Random Words and Other Thoughts

When a friend inadvertently makes you uncomfortable, do you tell that friend or just continue on as if nothing was said? The key word here is inadvertently. Said friend had no ill will nor thought the comment could be taken the wrong way. And really, it wasn't offensive. It was a statement. An opinion. But to me... mildly unsettling. And frankly, it was only so because of something that happened in my life years ago. One of those things you shouldn't ever forget, but still don't like to think about. Point being, the friend and I were yammering away in perfectly normal, happy, conversation when a phrase—a thought really—escaped and took me by surprise. I felt a little... I don't know. Just for a second. And then it passed.

I didn't say anything. Nothing was meant by it and so really, what would've been the point then? It just got me thinking. About our words. The things we say. The things we blog. And mostly, how others feel about that stuff.

Haven't updated lately. Sorry about that. Every time I go to post, there seems to be something else my mind is determined to accomplish. Usually things that need done. All the things that fill up my calendar and prey upon my thoughts. Even now, there are other things that need wrapping up and I'm posting instead. And it's not that easy. I'm distracted by it all.

The other night I was going to post about friendship. I guess the short version (because originally it was to be a grand list of things that I like to associate with friendship) is that there are fewer things greater in this world than staying up late talking to your best friend—sharing the kinds of stories that qualify the term. I'm very lucky to have the friends that I have. Each awesome in their own right. Each probably my friend for a different reason. I mean, what is friendship? Late night talks? Confiding secrets? Sharing a pint? Road-tripping together? Or is it more? Is it loyalty? Trust? That intangible feeling you get when around some people where you just know that those are the people... those are your friends... the ones you'd fight for. The ones you'd stand with when it counted. The ones you'd defend to your dying breath. And yet, it really is the simple things. Knowing just what to say to make the other laugh hysterically until they almost cry. Sharing a pizza. Driving across country (okay, not so simple—but awesome). Meeting for lunch during a hectic workday when you don't even have time to eat so you just hang out for a bit. Shaking hands and knowing there's meaning to it. Sharing a private joke with only a look.

So I made a list after all. And I could keep going. But I'll move on to other topics in the post.

Trees. Random in this context. And it's one tree in particular of which I speak. Last weekend, Lucidity and I celebrated our two-year (dating) anniversary. Thought I'd clarify because sometimes when you say that word, people glance at the ring finger on your left hand and then a perplexed expression washes over their face when they don't see gold staring back at them. So to celebrate two amazing years (and toast to many more), we rented a cabin for the weekend.

And then a tree fell on it.

Not even kidding.

Luckily, we weren't there yet and no one was hurt. But really—what are the chances of a tree falling on the one cabin out a thousand in that area that we happened to rent? Actually, maybe the odds aren't so small. I mean, the region is full of trees. It's why people go there. They're everywhere. Naturiffic. Anyway, we were relocated to another cabin. And here's why sometimes I like the universe. The new cabin, while larger and sporting an entire other room we didn't need, was situated on 100 acres and surrounded by pine trees. It had private walking trails, a large pond with a boat, and an awesome grilling station in the yard. Sometimes things happen and seem bad at first (like trees falling onto cabins), but then it all has a way of working out doesn't it?

Jumping topics once more (I know, I'm all over the map today). In four weeks (and a couple days) I'm going to be an equal mix of thrilled and anxious, with just a skosh of terrified thrown in to really make things shiny. AACTFest, Region III. Just had to toss that out there. Rehearsal tonight and I always get jazzed about it, especially during the rehearsal. Every night we hit another level. And aside from the adrenaline boost you get from competing, the whole thing is incredibly fun. Not AACTFest (though I'm sure it's a right good time), but the show. Doing the show is a fantastic rush on all levels. And in four weeks, that rush is gonna rock.

This post is quickly dissolving into rambling paragraphs strung together and being dolled out the way six-year-olds' energy and incoherency simultaneously increases in the moments before they pass out for the night. I'm writing just to keep posting, just to keep from doing all the things I need to be doing at this very moment. Ah, procrastination, you are a mischievous comrade.

Now onto work. Important work... important...

Oh, look... new e-mail...