A Morning Walk, Lunch Meet-Up & Volleyball Night!

View on my morning walk to work.

4th St and 8th Ave E

8:38am

Time for a New Flag

I seriously didn't think that it was right to display a flag in such disrepair.

Like, isn't it supposed to have a special flag funeral?

And, isn't this against some law or ?

I dunno, but as glad as I am to see our flag flying,

this one is really a disgrace due to the shape it's in.

3rd St & 7th Ave E

8:40am

After work I walked over to Canal Park and to Amazing Grace to meet one of my classmates from school. It ended up being a really nice meeting, the conversation flowing comfortably and the both of us glad for the meet. We're both in a really sucky online course together and just totally clicked as friends, usually to vent over the course, as well as catch up about daily events of our lives - turns out we had a commonality in our past at a place of employment too so there was a bit of catching up to do in regard to that. It's nice to click with someone like that, as it can be rare, although I seem to click with many people quite easily, and I really enjoy doing so.

It served to remind me of Kevin too. As my friend asked about how all that was going, and I had to admit that it was a bit strained due to several recent misunderstandings on his part. It was nice, as he didn't reply in a negative manner, but only said he was sorry that things weren't good, unlike another friend who said to just dump him as he's too problem filled.

Thing is, I can't, nor could ever do that.

There have been so many more good times than bad, and I feel as if he needs me (as an 'ear' as he says) and I like to be there for him, to listen and try to help in any way I can. I can't just blow off people, unless they fuck me over, then they are gone - I have zero tolerance for that. As much as these last weeks since my return have seemed strained, I just try to take them as they come, and feel that my being here, in some small way, is important overall. There were times he confided in me that I was one of the only people he could talk to about things. How can I just abandon something so important as that? It's the same way I felt about Reñan, to just be there for him, and be around when needed, as much as I wanted more with him it was more important for me to be there for him as a friend. I really want nothing more from the both of them than to remain their friend, to sometimes share each other's company, just talk, or sort the day's happenings.

My problems are nothing compared to Kevin's and Reñans, and I love them both to pieces, and would always help in any way I could. Know that.

Anyway, enough of that for now.

As I rode the bus home I noticed workers putting up the City Christmas Tree downtown.

Ugh! Already? where does the time go? they've also been playing that insipid Christmas City jingle during the news/commercial breaks for at least a week now in anticipation of the Christmas City of the North Parade in a few weeks.

Tonight was Volleyball Night!

Yay!

I got nearly all the way there (15-20 min ride) and realised I had forgotten my knee-pads and shoes on the treadmill back at home (I had meant to stuff them into my gym bag, and totally spaced it when I went to fill my water bottle...grrr). I had left in plenty of time to get to the gym, warm up and count off - as in past weeks, those who came late, missed the count off, and were left to form a 7th team with whomever showed up later than they had.

So I raced (literally) home, grabbed my forgotten gear, and drove back to the gym. On the way I pulled my kneepads on to save time, but never had an opportunity to get the shoes on, and really, that's a good thing as they are court shoes, and it's not a good idea to wear them outside and risk stones becoming imbedded and roughing up the gym floors.

I arrived mid-game and was 'told' by our new gym Hitler to join Team 5, which included two of my old teammates, Pete and Russ. Fun! They've recently started coming to club again and I was glad to be on their team tonight. I've always loved playing with those guys as they can take any set and make it golden, just smashing it, they're both good receivers, passers and excellent servers as well. Most of all, they have good attitudes, and never become dicks on the court as some do when things don't go right. Pete has become so accurate, and has an incredible line shot. It's such a pleasure to set him, and brings me back to the days we played together for so long, he's one of the few I've always enjoyed setting and playing on the same team. His jump serve has really evolved too, and is just so full of power. Between the two of us we commanded the serves and racked up quite a few points for our team. Russ was steady as ever, and we had a few laughs too! Sarah from my summer women's team was on this team as well. She's such a go-getter, totally aggressive, great setter, digger and server too! Good fun! We won some and lost some, but all were extremely close games. I played pretty hard, and can feel it now in my knees and shoulder.

Be a dear won't you and get me some ice.

No, not for my sore bits, for my bourbon.

Thanks!

Cheers!