Archive for July, 2003

Universal Language : The Head Nod

I found myself driving to work the other day, and on the side of the street directing children off a school bus, was a security guard. He was an older black man and when I passed or eyes met and instinctively I gave him a head nod, and he returned one back to me. The motion however brief is in my mind hugely symbolic. Despite diversity, adversity, and all that other shit, we end just being people. The head nod is the universal sign for “I come in peace” or from medieval times “I pose no threat”. Now a greeting or a sign of understanding, some of the most powerful exchanges aren’t even verbal.

Random Thought: recorded on June 22nd 2003

Rum & Cokes and Nicorette save me!

I am flying over the Atlantic Ocean without my wife.

Thank you, the F.B.I

I am still trying to get some stories written and pictures published from the trip. Something new will be up soon, just trying to get domesticated.

Interestingly enough, the withdrawal from the evil smoke stick appears to have subsided. I am definately less cranky, though I feel like I could continously jog around the building singing Army marching songs for the rest of the day. Guess I will have to put that energy to good use.

I was able to enjoy some notable movies while I was in the Czech Republic. The first movie was Confessions of Dangerous Mind, produced by George Clooney. It is about the “contraversial” auto-biography of Chuch Barris, best know for hosting the Gong Show. However, producing game shows was what he did when he wasn’t being a CIA hit-man. The movie was cool enough that I have started reading the book.

The other movie of note was Frida. I expected a chick flick, but what I got was a movie about the stuggles of an artist and wife in revolting Mexico. It makes you think twice before complaining about how much a pape clip hurts. I laughed. I cried. I cringed. A must see.

Days Quit Countdown : 5 Days

Smoke-Away, Nicorette and an attitude adjustment

Well it has been four days since I had my last cigerette, same for Kat. Jimmie C’s in the quitting game and more than half a dozen people I know are making health related lifestyle changes right now.

I didn’t realize how the act of smoking had become a symbol or action of my Zen state of mind. Need to meditate? Spark one up.

I think I managed to pace about 2 miles today at work, round and round, with an attitude that sparked concern in more than one of my co-workers. Kat is not sure if she wants to kill me or if I am going to kill her.

This sucks. Sorry sweetie

Days Quit Countdown : 4 Days

Well now, I guess the stories need to begin, or I need them to begin. A purging, if you will, to get my brain wrapped around the things that have gone on in the last few months.

The wedding is complete, and now back to “normal” life.

It was a great wedding, one that many chances to go wrong, but really never did. A beautiful ceremony and reception in Zdar Nad Sazavou, Czech Republic, with her family and friends and a fistful of Americans.

Followed by several days of driving to get official stamps on official documents, so that everything would be official for the Embassy. The Embassy seems surprised at how official our official documents truly were.

Pay some money.

Get a list of other official documents we needed to have translated and then have an official stamps put on. Go back, find out that we were waiting for the FBI background check….

Still waiting for the FBI background check….

Still waiting for the FBI background check….can’t wait anymore getting on the plane without my wife.

A few days later the FBI clears her for takeoff and she lands in JFK, get an official stamp in her passport, and into my open arms.

A few more days later we are off to the Vermont reception with more friends, and more family, and more fun. Cake smashing in faces, ice cold Beckerovka shots in the kitchen, dancing, guitars, stand-up comedy. Complete.

So here we are trying to get down off the marriage high. We decided the best way to accomplish this would be to quit smoking, drinking, and eating anything that gave us pleasure.

Days Quit Countdown : 3 Days