Day 127: Don't drop...

This might sound odd, but I've never actually held a newborn baby until today. As I was walking back to lunch today, I ran into an old friend from high school that was taking her new baby on a stroll through the park. We got to talking for a while and she asked me to hold the little guy while she grabbed some coffee. I pretended not to freak out and kind of just cradle him in my arms. But seriously, I was afraid a million different things would go wrong.

But after a couple minutes, it seemed to get much simpler. The little fellow grabbed onto my pinkie a couple times and wouldn't let go. He just kept smiling up at me and laughing as well. In the world of babies, my appearance must be hilarious. All in all, it was a very enriching experience. Almost too cute for words.

Day 126: Lacrosse

I got a chance to play lacrosse today down in the park today (which was a perfect 70 degrees) and it's quite entertaining. The toughest part seemed to be catching that little ball in the net most of the time. After I learned the basic rules of the game, we had a little 4 on 4 scrimmage; which my team won despite my worst efforts. The rules are very much like hockey, but playing on grass seems much easier. I never learned how to ice skate properly.

Anyway, it was a hell of a workout. I think I ran more today than I have in my combined workouts for the week.

Day 125: Hollywood

Or as close as you can get to it in Greenville. I perused the Hollywood Gallery for the first time today, kind of looking for some small black & whites for a framed grouping of photos. They didn't have exactly what I was looking for, but I did see a couple excellent Marylyn Monroe prints that would look great on my walls. I also found a hilarious picture of Jack Nicholson with a goofy smile staring into a magnifying glass.

Still, I'd be shocked if they stay in business for long. Many of the prints are very overpriced, reaching professional gallery prices. I'll probably just find the prints I want on the net and frame them myself.

Day 124: Crashed a luncheon.

For some reason, I felt really confident today. One of those types of days where everything just clicks. I pulled off an excellent prank on a couple students this morning, solved an "enormous" (according to the perception of ignorant people) problem at work, and even coaxed a free coffee out of my favorite barista girl all before lunch.

Anyway, there was a large shin-dig setup in downtown as a precursor to Cinco De Mayo. Similar to St. Patrick's Day, it's a weekend celebration rather than a single day around here. So, I snuck a nametag from the main table and dished myself up a plate of fine hispanic cuisine. I believe it was a city sponsered event as I saw folks like the mayor strolling around the area. I must have looked like I fit in with my dress clothes.

As long as you look important enough, I guess you can blend in anywhere.

Day 123: Broadway

Today I bought a birthday gift for a lovely young lady who truely deserves such tokens, specfically a ticket for a Broadway show. While it was the first time I purchased a birthday gift for her, it's actually the first time I've ever bought a ticket for a Broadway show. I've saw Phantom & Les Mis in the late nineties along with Chicago & Avenue Q a couple years ago, yet never paid for anything myself.

Anyway, it feels good to give. I've been on an altruistic high all night. :)

Day 122: Change

I've always been a bit of an asshole when it comes to the homeless. For some reason, I get asked for change all the time. I'm not sure what in my face screams "Free money", but it just does. I always see some of the same people walking the streets every day, but I avoid all eye contact. Hell, that's partially the reason I shove headphones in my ear on my daily commute.

Anyway, my frozen exterior melted away a bit today and I emptied my pocket to a lady that's been sitting on the same bench for a week, all day. Just a trifle though. And I'll still wake up as an asshole tomorrow.

Day 121: I hate squash.

I actually hate the vegetable too, but I'm referring to the game. I played my first (and last) game of squash down at the Y and I really stink at it. I couldn't tell if it was poor eye to hand coordination or just a limited range of motion. I was leaping all over the place trying to smack that tiny rubber ball, but wasn't having a bit of luck. I know I'll be sore all over tomorrow as well.

I'm just going to stick to tennis for now.