Crash Into Me

Oh So Close

I turn 30 tomorrow. THIRTY! I can't believe I've been alive for that long, I'm incredibly old. But it's weird, I still feel like I'm 23. I swear, that is the age I always feel like. It was a great year. I was really getting close with my Moscow friends, making new ones, having a great time. I dunno, I just feel perpetually young, like I'm still a kid...and yet I teach high schoolers, have been married for 3 years, and have a kid, a house, and a dog. Whatever, this is NOT what this blog post is supposed to be about. Here goes.

Most people that read this blog know that my favorite music comes from The Dave Matthews Band. They are in Indianapolis tonight and tomorrow, and I'm missing them! I had forgotten that until this morning, when I head a DMB song on the radio, and started bemoaning my fate. Then the morning talk show came back on, and they were talking about going to see the band tonight. Then, they said that they would be playing a game to give away tickets, so you should call now. Usually, I would just ignore it, since I NEVER get through, but I just had a weird feeling...so I picked up my cellphone and dialed the number...busy. It was busy probably through 10 tries or so, and then began ringing! It rang about 15 times, so I just hung up, because some poor schmoe was already playing the game. The object was that the radio people would give you a topic, and you had to talk about it for 30 seconds, without saying "um" or "uh" and without repeating yourself or pausing. Well, this dude screwed it up, so I called again, and what do you know? I GOT THROUGH! I told them my name and they put me on hold. I heard a lady playing, and SHE screwed it up! I was crazy nervous, expecting my name to get called next...but they asked for Stacy. Stacy began the game, and repeated herself - now was my chance! But they ignored it, and she kept talking...and won the game. No big deal though, they had said there were other tickets to be given away. But first, traffic and weather. I was already at school (this was about 7 AM this morning), but I figured I'd wait it out, even though I might be late. It was DAVE after all! So they come back from traffic and weather........and the producer comes back on the phone and tells me the contest is over - sorry. I was CRUSHED. I tried telling him it was my birthday tomorrow, but I choked, and though I should have begged and pleaded, using my 30th, the fact that my wife just had a baby, etc., I totally froze and hung up the phone. Woe is me. I swear, I never win anything.

But at least I get to spend tonight with my lovely wife, and my handsome son. Gotta look on the bright side. God is good, and has blessed me abundantly. Here's to another 30 great years (at least). Wish y'all were here.