GONE

www.lotusvibes.com

JP called me up on the ride home; distracting. I know he didn’t realize I was in the middle of fistpumping my way to my moms (thanks Lotus). I’ll gladly turn the volume down for a chat… I don’t get to see JP too often; once a week if our work schedules play nicely together! He’s badgering me to come out for a few pints. You know, I had no intention of being social, well at a bar. I wanted to go home, geek out, spin a few records, and watch the b-ball game (FUCK YOU Tim Dunca). Since JP works all weekend (starting to be the norm) I decided I’d meet the kidz at a local watering hole. Brad would be there too – woot woot!

I looked grungy, st8 outta 96 baby! O well, my personality will make up for my scruffy appearance. I was excited to see Brad. When I got there he’s staggering back to his car with some blond headed girl holding him up – making moves from what he said. I get inside, order a pint of Guinness, light a cig and proceed to introduce myself. Apparently, I didn’t need to introduce myself; apparently JP already spoke “volumes” about me. These girls grew up ‘round da way; all of us had common friends, people we all know / knew. Ahhh the joys of being from a small town; the suburbs suburb! These girls seemed cool; funny, flirtatious, drunk – good matches for Brad and JP! The bartender kept passing looks my way, something I wasn’t interested in! I’m here to chill with my friends, have a drink, have a few conversations and laugh.

“Anyone want to do Railbenders?”

Sure, I said. Fuck man, the Suns were down by 12 at this point. Here’s a shot for Steve Nash!

Cheers!

After the second round of shots Brad left with the 2 girls around his arms. JP and I were left alone, getting tipsy (at least I was – he’s already drunk), chain smoking and chatting.

Bartender, please retrieve me another Guinness!

JP starts to vent….
He’s “officially” split with Mary; they had their last “romp” and their last argument the other day. “Time to move on man”, he’s being cool about it. There’s more than his breakup with Mary bothering him. He’s emotional - he’s confessing. “Dude, I’m growing up and it’s rough!” He proceeds to tell me the last few “encounters” he had and how they made him feel less of a man. No, not the seek Viagra type either. I think he’s grown emotionally; wanting more from his encounters and relationships. He’s asking me questions that I didn’t expect from him. Either he’s _really_ drunk or in a rut – luckily he’s in a rut (and drunk – haha).

He’s inquiring about my female drama (I’ve come to realize it’s not drama at all); how things are going with aje and some things we’ve dealt with – he’s asking for my advice! I guess he’s able to see and understand how I’ve been working to improve my relations; he wants to know a few things…

I tried to gather his drunken rhetoric so I could help out best as possible – he’s trying – I can see it in his eyes.

I wont elaborate on JP’s feelings or details; he told me to “leave this shit out of your site” – respect mon, respect. JP wouldn’t let me take a picture of him either; a sure sign he’s DRIzzzzzUNK!

I can tell you what I suggested/told him:
-treat the lady you’re seeing (or want to be with) with respect
-have respect for her and the situation BOTH of you are in
-have morals and decency
-think and act, don’t act and not think – don’t think and not act
-enjoy the company you have by keeping it real. Don’t lie or hide thoughts and emotions
-keep it honest

“There’s no reason to treat someone as if they don’t matter to you when they truly do – respect them. If you’re thinking about someone, seeking advice about someone – be honest with them, respect them. Talk to them, listen to them – discuss, not argue. Being respectful is more than a word, it’s an action – show it, mean it! It’s more than opening doors for them or buying them gifts – it’s about YOU as much as it’s about THEM. Have morality in regards to your actions; don’t go slapping asses, endlessly flirting and sleeping around. Be confident and serious about your ambitions, professional, financial and romantically. Those are turn ons dude! A good woman / an honest woman would respect that in a man. If that’s what you seek then go after it! If you want to continue to grab ass, fuck randomly and complain then keep it up… If you’re content with that lifestyle then enjoy your happiness!”

JP asked me if I’m happy. I replied that “I’m damn skippy and born slippy” - Iggy Pop’s “Lust for Life” could be a daily shower song!

I lit another cig when I noticed JP writing shit down on a napkin! “What the fuck are you doing dude, what are you writing down?” He told me needed to write down some things I told him so he could remember them later. I asked if he was _that_ drunk, he replied in burps, all low level burps – 5 at best! He tells me it’s time to go; he’s got more drinking to do at another bar. Plus I’m feeling sleepy. I also felt the urge to say some things I didn’t have a chance to say earlier in the day. Maybe the conversations with JP helped me as much as it helped him. I’ll send a text message and wait, patiently…