Thursday, January 30, 2014

Friends

A wise man once told me that a true friend is one who will help you move.  I later heard it again from a wise lady.  It seems to be pretty true.  I just moved (obviously), and I had 4 people help.  Two of them were last minute additions, and I took them away from their date night.  Well, they offered, but I still felt like I took them away.  It's just amazing to me how there are a lot of people who will offer to help you move and then flake out.  Yesterday was a bad day for me.  I even lifted some things I shouldn't have, but Dr. Zac was not mad about it; he just cracked my back and zapped me with some electricity.  I'm moved now, and I'm looking forward to this new adventure.

The other day, I made a comment that I felt like I lost a friend, but, as I said then, I didn't.  They walked out of my life.  I had a movie/book quote thrown at me, too!  "I just want you to know that you're special in case no one has ever told you."  I didn't notice it at first, but I was searching through Perks of Being a Wallflower because a good friend threw a quote at me.  It figures that aspects of my life would play out this way.  So, a message to you, if you are reading this: Go ahead and walk out of my life.  That is your choice.  If you ever want to speak to me again, as you said you did, I'll be here, but I can't guarantee in what capacity/interest level.

I am grateful to those friends who helped me move for they are true friends, and I am indifferent about the one(s) who walked out of my life.  Cherish your friends, but remember that ultimately you are still only half of the relationship.  Sometimes we can't prevent people from walking out on us; all we can do is be the best person we can be and hope that the right people appreciate us.  Be awesome.

We accept the love we think we deserve.

I deserve better.

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

MLA/KLA Planning

Again, I find myself surrounded by people with great ideas.  Today was the second meeting of the 2015 steering committee, and to celebrate, we toured the facility.  I have to say that we will have one of the best views in Kansas City for this conference!  Looking out over the Kauffman Center will be amazing.  There are colored lights that change in sequence too, making our events even snappier!  After the tour, we talked about our reactions and more ideas.  Like I said after our first meeting, it was hard enough for me to keep up with everyone.  I'm honored to be a cat wrangler for this team.  That's the term they used to describe Kelly and me.  We'll see how the cats behave themselves as we move forward, heh.

Put it on your calendar now because you won't want to miss it!  September 30th - October 2, 2015 for the Joint Conference of MLA and KLA.  BOOM

Monday, January 27, 2014

Being Sick Without the Facebook

So, today I have been at home, sick.  I haven't logged into facebook at all, and I have to say that it feels pretty good.  Instead of social media whoring, I decided to pack and think (which almost always go hand in hand).  I took a break to slay dragons obviously, but for the most part, it was a packing/sleeping day.  I logged onto twitter and checked out some updates about the rioting in the Ukraine; I even brought up a live feed of some of them.  WOW.  Here's a couple of links for you:

http://www.vice.com/read/live-streaming-the-ukrainian-revolt

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/aronets






The prime minister has "resigned" to try to quell the rioters.  There's a laundry list of why people are rioting, and the last straw?  A LAW THAT OUTLAWS PROTEST.


In conclusion, read up on the riots.  Being sick sucks.  I only connected today to find news.

Sunday, January 26, 2014

Plaza III

Nothing happened on Friday besides a brief message on the Facebook. Oh, and the second best meal I've had in my life!

For restaurant week, Erin and I wanted to try Plaza III.  We got dressed up, like you do, and started our culinary adventure.  Before I get to the food, can I just say that some people don't have class.  There were guys wearing hats in the restaurant!  Also, you would not believe how many people were wearig jeans!  It's ridiculous.  You don't have to dress super fancy, but I feel like you should dress nicer than jeans and a trucker hat.  And, like, don't get me started on the girls next to us who were, like, totally confused by meringue!

As soon as we sat down, we were greeted with a bowl filled with ice with carrots, celery, and radishes in it. THAT'S how you start a meal! I started with the steak soup. It was creamy, soupy, and delicious. The flavors were perfect, and I wanted to curl up inside of it and live there. Erin had the garden salad, which wasn't awesome, but it was still really good. It wasn't anything like the salad we had at Maker's Mark: it had mint, chocolate covered raisins, and some other things that tasted terrible alone but awesome together. Plaza III's was a traditional salad which was fine. Then the magic happened. Erin got the prime rib; I got the filet. The prime rib was great, and the filet was "how a steak should be." A perfect wearing on the outside while the juices stayed all cozy inside. Neither was under or over cooked; they were perfect. How do you finish this meal? With chocolate truffle cake and key lime pie! Both were really good, though I'm not sure that the key lime pie actuay had key limes in it. Oh well; it was fantastic. Then we had coffee to finish it off.

What does one drink with a meal so tasty? A crown and ginger ale and a house Cabernet which was one of the best Cabernets I've had. Jealous?

I went home, took off my pants, and crashed.

Saturday, January 25, 2014

Another Daily Entry

Thursday was an interesting day.  It started off with a meeting that I hated.  I hate regurgitating information.  Before the meeting on Wednesday, there wasn't a lot to talk about.  But, as it does, all of the information rolled downhill and it was whelming.  I was looking forward to another meeting with an outreach partnership opportunity, but that turned out to be just a way for them to make money.  That doesn't fly with me.  You want to partner with a library and offer services to people who can't afford them and charge them? You outcho damn mind.

Then I weeded.  I FUCKING LOVE WEEDING.  I got rid of some nasty books and some multiples.  Besides that, it opened up so much room in Adult Fiction!

After work, I had a night out that included a buffet with sushi and American Hustle.  You know, I didn't care for American Hustle.  I liked the way it played out, but I just couldn't get into it.  I guess I'm just a rom-com kinda guy.  I'm sure that's no surprise to anyone out there.  I really thought I would enjoy it more though.

Friday, January 24, 2014

A New Work Week and a New Hope?

Yeah!  Let's go to work and get things done!

On day 6 of the blackout, I forgot my laptop at home.  So, I sent emails from my phone.
The laptop was kind of necessary for me to have at my branch business plan meeting.  I left for lunch early and grabbed it.  The meeting went went; I'm excited.  Had a "date;" it was cancelled.  Instead, I got drinks with a good friend.

On the seventh day of my blackout, I woke up in an incredible mood!  I was ready to start the day!  I decided it would be a good idea to log back into facebook, just to check how others were doing.  Well, I thought wrong.  It was a terrible idea, and I logged back out.  Bitches.
I worked until 9, and hosted a program for no one.  After I got a special delivery, I went home and slept early.  After careful consideration, I should have stopped the delivery person and talked for some catharsis.  Oh well, maybe next time.

Maybe let's not get things done? -_-

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Gone black for MLK, Jr Day

I was still in social media blackout for the holiday weekend.

On Sunday...
Disc golf.  More fun and less pain than I expected.  Dehydrated, so I chugged water. Grabbed this shot, though:
14th hole at Water Works Disc Golf Course


And Monday...
Lunch at a new place.  Tried Brazilian cheese bread-- AMAZING.  Watched Wolf of Wall Street, a 3 hour movie.  Got a large drink.  Peed.  A LOT.  Talked for an hour.

Food and movies are valid distractions but not social media?

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Days 2 & 3

Friday

Mentally absent at work.
Made an important call.
Felt alone.
Thankful for friends, not "friends".


Saturday

Rescued for breakfast and coffee.  Hopped around town exploring other coffee shops.  Found an organic place... Got judging looks.  Tried an almond milk shake; wasn't terrible.  Hung out at the City Market; got a new hat!!! Went to a friend's work party and was apparently a hit, also Elton John (briefly).  Got home late and crashed.

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Blackout

Have you noticed that I haven't been on any social media lately?  I turned it off; too many distractions.  There were also posts that I got tired of seeing.  I'm sure I'll go back, but, if nothing else, this is a fun experiment.  I'll go through the days as they pass on here, highlighting some things.

Day 1 (Thursday):
Feigned joy at an event I would otherwise enjoy.
Made a sideways comment about not inviting someone to my housewarming. Though they thought I was joking, I wasn't so sure.
Cried (long story)

Ok

Monday, January 20, 2014

I Now Know That Feel, 2013

2013 was one of those years that I will remember for quite a while. With everyone reflecting on the past and looking to the future, it seems like I'm jumping on the nostalgia bandwagon. Back in August, though, I already had a feeling that 2013 was going to be a great year so I was in a pre-nostalgic mood. As it turns out, it was a great year (besides the very last day). Also, because 2014 has started off so shittily, I actually can't talk about all of the great things that happened. I can say that I had a great time at conferences, went to Chicago, and went to Phoenix. We'll leave the rest off for now. Who knew that the year after the Mayan calendar ended would be so great? Through this past year, I have come to appreciate my friendships and appreciate how much I've grown since moving to Kansas City, and since losing Mom and Dad.

Side note: did You know that, Years ago, the English Language capitalized every Noun? Funny, eh?

Another funny thing? "I know that feel"
It's a new way (though it's already got dust on it) to say, "I understand that feeling" or "I empathize with that." I've said it before, and up until recently, it was a straight lie. I haven't really had the capacity to fully feel feelings or express them for quite some time. Back when I was seeing a therapist (WUT?), he had told me that, because of the timing of my parents' deaths, my brain's development was slightly stunted, impairing more complex processes such as feeling, understanding, and expressing emotions. I'm not sorry if this comes as a shock to you; it's not something I've openly discussed. Who wants to talk to a guy with his own plane of checked baggage?

So, yes, I finally know that feel. What's even better is that I can express how I feel. Pssh, I'm just a guy; I have no feelings. Well, if you think that way, we're probably not friends. I feel like a complete person now. I know who I am; I know what I want, and I'll be damned if I don't get it. Now that I've come so far, though, my emotions have been tested. I have a lot of stuff going on, and I know I have the support of the right people.

I cherish my friendships, as long as the other parties cherish them, too. It's hard to have a friendship when there is no communication. Plus, if you have been a part of my life during the past year or so, you have experienced me while I've probably been at my best. Do you know that feel? Because I sure as hell do.

*e-fistbump*

I'd love to tell you more about my year in person; I think I did ok. I mean, I didn't do Jared Balfort well, but I made it through. Maybe I'll post some pictures from Phoenix/Chicago later. I hope everyone's 2013 was as good as mine. Cheers!