Author: Writer guy

Breathe

Writer guy

This weekend promises lots more free time than last, which is a good thing. Though I already miss last weekend’s festivities. Reflecting on a good wedding always makes me smile.

Autumn started this week. Maybe Wednesday morning, I think. Fall is my favorite season; it means cross country. Not coincidentally, it’s also the time of year I enjoy running the most. As much fun as cross country is, I want to try fell racing.

Fell racing is a British sport–as I understand it, anyway–where competitors run down slopes fast as they can manage. Their task: remain vertical and reach the line in one piece. Basically, the more a racer fights gravity, the harder and more dangerous the descent, the more likely an injury. So the trick appears deceptively simple. Racers stay in control by ceding control. And the only way to do that is to stay in motion and let their steps fall where they may. Which is rather like rock climbing or writing. Fight the wall or the page, and it hurts. But try your best, keep moving and somehow the next hold, the next sentence, appears.

What happened

Writer guy

Feel like I woke up, found the local rag on the front lawn after sunset and discovered it’s Wednesday. Page count this week is on the low side, though it started well enough, and there are a few days left yet. Work–or my inability to leave before 7pm the last few days–is to blame. Fall term beats up the staff at most schools, especially the one person departments. Time passes easily at least.

While I avoid discussing work too frequently, as of late there’s an odd vibe in the halls worth noting. Not exactly a rumor, but more of a shared exchange between myself and coworkers, and one that’s recurred with so many different people, it can’t be a coincidence. As people pass me in the hallway they stop, pat my shoulder, and say, “Don’t quit. We like you.”

Why they do this I have no idea, though the culprit might be legacy. I’ve lasted longer than most of my predecessors. In another three months, only one beats me on tenure. Perhaps they envision some sort of tech guy expiration date. Usually by now, the tech guy either gets canned or bolts.

The funny thing is, I know why they leave, yet for all the oddities about the position, this is the best job I’ve ever had. So I’m staying.

Aftermath

Writer guy

A big weekend wedding passed. I’m very happy for my buddy, Matt. I didn’t lose a friend. I gained a partner in evil.

Seems everyone is getting married lately.

Being a best man reminded me that I like public speaking. My day job rarely calls for it, but I can stand and deliver. Must have struck a chord; the mom in law gave me a kiss immediately after and said, “Come over anytime. Don’t call. Just come over.”

Needless to say, it was a hell of a nice thing to hear after not sleeping for two nights leading up to the ceremony. The gin helped, too.

And now it’s back to work. Covered 5 more pages Sunday afternoon. Rust never stops.

To Matt and Michelle

Writer guy

A wedding toast I delivered last night:

I’ve known Matt – I call him Big Matt – for fifteen years. We met during a five month stretch in an 8×10 cinder block room back in 1991. That was the semester we roomed together in college.
A few word of thanks.
First, I’d like to thank Mark and Linda for hosting such a wonderful party, and Matt and Michelle for all their preparations and work. They really did a fantastic job. Many people contributed this day–so many family members and friends made this celebration what it is.
For me, what makes this day so special, is that the love between Michelle and Matt is so genuine and obvious. I truly believe that Matt would walk the ends of the Earth for Michele’s happiness. And I know Michelle would do the same for him. That’s why their marriage will be such a great success.
Matt and Michele choose each other. They choose to share their life. Tonight is but the start of a special journey. A journey that is their story. Tonight. Tonight we bear witness to a small part of their first chapter. Like the great romances, the story of Matt and Michelle can be retold again and again.
To Matt and Michelle: May you always honor and follow the story that led you to each other, to this moment, to this happy place.

Congratulations to both of you.

NOTE: Regular posts resume on Monday, September 18th.