Lost Weekend 1

There's nothing less optimistic when writing about the present than using a number to describe the first of what one assumes will be many wasted weekends. It's like waking up from a creepy dream and knowing the same dream will be back to ruin your sleep in six months.

This weekend truly was lost. I didn't do anything of value or note. I read a few chapters of a Jack McDevitt novel, The Engines of God. I played WoW (World of Warcraft). I played Fallout 3. I watched an episode of South Park, an episode of The Clone Wars, an old episode of TV Funhouse, and The Comedians of Comedy documentary. This afternoon I did three loads of laundry so I could pack clean clothes for my trip to Florida in a few days. Now I'm listening to the CryoSleep channel on BlueMars.org and trying to figure out something entertaining to write about.

Just as a curious note, when I used to ride home from work with my friend Jon, we frequently wondered at all the people on the road. I used to shake my fist at all the "no-job-havin'-motherfuckers". A few days ago I was on the road when it occured to me that now I'm one of the no-job-havin'-motherfuckers.

And I have no intention of getting off the road. Deal with it.  :)

This Wednesday will mark three weeks of being unemployed. The overwhelming state, day in and day out, is one of loneliness. Not pathetic loneliness or disturbed loneliness— not yet at least. But whole days go by without me talking to anyone other than saying, "Yeah, I'll have the number 4, macho sized, with a Diet Coke, and a Del beef burrito. That's all." Remember that triangle in your health classes? That triangle of health with 'Physical', 'Mental', and 'Social' each written on one side? My friends at Del Taco are really letting me down on the Social health side.

So, I have been looking for 'friends' on that most respectable of websites, CraigsList. Yes, CraigsList, because I'm too cheap to pay a real dating website, and I feel that a romantic encounter with me is easily equal to buying a used digital camera or bicycle. Now, mind you, I don't fill my days with this activity, but every couple days I feel the need to be around another living human being. Occasionally I even post an ad of my own.

This is where you should pay attention in order to benefit from your friend John's experience. It's like my last big blog, when I was serving my time with the County on the side of the road. Learn from my experiences. Repeat them only if they call to you. Otherwise, consider the vicarious experience to suffice.

The first rule when posting an ad on CraigsList is: If you post an ad with a face picture, don't be surprised if someone writes back... someone who recognizes you, that is. I'm sure I don't need to explain the rule any further than that.

As always, feel free to comment.

"Loneliness adds beauty to life. It puts a special burn on sunsets and makes night air smell better." — Henry Rollins