Thankfulness VIII

Today I'm writing from work. It's been a long morning, full of contemplation. Last night was not great, so I ended up at Wal-Mart around 1:30am to pick up milk and a couple other things because I was bored. I was tired, but couldn't sleep. In wandering around Wal-Mart, I ran into an old pal who pretty much kicks 94 different kinds of ass. We stood and talked for about five minutes. He suggested I become a gunsmith, given my current job. It's not really my thing. I love firearms, but I'm not interested to that degree. Then we talked about some other random stuff--he's a charismatic fellow, and has would-be followers, so I suggested he become a hippie Moses. He found this thought most amusing, and I hope he takes it into serious consideration.

Earlier today, I was having a chat with someone whom I respect greatly. The man is The Man. Born in West By-God Virginia, joined the military, he was stationed in Europe and Asia and all over the US. He used the military to see the world. He tells me I must go see Venice with the most beautiful woman I can find, and he strongly encourages further travel. I didn't need encouragement, but I do appreciate it. The funny thing is, he's yet another person who would be easy to prejudge as anything-but a well-traveled individual. I know, I was shocked when I found out. One thing that bugs me is how prejudices work every which way: everyone assumes, and everyone stereotypes. To deny it is to deny nature, but that's a different subject for a different day.

There is much to learn from the fellow. His philosophy is that everything is funny when seen with the right set of eyes, and he's implied in the past that I'd probably do well to take up his belief-system. I didn't listen before, because I figured that the way I was living my life was good enough for me, and the world needs someone to take things seriously. But one thing I've come to realize is that it doesn't do me any good; I derive no satisfaction from it, if anything it's more harmful to me than smoking, so why should I continue doing it? I'm not used to this sort of thinking. In theory, I understand it, but in practice...well, I could go into why I'm not used to it, but the past is dead; I'm not digging up the past decade or more.

This man can spin a yarn, quip, bust balls; his ribald jokes are unrivaled, and I'd kill to see him at a roast. Needless to say, I was proud today when I made him laugh. He told me that he wished there was a way to install an air conditioner on a pontoon boat. I told him that, with enough plastic sheeting, it would be possible. He then said:

"Well shit, Ian, I don't give a damn about anyone else. I just want to be cool in this blistering Alabama heat, by God." The man booms when he speaks, by the by, and punctuates many sentences with "by God."

I laughed and said "Well, in that case just build a polystyrene enclosure where you intend to be, and have one of those portable air-conditioners ducted into it. Screw everyone else."

He about bust his gut (and there is plenty of it to bust) and he said, "I'm leaving. You're giving me ideas, Ian. Giving me ideas."

I called as he walked out the door, "When you build it, I gotta see it!" He laughed all the way to his truck.

Today, I'm thankful for humor, laughter, and wisdom.