Bar +

So, I tried to blog from the bar last night. I failed. I got a few thoughts down, but I was rudely interrupted by a poor firefighter whose wife left him recently, and is going through a divorce. She has a boyfriend who she's living with and is trying to twist the "breakup" around to make it the firefighter's fault. According to him. He seemed pretty unsettled and really hurt about the situation, so I listened to him for a while, but I really didn't like him much, plus he had this really low voice and I had to totally strain to understand what he was saying. Even as I texted a friend, he kept talking and talking and talking. After a while, I was just annoyed and bored by his story. I mean, I've heard it all before - I'm living it - so it's not that shocking to me. I was completely happy when my pal B showed up and took my attention away from the firefighter. And I totally don't get why people feel the need to tell me their life stories when I do nothing to encourage it. Apparently, I'm good at eye contact and smiling, so I've been told. And, also, apparently I'm cute. Don't follow that logic at all, but it comes from a reliable source, so I guess I'll consider it?

Before the firefighter arrived, I was able to observe a few things. First, the bar booth behind me was having a passionate conversation about NASCAR. And I knew this based on the names they were mentioning. That made me feel lame that I recognized all these NASCAR names and that I even agreed with them on a few points.

And there was a soccer match on...NED vs SVK. Football looking middle aged guy across the bar was making a bunch of comments. "Why didn't the goalie use his hands? Aren't they supposed to use their hands?" That's what non-soccer people know about soccer. Not that I'm much better...but still? Then he went on to talk hugely about baseball and burning lungs. What do I know...I had him pegged for a football guy.

I love when people abuse their cigarette boxes by turning them upside down and viciously smacking the shit out of the bottom. Love that sound. Really. Plus it's fun to watch.

When your bartender starts to pour your beer before you even sit down, you know you're a regular. Or an alcoholic. Speaking of my bartender, we'll call him "Timmy." Timmy was working last night. He's my favorite bartender. He's quite robust. I'm not good with weight, but I'd guess at least 300 lbs. He had a goatee for a while, and it looked good, but he recently shaved it. He's really funny, in a quiet, dorky kinda way. He's really good at refilling drinks - maybe a little too good. He makes crude jokes and references, but they always come off as nerdy. My kinda guy. :)

There's another bartender who works there...we'll call her "Barb," because that's her name and I can't think of a witty alternative. She's hard as nails. She doesn't take shit from anyone, and she doesn't muss her perfect nails as she washes glasses. I like her, too. She has a soft side, and I'm trying to get at it. Because that's how I am.

Another bartender, we'll name her "Dan," works sometimes. I'd actually love to have her all the time. She's cool, young, fun, and pleasant. Plus, I like to talk about photography with her. She shoots weddings and portraits in her spare time. And she likes to walk in the woods, like I do. She just does it more often. She's just great and does her job really well. I think she should work the bar more often. I feel like I'm developing a friendship with her, and that makes me happy.

So, that's about it from the bar, sorry. In closing, I'll list some thoughts. They just jump into my head and deserve recording:

I don't like how kids cry a lot.
I don't like bi-level houses.
I don't like socks with addidas sandals. Especially on men.
I like wood over vinyl siding. I like brick over wood.
I like rocks.
I saw the coolest looking dog today in the back of a car at Kroger. I was talking to him, telling him what a cute puppy he was, when I noticed his owner in the front passenger seat. I think she thought I was crazy. I just smiled.
I haven't tossed a softball with anyone in forever. Some neighbors are doing that now, and it makes me want to throw.
Also, one of my fondest memories is using crooked tree branches and walnuts to play baseball in the backyard in Erlanger. "the good old days"
So ready to make new memories.
In fact, I'm probably making them right now!
The Eels' song "It's a Beautiful Day" is in my head: goddamn right, it's a beautiful day, uh-huh.
There is a bug catcher hanging from the deck at the B&B. Luke and I both thought it was an empty bird feeder.
I'm not a huge fan of sliding glass doors.
My nerves are tingling. Not in a bad way. I'm just highly sensitive today. Every sense is on high alert.
I haven't had a gin and tonic in a long time, and would like one very soon.
So, you know I'm all intense on the feelings tonight...I realize I have so many amazing friends, who come in all personalities and dispositions and with varied opinions. I am so thankful for you all.

Goodnight.