One Month Down

It has been awhile since I've written anything...I guess I've been kind of busy or nothing interesting has happened lately. More likely than not, the latter is true.

I guess the biggest story is that I've gone one month now since I quit smoking. It has been a tough road at times. Last weekend I went out for a beer with my buddy Gary Demuth, and it was pretty tough not asking someone for a cigarette. That was always kind of my thing with Gary. He only smoked when we went out for a beer, and we'd sit there and talk sports and theater while we drank and smoked. That's probably the occasion I'll miss smoking the most.

I've always loved my nights out with Gary. We used to go out every single Wednesday (used to be Thursdays for several years) night unless I was out of town on business or I had to stay home with one of the kids. That went on for almost ten straight years! Then Gary met Marcia and I met Angelina. Things changed after that. Not that Marcia or Angelina really mind that much if Gary and I go out for a beer together. But I guess we were both a little cautious about pushing our luck with the "once a week" thing. It's funny. When you're in a relationship is really when you NEED that one night a week refuge. Sunday was Gary's birthday, so we were kind of celebrating. I won't tell you how old he is now because he wouldn't like it if he reads this! He doesn't really "celebrate" birthdays anymore. He's so funny about that! Ever since he turned forty (nine years ago or so...uh hmmm) he's never straight with me about his age until I press the issue. I think he was forty some four years in a row! Anyway, Nathan Tysen and Ryan McCall were playing at The Paramount Bar with their band. They're always fun to listen to.

Earlier that night, Gary and I went to see Jordan's play "The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940". Jordan played a New York cop trying to solve the murders of some musical dancers which turns out to be several others before the night ends. It was very funny! Jordan is really starting to look so much like me on stage these days. His hair seemed darker on stage. I'll post some pictures when I get them. It was interesting because I played a cop trying to solve a murder in the comedy play "The Butler Did It" when I was also a junior in high school. It's funny how much Jordan's life has imitated mine at times. He's into his rock music and plays in a band....I was the lead singer of 3 bands. He works at a clothing store....I worked in the clothing industry for many years. The girls love him....well...you know. (Just kidding!) He's such a better kid than I was at his age though! I was pretty ornery and got into drinking and smoking at his age. He wouldn't think of it! I hope Shelbi has the same morals throughout high school.

Well...back to fixing the toilet! I hate plumbing work! Randy....where are you!!!

Peace.
Alex