Hot Fun in the Summertime?

It seems to me that we (the FamBam) are spending what could be and most likely is our last summer together in a weird place. It is like coming home and getting in bed but you realize somebody else has been sleeping in it. Yeah everything is the same in terms of pillows, blankets, and sheets but their fat ass has messed up the form your bed takes once you get into it. Basically, this blows more than a hooker on a Saturday night. For the first time in many summers I don't find myself in the middle of crazy baseball stories. In my mind I feel as though we have moved beyond the stadiums of baseball. We are playing games (I don't think that is the right word) that are beyond simple metaphors of America's Pastime. Instead, we find ourselves being adults (when did that happen?! And how do I make it stop.) We are all facing our own battles against each other and ourselves. I am unsure if there are any right or wrong paths. Just paths. My greatest wish? That everybody leaves after week 10 with a smile on their face and a tear or two finding its way out of their eye(s). Happy and sad that it is over. Sad that it is over but happy it happened. Over the past 4 years I have met people that I couldn't imagine life without. Time will tell how strong the friendships we have forged really are. My greatest hope is that as time goes by we find ourselves coming together every so often.

So what happens tonight? tomorrow? next week? next month? next summer? I don't know.

But, as Edmond Dantes, the Count of Montecristo wrote before he departed, "Wait and hope."

Paper Backs are 25 cents Hardcover 50 cents

This morning my mom and I went out to a handful of garage sales. This wasn't my maiden garage sale but it wasn't until we went to an estate sale that I really got thinking so join me as I bring you in to my thoughts born out of outdated electronics and calenders from years I didn't even exist in the corner.

Commonly estate sales are held after an individual has died. As I walked into this particular house I noticed first the random assortment of items strewn about the house. What struck me most and is perhaps my motivation for this blog was the thought, "what do our possessions say about us to strangers?" Upon further investigation of the house I found out that it's previous habitant was a member of the Marine Corps. They were obviously married or really loved women's clothing and jewelry. Their collection of movies proved they weren't into comedies nor did they own a DVD player as the VHS rewinder looked recently used. (Did you know that VHS stands for Video Home System? That is a fun fact. Is it just me or should it be Home Video System. Granted HVS looks too much like HIV and nobody wants that.) The kitchen looked as though it hadn't been updated since the 60's. Inside the garage laid golf clubs older than perhaps the game of golf itself. Certainly before Tiger's time or even perhaps Arnold Palmer. Essentially, what I came to notice was that an our possessions might give a stranger a broad idea of who we are or what we did but to really know about a person you have to know them, talk to them, laugh and cry with them. So get talking because one day the only thing that will remain besides the memories are a few boxes of odds and ends that were important to us but just random match books in a glass vase to some 19 year old out on a garage sale with his mom after we have died.

Week Two is done and it flew by. I have no idea how the week got away from me but standing behind the grill today didn't seem right. I don't think I have ever had a week that has gone by this fast. Cleaning the shed after the bbq with Brittany and Patrick was clutch. 11 hours of work...gimmie that overtime.

Mario Kart Wii is life changing. Enough said.

Camp burgers make me sick.

I'm tired of writing right now. But like Arnie, I'll be back.

Bold as Love

The past few days have done their best to be rough and wear me down. They've succeeded. On the one hand it feels as though this week has flown by. I can't believe that tomorrow is Friday! I feel like Shane and I were just grilling yesterday but here we go again. I mean damn this doesn't seem the least bit possible. Camp has been a little rough the past couple of days with the usual things that happen in life. I can honestly say that those I work with have a special place in my heart and in my eyes they can do no wrong. I've just been upset with certain situations but never at an individual or group of individuals. I guess finding myself so tired after camp days is just a sign that this Pink Sunset Blvd leader needs to move on pretty soon here. I will say one thing though: waterball needs to die. That is the devil's game. I'll bet they play that game in hell except with fire.

I've got a question, since when was underarmour considered a suitable shirt? I've noticed more and more people walking through the gym with just underarmour on. Don't get me wrong I am down with throwing on some compression shirts/shorts/whatever but throw a damn shirt/shorts over them. We get it you have muscles, congratulations! Let me bow down to your carefully sculpted arms and gaze at them with awe. You are so awesome Mr. Underarmour Shirt wearer. I am not worthy to wipe your sweat off the machine you just used.

I've been toying with the idea of attempting to join one of the teams once that opportunity presents itself. Let me rephrase, I'm toying with the idea of trying to join one of the teams. But in the next breath I don't know if I could handle it. It doesn't get any more real than what those guys do.

Something that got me thinking today, most people living around us speak English but when do we ever talk to them? I think it is a shame that people aren't more social with one another. We all have stories, experiences, and talents that add to our uniqueness. We are the only one of us that there will ever be so why not learn from one another. While we are all different we aren't that different. We all laugh, cry, and hate waterball.

I'm off to San Francisco in a few minutes to see Kevin and Megan. Nothing like family. I regret that I haven't had the opportunity to catch up with more of my friends but I find it important to treasure and value every minute I'm able to see people this summer.

What I've felt and experienced since last time you stopped by

Over the past few days there have been some unrelated events which I feel are worth noting. Most pressing at this moment is the fact that whatever body wash my brother found has me smelling like a 14 year old girl who just started high school. Don't get me wrong I am an equal opportunity fragrance guy. But there will always be a part of me that believes a guy shouldn't give off the aroma of "cucumber watermelon" or "Beach Butter." Call me old fashioned if you must. It is a label I am willing to have affixed to my name and likeness.

Last week a story broke about teenage girls back in MA who formed a pregnancy pact. If you haven't heard about it start reading the news. I suppose what bothered me the most was the lack of self-respect and feeling of self-worth I believe these girls had for themselves. It seems to me that all too often in this life we concentrate on what we don't have versus what we do. To imagine that girls barely half done with high school are running around with some homeless 24 year old guy's babies really sickens me. At camp I notice some of the older kids with an astonishing lack of self-worth for themselves. (That isn't worded how I would like it to be but this is a blog so things are coming at you off the cuff). I think it would do us all well to hold dear the words Mr. Rogers spoke to us time and time again, "You're special and I like you just the way you are."

Over the weekend because of one thing or another summer dreams crumbled all around. Totally destroyed? I think not. While this summer is young I already find myself longing for summers past. Why? I'm not completely sure but a lot of the faces have changed and some of the ones that remain would be switched with those moved on.

Monday night we found ourselves back at the Gillman household. Walking in quickly brought feelings of nostalgia from last summer. For me a lot of landmark happenings of the 2007 summer began in that humble abode. As we played a little beer pong the concept of "legendary teams" came forth with Michael and I being one such team of the past. Say what you will about him but he has always been a close friend and I miss him at camp. To say the least, he made everyday interesting. I just feel like at times I am flying without a wingman.

Today at camp we saw "Kung Fu Panda." Talk about the easiest field trip of all time.

Finally the current event receiving most of my attention and thought is the passing of George Carlin. I have had a lot of comedic influences over the years but right up there with some of the biggest is George Carlin. I always admired his approach to comedy and the way he wasn't afraid to say what he felt. George Carlin wasn't worried about who would or wouldn't like what he said. Instead he was true to himself and I think it is safe to say as a result found himself being named one of the top 10 standups of all time.

Thoughts over Pizza

Just over a week ago while Audrey said something to me that although I've heard before really got me thinking. Basically it was that whole thought that there will always be that one person who you will always have some type of feelings for. As I pondered this individual in my life I got to thinking if perhaps it was only one person. There is of course one that comes to mind without delay but then two more find their way into the mix. It is very weird to ponder these things and change your mindset to try and comprehend why things never happened/worked/ended. What is of most interest to me is what the future holds. Will I be invited to the weddings? How will their lives play out and with whom? For that matter what does the future have in store for me? I suppose that is the million dollar question.

Week One: A retrospective

Shit was crazy.

Badges? Oh I've got some stinking badges

Friday Night- San Francisco, CA. As those of you who have driven with me before know, when it comes to driving in San Francisco traffic lights, signs, and laws take a backseat to my agenda for getting around the City. On Friday evening I continued my driving game, "Joe is a Police Officer." It is a simple game, I pretend I am a police officer and drive as recklessly as I can. As I picked my brother up from the Zeum Theater a cab driver kept honking at me to go. True enough there was a green light however, people were in the cross-walk so being a good police officer I waited for the people to get by. The cab driver did not appreciate this and continued his reckless honking and as soon as he could cut me off...big mistake. I quickly hit the gas and pulled up next to him, rolled down my window, and flashed my badge (don't ask how I got one). The expression on his face can not be described in words so I won't even attempt to. All I'll say is, the streets of San Francisco are now safer thanks to yours truly.

Going International

I'm always fascinated at what can happen when you simply walk around. You never know who you might meet.

The other evening McGibbons, Percival, Lexi, and myself found ourselves in San Francisco. Our original plan was to pay the Cigar Bar and Grille a visit. Upon entering we learned that after 10 you had to be 21 to partake in the enjoyment of cigars. At first this seemed like it would put a damper on the evening (though their humidor sucked and was overpriced). So after being turned away due to the day we entered the world we set our new course for North Beach. Of all the districts I feel like North Beach always has something going on. While certain areas were deserted we found most of Columbus Ave alive and well. As we walked down Broadway we found ourselves at the corner of Montgomery and Broadway where four chairs were placed as though the City of San Francisco knew one evening four young adults needed a place to enjoy cigars. After Percival and myself enjoyed our cigars we made our way back to the car after Percival stopped in at a local liquor store and a stop at Cable Car Pizza. While I didn't partake in the enjoyment of a slice I must say if I wasn't kicked out of the Cigar Bar and Grille I never would have found my way into the pizza parlor. As we made our way back to the car we ran into some international travelers staying at the Green Tortoise Hostel. After initially blowing them off we realized we must catch up with them. So the JT Cruiser spun into action reclaiming her place as one of the all-time San Francisco driving violators until we found our young travelers. Long story short we all gathered at Coit Tower and exchanged stories. For me this was quite an experience just listening to their thoughts on America and its culture. I also felt very uneducated as all of them spoke at least two languages well. One guy (Josh, I think) spoke 6! That is crazy. I can speak 3, 1 well, 2 sort of. A highlight for me was getting a few of the internationals to laugh...I am officially internationally fun and therefore internationally marketable. As was to be expected the little time we had together came to an end and we went on our ways. But just for a moment in time a group of young adults got together, talked, drank, and laughed together and for just a wrinkle in time the world seemed a little more peaceful.

The Dry Spell

On Saturday morning I decided to go on a dry spell. I can proudly attest that as of this evening I am still bringing the heat.

I am getting even more excited about the summer ahead after our staff meeting tonight. I have a lot of goals this summer and I think they are all attainable. However, before I achieve I must believe. It isnt going to be easy but when all is said and done I think I'll be better for it. At least that is what I am going for.

I think I am going to try and read War and Peace this summer. That book doesn't mess around. I think it will be a hard read but the prospect of reading another classic has raised some excitement in me. Last summer I read The Count of Montecristo which altered the way I looked at some things in life and thus found itself as my all-time favorite book.

The fact that it is almost midnight at the weather outside is 62 degrees is pretty wicked. Yes, I realize I just said "wicked." Go live on the east coast for a year and then come talk to me.

The Alameda movie theater looks pretty sweet on the inside but you can totally see movies for free.

Alameda police is a joke. A parking ticket for $30? Really guys? I mean there were open spots everywhere in the parking garage. Bastards are always trying to get my funny yaper.

The prospect of the entire FamBam back together in just a couple of days has me all kinds of excited. I can only imagine what craziness will greet us this summer.

SF Cigar and Bar tomorrow or Wednesday. Yes please.

In the words of Edmond Dantes, "wait and hope."

Live From New York

To kick of the summer I read a book called "Live From New York" which was a collection of interviews that essentially gave a first hand look into the history of SNL. It really got me thinking about things. Now I'm reading a book called "The Chris Farley Show" which is set up similarly to the SNL book. I guess a part of me has always dreamed of being on SNL. People tell me I'm funny but I dont know if I am that funny. One thing I have realized, with the exception of a few years in the 80s, everybody on SNL was a no-name when they came on. Some still are. It will always just be a dream but how cool would it be to say "Live from New York It's Saturday Night."

One week until camp. Get excited.

Make and Model

Random thought: Why do police officers and cab drivers drive the same tyoe if car? Furthermore, why do you ride in the back seat of both? I think there is a mystery there just waiting to be solved.

White cowhide, red seams

Yesterday was a pretty refreshing day all around. Ryan and I went over to Tillman Park to get some batting practice in. For me there is nothing more relaxing than taking some hacks. As my brother and I were swinging for the fences this two year old kid walked over and just sat and watched us for what must have been 15 solid minutes. I was pretty amazed by that. Like wow he is able to just sit here and watch us. My attention span at age 19 is barely 15 minutes! After we finished I gave him a baseball. Ive never seen anybody get so excited over something so small. It was just an encounter with the true innocence in the world. Then my mind went into overdrive. So in 2008 he is 2 years old. Alright so he won't we 19 until 2025. That just seams so crazy to me. Like what will the world be like for him in 2025? I'm paying $4.60 a gallon. How much will he pay? Will we still have such a dependence on oil or will everybody be rolling in better cars? What is his life going to be like? 2025 is 17 years away. That is just so crazy to me to even think about. I mean damn it is Tillman Park, I was playing there when I was 2 and the world has changed a lot since then.

2025...If there is a baseball all-star from Alameda you'll know who to thank.

The bus don't hand out change white boy!

So May was a bust for the blogging. Good news, June is here so we'll shoot for two.

I like to think. Nothing of any real interest but just think in general. Over the past couple of days I've gone for walks along the Bay in the middle of the afternoon and I submit for you some of the fair observations from your aimless bay wanderer:

A lot of people take their lunch breaks along the Harbor Bay Parkway which leads into the business park. The funny thing is they park their cars so they are along the water but are facing the office buildings. What is more depressing than that? Even when you are on your time you're looking at the 9-5 prison you go to everyday except for weekends (sometimes) and holidays (if you're lucky). I've always wondered why these people don't get out of their cars and look towards San Francisco or at least go sit by the water.

The water itself is pretty ridiculous if you think about it. The oceans haven't changed over time. Sure they rise and fall, find themselves in a state of pollution, and have been displaced here and there but besides that they have been their from the beginning. The waters are the same ones the Vikings sailed on, Jesus walked on, and all of that good stuff. But no, look at your office building that was put up in the 80s.

My favorite thing about walking is finding yourself all alone and then have a calm breeze come across a grass field while the sun is shinning. You can't get that on TV or in a book. To just find yourself all alone and marvel in the simplicity of these things is important. At least to yours truly.

People can be pretty rude. It has gotten to the point where people freak out if you say hi to them. When I walk I'll see people I don't know. If we make eye-contact they will look away real quick like, "Oh shit he saw me!" So? I'll then say, "hello" or whatever salutation comes to mind. These people freak out. They don't know what to say. That is why I really like the movie "Patch Adams." While it has a lot to offer I always come back to the thought that you need human interaction and above all humor. There is a lot wrong in the world that can't be laughed at but we all need a good laugh every now and again.

Who is playing golf at 11:45 on a Wednesday? That golf course always has people on it. I mean good for these people but shouldn't you guys have jobs or something?

I have lots to say but the words escape me. This is nice, lets do this again real soon. No, no, I have your number so I'll call you.

Oh real quick, if you have an Nintendo 64 and you haven't played it in awhile bring that bitch out. Those games were legit.