As if I had the extra space." - John Mayer, City Love
June 3, 2002 - Many of you have probably heard of John Mayer, a singer-songwriter that sounds a little like Dave Matthews and appeals to the same fans. I am willing to bet that those of you who have not yet heard of him, will soon. Normally, this is exactly the kind of musician that I can't stand, but I have developed a fondness for him as a clever songwriter. Plus he's not too famous. Once he hits big, which is practically inevitable, I'm sure I won't be able to help despising him. Hypocritical snob? Yep, that's me. Anyways, most of his music is about experiences that people are age share. So all week I am going to pick out one of his song lyrics and write my column about it. So, in the words of Johnathan Larsen, here goes:
By the time I graduated high school, it was pretty clear which of my friends I would keep in tough with. Their was Jason, everybody's friend,whom I share my musical and literary tastes with. Their was Jim, an undeniable charmer who is the type of salesman and womanizer whom your mother warned you about. Their was Zack, our middle linebacker, who exploits are the stuff of legend both on and off of the field. Their was Wes, debatably our ringleader, who always managed to organize guy nights away from the girlfriends. Together, we were charming, crude, fun-loving, and probably more misogynistic than we would like to remember. We represent a typical boys' club that is probably found at high schools across the country...our stories are just a little better.
This weekend, I was a groomsmen at Wes's wedding to Stephanie, another friend from high school. Exactly one year ago, I was a groomsmen at Zack's wedding to a wondeful girl from Missouri named Brooklin....they have an adorable little girl named Riley. Next month, Jim marries his senior prom date, Jill. Thankfully, Jason has managed to remain single...for that he will always have my thanks. The fact that these guys whom I have shared so many experiences with are now married is undeniably terrifying. More terrifying, though, is how they all seem to want the same fate for me.
Nothing is more terrifying than going to a wedding with a long-term significant other whom all of your friends love. Why, you may ask ? I go golfing with the guys, I am pounded with "When will you propose questions?" Kiley goes shopping with Brooklin and Jill and its "Don't worry, honey, he will get you the ring soon." Kiley, to her undeniable credit, remains steadfast in the face of this assault, always reassuring everyone that she does not want marriage, yet, she wants a career. Despite this, I naturally pull away some.. Admittedly this marriage talk terrifies me. I don't disapprove of any of my friend's weddings, per se, it is more the rush that I find a little bit disconcerting. Everyone wanted me to join the fraternity, buy the ring, start setting up plans for a June 2003 wedding. How do I tell them I can't, I haven't lived enough, I need to experience more? It almost feels like I am somehow insulting them if I say all of this. As for Kiley, the situation is even more difficult. I may not be anywhere near ready for marriage, but I definitely still have enough room for her toothbrush.
*****Wow, I just finished watching the Kings-Lakers game 7...what a game. Everyone played to form, Shaq was dominant, Horry was clutch, Bryant played big, Webber played soft. Mike Bibby, though....wow, he was amazing. He made every clutch shot, every right decision. In these playoffs he truly put himself in the top echelon of players in this league. He single-handedly kept the Kings in this game, if one other guy steps up, they win. Simply exhilarating, the game was an example of top-level sports at its finest. ********
5-30-02 - Thursday Thoughts
5-29-02 - Memorial Day Weekend
5-23-02 - Thursday Random Thoughts
5-20-02 - NBA Lottery
5-19-02 - Reader's mail
5-18-02 - New Cow Theory
5-17-02 - Graduation
5-16-02 - More Ramblings
5-10-02 - Marriage, Ugh
5-9-02 - Thursday Ramblings
5-8-02 - Inflatable Goats
5-7-02 - Temporary Fan Status
5-6-02 - Dinner Party
5-5-02 - Reader Mail
5-4-02 - Cast of Characters
5-3-02- Man HQ Memo
5-2-02 - THURSDAY RAMBLINGS
ARCHIVES
1) "Passing Me By" - The Pharcyde
2) "Mr. E's Beautiful Blues" - The Eels
3) "Die, All Right" - The Hives
4) "Sex Supreme" - Tenacious D
5) "Agenda Suicide" - The Faint
6) "Two Coins" - Dispatch
7) "Rebirth of Slick" - Digible Planets
8) "The Light" - Common
9) "Where is my mind" - The Pixies
10) "You Got Me" - The Roots
Bills d. Oilers 1992
Benson d. Northwest 1996
Braves d. Astros, Game 3, 1999
Jazz d. Rockets, Game 6, 1996
Weiss d. Lovett, Freshmen Football, 1997
