Following the Exodus

The moving is over! Too bad I can't say the same about the unpacking. And remember in my last post when I wrote that the big move should take "two or three hours at the most"? Boy, was I way off base on that! It took all day and I'm still recovering from it.

As for going to Texas, it didn't happen for me. There just wasn't enough room for me to go. Brad's TV set ended up taking my spot in the Hoosier caravan. Plus I had second thoughts about traveling with my former Group Homies to their new home in Austin. It would have been a lot of fun to go down, but the trip back would have been too sad for me. Leaving them in Austin with the beginnings of their new lives while I came back to Muncie to my old one is still too depressing to contemplate.

Despite some minor car trouble, everybody made it early Sunday (September 3, for those keeping track) morning to their hacienda on Meadow Creek. From all reports, their new digs are pretty nice and the neighbors seem friendly enough. Tim and Eric promised to send some photos of the place and I'll probably post one when they do.

As for me, I'm still sorting everything out, trying to figure out what goes where and where goes what. I have decided I have way too much clutter in my life and hopefully I can get rid of some the things I no longer need. Figuring out what stays and what goes may take a bit though.

I've been off work for a week and I have to go back later today. I can't really say I'm looking forward to it at the moment, but, since I have to make some cash to throw at my credit card debt, I really have no choice in the matter. I wish I had the courage to do what Tim, Brad, and Eric have done, but that just isn't in the cards for the moment. But who knows what next week will bring?

Movers and Shakers

I've been a little sad the last couple of days. I guess that's pretty normal when something good ends. The Group Home has just a couple days left and then the party's over. It's funny to think back and remember my slight hesitation about moving to 3101 West Bethel. All of my stupid doubts and fears at the time seem so pointless in hindsight. Living at The Group Home has been great and I wouldn't trade the last two years here for the world. I've made a home here and it's becoming clear that it is going to be a lot harder to give up than I originally thought.

I haven't really started to pack up just yet. To be honest, most of my stuff is in boxes anyway. I took Thursday off to make the big move which should take two or three hours at the most. Of course, I may be underestimating a bit, but I guess we'll find out tomorrow.

Friday is the day The Group Homies drive down to Austin in a Hoosier caravan to their new home on Meadow Creek. As it stands, I'll be going with them so I'll be offline for awhile. Hopefully, I'll have some news from my travels to share when I return. Until then, feel free to miss me while I'm gone.

A Small Collection of Recent Reflections

The End is Near: I called to get the phone disconnected yesterday. Good-bye, 747-0667! I will miss you.

Things at The Group Home I Will Miss: The spiral staircase, the lazy susan cabinet in the kitchen, the dishwasher, the sun room, my bedroom closet that held my entire comic book collection, the parade of people who usually dropped by, and my roommates.

Things at The Group Home I Will Not Miss: The lobby that constantly flooded when it rained, the so-so washer and dryer that I rarely used, and the shower curtain I have dubbed "Pig Pen".

Loser of the Week: Pluto. Robbed of its status as a planet and banished from the solar system by a bunch of egghead bullies, Pluto has become the Rodney Dangerfield of the Milky Way. Who knew astronomers could be so cruel?

Ongoing Developments

The Final Countdown: One more week and The Group Home will be no more! Tears have yet to form in my eyes, but I'll probably get a little misty before everything is said and done. In related news, my soon-to-be ex-roomies have secured a place in Austin so there is a house waiting for them. Lucky bastards.

Good News: Two friends of mine have just become parents! Congratulations, Marty and Jen!

More Good News: I received my check for my voiceover debut this past Monday! I don't know if this makes me a professional voiceover artist or not, but, at least, it's a step in the right direction.

The Syndication Package: Do you hear that scuffling sound? It's me dragging my feet, I'm afraid. Though I have reached my goal for 36 strips, I'm going to replace two or three with other strips and that process is moving like a glacier. I think the upcoming move has slowed my momentum to a standstill and I probably won't get back into the grove until after I've moved out. On the plus side, the strips are basically done. I just have to erase them, reinforce some lines, and such. That won't take no time at all so by the end of September they should be on their way to the syndicates. Feets don't fail me now!

For Joe:

Don't Need No Giant Samoan on My Ass

Those Bitches Tried To Cheat Me!: The company I work for screwed up my PTO (Paid Time Off) and took away some of the hours I was owed. Fortunately, I caught the inconsistencies (The amount is always listed on your check) and I took the matter up with Payroll. They're going to fix it, but I'm determined to remain vigilant!

Random Thought: If I had a director that directed my life, I would want it to be Wes Anderson.

Countdown: I currently live in The Group Home with Tim, Brad, and Eric, but times are a' changing. My Group Homies will soon be leaving to find their fortune in Austin, Texas. I'm happy for them and I wish I had the courage to uproot and go with them. Unfortunately, I can't at the moment so I'm stuck in America's Hometown for awhile. I know I rarely write about my experiences at The Group Home, but it has been a great two years and I'm sorry to see it end. The guys have been the type of roommates anyone would want to have and I'm fortunate we have had such a good time living with each other. I'm really going to miss them.

The Syndication Package: I have thirty-one strips inked. I'm still debating about a few that won't make the cut, but the end is sooner than later.

Neighborhood Watch: If a giant Samoan in a compact car is seen in your area, call the police immediately! Please do not attempt to confront him for he is extremely dangerous! Do not attempt to shoot him for he was shot before and survived so apparently firearms are of no use! This is your first and last warning!

Question:



Exactly how dated is this punchline?