Tuesday, August 30, 2005

You know you are homesick when...


You live in Queens, NY and you use grits to dust your gourmet pizza crust instead of cornmeal.

This was done recently by my friend Mel (not his real name) while he was cooking up some homemade pie in his NYC hipster flat. Those of you who are familiar with Mel (Once again, not his real name) should take this opportunity to encourage him to exercise the 1 year plan, which has him back in Tally with a new Moots FS by February 06. The 2 year plan, which is ridiculous, involves staying in the city, saving more money, completing some sort of "schooling" and then returning to Tally, at which point we will have completely forgotten him and both of his plans. I mean, I appreciate his pragmatic approach to work, education, and a panic-free retirement, but really, who has a plan that lasts a whole 2 years into the future? I hesitate to commit to a weekend outing. What if something else comes up? (Not that anything ever does).

I would like to hear from some of you who may have a better vantage point than a single 35 y/o Man (with a capital M fuckin' A right!) who has no savings plan, still rides a hardtail, and plans on working at a bait shop during "retirement".

Dr. Detroit? Mrs. Dr. Detroit? Squatch? Squawtch? Hi-Tops? Sascha?(You can relate to the "first day of the rest of my life" dilemma), All the rest of you lurkers, shirkers, and overpaid office workers?

The choices for Mel (Not his real name) are clear.

NYC, a fat salary, and no bike vs. Tallahassee, ?(definitely less) salary, a sweet Moots, and some friends who appreciate him more than they let on.

I'm trying to use this site responsibly, so you be the judge.

1 year plan or 2 year (dumb) plan.

Juancho (Not his real name)

16 comments:

Juancho said...

People pay good money for words like that.

Sascha said...

Spontaneity can be a scary thing. I found that out recently. And Dr Detroit is right. You may find out that he’s not the same country boy who left you. But really, you don’t list anything here that he can’t be doing in Tally unless the job market is really suckass down there. I fail to see how anyone can save money in New York. It’s hard enough in Minneapolis.

But really, Just cuz the boy’s living in NYC doesn’t mean he can’t get on a bike! I know a chick in Chicago who is a suit-wearin’ briefcase totin’ lawyer and she doesn’t even own a car. She rides to work every single day.

Really though, it’s all about where your heart is. I’m still struggling with my decision and I feel like someone else is working my job and living in the house I should have bought—in some ways. In other ways, I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue the love affair I’m having with my house. And join the bike team that has an awesome women’s team and build out a new bike, learn to swim for triathlons this winter and get a bike coach. None of those things could have happened if I’d made the other decision, although I’d probably be too busy to care.

The struggle between money and spiritual fulfillment is a hard one. Sometimes the money makes things possible that otherwise would not be and those things can be awfully satisfying.

Juancho said...

I wish I could speak more about his particular slant on living in the city, but being such a country mouse myself, when I went to see him all I did was gawk, drink, and walk my ass off. Hopefully he is reading and appreciating your thoughts.

So how much are you willing to pay for a bike coach? I do a great Burgess Meredith.

Sascha said...

I dunno...I was hoping for a sexy, motivating coach. Not the Burgess Meredith type :D

I'd rather be coached by Gene Wilder (BIG crush on his Willy Wonka to this day) or, um, hey, Andy Garcia. Yeah baby. How are you at one of those?

Juancho said...

I've been told I have a lovely Willy Wonka.

Sascha said...

You are so naughty!

Juancho said...

What are you talking about? My Willie Wonka is a classic. I've had him since I was a kid.

Mel (not his real name) just called from the train. He has no idea yet that I have offered his life up for debate.

Juancho said...

uh-oh, this ain't good.

Juancho said...

I meant the spam, which I eradicated.

Juancho said...

The BRC has never experienced such quality dialogue.

Free peanuts for everyone!

Sascha said...

I'm from Michigan and have spent some time in Detroit. I've been to shows at St Andrews shopped at Noir Leather and danced till 4am at City Club. I've also been through Highland Park at night where you roll through the red lights because stopping is too scary and the edges of Grosse Point Park with boarded up houses all around.

Dr Detroit--you might have been better off if she'd asked you to hell.

sasquatch said...

All this talk about Willy's wonka or Wonka's willy and romance to and through the gates of hell is scaring me.

Mel, I think you should move to Detroit and see how many bikes you can get stolen in one year. It would serve two purposes -- Dr. Detroit and professorslaw would have some hometown company and you could put your theory that happiness is an internal issue to the ultimate test. What do you say?

Sascha said...

Don't forget Minneapolis Mel! But you'd better make it your first stop as it could freeze here any day. The weather guys tell us that the only months to have never seen snow are June, July and August.

And Dr. Detroit, I remember Detroit fondly. Some of my favorite concerts were there, although I had to go to Kzoo for the Dead Milkmen. And I especially remember fondly the New Year's Eve party of many gunshots. Although I'm a little more blase about gunshots now in my current urban neighborhood :)

Juancho said...

Brilliant. I get my customary 3.5%.

Sascha said...

what are you? His real estate agent?

Juancho said...

Nooooo, I'm a general talent agent. I have managed two bands, a travel photographer, and a number of artists, all poorly. I would like to offer Mel(not his real name) the same misguided leadership.