That One Summer When I Was 19

In July last year I actually planned a trip to Texas, to see my best friend. It would be my first time flying since I was two years old. I wasn't afraid of flying, which is odd, because I'm afraid of anything that can do so much as scratch me.

The flight down was great. It went without problems, and the time flew as I watched the world go by below me. I arrived in Dallas a few hours earlier than expected, so I had some time to kill before Hearshot (my friend) would show up. I figured I'd go sit outside and see if I could see em coming. This being my first time in Texas, and being a resident of Oregon, I wasn't expecting the gates of hell to open on me as I walked through the doors. I took one step outside and instantly became soaked with sweat. I barely made it back inside with my life, let alone sanity, which I'm low on as is.

"Screw that," I thought, "I'll just sit here and relax, and play my GBA till he gets here."

Well, I never played my GBA, for two reasons. 1) I couldn't stop watching the sea of humanity that was surrounding me, and 2) there was this Mexican kid that kept staring at me, if I pulled out the GBA, I knew he was going to try to be my best friend, either that or kick me and steal the thing. After a little bit I saw a guy who looked familiar. It took me a bit to realize I was looking at Jimmy Hart, of old WWF fame. I loved this guy as a kid..... I always seem to like the bad guys. Never before have I realized how little he was. I swear he didn't come any higher than my knee. I wanted to go to him and say "Hey man! I'm a big fan, I still remember Wrestlemania 1 where you feel off the apron and snapped your head on the concrete, that had to hurt."

I didn't approach him, though. His Bodyguard was HUGE. If I approached him, the bodyguard would've punched me in the face, and while I lay crying in the fetal position that Mexican kid would've stolen my GBA. So I stayed put. I had to think on my feet.

Eventually Hearshot, and Benham (another friend, and no, these aren't real names) showed up and saved me from my potential doom at the hands of bodyguards and kids. They walked right by me at first, so I put on my cool hat that I never wear, and chased em down.

The greeting commenced. We all size each other up, slightly puzzled.

Hearshot: You aren't as tall as you said.
Me: Yeah I am, you're taller than you said.
Benham: Well, you're both damn tall to me.

With that we headed to the car, and began my week's stay.

Somewhere between getting totally owned at Mario Kart 64, and buying two Dio CD's (which stands as my worst purchase ever) I realized how awesome it was to finally be among true friends. I never got homesick (sorry Mom), I felt comfortable, and as content as I have ever been. This was the first time I had seen them in person, and it felt like all the years were spent next door. I didn't want to leave.

Heading back home sucked..... a lot. I knew the flight to Texas went too well, and the flight back promptly made up for it. The plane didn't arrive in Dallas on time, thus making me miss my switchover in Denver. That means I was in Denver for the night, with a whole $5 to supply my food. I went to Burger King and got myself a whopper meal. I scarfed the Whopper, and rationed out the french fries throughout the night. A survivor, I am. I staked claim to a bench in the main lobby (since they kicked me out of the terminals), and settled in for the night. After an hour or so of reading the liner notes of my new CD's (not Dio, though, I just glared at them for taking money that could've been food), I decided to try and get some sleep. It was then, that I realized that my bench (or fort, because I could peek over the back at all the people, all I needed were couch cushions) was placed right next to the speaker. Every 10 minutes I received advice such as "Don't carry guns" and "Don't leave your bag unattended". I think the dude on the floor cleaner enjoyed getting as close to my bench/fort as possible, then making noise, as he did it all night.

I eventually made it home, tired, hurting, and starving. I was happy to see my parents on the other side of the gates, cheering for me as if I won a marathon. I wasn't completely happy to be back home, though. I didn't really feel like I had made it home. I had that feeling when I got to Texas. I still feel like I'm just on vacation, waiting to go back home.

This Saturday, Hearshot's heading up to visit. He is driving, because he apparently loves to be bored out of his mind. It's going to be interesting to show him what's up here, or more accurately what's not up here. My main town is Roseburg, where book ripping is a top draw. A far cry from Dallas and surrounding areas. I suspect most of the time will be spent in this room, with me getting owned in Mario Kart, and it's going to rule.