This one's short and sweet. Yesterday not only marked the 238th anniversary of our nation, but also it has officially been one year since I met the NancyDrews and the Pardyboyz at Fudge and Ramona's Independence Day party last year. What a year it's been! I've had a blast over the past year and am grateful for all of you taking me in! Here's to years of great fun and friendship ahead! Cheers!
So I had the distinct pleasure of going to visit Eric (does he have a Pardy name??) in Tennessee. For those of you that don't know my system of US geography there are 4 sections "The Northeast" (MD, DE, PA, NY, NJ, ME, NH, VT); "The South" (GA, AL, SC, LA, MI, WV); "The West" (CA, OR, WA, NM, TX, AZ); and everything else falls under the ubiquitous "Midwest" category. Sorry Harold, no "Pacific Northwest" crap on my map.
Anyway, back to the trip.
We stayed at his family home in Knoxville, TN. I honestly believe you don't know a person until you see the house they grew up in. Sometimes it comes as a surprise, but usually you can immediately understand how that environment produced the person you have thought you knew. We began our trip at one of the homes of E-Rock's childhood friends. No surprises here. A bunch of fun, loud, easy to laughter people. Thankfully, no one resembling those Patent office trouble makers!!
From there we went to visit the "city" of Knoxville. With excitable E-Rock leading the way we hiked up and down this college town. I must say, for being a small city it is very pretty. Nice architecture, good green areas...etc. Of course, in his excitement he forgot he was leading around an injured war vet, and poor Maniac was huffing and puffing and valiantly fighting his way up hills and stairs. The city once held the World's Fair in 1981 or something and is seems to be living a bit in the shadow of those glory days.
We then settled down to watch the most awesome display of fireworks I have ever seen. I can't even begin to explain the magnitude of these balls of light. If you ever have the opportunity to go to Boomsday in Knoxville, don't pass it up my friends.
Eventually we made it back to the childhood home of our good friend. Hoards of blackmail material decorated the walls and the memories of his family. Please E-Rock, bring some of those pictures home and hang them above your fireplace!!
His family is the epitome of Southern (Midwestern?) Hospitality. We ate homemade biscuits and sausage while his parents and grammy regaled us with tales of fishing, guns, neighborhood gossip, and tales of E-Rock's childhood. The picture albums were broken out, family recipes were shared, all from the comfort of a country kitchen (complete with artifacts from old family dairies). When it was time to for Red and Maniac to hit the road, it felt like we were leaving family. With laughter and promises to keep in touch and visit whenever we were craving a good meal and better company we left feeling full and content.
There will be a time where meeting friends parents will not filter into the equation, where we will visit each other's houses and fill them with our own spouses and children and it will feel like home. But until then, I hope to understand all of my friends a little more by entering the world in which they grew up in, even if only for a day.
"in the Group." It's been a big topic in many conversations as of late. Why shouldn't it be. Who wouldn't want to be a part of this circle of friends? we're fun loving party people that are pretty damn loyal friends. The question is "what do i have to do to get in?" The answer isn't nearly as straightforward.
Many people have tried, but few have really made it in. and it's not like there's actually a list of things that one must preform to get "in". When you're in, you'll know it and won' t have to ask. Recent events have seen many spots open up on the roster: With Red and Maniac moving, it's not they're "out" but they are definitely playing for the married couples team in A-town. Rookie sensation Big Tuna decided that the fast times in Iowa City were for his style so he left in a hurry at the close of our summer season. and its not like he's "out" just yet either. But it seems as of late the group is slowly dwindling, and some of us are open to trying out new talent to the group. So here's a quick heads up and tips for getting "in" and staying "in"
1. Be original. Whilst most of our conversations come straight out of movies and TV, just be yourself rather than fake, and you'll be liked for you on your own terms, not some fake persona that you though was cool. Unless you suck, then you better be a damn good actor.
2. Show up to shit. We hang out a lot as a group. And some of us go out on weekdays. attendance is expected. and not just when its convenient for you. Noobs need to go out of their way to make appearances.
3. get on the mailing list. We send out mass emails often. This is where it starts to get tough. mostly because someone has to add you on their own. so if someone goes out of their way to add you, you've got a head start on the competition.
4. Read our blog. We enjoy writing it, and we love to have other people than just us reading it. Leave a comment, then we know you've been checking it.
5. Just cuz you did good during the summer months doesn't mean its over. Some people have hung out with us tons, but never really saw it through. We've tried out many people that just never really made it. And some were really close, then they just stopped calling, emailing, and showing up. be curious if you stop getting mass emails.
6. Some of us picked our own names. some of us had our names given to us. chances are if you're new, don't get to hung up on getting your name just yet, one will be provided. you can change it later if your around long enough. its up to you
We're a totally loyal group of friends, and all we ask in return is you be just as loyal. If want a friend that's more loyal. get a dog. just remember, you gotta feed it, and pick up ts shit. we're already all house trained. except maybe for Vinny the Pooh. He didn't get that name for nothing.
