August 22, 2004
Mental Hiatus
So, I've been sorta "out" for the last two weeks. Just too much change, and not enough time to absorb it all in. I've been in a funk of a mood. And mostly, just don't want others to see me in this mood. I'm still sort of in it, but I'm starting to move forward.
What has happened the last two weeks? Let me tell you as I listen to my copy of "Avenue Q" (Thanks Chase!).
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Speaking of...two weeks ago, Chase moved to Chicago. We had his farewell lunch at 34th Street Cafe, a trendy eatery with great design and lighting (not to mention great food), which while creating good atmosphere, does not provide good photo lighting. It was short, since Chase was on a schedule. It was sort of difficult to believe that a good friend would be leaving. It didn't hit me then, but I think it's seeped in since, and partly why I've been in a funk.
Following Chase's luncheon, Eric, Justin and I headed to San Antonio to watch the DCI Quarterfinals broadcast at Regal Cinema's Cielo Vista 18 theater. Watching drum corps on a ginormous screen is one of the most awesome sights one can behold. Some patrons involved themselves a bit much in the cheering, but they're just supporting their corps. I find it fascinating that the audience claps after each performance. We're sitting in San Antonio, watching performances in Denver, so the applause isn't conferred to the performers. It's just a natural audience behavior. Another example of how humans remain in fixed patterns when logic dictates otherwise.
The next week were MBA Technology Orientations. My team gave four four-hour presentations. I presented last each day for one hour, so the folks were already anxious to get out of there. With each day, I became more comfortable in presenting the information, and with my presentation skills in general. It's been a while since I've given a presentation to a group, so regaining the comfort level provided positive reinforcement to my recent job change decision.
In fact, on Friday I mentioned to my boss that this is the first week where I feel comfortable at work, that I feel on top of what I'm doing, and I am being productive and contributing to the group. That's a great feeling, one I haven't felt in years. Hopefully, this will be a permanent feeling.
Lance Armstrong Wins Record 6th Tour de France!
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The Friday after Tech Orientations, Anant and I drove downtown for the Lance Armstrong Victory Parade. We arrived fairly early, snagging a great parking spot and good parade-watching perch. His co-worker Rez joined us shortly thereafter. The parade was short with the Stephen F Austin High School marching band, other cyclists, and random dignitaries in convertibles. My friend Will, an Austin police officer and member of the APD bagpipe brigade, was shown on the giant screens around Congress Avenue; the bagpipes played near the beginning of the parade route. Once the parade ended, Lance rode down the avenue, a bit too fast I thought, but received roaring applause throughout. After the parade, everyone lurched down to the stage in front of the capitol. Then ESPN's hunky anchorman Chris Fowler introduced Congressman Lloyd Doggett, who introduced yellow-jersey clad Austin Mayor Will Wynn (great name, don't ya think?), who introduced Texas Governor Rick Perry. Perry is not a popular man in Austin, as evidenced by the boos from the crowd. I thought it was a bit tacky, but I also don't feel for the man. He particularly deserved it for introducing Robert Earl Keen (the first act) as a "fightin' Texas Aggie". I'm sorry, but that shit don't fly 4 blocks south of the University of Texas campus.
Speaking of gay governors, I never in my wildest dreams thought this would happen! I mean, what? WHAT?!?
The Texas State Capitol, Now With Victory Stage!
Anant and I didn't care to listen to Keen, so we went back to his place and watched the opening ceremonies of the Olympics. Rob came over and we ordered pizza. As has been mentioned elsewhere in blog world, what are Americans doing wearing those hats? Otherwise it was exciting. So exciting in fact, that I fell asleep on Anant's couch. Perhaps, if I had seen more of this, I could have mustered the energy to remain awake.
The next night, I hung out at Justin's watching men's gymnastics. For a straight guy, he's a good sport listening to me talk about hot gymnasts. Like him. And him. And for gawd's sake, HIM! Also, Justin's moved out of the Dark Ages and purchased a cell phone. Let me just say: IT'S ABOUT DAMN TIME!
Last week, my sister went in to have surgery for a thing. It's routine, but still scares the hell of me. Fortunately, she's doing ok, and I'm relieved a bit knowing that she made it through. Fortunately, she has a great boyfriend who helps her out with everything. She also gave me her old wicker bowl chair. It's placed strategically for the optimal viewing and listening experience: completely perpendicular to my television screen and in the direct paths of both satellite speakers. A nice addition to my living room, even though I don't really have space for it.
This weekend, I've spent a lot of time purging more crap out of my apartment/life. My therapist says that purging like that is usually an indication of trying to clean up one's life and mind. It's a healthy process, so I'm going with it. Whenever I get the urge to be less packrat-ish (is that a word?), I don't resist. Good bye discontinued HP printer. Apparently my desk is made of wood. I didn't know that because it's been covered in paper since the day I purchased it.
Events coming up in the urban skies:
I enrolled in MUS 307, Jazz Appreciation, the first class I've taken in almost 5 years. I'm looking forward to this first step to getting a masters degree in music.
This week, I found out I am working on marker crew for high school football games. My job is to hold the first down marker on the field. Basically, I run up and down the field and hold a big stick in my hands. I should be pretty good, as I have much experience doing that at home.
Movies: Austin Gay and Lesbian International Film Festival (AGLIFF) opens this week, and I've already circled 2 dozen films I want to see. Narrowing that down will be necessary, as I am but a poor public employee and I cannot afford to see more than 5 movies.
I have a huge class to teach on Thursday, so I'm off to prepare for that as soon as this posting is complete.
Finally, I must call back the half dozen people who've called me this last week and left voice mails. This is the hard part, as most people will think I'm ignoring them or pissed at them or blowing them off. But that's not the case. I just needed a mental vacation to absorb all these changes and to react. I'm sort of done, but it's time to move forward. The mental hiatus is over.
Posted by Ben at August 22, 2004 01:34 PM