2012

The last day of work this year was today. Which means that the last day I will likely contribute much of anything to society of any value this year was, well, today. I'm not quite sure about the verb tenses on that. As such, I am going to take stock of what has happened to me (and the way that I reacted to those things) in 2012.

I came into my own at work at a job that I very much enjoy. The last time I enjoyed working where I do this much, I was in college. And that was a while ago. 

I went to Chicago in February to see The Promise Ring play a reunion show. Highlight? When they played "Stop Playing Guitar" which encapsulates the way I feel (to a large extent) about playing music.

I went to California in April to go Coachella. I don't like outdoor music fests and after Cornerstone 200X, I vowed to never go again. When I found out that REFUSED was playing, I bought my ticket immediately. Here is the video of them playing. They were perfect.

In June, a woman told me that she was in love with me. I was not in love with her. She also told me that she was deleting me. I'm not sure what that means but we haven't spoken since. I guess that's what that means.

In July, I turned 32. Frankly, I'm surprised I've made it this far. 

In September, I went to Iceland. Iceland feels like another planet. Watch this.

In November, a woman flew 1700 miles across the country for me. This was a risk worth taking but (as everything that doesn't end up in death does) didn't end up quite as well as what was hoped for... On the plus side, I didn't end up in the backyard puking by the tree like I did last September. This one hurt.

I went to Michigan for Christmas. I didn't take any pictures of videos. It wasn't the most enjoyable Christmas.

I bought a new car yesterday. It's a 2013 Nissan Altima. I figured it was time to own a car with a heated steering wheel. Here is what it looks like:

Also, I haven't shaved in almost 8 months. I figure I'm gonna keep not shaving until I have to, well, shave. 

I have no idea what's in store for 2013. But I'm hoping it will be as much of an adventure as 2012 has been. There are still three days left. If you would like to join me for what is sure to be an evening that will not be remembered, please join us at Warfield on Monday night for this:

 

Do 2013 better than you did 2012. Do tomorrow better than you did today.

Connect

I have never been to Connecticut. At least, I don't think I have. I've been up since 2:45 this morning (a combination of having to be at work very early and my extreme excitement for The Hobbit this afternoon so my brain is a little bit fried at the moment). I know two people that live there. With the exception of my two friends that live there, it's a spot on a map. I mean, Hartford doesn't even have a hockey team anymore or a single notable brewery. How much of a state can it be?

I came home from work with the full intent of taking a nap before going to see the movie but since all I can think about is what happened in Connecticut that probably isn't going to happen. The nap part, not the movie part.

Those of you who know me know that I value my freedom and I value my independence. My nearest family members are 500 miles away. I far too infrequently ask for help and when I do, I try to make it as private as possible. Unless it involves a ride to and/or from the airport. I need one next Friday by the way as I am going to be flying to see said family members if anyone would like to help me out. This post is not about me.

All I've seen on the social media sites, the internet, and the TV, for the past few hours has been the coverage of the shootings in Connecticut. Everyone seems to have an opinion: it's the government's fault for not having tougher gun control laws; the gunman/men clearly had a mental condition; how could someone just walk right in and do this? The answer isn't having tougher gun laws. [Since when do those who want to commit actions which are called "crimes" ever care about "laws"?] The answer isn't publicizing about improved medical care for those with mental health conditions. [There's no need to fount over what condition someone may or may not have.] The answer isn't more or less coverage in the media. [These are the same organizations that cover the death of Khloimalamadingdong Kardashian's pet.] The answer is that there is no answer that can be legislated. There is no comfort in that.

I'm not a parent. I can't imagine losing a child because I don't have one to lose. There is no comfort in that, either.

What this is about is tonight. No, not about "The Hobbit". But about you and me and everyone you can think of. It's about giving someone a big damn hug. It's about talking it out. It's about taking the biggest risk you can possibly take and even if it blows up in your face, you knew you took that risk. It's about connecting. Go make a connection. Find that lonely person at the party tonight and invite them to the conversation. Call a friend in another state and tell them that you miss them. Call your mom and tell her that you love her and can't wait to see her next week. Go buy a glass of scotch for your roommate. You never know whose life you could save; the life you save could be your own.

As much as this tragedy (which is a word that has become far too commonplace in our world) has affected all of us on whatever scale you'd like to believe that it has, the only thing it makes me want to do is connect. With you. With all of you. Throw down your guard. Go. Connect.

That's it.