
11.) J.P. Moran is still one of the best story tellers that I have the privilege
of knowing.
won't she listen to her friends?
2.) Drunk men are not good secret keepers.
3.) A plastic St. Patrick's Day hat can also function as a barf container.
4.) A person can go from drunken gitty to passed out in 9 seconds flat.
5.) It is great to see some people that you have lost contact with because sometimes
all the bad stuff gets left in the past.
6.) My mom makes the best lemon wine sauce chicken in town & it may be more
addictive than crack or Lifetime Movies on a Sunday afternoon.
7.) Striking a pose for pictures with your friend's mom in front of an old military
tank is good drunken fun (even if only one person is drunk!)
8.) My mother cannot do any type of line dancing.
9.) I believe that I am 50% clairvoyant& I want to work on boosting that percent up
to at least 71% by the end of this year.
10.) I am 26 years old & thunder storms still scare the piss out of me.
11.) J.P. Moran is still one of the best story tellers that I have the privilege
of knowing.
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Can You Really Go Back & Can It Be Better The Second Time around?
This has been a very interesting week for me. A week filled with the new, the exciting, the terrifying and the illuminating. Definitely anything but average. A thought that occurred to me this week was if it is possible to "go back home again" after a significant amount of time has passed?
This afternoon I attended a bridal shower for an old high school classmate that I have not seen in over three years. I was a little concerned that the event would be awkward since so much time had gone by. In spite of all of my fears the shower was very enjoyable. Yes, things had changed, my former acquaintances had new haircuts, some had new jobs and new significant others but the conversations flowed quite well when the right questions were asked.
I have always been a firm believer, due to former experiences, that it is impossible to return back because once "the genie is out of the bottle" it is impossible to get it back in. In other words, the magic is gone. However, after today I wonder if it is true to reconnect with people and places once again if we are willing to take a chance at feeling initially uncomfortable and apply effort at making it it real and good again.
This afternoon I attended a bridal shower for an old high school classmate that I have not seen in over three years. I was a little concerned that the event would be awkward since so much time had gone by. In spite of all of my fears the shower was very enjoyable. Yes, things had changed, my former acquaintances had new haircuts, some had new jobs and new significant others but the conversations flowed quite well when the right questions were asked.
I have always been a firm believer, due to former experiences, that it is impossible to return back because once "the genie is out of the bottle" it is impossible to get it back in. In other words, the magic is gone. However, after today I wonder if it is true to reconnect with people and places once again if we are willing to take a chance at feeling initially uncomfortable and apply effort at making it it real and good again.
Monday, March 06, 2006
Friends Don't Let Friends Run The Youngstown Distance Classic 1/2 Marathon
Early Sunday morning (when most everyone, or at least the sane ones, I know were turning over in bed) Brian, Jen and I made our journey in the Vibe to the Youngstown Distance Classic 1/2 Marathon. I had heard previously from Elizabeth and some of my other Team In Training buddies that this was a "hilly" course and the race would serve as a good tune up for Boston, a race notorious for its tough hills. However, I did feel a little mislead when about 3 miles in I faced the first of many certifiable mountains.
It was tough, so difficult in fact that when I spotted Kirt, Bryce and Brian near the end (gotta love the troopers that come back out to cheer for their fellow runners)I told them something along the lines of, "When is this hilly bitch going to end!!?" At that point I was starting to get delirious. However, I think there was someone that was hurting a little more than me since I heard a grown man next to me start to cry as we began to charge one of the many mountains.
All in all, as I sit here today with really sore legs I must say that the fun road trip and relaxing breakfast afterwards helped to slightly balance out the trip.
It was tough, so difficult in fact that when I spotted Kirt, Bryce and Brian near the end (gotta love the troopers that come back out to cheer for their fellow runners)I told them something along the lines of, "When is this hilly bitch going to end!!?" At that point I was starting to get delirious. However, I think there was someone that was hurting a little more than me since I heard a grown man next to me start to cry as we began to charge one of the many mountains.
All in all, as I sit here today with really sore legs I must say that the fun road trip and relaxing breakfast afterwards helped to slightly balance out the trip.
Thursday, March 02, 2006
Random Thoughts On Last Night's Barbara Walters' Special...
~ Kryptonite is the secret ingredient in Matthew McConaughey's toothpaste. Nothing can be that white without the aid of intense chemicals.
~ George Clooney is going from attractive to elderly too fast.
~ Patrick Dempsey's hair can also double as an excellent hiding place for important documents.
~ Was anyone else really turned off and confused by Matthew McConaughey admitting that he has not used deodorant in years?
~ I feel oddly closer to Mr. Dempsey since we are dyslexia buddies...
~ George Clooney is going from attractive to elderly too fast.
~ Patrick Dempsey's hair can also double as an excellent hiding place for important documents.
~ Was anyone else really turned off and confused by Matthew McConaughey admitting that he has not used deodorant in years?
~ I feel oddly closer to Mr. Dempsey since we are dyslexia buddies...
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Some Random Things I Said I Would Not Do But Ended Up Doing....
~ I am working at a bank/investment firm. I dread attempting to balance my own checkbook and now I deal with other folks' money all day long. Who would've thunk it, eh?
~ I am going to run The Boston Marathon this Spring. I said if I ever qualified I would never actually run it because qualifying would be enough of a thrill. I guess it is true that we always seem to want a little more.
~ I fell head over heels for someone that was completely wrong for me. I said that I never would but I just could not help it. I next proceeded to fall out of love, hated them, loved them again and then ended up being friends with that same person. Dizzy yet? I sure was...
~ I purchased multiple tickets to a country music concert and attended it with my friends. And no, I think you may have only needed a light jacket or maybe a thin sweater for the weather in hell that day. It did not completely freeze over, yet.
~ I am going to run The Boston Marathon this Spring. I said if I ever qualified I would never actually run it because qualifying would be enough of a thrill. I guess it is true that we always seem to want a little more.
~ I fell head over heels for someone that was completely wrong for me. I said that I never would but I just could not help it. I next proceeded to fall out of love, hated them, loved them again and then ended up being friends with that same person. Dizzy yet? I sure was...
~ I purchased multiple tickets to a country music concert and attended it with my friends. And no, I think you may have only needed a light jacket or maybe a thin sweater for the weather in hell that day. It did not completely freeze over, yet.
Monday, February 27, 2006
You Know You Are/Were An English/Writing Major Snob When...
# You silently cringe when a person uses double negatives in a sentence.
# You desire to reach out and slap a person (typically female) when she lists at least two N. Sparks books on her personal all-time favorite list.
# You are unable to watch any type of television show or movie without applying some type of critical theory to it.
# You are immensely angered that theatres showing independent films are not closer to where you live.
# You have an unhealthy obsession with Boggie Nights. You appreciate it for more than a full-frontal of Marky Mark and a long boob shot of Julianne Moore. To you, it is a cinematic masterpiece that created a paradigm movie making shift for both screen writing and directing. However, for the other lovers of the film, it is appreciated as being easily accessible "soft" porn.
# You have the tendency to piss off your non English/Writing Major friends because you frequently voice your opinion and they frequently do not give a rat's a$$.
# You tend to psychoanalysis just about every aspect of your relationships and it comes as a big shocker when you discover that other people do not practice this tedious business.
# You desire to reach out and slap a person (typically female) when she lists at least two N. Sparks books on her personal all-time favorite list.
# You are unable to watch any type of television show or movie without applying some type of critical theory to it.
# You are immensely angered that theatres showing independent films are not closer to where you live.
# You have an unhealthy obsession with Boggie Nights. You appreciate it for more than a full-frontal of Marky Mark and a long boob shot of Julianne Moore. To you, it is a cinematic masterpiece that created a paradigm movie making shift for both screen writing and directing. However, for the other lovers of the film, it is appreciated as being easily accessible "soft" porn.
# You have the tendency to piss off your non English/Writing Major friends because you frequently voice your opinion and they frequently do not give a rat's a$$.
# You tend to psychoanalysis just about every aspect of your relationships and it comes as a big shocker when you discover that other people do not practice this tedious business.
Sunday, February 26, 2006
I Want The 21 Year Old Me That I Vetoed At 21
My wish/newly desired focused mind set is to have the 21 year old college student mentality that I passed up on when I had that opportunity. Unfortunately, I always feel that I was both too passionate about people and events in my life when I was 21 until those point. I guess some times it was for the grand good but it also was alot of effort and sometimes heartbreak.
Now that I am inching toward 27 I am coming to the resolution that I want that 21 year old mind set back again. I want to have alot of fun and not worry so much about consequences or the problems of those around me. I want to be a distant concerned. I want to care a little when you are happy and be semi sad a when you are disappointed. But all in all, keep it mainstream, nothing that leads my emotions too far out of line.
I want to have fun and laugh. I want to focus on meeting new people and focus on new opportunities. I want me to realize that the sky can still be the limit.
Now that I am inching toward 27 I am coming to the resolution that I want that 21 year old mind set back again. I want to have alot of fun and not worry so much about consequences or the problems of those around me. I want to be a distant concerned. I want to care a little when you are happy and be semi sad a when you are disappointed. But all in all, keep it mainstream, nothing that leads my emotions too far out of line.
I want to have fun and laugh. I want to focus on meeting new people and focus on new opportunities. I want me to realize that the sky can still be the limit.
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Risko, Meet Your New Zen...
I used to fly off the handle almost instantaneously when I got mad. Yelling screaming, hitting things (never people, just hard things) even sometimes crying was my way. I guess I just have a short fused temper that becomes ignited very easily. I wasted so much energy on raging against things that were, many times, insignificant. A quote that I remembered recently that really helped me to put things into perspective, "He or she that controls you anger, controls you." How true that is. And if that fails there is always the old standby of - "Give someone enough rope and they will hang themselves." Yet another solid piece of advice. Both of these quotes preach a lesson of sitting back and keeping a peaceful/easy feeling.
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
The Rudy Syndrome
I owe this idea partially to my old advisor and current friend, Dr. Kelly (K-Lowe) Lowe. Back during my senior year of college I took a Sport & American Culture class with him. I know what you non-English majors are thinking and no it was not a blow off class and not we did not just sit around watching old sporting events or sports related movies.
One of the assignments called for us to watch a sports related movie (okay, so we did do a little of that) and write a critical analysis on how the movie reflects upon a specific segment of our American Culture. As you would imagine, there were mixed reviews from the class upon learning of the assignment. Some complained about having to apply the effort of both watching and dissecting a film (got to love those overachievers!) and some were eager to apply their critical thinking skills and uncover underlying meaning in a popular sports related movie.
Kelly was pretty open about which movie we could choose but he did have one important word of advice for us to adhere to: The following is paraphrased since it has been about 5 years since the class - "Whatever you do, please do not choose Rudy because no matter how hard you try to dissect the movie it will be impossible for you to be impartial." His message was that inevitably you will become tranced by your love of the movie and the underlying message of the underdog finally getting his moment in the sun will cloud your judgment as a critic. No matter how many obvious flaws you see in the film, you will still come away being "ga ga" for Rudy and this optimism will negatively reflect in your writing
After watching Rudy a few times since Kelly's class I have learned how true it is. Tearing apart Rudy is difficult if not impossible for many. Who doesn't get a warm feeling from the cheesy ending?
I also thinking "The Rudy Syndrome" can be put into play when dealing with people. Case in point, particularly family members or friends that you keep giving second, third and even fourth chances to. No matter how hard you may try, you just can't seem to stop from romanticizing over past events and ignoring the many faults or times that they have hurt you. Perhaps those few flashes of generosity or caring they once showed you overrule the multiple technical flaws that they have. The good points are the main reason why you keep them in your life similar to the reason why you will watch the movie Rudy again and again.
One of the assignments called for us to watch a sports related movie (okay, so we did do a little of that) and write a critical analysis on how the movie reflects upon a specific segment of our American Culture. As you would imagine, there were mixed reviews from the class upon learning of the assignment. Some complained about having to apply the effort of both watching and dissecting a film (got to love those overachievers!) and some were eager to apply their critical thinking skills and uncover underlying meaning in a popular sports related movie.
Kelly was pretty open about which movie we could choose but he did have one important word of advice for us to adhere to: The following is paraphrased since it has been about 5 years since the class - "Whatever you do, please do not choose Rudy because no matter how hard you try to dissect the movie it will be impossible for you to be impartial." His message was that inevitably you will become tranced by your love of the movie and the underlying message of the underdog finally getting his moment in the sun will cloud your judgment as a critic. No matter how many obvious flaws you see in the film, you will still come away being "ga ga" for Rudy and this optimism will negatively reflect in your writing
After watching Rudy a few times since Kelly's class I have learned how true it is. Tearing apart Rudy is difficult if not impossible for many. Who doesn't get a warm feeling from the cheesy ending?
I also thinking "The Rudy Syndrome" can be put into play when dealing with people. Case in point, particularly family members or friends that you keep giving second, third and even fourth chances to. No matter how hard you may try, you just can't seem to stop from romanticizing over past events and ignoring the many faults or times that they have hurt you. Perhaps those few flashes of generosity or caring they once showed you overrule the multiple technical flaws that they have. The good points are the main reason why you keep them in your life similar to the reason why you will watch the movie Rudy again and again.
Monday, February 20, 2006
Back Bar Days.... The Second Installment
One has to operate under the cool customer mentality when you are bartending because you are in fact selling to the customers. This reverse might be a little hard to follow but it is true - you are selling your personality to those that visit your establishment. The bartender is selling their smile, their genuine look of concern and occasional advice to the people that come in for the main purpose of alcoholic enjoyment. The bartender's livelihood depends on tips so the better they "work it" the better the compensation has the potential to be. Many times the key to their success is being able to, even if only for a few brief moments, relate to the patron.
This concept of being able to "click" with others is so pertinent in life. The more I live, the more I learn how vital it is to be able to connect with others. You are more likely to gain their trust easier. Some can fake it but most need to work at it. It takes practice but the benefits that you receive are far worth the effort.
This concept of being able to "click" with others is so pertinent in life. The more I live, the more I learn how vital it is to be able to connect with others. You are more likely to gain their trust easier. Some can fake it but most need to work at it. It takes practice but the benefits that you receive are far worth the effort.
Back Bar Days.... The First Installment
Recently, I was talking with one of my friends about childhood experiences. I won't go into any detail because I, better than most, respect the dignity of privacy especially concerning family issues. The general gist is that my friend considered it to be nothing short of a miracle that her and her siblings not only survived their childhood but actually managed to turn into stable and flourishing adults. Hearing some of the stories about her and how she raised her younger sisters, I am just as amazed as she is and applaud the strength to rise above turmoil.
Even more fascinating for me is hearing the stories of the past and hearing about what each individual takes away from their unique life experiences. Seeing how these snapshots follow us through life and in turn, both leading us to curse and praise the activities that make up a specific timeline of our lives is interesting and eye opening work.
I had a conversation this weekend with another friend where I discussed spending a few years very closely linked with a bar. It was for a couple years during my childhood when my mom worked at a local Polish bar and hall. She rented out the hall and my family helped to clean it after weddings. Next to the hall there was a bar where I used to hang out while my mom showed the hall to perspective clients. While in the bar area, the bartender would keep me supplied with gingerales and cokes from the spray gun and old veterans (the bar was associated with the VFWs) would pull quarters out from under my ear and ask me general questions about grade school. They never considered it awkward and I was too young and innocent to think it was not typical.
I don't tell many people about this part of my life because quite frankly when you mention the words children and bar in the same sentence most immediately draw pictures of inadequate parenting or think that child services should've been informed of this in the late eighties/early nineties. It takes alot of time to really examine how my time spent there shaped me into the person that I am today and why some memories that would probably be rough to many are considered fond to myself. I also don't tell many people because usually I do not like to talk about myself or my feelings. Now don't let me confuse the issue, I love to talk and I adore joking around with others, but normally I hate to dig below the surface when it comes to me.
I once had a friend tell me that she would get off the phone with me (our conversations would typically last 30-40mins) feeling that she told so much about herself and would hit the end button of her cell hearing the bare minimum about me or the day I had. I never saw a problem with that. In fact, I preferred it that way. The ironic thing is that the one time I needed her the most was the time she was not available. She said, perhaps not really sensing my urgency, that she would give me a call back after dinner. I am still waiting for that phone call. But maybe she is at one of those places that serves multiple courses, and is open 24/7. A trendy postmodern restaurant where patrons can sit for hours, days, or even weeks without being pushed out of the doors. I am still waiting, perhaps she is still dining?
Although, I guess that it really does not matter now since that emotional vulnerability window has long since closed and we would just be once again back to me listening and asking the questions to defer from myself. Maybe if she would've called me back that night, or even the next day, I would've told her about the back bar days of my childhood? I guess we'll both never know. But all in all, I am cool with that. Because the bartender is always cool with the situation. As Joan Didion phrased it "one cool customer." I shall discuss the bartenders coolness in tomorrow's post...
Even more fascinating for me is hearing the stories of the past and hearing about what each individual takes away from their unique life experiences. Seeing how these snapshots follow us through life and in turn, both leading us to curse and praise the activities that make up a specific timeline of our lives is interesting and eye opening work.
I had a conversation this weekend with another friend where I discussed spending a few years very closely linked with a bar. It was for a couple years during my childhood when my mom worked at a local Polish bar and hall. She rented out the hall and my family helped to clean it after weddings. Next to the hall there was a bar where I used to hang out while my mom showed the hall to perspective clients. While in the bar area, the bartender would keep me supplied with gingerales and cokes from the spray gun and old veterans (the bar was associated with the VFWs) would pull quarters out from under my ear and ask me general questions about grade school. They never considered it awkward and I was too young and innocent to think it was not typical.
I don't tell many people about this part of my life because quite frankly when you mention the words children and bar in the same sentence most immediately draw pictures of inadequate parenting or think that child services should've been informed of this in the late eighties/early nineties. It takes alot of time to really examine how my time spent there shaped me into the person that I am today and why some memories that would probably be rough to many are considered fond to myself. I also don't tell many people because usually I do not like to talk about myself or my feelings. Now don't let me confuse the issue, I love to talk and I adore joking around with others, but normally I hate to dig below the surface when it comes to me.
I once had a friend tell me that she would get off the phone with me (our conversations would typically last 30-40mins) feeling that she told so much about herself and would hit the end button of her cell hearing the bare minimum about me or the day I had. I never saw a problem with that. In fact, I preferred it that way. The ironic thing is that the one time I needed her the most was the time she was not available. She said, perhaps not really sensing my urgency, that she would give me a call back after dinner. I am still waiting for that phone call. But maybe she is at one of those places that serves multiple courses, and is open 24/7. A trendy postmodern restaurant where patrons can sit for hours, days, or even weeks without being pushed out of the doors. I am still waiting, perhaps she is still dining?
Although, I guess that it really does not matter now since that emotional vulnerability window has long since closed and we would just be once again back to me listening and asking the questions to defer from myself. Maybe if she would've called me back that night, or even the next day, I would've told her about the back bar days of my childhood? I guess we'll both never know. But all in all, I am cool with that. Because the bartender is always cool with the situation. As Joan Didion phrased it "one cool customer." I shall discuss the bartenders coolness in tomorrow's post...
Sunday, February 19, 2006
Fricken Freezin, Yo!!!!!!!!
So early Saturday morning Jen and I fought the bitter cold and completed in the Chili Bowl 5k (the race bears the name because it offers its participations a steaming bowl of chili upon completion). However, with Saturday morning's temps barely inching out of the single digits I think the F*cking Idiot Bowl would've been a more appropriate name for the race.
Despite the harsh weather conditions, about 500 participants braved the wind and snow to race through the streets of Westlake. I was happy to see some of my other running buddies such as Elizabeth and Brian also ventured out to the race. It is nice to see the crazy loves company. I am amazed that Jen and Elizabeth ran so well for the conditions. During the "warmup" (seems a little inappropriate to use that word) I had a hunch that it was going to be a rough one because my spit was actually freezing before hitting the ground. It certainly was tough. Perhaps the only race worse weather wise was The Hermes 10 Miler this past April. Who would've thought that a freak snow storm would pound Cleveland so hard in the middle of April?
The forecast looks a little warmer toward the end of the week. I am keeping my fingers crossed that my lungs don't have to freeze up anymore this winter!
Despite the harsh weather conditions, about 500 participants braved the wind and snow to race through the streets of Westlake. I was happy to see some of my other running buddies such as Elizabeth and Brian also ventured out to the race. It is nice to see the crazy loves company. I am amazed that Jen and Elizabeth ran so well for the conditions. During the "warmup" (seems a little inappropriate to use that word) I had a hunch that it was going to be a rough one because my spit was actually freezing before hitting the ground. It certainly was tough. Perhaps the only race worse weather wise was The Hermes 10 Miler this past April. Who would've thought that a freak snow storm would pound Cleveland so hard in the middle of April?
The forecast looks a little warmer toward the end of the week. I am keeping my fingers crossed that my lungs don't have to freeze up anymore this winter!
Friday, February 17, 2006
This Week Had Some Great Quotes...
Damn, I got some funny peeps around me!
Rhonda: "It all comes back to legs of lamb & hot tubs"
Ahhhhh, so right she is!
A Co-Worker The Shall Remain Nameless Because She Would Kill Me If I Revealed Her Name: "There is a pubic hair on the fax machine & it is not mine!!"
Okay, did she really need to put that disclaimer in at the end?
Jen: ""sorry I flunked the necessary exam and now you have to fire me.....but I do know everything that is happening with LA's gayest."
She is preparing to take the 66 exam for her new career position and recently I introduced her to The L Word. Well, like so many, she has become hooked. Studying has taken a backseat to the lovely lesbians of Showtime. Okay, we are going to have to limit her to one episode per night. Not 5 back to back!
Lisa: "I want to have a ball. Not a gala, but a party where everything is in the shape of a ball. We can have meatballs, ball melons.... Even remove all the furniture and have everyone sit on those exercise balls."
She is a new friend that is already making me laugh so freakin hard!
Rhonda: "It all comes back to legs of lamb & hot tubs"
Ahhhhh, so right she is!
A Co-Worker The Shall Remain Nameless Because She Would Kill Me If I Revealed Her Name: "There is a pubic hair on the fax machine & it is not mine!!"
Okay, did she really need to put that disclaimer in at the end?
Jen: ""sorry I flunked the necessary exam and now you have to fire me.....but I do know everything that is happening with LA's gayest."
She is preparing to take the 66 exam for her new career position and recently I introduced her to The L Word. Well, like so many, she has become hooked. Studying has taken a backseat to the lovely lesbians of Showtime. Okay, we are going to have to limit her to one episode per night. Not 5 back to back!
Lisa: "I want to have a ball. Not a gala, but a party where everything is in the shape of a ball. We can have meatballs, ball melons.... Even remove all the furniture and have everyone sit on those exercise balls."
She is a new friend that is already making me laugh so freakin hard!
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
The Ramblings Of Mamma....
Tonight, when Jen and I were on our 8ish mile run we talked a little about quotes. It is hard for me not to bring up my mom when I reflect on memorable quotes because she has had some doosies over the years. There have been so many that have stumbled from her lips but tonight I had a hard time recalling many. Right now I am wishing that I would've written them down or at least tried hard to commit them to memory.
I do love my mom. She has done amazing things for me over my life. However, she has a knack for sometimes saying absolutely perplexing things. Throughout my life her words have wisdom have both pissed me off and left me completely confused at times. The following is a brief sampling with my attempt at explaining either her rational or the situation that made her express her statement.
"Be careful, there is ice on ice"--- She told this to Jen & I before we went out running on a particularly slippery winter day. I know that running on ice can be tricky but I am still not sure what the hell constitutes as "ice on ice"
"I had a coupon for that place."--- My mom frequently enjoys reprimanding me if I dine at an establishment without consulting her for possible coupons. To her, the failure to save a $1.00 on a burger is a mortal sin.
"We know you can run a full marathon, why do you need to run these 20 mile training runs?"--- She told me this last week enlight of my current training for Boston. I do not think that I will be asking her for potential training advice anytime soon.
"You might catch gay at the Elton John concert."--- I know there have been studies done concerning environment & genetics but I am not sure if scientists have investigated the link between listening to Captain Fantastic and then switching teams.
"Ichi mamma's bubba"--- I guess you have to hear her say it to get the full effect but she sometimes says this to the dog and cat. I have no idea why or what it mean but the pets seem to like it.
"Will this be your last marathon? Why do you keep running?"--- She asked this after Chicago, ran three more and still going strong.
"She seems kind of stuck up. She never talks to us (meaning herself & my dad)."--- I used to think that Italian grudges were the worst but I am beginning to think that her Polish scorn is up there. My mom is pretty firm with her judgements of my friends. If she likes them, she tells me and if she doesn't than she tells me, constantly. It does bother me alot but I also have to admit that eventually, even though it may take some time, she turns out to be dead on with her evaluations.
"You are almost done!!"--- She screamed this to me during mile 2 of a 10,000 meter race at Mount Union. The race is over 6 miles long. Wrong thing to say at that time. Did I also mention that she has the sort of voice that can sometimes bend steel?
"Your ambition has extremely exceeded your ability. I had my doubts at one time that you would be able graduate from high school but you have exceeded beyond my greatest dreams. I am so proud of what you have accomplished. You are so disciplined."--- I thought I would end this post on a good note because for every goofy thing she says there are also the times that she truly shines and says exactly the perfect things. There is never a dull moment with her and that is why I love her.
I do love my mom. She has done amazing things for me over my life. However, she has a knack for sometimes saying absolutely perplexing things. Throughout my life her words have wisdom have both pissed me off and left me completely confused at times. The following is a brief sampling with my attempt at explaining either her rational or the situation that made her express her statement.
"Be careful, there is ice on ice"--- She told this to Jen & I before we went out running on a particularly slippery winter day. I know that running on ice can be tricky but I am still not sure what the hell constitutes as "ice on ice"
"I had a coupon for that place."--- My mom frequently enjoys reprimanding me if I dine at an establishment without consulting her for possible coupons. To her, the failure to save a $1.00 on a burger is a mortal sin.
"We know you can run a full marathon, why do you need to run these 20 mile training runs?"--- She told me this last week enlight of my current training for Boston. I do not think that I will be asking her for potential training advice anytime soon.
"You might catch gay at the Elton John concert."--- I know there have been studies done concerning environment & genetics but I am not sure if scientists have investigated the link between listening to Captain Fantastic and then switching teams.
"Ichi mamma's bubba"--- I guess you have to hear her say it to get the full effect but she sometimes says this to the dog and cat. I have no idea why or what it mean but the pets seem to like it.
"Will this be your last marathon? Why do you keep running?"--- She asked this after Chicago, ran three more and still going strong.
"She seems kind of stuck up. She never talks to us (meaning herself & my dad)."--- I used to think that Italian grudges were the worst but I am beginning to think that her Polish scorn is up there. My mom is pretty firm with her judgements of my friends. If she likes them, she tells me and if she doesn't than she tells me, constantly. It does bother me alot but I also have to admit that eventually, even though it may take some time, she turns out to be dead on with her evaluations.
"You are almost done!!"--- She screamed this to me during mile 2 of a 10,000 meter race at Mount Union. The race is over 6 miles long. Wrong thing to say at that time. Did I also mention that she has the sort of voice that can sometimes bend steel?
"Your ambition has extremely exceeded your ability. I had my doubts at one time that you would be able graduate from high school but you have exceeded beyond my greatest dreams. I am so proud of what you have accomplished. You are so disciplined."--- I thought I would end this post on a good note because for every goofy thing she says there are also the times that she truly shines and says exactly the perfect things. There is never a dull moment with her and that is why I love her.
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