Before Ten

1.
Kicked out of the pool at 9:30?
A parking ticket for being ten minutes late?
A lecture for swearing in public?
Bad service for complaining about bad service?
Nervous looks from people who pass by when I'm on the porch?
The finger in response to passing someone?
"I wouldn't, if I were you."?

No wonder I never grew up.

2.
The illusion of self perfection is a cracked and wobbly vessel. It sits in a room, drafty and not quite dark. The door doesn't lock and the stairs aren't all that safe. There is, however, a bully hanging out at the bottom of the stairs. A guard dog, of sorts, trained to retaliate in kind when someone points to the flawed structure and laughs. He'll make a comment about your hair, tell you your shirt doesn't match your pants, ask you if you've gained a few pounds or if things get tough he'll make a run around you and try to find where you hide your illusions and ransack the place.

3.
I spent a good part of my Monday learning how to play "I want you back" by the Jackson 5. I like to think that I'm learning but I suspect I'm just forgetting other things that might come in handy some day. On my way to band practice it was confirmed when I backed up the car four feet, wondering why I wasn't moving forward. The skill set might be full.

4.
I've been contemplating moving to the country and starting my own commune. Well it wouldn't be "my" commune. The fabulous Bee says she wants part of the barn for a woodshop and I want the rest for a kick-ass jam space. Space is limited so apply now. I'm also wondering if we should start our own religion or something. We'd need guns, though. Or, at least some pamphlets.

5.
Excerpt from a letter from the Ontario Court of Justice:
"You have been convicted of the above offense...if the fine goes into default...costs incurred for any civil enforcement...imposed upon conviction..."
Stupid parking ticket.

6.
Every morning, beginning at seven a.m., I hear the renovation crew next door yell and scream at each other until lunch. I'm wondering if the owner knows how much these guys disagree about what's being done. Who's right? Who wins? What will the place look like when they are done? Do they undo each others work when no one is looking? I should make a mental note of the name of the company so that I never call them. The power of advertising your shitty personality is persuasive.