Sigil’s Neighborhood

Some time after Scotch and I got engaged, we were chillin' together somewhere and discussing the many improbable triumphs our relationship has seen. We marvelled at just how much fucking FUN we have together, and how happy and comfortable we are together. We boasted to ourselves about how, even during tough times, our enjoyment of and love for each other comes so easily. We began to feel like maybe we were cheating or something. Relationships aren't supposed to be this much fun, right? All you ever hear about is how much work they are. Now, don't get me wrong... we have to work at ours too. We've worked a tremendous amount on it. But, it's that kind of work that you love, partially because it's fun work, and partially because you know the payoff is huge. Anyway, as we got further in to our engagement and closer to our wedding day, we started to wonder if some authority figure was going to intervene and come up with some reason we wouldn't be allowed to be together.

"I'm sorry, folks, but the Department of Health has determined that you two simply don't detest each other enough to be a married couple. You're going to have to find more suitable mates."

We frequently joked about how there was no way we were going to get away with locking in eternal happiness. Why should we be so lucky? We imagined guys in black suits with dark glasses and earpieces suddenly grabbing one of us and throwing them in a van, never to be seen or heard from again.

The prophecy almost came true when, on their way to the ceremony, Nadia (the Maid of Honor) and Scotch were pulled over by the most unforgiving police officer in Hawaii and detained for a long time, while being berated for a variety of offenses, including crying over being late for one's own wedding. Meanwhile, my Best Man and I raced across the island to make up time lost to a faulty alarm clock. Storm clouds literally opened up a deluge of rain as we picked up the Most Awesome Flower Girl Ever on our way.

We all made it, of course. The weather cleared up and it was, honestly and without exaggeration, the most beautiful and amazing day I've ever seen. We said our vows (in Hawaiian and English), exchanged leis, exchanged rings, kissed, and sealed the deal. We made it, and nobody can fuck with that now.

Shortly after the ceremony, Scotch reminded me to check out the inside of my ring. I excitedly removed it, squinted, and read the most perfect and clever inscription:

There was no need to worry. The Furniture Making/Woodworking class will be moving at an extremely slow pace. It will be weeks before we're ever allowed to touch a power tool. In a way, I am relieved. And looking forward to receiving a strong foundational education in the craft.

After this semester, there is significantly more shop time involved and less constraints. It's good that I have a chance to warm up to the commute and become accustomed to the after hours commitment. By the time I get used to it, it will be time to grab some power tools & get dirty.

As for the other kids, my insecurities were completely unfounded. There were girls in big booby sun dresses, a surfer dude with no shoes on (HELLO) and various other unprepared beginners. I wish I would not have spent the time or energy on purchasing steel-toed boots or changing into my overalls at the office.

I would be lying if I said this class didn't stir up a lot of emotions in me. Truthfully, it made me miss that surly old bastard I used to work for and appreciate how lucky I was to work for him, especially in the diversity of projects he gave me. Most apprentices are lucky if after a year they are given something different to do - usually it's just the same thing everyday, like sanding or what-not.

Anyway, I'm going to leave it at that. The time now is to be tough, not get all misty about my past life. It's time to create a better and more solid future. 

Furniture Making/Design class begins tonight at the local college. I'm nervous about managing school while working full time; the lengthy commute to campus; and I'm insecure about my skill level as compared to other students. I am, however, excited to play with power tools and have access to a woodshop again!

This will be the first time I have been a woodworker and a corporate person simultaneously. I have always had the luxury of compartmentalizing these divergent aspects of myself. It will be interesting to see how high heels by day and steel-toed boots by night interplay with one another.

Obviously, this is something I will have to get used to...my goal is to start by having a small shop, while continuing to make real money, until the shop becomes sustainable. I'm not sure how likely it is that I will be able to pull this off in San Francisco - the dream will likely need to wait until we move back to Hawaii. But, as long as I am in that place by my 30th birthday, I will be happy. *knock on wood*
 

Walmart gets exclusive rights to sell albums. So far, it doesn't seem like they've got exclusivity to any record that might be any good.

Personally, I love seeing stuff like this. I LOVE watching the recording industry continually shoot itself in the foot, head, balls, etc... The more stupid shit like this they do, the less records they will sell, and the less they will produce, which will encourage actual artists (not manufactured "bands" who have no talent or motivation) to just produce and distribute their own work. Sweet.

...by the most amazing site on the web! The "guest book" slideshow at the bottom is my favorite part. Who says they didn't have the internet in 1975?

I think it might be a dangerous or perhaps rabid baby... Hence, all the warnings.

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I miss my wife. I get home tomorrow, though!

And smokin

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