I think I met, like, 7 new cool people tonight. That may be a record. Hopefully, a few lil' friendships can develop.

I am so much more forward about meeting people and getting into conversations these days. That shit works, let me tell you (if you've got a little bit to say). Call me a friendship slut, I guess, lol.

Sigh... maybe there's hope after all.

As for tomorrow... the spectre of jury duty awaits. I'm not sure if I want to be on one or not-- it could be interesting, that's for sure. Then again, it could be two octagenerians arguing over land parcels.

Take care, peeps.

Jumped out of an airplane yesterday. It was pretty nerve-wracking sitting by an open door at 10,000 feet, then sticking my feet onto a tiny little wheel cover as the wind tried to whip them away. Then suddenly I was launched by my tandem-jumper out into space, and all I could say was "Whoaaaaaaa...." It literally took my breath away for awhile. 130 mph, down. down, down.

When he pulled the chord, it was an abrupt shift, kind of painful; then a quiet floating down above the scenery.

The landing was easy. When I looked at an article on skydiving fatalities (AFTERward), it seems that landings account for much of the fatalities. But this was smooth. And then I couldn't really hear for about 15 minutes.

Damn. We humans do some weird stuff, at times.

Afterwards, I ate bbq. A pretty good day.

MORAL LESSON FAIL: With the sheer amount of illicit substances I indulged in last night, and the fact that I was up until 6am, I have no business feeling as fine as I did today. OH WELL.

Oh god... too much pizza. I'm about ready to go full-Scanners.

Just got back from Tahoe. It's nice to be there with my friends, but jesus, their kids are spoiled brats right now. Too much fake crying and coddling. And you should see the kids! [laughter, applause, loud booing]

No, but seriously-- if I go insane as a parent, I hope someone sets me straight.

Who am I kidding, no one ever does that.

SG on one tab, Billy Idol vids on the other:bliss.

Anyone else getting "Clips 4 Sale" shit on their SG?

Well, it looks like I'm going to have to make an unexpected side-trip to Asheville for a couple days. After that, I may have to cut my stay in North Carolina dramatically short-- trouble and complications a-brewin' on the homefront (none that really have anything to do with me, but my presence may not be, uh, appreciated). This actually kind of sucks-- I've been looking forward to getting to know this city. I guess we'll see what happens. Any recommendations on what to see in Asheville? Because you're all experts on North Carolina, is what my hope is.

God damn it.

It's getting pretty late, don't have too much time to blog now. But I just want to say that Charlotte, NC is a pretty cool place. I'm staying with friends and really digging the people, the places, the plants and weird bugs. But it sure is fucking hot. I'll relate some of the stuff I'm seeing soon. (Example: tonight, Fernelvis, the most famous Filipino Elvis impersonator there is...) (???)

I have a lot of freedom, freedom to do what I want when I want. Lately, I've really been thinking about how I can translate my interests and abilities into something more than being a reader/watcher/listener. I mean, I do teach, which is an honorable and productive job; and I try to be a good friend, brother, etc. But I'm thinking maybe I should make it my business to be more creative, to write or pursue some kind of other creativity. I've also been thinking about pursuing a doctoral degree. The expense and years don't appeal to me; but what good are all the books I read, etc etc, if I can't transfer that knowledge into something more?

I don't know. If I had a family, maybe I'd feel differently. But I'm a guy with time on his hands, and a fairly big brain. So I'm pondering.... I think being creative and/or branching out may be my new "job"; giving some serious effort to figuring this shit out.

And I don't wanna be a Unabomber or a monk! (That'd be a great Ramones song.)

The first week of summer was fantastic. A wedding, a bunch of old friends, partying, my birthday, a concert, more partying, a trip to the beach, a music festival, a trip to the river, margaritas with friends last night.... I think I've done more in the first week of this summer than I did all of last summer. Very, very happy about this.

All of my friends visiting from out of town fell in love with Sonoma County. Hard not to, I guess.

On a side note, I ran into one of the girls from 'the group' that I thought hated me, and she didn't even know what I was talking about, she's dating some new guy, and the girls are all mad at each other over something else. Heh... Human beings, we're always good for a laugh.

OK, time to get back on the fitness track. Today I go out jogging at Foothill Park in Windsor; and try to set up an appointment to change internet providers, 'cause AT&T are awful.

This summer is going to be fun. Hell, it already is.

I guess I must be ready for summer, 'cause I've been tired as fuck lately. Maybe it's the annual allergy-reaction thingy-- it's lke having a bad cold and having your eyes go crazy for about two months. I guess I need to look into stiffer measures next year, like getting a shot or something. I don't think most people realize how bad it is because I don't complain, I'm so used to it happening every year. On the other hand, many people probably think I'm a wake-and-baker, what with the ridiculous red eyes and all. Still, I love to hike and be out in nature, and I'm not gonna stop that.

Sweet three-day weekend coming up. At some point, I'll have to get some barbecue and hit up a beach and go out to a bar. That is my plan.