Song of the Day

Gary Allan - Watching Airplanes

Friends

I have never been accused of being the smartest tool in the shop, but this is one of many prime examples of proof that Shane and I aren't the brightest. This picture is from several years back and was taken in Bristol, TN.

Every year there is a festival, known as Dukesfest (original isn't it?), where Dukes of Hazzard fans get together to meet the cast of the show, watch various stunts and look at hundreds of replica cars.

Shane and I had been to a couple of these, but Catherine Bach AKA Daisy had never been at one until now. Since Shane and I had already met most of the other cast and crew we decided to wait in line to meet Daisy. Of course, most of the other people in attendance that day felt the same way.

The line opened at 9, but after driving all night to get there we hadn't arrived at the track until 10. We immediately got in line, which was already substantial in length. Catherine was seated inside a large white tent, but the line was so long that only a small portion of the line would fit inside the tent, hidden from the sun. I don't remember the exact date, but I believe it was sometime in July and it felt like we were about 3 inches from the sun.

Every couple of hours(yes I said hours)Catherine would be called on stage to sing a song or two or would be called to do an interview with CMT, which was filming the whole thing or would simply take a fifteen minute break. After about 4 hours of doing nothing by standing (sitting) in line, doubts started creeping in. Phrases/questions such as "what the hell are we doing" and "is this really worth it" were heard frequently. Shane and I took turns cheering the other up and insisting that this is what we came to do and yes, it would be worth it.

Now, at this point I need to tell you that there was another person in attendance with Shane and I, Nate. This is significant for the fact that Nate grew up without a TV, so had no idea who the Dukes of Hazzard were and furthermore wasn't infatuated with Catherine Bach like Shane and myself. Nate was simply bored and decided to take the 8 hour road trip with us. After 4 hours of standing in the sun, he was beyond annoyed, but nevertheless a good friend and stood right there with us.

At the 6 hour mark when we were still in line and still in the sun, we almost broke. It was at this point, Shane used the old "it's about the principle now" line. After some arguement, we decided to push forward. It was really less about the principle and more about our inability to admit that we were stupid for standing in line all that time.

After 8 hours and 10 minutes we finally met Catherine AKA Daisy. As you can see by my face, I was toast! Totally burnt. What you can't see very well is the tops of my legs, which were directly in the sun most of the day and were fried beyond belief. I would love to tell you that it was all worth it, that Catherine and I made some connection that will last forever, but I can't. All can really tell you is that we met her and had our pictures taken and had a picture autographed. In fact I can't remember anything that was said, I was so tired and numb. There was no earth-shattering revelation, no grand epiphany. Just two friends who were dumb enough to push each other to stand in line for 8 hours and get sunburned and one who wouldn't leave us. Yet to this day, this is one of the most discussed stories Shane and I have.

Aren't friends wonderful!

Of course we went back the next year!

Heater

I'm quite sure there isn't ever a good time for the heater in your vehicle to go out, but I am quite sure I wouldn't have chosen today! Anyways, it looks like I will be in Centralia quite a bit this week, until I can get it fixed. I can't feel my fingers the way it is, no since in making it worse.

Finally!

Back in Centralia today.

Jason Mraz - If It Kills Me

Song of the Day

O.A.R. - That Was A Crazy Game of Poker

So glad to be back in my own bed tonight. What a crazy week!

Song of the Day

Love Me Tonight - Head East

Sometimes Thanks Isn't Nearly Enough

It always amazes me how one little thing can change your whole mood around. Whether it's a look, a hug, a call, or even a certain song on the radio or a special delivery in the mail, sometimes it's the little things in life that make the difference. It's in these moments that "thank you," doesn't seem to cover how important these instances are for you. Thank you.

MH

Song of the Day

Crystal Ball - Styx

Murderball - "It sucks"

Not only do these words sum up what I think about this documentary, but was also the most "real" words spoken and the most real scene in this documentary based on the rivalry between the USA and Canadian Quad Rugby teams.

It comes from Keith, who wasn't part of either team, but was a focus of the documentary. A side story that was pulled in for support. Keith was paralyzed in a Motorcross accident and after some shots of him in rehab the cameras followed him home.

One particular shot captured Keith as he was seeing his modified bedroom and bathroom at home for the first time. After looking for some time at his closet which has been opened up, the bottom shelves removed so he can wheel inside closer and his shower which has been modified with a shower chair inside, he deadpans "It sucks." His mother thinking he wasn't satisfied with the modifications made to the house started to defend them. "It's really nice," she said. Keith interjects "it sucks! My life is never going to be the same and it sucks, so could you just give me a minute?" Keith pleads with his mom and girlfriend.

For all of the things I dislike about this movie, this particular scene was very poignant for me. You see, in my opinion, Keith's mom wasn't trying to make him snap, she loved him so much that she was trying to do whatever she could to make things better for him. I think that's the hardest part for those close to you. Understanding what they can and more importantly can't do to make things better.

I can't speak for Keith, but for myself, I know there have been times when no matter what someone said it made things worse. It wasn't their fault, it was simply the state of mind I was in at the time. Sometimes you have to "give me a minute" for my brain to process that I'm no longer "the same." I need to a moment to cope with the fact that no matter what is said, no matter what comforting words are spoken, no matter how much love they are said with and not matter how much truth is behind those words, my life is different now and "IT SUCKS!"

I know that people aren't trying to set me off and maybe it's a design flaw in my DNA, but at those points in time the best thing to do is be quiet. If you say "it will be ok," I'm thinking "easy for you to say, you are going to be walking out this room in a minute." If you say "this sucks," I'm thinking "easy for you to say, you are going to be walking out of this room in a minute."

It was an important scene to me and I thought I would share. I am having a flight of ideas right now and need to organize them better before I type further.

MH

Murderball

I finally forced myself to finish the documentary Murderball. I had started it some time ago, but turned it off after about 8 minutes. It just wasn't something I wanted to watch. However I felt I should since a friend had suggested it and thought I would enjoy.

I didn't. It was brutal to watch. It's hard to express in words how I felt watching it, which sort of defeats the purpose of me writing about it, I guess. Oh well, maybe it's the fact that's 4 in the morning and I'm just tired. Either way I think I will call it a night and finish my thoughts at a different time.

MH