Category Archives: First Impressions

Either my first time at a venue or my first time seeing a show. First impressions can be important.

Goin’ Down West

I had two dates in the past week. Both went down on me before it was over. Both used an approach that not only disappoints but is almost uncomfortable. Imagine someone trying to kiss you without using lips. Now add a vigorous side-to-side motion that resembles blowing raspberries on a belly. Initially innocuous, the resulting effect is me pushing away from the sensation. If given the opportunity I offer instructions but, for the most part, I strongly encourage hand stuff. I know how to get off and it usually doesn’t require saliva. I know I taste good. That’s no reason to forget your manners. Continue reading Goin’ Down West

Nostalgia

I have it written all over my face. I used to be pretty like a Disney princess. Big brown eyes, ample bosom and porcelain clear skin. I put a lot of stock in my appearance, more from people’s consistent reaction than any personal value. Being traditionally pretty has its advantages no matter what your actual flaws are. Pretty people are allowed more chances, shown more forgiveness and generally treated better by professional society. That’s why I like desperate people. They don’t give a damn what you look like.
Continue reading Nostalgia

January 2017

The days of trusting my gut are only beginning and no one can make me second guess those decisions anymore. Having a good time doesn’t happen in just one place. This artificial time delineation is the easiest to wrap my tiny human brain around. New Year’s Day feels fresher after all the parties instead of hungover, like the day after Halloween. For the next month I’ll do at least two things every day. Yoga and writing. Forcing my thoughts out into the open is the only way to flush out good ideas. The yoga is for my sanity. Continue reading January 2017

NES Classic

As silver linings go, the muted gunmetal gray of an NES Classic is pretty sweet. My gut told me to purchase one when it was available and I did. Also had a great $15 of sushi for lunch. Then I returned a call that shattered my dreams all over the low-pile corporate carpeting. Sigh. At least I got something valuable for my time. Even if I don’t have a TV to play it on. I’ve rigged an old computer monitor to give me video but without the classic video game music it’s not the complete sensory experience I require for a full flashback experience. Continue reading NES Classic

Nothing Left

This time last week, I was celebrating my chance to work at a company I love. Today I was told having marijuana in my system makes me ineligible to work. I knew this ahead of time. That’s why I used a system cleanse to flush myself out before peeing in a cup. This method has worked for me before. Many times. Apparently 1 out of 4 is the statistic I needed to watch out for.  Continue reading Nothing Left

Inking Feeling

I’m ready for work on Monday. A shock to my system akin to cold water, sometimes chilly water is the only way to do it. There’s a river in middle Tennessee that fills an old cast iron tub with ice cold water. To the brim. Nearby there’s a small sauna, big enough for maybe a dozen people if everyone gets friendly. If you’re lucky there’s a eucalyptus brew in the air. Great for curing that sniffle. Continue reading Inking Feeling

Fixation

I live in Seattle. Technically (and financially) that’s been true since January. It just didn’t feel real until now. On Wednesday night I told a very personal story on stage to a small, attentive crowd. About 20% of the crowd consisted of people there to see me. It’s absolutely amazing – in less than a year I have friends in Seattle. I was even surprised by someone who didn’t tell me they would be there. That’s the biggest audience I’ve ever drawn for anything, including my wedding. A sure sign that I not only live in Seattle but I fit in better than I ever did in Memphis. Continue reading Fixation

Election Remorse

Our voices are more important than ever. If you have something to say, speak loudly. If you don’t then please just stop and listen. Unify the message and support each other. The space between our differences is where the fractures start. The split interests of the Democrats is arguably what allowed this shit to happen. Personally, I consider this election inconvertible proof that you can buy anything in this country. And if someone with more money comes along he can take it away.

Stop demonizing the “white man” and remember that appearances aren’t what matter. Actions do. Take action by educating yourself. Discover the real demons living among you. Don’t tolerate hate. Don’t laugh at crude, easy jokes. Witness the struggle on a daily basis and try to be patient. Our position in the battle has changed. Preserving the progress we’ve made is a victory. It feels like standing still after all this forward momentum but not losing ground is the goal now. That’s how wars work.

 

I Fucking Voted

I’ve voted in 3 states so far. Philadelphia and Memphis have similar systems with early voting options and polling on election day itself. In my lifetime, the only information I was given about candidates or policies came from yard signs and partisan TV commercials. The onus is on the voter to educate themselves for the most part. The first time I voted I was amazed to find out how much shit is on the ballot no one even mentions. Amendments, propositions, initiatives, advisories and so many judges. Studying for the SATs is easier.  Continue reading I Fucking Voted