Sir Grump Munch

June 16, 2003

Older than I've ever been

I've started to realize, as the weeks and months slip underfoot, that it's been a year since I've had a girlfriend and almost a year since I moved to Chicago. For some people a year alone would seem trivial, given life expectancies, etc. But for me, it's a little alarming, especially since I'm going to be 26 in a few months and I'm just starting to notice myself getting older in context, for the first time in my life. Maybe a year alone, during the "prime" of my life, is due punishment for wrongful deeds (in a karmic sense). Or maybe I just lack social skills. Yes, both.

What this is leading to, is a sense of urgency in getting out and living life a little more fully. In the past meeting girls was easy; in both college and working at PETA, there was always a pool of likeminded singles with whom I had many opportunities to interact, without going out on a limb socially, or god forbid, approaching a total stranger in a bar. But now it's not so easy... I've learned my lesson that dating co-workers is about as wise as pissing on a hornet's nest, and fortunately, that's not even a consideration in my current job situation.

I have been out on a few "dates" (I guess you'd call 'em that, even though I hate that term), since moving here, but there has been no spark, or even baseless "messin' around" thus far. The world isn't going to thrust itself into my arms, especially in a big city, so I have to make a conscious effort to thrust myself into its thankless, prison-tattooed arms as often as possible. </sap story>

Now a brief recap of a fun-filled weekend: Friday I went to co-worker Liz's art opening in the West Loop, and boy, am I glad I did. Totally amazing work all around, lots of art cuties, and some good inspiration. After that I wanted to finally catch one of scooter buddy Abe's rock shows, so I caught Waxon 7 at the Fireside Bowl. Good show, good venue (again with the cuties) and lots of dudes who looked like Jedi Chad. I also stopped at the Pick-Me-Up for a nightcap and Vegan Rice Krispie Square.

Saturday I checked out the Mod Scooter Meet at Delilah's on Lincoln, had a few drinks, talked scooters, and went on a beautiful ride through downtown. One very attractive girl in particular made that a great ride. I made it to the used bookstore in time to buy 3 copies of Biker Lifestyle, and later hung out with Glen, Abe and Silent Ron for a while in Glen's garage. We then rode down to Club Foot and got our Party on for a while before going to Golden Nugget for some nasty grub.

Sunday I slept in, did some Father's Day calling, read for a while, and finally made it out to a bookstore and a music store. No luck in finding any new media, but it's probably for the better, since I'm sitting on plenty already. Met Dave to check out the Andersonville Midsommerfest, and that was a lot of fun. Rockin' tunes by CatFight, good street-fair grub, mullet-viewing, and more.

Posted by pj at June 16, 2003 07:07 PM