GONE

So my friends, I have a question for ya! What's the biggest chance or chances you've taken in your life at this point? What are they, I'm curious. Marriage, having children, career choices, education, love... what are some of the chances you've taken in your lives?

The first major chance I took was passing up on college. I had a sports scholarship to Slippery Rock when I was 17 and in my tennis prime. Yes, I got my scholarship because I kick ass in tennis. I'm also skilled in many other areas; at the time, my career as an IT guy started. I had to make choices... I didnt care for my high school experience; small school with limited classes, narrow minded people, etc, etc. I know high school is a great foundation for your future but, mine wasnt too great. I had phun though - yes, phun. I made the best of it, broke into the schools computer system and phone system numerous times. Called in bomb threats, no, wait that was Adam - haha. We ran shit in school, the geek mafia. We ran numbers, sold lucy's (single cigarettes), sold porn, stole tests...we were hardcore! Maybe THIS is where all my ill shit started... hmmm a thought for another day and time. Anyways, I was bored with the education experience and thought that going to college as a full time student wasnt the best for me..

So I made a Plan B choice and decided to pursue my IT career early on - remember, I can see the Matrix! It was the best choice for me, I'm proud of the aftereffects. Apprenticeships and street education go along way; not to mention my shady business skills. I'm very thankful for all for all the wonderful people I met along the way, Drew - thanks for taking me under your wing, even thought I thought you worshipped the devil (so did half the staff)! All the old heads at Stargate taught me a lot, thanks for letting me be the 14^th employee! Marcus Ruscitto - thanks! I'll never forget the day you asked me for some w33d at Marchewka's wedding – smoking ganj with the CEO! I hope you're up there smiling down, listening to phish – you made a difference in many people’s lives -- How the fuck did I get soo sensitive!

My second chance was to challenge and change my living situation and romantic life. Specifically, if I could live with a woman I had an interest in. Now, we werent too hot and heavy or into each other but there was alot of potential. There were plenty of good signs, I acted - took a chance.

Long story short, her lease was about to run out. I thought it would be a good chance to see if I could live with a female (all my previous roomies were males). Now, this took alot for me to do. I dont let people in easily, well, at this phase of my life. This was a year and half in my past, she invaded my space a month before I got laid off. We were dating when she moved in.. the relationship was good, not the best and not the worst. I started to notice a change in myself and in her after I got laid off. It wasnt her fault or my fault - we were incompatible. Something I may have found out if I spent more time with her. There are numerous reasons why we were incompatible. Our lifestyle choices werent the same, our cleanliness, attitude, eating habits, I could go on... It wasnt all bad though, there was someone around to share feelings and thoughts, although they probably werent mutual. I wonder if I would've noticed this if we didnt live together - i think so! You know, I should've payed more fucking attention to her apartment! Now that I think of it, her apartment was a mess, clothes everywhere, shoes everywhere - and a little fucking puppy running all over the place. Maybe this is why she always got me drunk when I'd stop over for a visit! Also, I think I was soo into "trying something new" that I neglected to really look at her and what I found interesting about her... Ahhh the ignorance of my mind. I cant say this was a terrible experience as I learned alot. I learned how the dynamics of relationships work and change when you live together. I know if I would've had more in common with her, more interest in her - things would've been different! Honestly, I wasnt into her, I was into the idea and she was there begging for it... Let me say, I was glad when she moved to Morocco for the summer.

Thanks for the experience Maggie!

Now, What about the lot? Who got my "chances"? Tell me yours, please....

posted by Not Jon  # 5/20/2005 01:17:00 PM