I’ve decided several times over the last few months that it was time to make a post. But being somewhat lazy, somewhat noncommital and somewhat of a perfectionist, I have been consistely passing up that opportunity. I don’t just want to ramble on about what I been up to, unless I can add some insight or something… which is maybe dumb because it’s possible various people are interested in what I’ve been up to. So, what the hell.
Here’s a brief summary of what’s been going on. I shall sort it by appropriate topics, and some of them may be expanded upon at a later date.
Summer is for relaxing. Actually it isn’t. You realize you’re going to have to start paying back that 35 thousand dollars you owe the government sometime, right?
Summer is for working. Summer jobs. That is the ticket. My ticket to ride the wealth train is MSI. I’ve been working there for ten weeks. I call Americans and try to make them do surveys. It is very easy and pays very slightly more than it legally has to. I’m also acting as ocasional chaperone – or whatever one would call it – for Chris again this year (a classmate from elementary school who has some kind of developmental disability). It’s weird being paid to hang out with someone. But I guess I’m not complaining.
Summer is for writing that novel you always say you’re going to write. Actually, no it isn’t. As of last week though I finally got a bit of a start on writing a play that, if finished, will have a chance at being put on at Mac next year. I took a few mime classes with an extremely kind man who once trained under Marcel Marceau and thereby met a fellow my age with quite similar seeming interests. Earlier in the summer (mine, not theirs) I directed my mother’s anthroposophic grade 3-4 class in The Fate of Baldur and found just how impossible it can be for 10 year olds to stand in a circle.
Also my GURPS Game is going extremely well, and that’s almost like writing a novel in an odd way, since the plot is based on a novel I was going to write back in grade 10; it has even garnered upwards of 2 fans in foreign countries who think it’s pretty cool, but not as cool as I think it is. I also think I’m going to try and get a topical article published in Pyramid. I think I can do it, and they pay real dollars. That would make me a professional writer, if a freelance geeky one (and this lance is reeaally free).
Summer is for music. The new Bonnie “Prince” Billy album is stunning. I’m swaying more toward housey and trip-hoppish vibes these days. The new Junior Boys album is utterly great. And they from Hamilton. In fact and deed, I saw them live last weekend.
The radio show continueth. Sort of. I make the shows in the basement, upload them, and listen in eagerly each monday night to find out that they don’t get played because the guys who have the show before mine are… well I’ll save personal attacks for the much longer rant they’ve earned themselves. This is fucking frustrating as all hell. But on some kind of bright side I’m quite proud of the quality of the shows over the summer. I seriously have the best taste in music ever. Green Day!
Summer is for love. I met Val 367 days ago. Now+9 days=1 year of being an item. A magical one at that (which we still haven’t statted out in roleplaying terms.. what gives?).
Summer is for growing. On June 1, my brother Kevin finally left me with the basement to myself. He’s got an apartment on Highview with a home theatre deal. And his work (honeywell) very recently sent him to New Zealand and Singapore to test and fix software. Also Phil, who I’ve known quite well since Kindergarten.. bought a house! A house.. Craziness.
Summer is for vacationing. That’s why they call it summer vacation, I guess. One weekend I went to Val’s cottage and it was a completely awesome (and liberating) experience. Last weekend I went to Hamilton, saw some plays, saw a concert, ate real good food, and experienced my stolen bike quote for the summer rising to 2 (from, not by.. as if you wouldn’t know). 2 weekends from now is the Goderich Celtic Fest, which conveniently coincides with me and Valerie’s 1 year, so we’re going camping and getting bagpipes blown in our faces for a few days. I’ve been playing some tennis with Brian R the past month or so which has been really fun. Seen some movies, been to a bar or two, shot the shit, met cool dudes and dudettes, earned some cash.
Summer is for sun. Ow. Hot.
So amongst all that I’ve been extremely busy. I don’t have the time to do half the things I want, and barely enough to do what I must (well not really.. depending on what you count). But between all the busy busy, and even right on top of it and drowning in the middle of it, I think.. though I don’t want to jinx it.. but I don’t believe in jinxes so fuck it. I think that this is probably turning out to be my best summer ever. Not to say it couldn’t be better, but I am in very fine spirits. I hope you are, too.