While at work, I stood up from my desk in order to get myself something to drink. Upon doing so however, I became quite dizzy and light-headed. I must say that the experience was totally unpleasant. I tried to shake it off, but I noticed that as I kept walking, I couldn’t keep my balance and my stomach became quite nauseous.

Now, this had happened to me once before, but it had been like 2-3 years or so ago. Back then, I required a trip to the doctor to perform a diagnosis and get a prescription. Since ObamaCare doesn’t kick in until 2014, I knew that I wouldn’t have any problem with getting in to see a doctor, so I immediately scheduled an appointment.

Well, it turned out that my general practitioner only works half a day on Tuesday (what a weird day to work half a day), so I got in to see a different doctor.

When the doctor came into the little room to diagnose me, she informed me about how there are these little crystals in our ears that are composed of calcium carbonate or some shit like that. She mentioned that she would provide me with some documentation for me to read along with some exercises. She then wrote me a prescription and sent me on my way. I have to say that I was somewhat disappointed that she couldn’t find anything “wrong” with me. At least when this happened a couple of years ago, I had an inner ear infection, but not this time. Nothing.

So, as I leave the doctor and I look down that the documentation that she provided, I noticed a diagram of the ear with the canals and crap, and there was also mentioning of some crystal, but there was some sort of medical term associated with it (which escapes me at the moment) but in parenthesis were the words “ear rocks”.

Ear Rocks. Huh? Really? The documentation went on to indicate that we all have these “ear rocks” in our ears and that sometimes they become dislodged and mess with the little hairs in our ears which in turn sends signals to the brain, which then processes these signals as movement (even though we’re standing still). Basically, the little rock needs to get back where it belongs in order for the symptoms to diminish, but will eventually happen.

But the idea of “ear rocks” was quite amazing. I only wish I knew about these “ear rocks” thirty years ago…

You see, 30 years ago or so, I was playing badminton in my grandmother’s yard and the little birdie went over the fence. I went into the yard to retrieve the birdie, but my grandmother’s dog had retrieved before I did and began to chew on it. It was at that point that I decided that I would make an attempt to get the birdie from the dog by hitting him over the head with the badminton racket. Well, the next thing I know, the dog lunges for me and I’m waking up in my grandmother’s den with my eye cut all to hell. I still have the scar to prove it, but it’s not as bad as it was when I was a kid.

Anyway, after that episode, I recall telling my uncle about what I did, and his response was, “What were you thinking? Do you have rocks in your head?”

So, had I known of these “ear rocks” back then, I could have easily replied with, “Yes” and I wouldn’t have gotten punished for being a smart ass.

I decided to do some shopping at lunch today since my wife worked from home today.  I had the displeasure of dealing with too many people at Academy Sports.   On top of that, the cashier neglected to ring up an item that I had and didn’t notice it until I was about to walk out the store, so I had to get back in line and be checked out again.

So I get in my car and make the right onto Airline Hwy and right before I get to the Airline Hwy/Florida Blvd split, a truck pulls out right in front of me (causing me to slam my brakes to avoid hitting him) and he casually bears toward the Airline side of the split.

It was at this juncture that I decided to do what any good Christian would do and extend my middle finger in the gentleman’s direction.  I wasn’t sure whether or not the guy saw it, but the next thing I know, it appeared that he changed his mind and decided to go to the Florida Blvd side of the split instead.  But instead of driving, he pulls to the side of the road. 

I casually pass the truck and as I look in my rear view mirror, I see the truck following me.  Now, I was planning on picking up some lunch on my way back to the office, but I hadn’t decided on where I was going to go.  But, I look again in my rear view mirror and see that this truck is coming up on my rear end mighty fast.  

As I merge onto Florida Blvd, the truck enters the middle lane and as I patiently wait for him to pass me (so that I can get into the middle lane myself) he slows down on the side of me and I can hear him yelling at me.  He proceeds to instruct me to pull over and settle this like men.   I couldn’t help but notice that he had his buddy in the truck with him. 

Guy:  You wanna give someone the finger?  You fucking pussy! Pull over, we’ll settle this right now.

Me: You cut me off. 

Guy: Pull over now! Pull over!

Me:  Yeah, so you and your friend can pummel me?  No thanks. 

Guy: You think you can just give someone the finger whenever want?  Pull over!

Me:  Fuck you.  Bitch.

He then makes a right hand turn and goes who knows where.  I proceed to my destination as if nothing happened.  I can’t help but think about these events though.  I mean, the guy was obviously in a hurry to begin with that he couldn’t wait for me to pass before pulling into traffic.  But he had enough time to change direction and follow me so that he can threaten me?  The end result being that he ends up going a much longer route to get to where he intended to go in the first place?

People are strange.  Some people are just assholes.  Unfortunately, I just met one.

Friends of mine know that I follow professional football somewhat extensively.  Many would even confirm that even though I do love watching me some LSU football, Saints football is still number one in my book.   Many people prefer college ball over pro, I however am the reverse.   I love the competitiveness that surrounds professional football.   To me, it’s just a cleaner and funner game to watch.  With that said, I feel compelled to spread my thoughts on the phenomenon going on in the NFL right now, namely the Saints.

Several people would vouch for me when I say this, but I knew before this season started that the Saints were going to be a team to reckon with.   I can recall several conversations that I have had with different people when asked how I felt the Saints were going to do this year.  To all of them, I said the following, “I really like what they’ve done in the off season.   They’ve made some good pickups and I feel that they’ve done enough to get themselves back into the NFC Championship game.  What they do beyond that is going to be up to the Saints.”

Having been wanting to take my wife and Trace to watch a Saints game, I told my wife that this would be the year to go, because I had such high aspirations for the team and it would be great to say later on that we saw a Saints game during that 2009 year.  With that, I purchased tickets to the Saints game scheduled for October 3, 2009 back in July (as soon as they became available).

As luck would have it, my plans on attending that game were halted.  My boss decided to send my wife and I to Orlando for some training and it conflicted with the Saints game that I had tickets for.  So, I had to sell them to a friend.  It was ok though, I would simply buy tickets for a later contest.  However, I could never find a game that would fit with our schedule and as time went on, tickets became scarce and much more expensive.

The Saints game on October 3rd featured two unbeaten teams: The Jets and The Saints.  The Saints went on to win that contest as I watched it from a bar in Orlando.  I knew as I watched that game that my friend that purchased the tickets from me was certainly enjoying herself.

From that point on, the Saints just kept winning.  Beating insurmountable odds, they find themselves overcoming HUGE deficits to eventually win the game.   How? These are the Saints.  The Saints don’t come back in games.   In fact, historically they’ve been the team that blows leads.  Who are these guys?

So, week 8 rolls around and the Saints find themselves on Monday Night Football playing the Atlanta Falcons in the Superdome.  The commentators are beginning to give the Saints some credit.  However after beating the Falcons and going 7-0, the talk commences about the possibility of being 10-0 when they face the New England Patriots the next time they’re on Monday Night Football.   LA LA LA LA LA LA. I don’t want to hear it.  LA LA LA LA LA LA. Don’t jinx them.  LA LA LA LA LA LA LA. One game at a time please.

Four weeks later, I find myself in Disney World with my family and the Saints are 10-0.  That Monday Night Football showdown that the commentators were salivating for is here.  I get the pass from my wife to break free and watch the game at the ESPN Sports Club at Disney.  I couldn’t even get into the door at the place.  It was packed.  I had to get pitchers of beer and watch the game outside.  What was even more amazing was the number of Saints fans that were there.  And not just Saints fans, but people from New Orleans.  It was crazy.  I befriended another poor soul that couldn’t get a seat inside.  So one pitcher turned into six.  I had a great time watching the undefeated Saints knock off the marquee New England Patriots.

After that, I had to start thinking that maybe, just maybe these Saints can win the rest of them and finish the rest of the season at 16-0 (an accomplishment that the same New England Patriots did just a mere 2 years ago).  Why stop at 16-0 though?  Why not roll through the playoffs and *gasp* reach the Superbowl?

Really?  Am I finally able to use Saints and Superbowl in the same sentence?  Can it be possible that this really is their year?  I mean, I knew they were going to be good, but not undefeated.  Not by a long shot.

As I watched the game yesterday against the Washington Redskins,  I have to admit that I was indeed worried about the Saints.  I have a friend that is a huge Redskins fan and he’ll acknowledge that I was giving his team props the day before.  I felt that the Saints would win it, but I didn’t think it was going to be a walk in the park.

So, with under 2 minutes to go with the Redskins up by 7 and in position to kick the field goal to go up by 10 and thus ending the magical ride, I walk into my home office with my head down, I hold back the tears as I tell my wife that I don’t think they’re going to do it this time.  11-1 is nothing to be ashamed of and that 30 other teams would be happy to be where the Saints are at.  I walk back into the living room in time for the commercial to end and back to the game.  Washington lines up for the field goal…. holy fucking shit! Suisham missed it! Oh crap!   Saints ball!  Come on Brees, let’s score that fucking touchdown! Brees proceeds to drive the Saints right down the field to score and tie the game up at 30.  Wow!

Uh oh, too much time left.  Saints kick the ball off and the entire Saints nation patiently wait to see if the defense can finally stop the Skins.  INTERCEPTION!!!  Oh my fucking god!   The Saints can win it in regulation.  This is insane!  Missed the field goal (too long of an attempt anyway).  That’s ok, let’s win it in overtime…

Brees calls tails, the coin toss is heads… Washington wins the toss.  Shit.  Campbell starts moving his team with a quick pass for a gain.  Then a run for another gain.  Campbell then throws the ball to Sellers where he is tackled and fumbles the ball and recovered by New Orleans, but the officials rule him down before the fumble.

Timeout Saints.  Oh Brilliant!  Overtime rules dictate that coaches cannot challenge plays as all replays will be handled by the booth.  So in order to buy more time, Payton calls a timeout in order for the officials to take another look, they decide to review the fumble….OVERTURNED and the Saints have the ball.  Holy fucking shit!

Hartley kicks the field goal and the Saints improve to 12-0.  The have now tied the franchise record for wins in a season and the NFC South Division.  Yay!!!!

Granted, I can be somewhat of an ass in an argument, but that’s because I know I’m right and tend to be somewhat condescending and will outright belittle people that attempt to find flaws in my logic.  It’s silly really.  I mean, there normally aren’t any flaws in my logic, so stop trying to find any.  They’re simply not there.

Perhaps the only time you will find me discussing politics with anyone is if I am completely certain as to which way that person leans (right or left).  I don’t engage in political discussions with lefters because they end up pissing me off and I’ll end up calling them morons and/or idiots.

While I was watching the premier of V (Tuesday nights on ABC) I couldn’t help but reflect to what was presently going on in our country and find so many correlations to what is normally going on in society.

Now, if you’ve been under a rock since the 80’s, V was a television series on NBC (thank God it’s no longer on NBC, but that is another discussion altogether) back in the day.   The premise is that alien visitors have arrived to earth in spaceships requesting the help of the humans in the form or natural resources abundantly found on Earth and in return they will provide the human with advances in technology, however they have a hidden agenda that is unknown to the humans, but I’m getting a bit ahead of myself.

The priest in the new V is played by Joel Gretsch (The 4400) and he is the first to mention (to another priest) about how convenient the arrival of the visitors are.  They managed to show up just when they’re needed most he adds.  He’s referring to the downturn of the economy, terrorism on the rise, unemployment is way up (in fact the story takes place in the present, so the current events of today are the same as in the show).   Just when things are the bleakest, the aliens show up to save the day.

Meanwhile, the FBI agent played by Elizabeth Mitchell (LOST) is tracking sleeper cell activity and noticed that terrorism chatter has been down across the board except for one sleeper cell, which we learn is composed by visitors disguised as humans.  We also learn that the visitors have been here for several years and have infiltrated the government.  This of course can lead the viewer to believe that the visitors have caused all of the chaos on the planet in order to become the savior.  Huh.  Wow.  This is starting to sound familiar.

I am one of those right-wing nutjobs that believe that Obama was born in Kenya.  I don’t think he’s constitutionally elible to be our president.  I refuse to acknowledge that he’s our president and will continue to refuse to acknowledge it until he has proven without a doubt that he was actually born in Hawaii as he claims.   The supposed COLB that was posted on a website during the election IMO does not provide the necessary proof whatsoever that he was born in Hawaii, simply because back in 1961, Hawaii gave out COLB to foreign born babies as well as domestic ones.   I would like to see the long form birth certificate.  On top of that, he traveled to Pakistan back in 1981.  Ok cool. He went abroad when he was in college.  The problem there however is that US citizens were not able to travel to Pakistan easily back then since Pakistan was under military rule, but entering with an Indonesian passport would have been easy.

Anyway, I’m going off on tangents.  My point is however, when I was watching the show, I couldn’t help but think about some of the decisions that have been made over the past year and how those decisions have effectively shaped the world in which we live in today.  It almost seems as if Obama is creating chaos so he can look like a savior by fixing it.

Perhaps the most horrifying minutes that I recall from watching V was when the TV reporter guy was interviewing Anna (the leader of the visitors).  Anna politely demanded that the young reporter was not allowed to ask any questions that would put the visitors in a negative light.  Whoah! Are you kidding me?  Now the reporter didn’t like it, but he had no choice but to go along with it.   (Does this sound like Fox News anyone?) 

How about the visitors taking steps by luring in the children?  If you can brainwash the kids, then you can establish a foothold for many years to come. 

It was almost scary to watch.  I had to stop it at one point and talk to my wife about how closely the story paralleled what was going on in the world today.  Is this ABC’s way of taking a stand and perhaps getting people to think about things from a different perspective?  I don’t recall the older version of the show being this way, although I was in 6-7 grade when it originally aired.

I’m just saying…

Now, I know it was harshly criticized for being too long, or having too complex of a plot, or being offensive to certain races and such, but gosh darnit, I liked it.  Hell I loved it. 

In my opinion, Transformers 2 was exactly what I go to the movies for; to be entertained.   Was it long?  Sure it was a little long, but I take that as meaning I’m getting more movie for my buck.  Hell, I’ve thrown my money to lots of movies this summer, some of which I couldn’t wait for them to end.  

The only real complaint that I have about the length of the movie has more to do with the fact that I bought the large drink at the theater and had to run off to the restroom during it, which in turn made me miss Devastator forming.  Which now I’ll be able to watch time and time again in the comfort of my own home.

 Transformers had a lots of action, plenty of explosions, “face ripping” and giant transforming robots.  Hello?  GIANT TRANSFORMING ROBOTS.  Who doesn’t like giant transforming robots?

So when I told my wife that Transformers 2 was coming out on DVD on October 20th, all she could do is roll her eyes.  She knew that it was inevitable that I was going to be buying the Blu-Ray version as quickly as I could.  

Susan:  “Transformers?  Again?  Really?”

Bob :  “Ummm yeah, we’re talking about Optimus Prime and the Autobots here sweetheart!  I need to watch them battle the Decepticons.  Duh!”

Susan:  “Yeah, but didn’t you say the same thing back in June?”

Bob:  “Pfffft, that was so 5 months ago.”

Susan:  “Does this mean that we’re going to watch Transformers on Tuesday?”

Bob:  “Does a bear shit in the woods?  Hell yeahz we’re watching some giant robot fighting action.  Bam Boom Pow!”

Anyway, so I’ve convinced my wife that buying this DVD tomorrow is really the right thing to do.  If she can throw $25 on High School Musical 3, then certainly I can do the same for Transformers.  Plus, it’s very likely that I’ll watch Transformers more than 10 times to so.

From that point, the countdown begins to Transformers 3, which will be in theaters in July 2011.  Yay!

Since I embarked upon the trip to my old hometown (New Orleans) for my 20 year high school reunion, I managed to return to the office following that weekend to discover a plethora of work that required my attention.

You see, there are times where I suffer from procrastination…

Last Summer, one of my company’s clients wanted a ton of changes made to one of the web applications that a former employee of ours wrote.  Granted, the former employee was brilliant in how he implemented some things, but he also made it a bit complicated to follow.   So as long as he was with the company, we would be able to make changes as needed and I wouldn’t have to worry about it.  But, umm, he’s no longer with the company so someone had to pick up the slack, and that someone turned out to be me.

Anyway, back to last Summer.  The client wanted a lot of stuff done by October.  My boss and I spoke with him and basically told him that it would be next to impossible to have everything he wanted in by October and that if he prioritized the MUST HAVE items, I would do my best to get those in. 

Now, I’m not the best programmer in the world, but I can hold my own.  I managed to piece together the MUST HAVE items that he needed (albeit crudely based on the design) and he was happy.  However, an agreement was made that the other items would be implemented by this time next year.  All parties smiled and went about their merry way.

So this past August rolls around and my boss mentioned that we’re right back where we were last year and asked how much more time I needed to finish up those other changes.  Well, my face just dropped.   I guess I was supposed to have been working on those things for the past year, and well, I guess I was too busy on other stuff to put ANY thought into how I was going to accomplish what he wanted.  So I got to work.

We got on the phone again with the client, and once again he asked for an October 1 drop date for everything.   Seeing as how I had already poked around in the application, I began to get a feel for what the previous coder had done, I confidently told him that I would shoot for the last week in September (I was trying to give him that warm and fuzzy feeling) and he was jubilant with excitement.  The problem was, I still hadn’t figured out how I was going to do it.

To make a long story short, I pulled it off.  I was indeed early with my deadline and put the application into Production and have had next to no issues, so everyone’s happy.

Now, I’m making it sound like all I had to do for the last couple of months was work my ass off at work.  But when you throw in the cub scout den meetings (I’m Trace’s den leader) and Trace playing Fall Ball (in Livingston no less)  it made for long evenings. 

Also, prior to football season starting, I decided that I was going to treat my family to a Saints game this year.  I got tickets to the Saints/Jets game on October 4 in the Superdome.  I got them at a pretty good price and the time worked well for us (the other games are either too early or too late).  But as it turned out, my boss decided to send my wife and I to Orlando for a few days to attend a conference.  So I ended up having to sell my tickets to a friend.  Now the Saints are doing really well and if I want to take my family to a game, I’m going to end up paying twice what I paid for the last ones, and deal with a time that won’t be as friendly.

Oh well.  Hopefully now I can spend more time updating my blog now that things are slowing done.   Go Saints!!!

On August 11, 2009, Marvel Comics celebrated its 70th birthday.  That’s a long time to be making comic books.  As a big fan of Marvel Comics, I certainly appreciate many of the storylines that I’ve read throughout the years.

Some people know that I’m a huge Spider-Man fan.  My wife got me the Amazing Spider-Man DVD for Xmas a couple of years ago that contains every issue of The Amazing Spider-Man from issue 1 to 531.   Spider-Man made his debut back in 1963 in Amazing Fantasy #15.   The character was well liked, so he got his own comic.  So that means that there has been 45 years + of Spider-Man comics.  Wow.

I have an active subscription of The Amazing Spider-Man to keep up to date.  I’ve purchased every issue from #532 (where my DVD leaves off) and last week received issue #601.  I’m still reading issue #600 (it’s like quadruple in size) though.

Since then, my wife has purchased the complete Fantastic Four comic DVD as well as the X-Men comic DVD.  I’ve been nibbling away at those from time to time, but it does take a while to get through.

I’ve got several Marvel T-shirts in my closet that I wear just about all of the time.  I also feel the need to see every movie based on a Marvel character just for the mere fact of supporting the franchise.  With that said, I’ll take a few moments to look back at movies based on Marvel characters…

1986

• Howard the Duck.   (not one of their best)

1998

• Blade

2000

• X-Men

2002

• Blade II
• Spider-Man

2003

• Daredevil
• X2: X-Men United
• Hulk

Seriously. 

Trace’s 9th birthday is coming up, and he’s decided that he wants to have his party at Laser Tag of Baton Rouge.  I like this idea because quite frankly, they do everything.   The kids are entertained, the cake is made available, the food is provided, the drinks are provided.  It’s just an all-around win win.  We’re even given a party host to assist us with handling the gifts and all of that stuff. 

Anyway, Laser Tag provides some invitations (which is included with the price of the party), but for some reason these invitations weren’t good enough this year (he had his party there last year as well).   Trace has repeatedly stated that he no longer wants character anything.  His backpack for school has to be a solid color (or two; as long as one of those two colors is black) and all of his school folders need to be a solid color.   Gone are the days when I could pick up a Transformers lunch box and he’ll be happy with it.  Gone also are the days when I can pick up anything with a Marvel Superhero on it and he’ll be happy with it (much to my chagrin).   So imagine my surprise when he said that he wanted a Pokemon themed party.

To be honest.  I’m tired of this damn Pokemon phase.  It’s gone on way too long and I think someone somewhere needs to put a stop to this Pokemon crap once and for all.  I’m tired of stepping on those cards.  I’m tired of being asked to buy more of these Pokemon cards.  I’m tired of hearing about all of these Pokemon games that he must have for his Gameboy or DS.   What’s even worse was the news that we got that the last 3 Pokemon games that were released all had the same story.  The only difference was the ability to acquire a “special” Pokemon from one to the other.  WTF?  I just spent $30 for a game that he’s already played who knows how many times?  It’s ridiculous, but I digress, back on topic now…

So my wife buys 2 packs of these Pokemon invitations that will be used in lieu of the Laser Tag ones to invite children to Trace’s party.  Trace began chomping at the bit to disperse these invitations, but failed to realize that when you buy these invitations as the store, they don’t come already written out with the information concerning Trace’s birthday party (although that is certainly a service that I would pay for).  He continues to argue his point that he wants to give the boy that lives across the street an invitation, I tell him that he needs to wait until momma fills it out first and that giving Cole an “blank” invitation serves no purpose whatsoever.  He finally relents and decides to wait.

So my wife starting filling out these invitations on the way to the cub scout den meeting last night because he wants to invite some boys from his den to the party.   Since he’s not inviting everyone, I offer some suggestions on doing this discreetly, but it falls on deaf ears.  Instead he’s running around with the invitations in hand waiting for the kids to show up.  Luckily, the only boys that showed up for the meeting are the ones that he was going to invite anyway, so no feelings had to be spared.

So this morning, my wife finishes filling out the invitations and has decided that she would offer to bring some of the boys in the neighborhood to the party with us to avoid it being such a strain on some of the parents.  Seeing as we live 30-35 minutes away from Laser Tag, I welcome this idea.  However, my wife becomes conflicted as to how to accomplish this task.   I suggest that she put a little note in the invitations that are going to the these kids informing their parents that we’re offering that service for them.

Susan: What time do you think we’ll be leaving for the party?

Bob:  Huh?  We need to decide right now what time we’re going to be leaving for a party that’s 2 1/2 weeks away?

Susan: I wanted to put on the note that we’ll be leaving at X time and that if their son was riding with us to be at our house at that time.

Bob: Why not just offer and have them get back with us?

Susan: No, I don’t want to do that.

*Sigh* Whatever.  A few minutes later, I’m questioned as to what color sticky post-it note should be used to relay this message to parents.

Susan : “Should I use yellow, purple, or pink post-it notes?”

Bob:  “Seriously? You’re concerned about the color of the post-it note?”

Susan: “Well, do you think pink will be too girly?”

Bob: “Too girly for what? The note is coming from you.  Besides, no one is going to look beyond the color of the post-it note and think that Trace is a little fruitcake because his mom chose pink to send them a message”

She decides on purple anyway and leaves the room to prepare the message for the neighborhood parents.  A few minutes go by and I decide that I need my second cup of coffee.  Immediately entering the kitchen, I’m ambushed by my wife yet again concerning the message on the post-it note; which read:

<Child’s Name> is welcomed to ride with us to the party. 

Super.  It was simple and to the point. 

Susan : Do you think I need to say anything else?

Bob : Umm, no.  If their child will ride with us, I’m sure they’ll let us know beforehand.

Thank goodness we’ve decided that this is the last year of the big party for him.

As my wife and I were heading into town, we stopped off at the Esplanade Mall to do a little shopping.  Not that we were looking for anything in particular, but it had been a while since I had been to that mall, and my wife never passes up an opportunity to do a little gratuitous shopping. 

After the mall, we went to go check in at the hotel.  My wife opted to stay in the car as I checked in because she hadn’t put any makeup on and was concerned about people seeing her without it.  I thought that was quite baffling because if I didn’t care, why should she?  Anyway, knowing I was bound to run into someone else checking in from my class, I eagerly awaited who it would be… To my surprise, it was Eddie Carrick.  Which really would have been cool, but I did just see him 2 months earlier at the Haynes reunion and I would be seeing him again an hour from that point because some of us agreed to meet up for dinner before the reunion and the Carricks were going to be there.

I got to select where I wanted me room to be, which I thought was quite neat.  I don’t recall ever having that option before with a hotel.  I opted for a room on the first floor, real close to where the reunion was going to be held.   I figured it would serve a dual purpose:

1)  When my wife gets bored, she can easily get back to the room without issue, and

2) After my wife left the reunion and got bored with sitting by herself in the room, she could easily get back to the reunion. 

We got dressed and of course we were late getting to dinner.  Go figure.  I put this dinner thing together and I’m late getting there?  Nice one Bob.  We met Michelle Ensley (Rigdon) and Dana Teppen (Rome) at Olive Garden and we were seated at a table for 10.   Eddie Carrick and his wife joined shortly thereafter, but Kevin Lee and his girlfriend were a no show.  Damn Kevin.  We haven’t see you in ages!

Things seemed real tense at dinner, well until Eddie and his wife arrived.  We got conversation going.  Laughing ensued and drinks started being drank.  Afterwards we all dispersed and went to the reunion.

I saw Rick Philibert at the table and he looked up at me.  I could tell he had no clue as to who I was.  That’s when I asked him, “Are you serious?  You don’t know who I am?”  He replied with, “Yeah I know who you are.”  But he still had that look on his face that said otherwise.  He was rescued by Darbi saying, “that’s Bobby Laurent…”  Of course Rick knew who I was then.  I immediately reminded him that in addition to the three years at E.J., we spent 3 years at Haynes.

Now, I have to say that I downplayed the whole reunion thing beforehand.  I thought perhaps it would be a few people that I would talk to.  I would keep to myself and a select few friends, and I would not abandon my wife once.  However, I had a truly wonderful time.   I made my rounds like I’m assuming most people did, but all in all, everyone was quite friendly and a pleasure to be around.

I was surprised to see Scott Glendenning there to be honest.  He didn’t go to E.J. but I knew Scott from some other circle of friends that I hung out with during my high school years.  So that was a nice treat.   I was also amazed by the number of people that have managed to defy aging.   Some of them looked exactly the way they did 20 years ago. 

The night went by rather quickly.  I learned something rather important as it was winding down.  Crown Royal does not taste all that great straight up.   Michelle’s husband and I made an attempt to down an entire glass of the stuff, but could only make it half way.

With the night being so young (11:00 PM) we headed to the hotel bar and I immediately received the sticker shock from a $6 beer.  Instead of blowing all of my money at that bar, some of us decided to head over to the daiquiri shop which was conveniently located next door to the hotel.  However that didn’t last too long (although it didn’t feel that way) we made our way back to the hotel bar.

I ran into Ann Ledbetter at the bar and found here to be quite friendly as well.  She and I didn’t share any classes together, but we were in the same homeroom class for the 3 years I was at EJ.  Conversing with her for a few minutes eventually brought up the name Robert Laurent, which is my name, but was also the name of my complete opposite at EJ.

I had the distinct pleasure of having someone with the same name as me in high school.  Talk about cause some havoc during my days there.  Whew.  There was trouble from day one.  My homeroom teacher through my papers in the garbage because she thought there was a mistake.  He was Robert G. Laurent, and I was Robert L. Laurent.  But she didn’t look at the middle initial (why would she?).  It’s not like I have a common last name or anything, but to have the same first name as well?  It was crazy.

Ann referred to him and I as being like night and day.   I had my run-ins with the school office during my tenure too.  Who would have thought that my being tardy (only once) would end up costing me a detention because I had supposedly exceeded the number of tardies allowed?   I got out of that detention though.  I think I just refused to show.  Perhaps he got in trouble for that.

I ended up having a long talk about politics with Patrick Cockran (who I don’t remember ever being so damn tall in the past).  I typically don’t engage in political discussions with friends because I get to be very passionate on my beliefs, so unless they lean the same way I do, I just don’t even start.  I don’t know how it started in this case, we were both drunk.

I could go on and on about who I saw at the reunion, but then it would just get boring.  I’m going to give a shout out to Leslie (one of my readers) and wanted to let her know that it was nice seeing her again. 

I’m looking forward to the 25.  Which will be even more rewarding because I’m not going to have to wait 10 years for it.

If you think about it, time is a relative concept.  A year to a 17 year old is 1/17th of the lifespan.   Whereas a year to me now is 1/37th of my lifetime.   So a year back then would be somewhat equivalent to 2-2.5 years of how it would have been interpreted back then.

My classmates were counting down the days back in May 1989 until we would no longer be in high school.   Each day seemed longer than the previous, but of course we all got through it.

Since then however, the time that has passed seems to have gone by faster and faster (as I mentioned above).  But I’m having a hard time grasping that it’s been 20 years since then.  Wow.  Where did 20 years go?

Something to ponder:

• The kids that graduated this past year (2009) where not even born when I graduated.

I guess I’m having some nostalgic moments now because I’ll be attending my 20 year class reunion tomorrow.   Crazy.