A couple of weeks ago, I took another of my increasingly frequent trips to Oregon to see my girlfriend, Lindsey. It was, as always, a wonderful trip. I think I can say with genuine assurance that every time I visit Oregon I like it better. It's hard to describe if you've never been there, but the pacific northwest just has a feel about it that I've connected with since my initial visit. Seeing Lindsey is, however, always the highlight of my trip. I know I generally don't discuss my romantic situation in this forum, but it's kind of a special occasion, so I thought perhaps I'd be a little more revealing than usual.
What made this particular trip unique is that I was visiting for the first anniversary of Lindsey and I dating. It's unbelievable to me that it's been that long already, but it has and I'm grateful. The prospect of dating long distance had made me initially skittish: I've had some bad experiences with that in the past (as some people reading this no doubt remember). Things have turned out better than I could've imagined, though, and I'm pleased to say that we're as comfortable apart as we are together. Admittedly, both Lindsey and I wish we were able to spend more time together, and only being able to see your girlfriend for about four days every few months can be quite trying, but we've managed admirably, and I believe we're happier now than we've ever been.
We took a short camping trip while I was up there, and if you've never camped near the beach, I highly suggest it. We weren't right on the water, about a half-mile away, but the air is so incredibly clean and fresh, it's wonderful. You also likely have no idea how freaking cold it can get on the coast in the Northwest, even in August. As we drove home after the camping trip, I could actually feel the temperature rise outside the car. Must've been at least ten degrees change from the coach to inland, and that kind of drastic change is not something we're used to in landlocked Missouri.
After a year of dating, the only thing I'd change about our relationship (beyond the obvious geographical difficulties) is that I wish all of my friends knew her better. It's odd to me that someone who's so special to me, who's such a huge part of my life, is little more than an acquaintance for most of my other friends. She'll be visiting here for a long weekend at the end of October, and I'd really like for it to be a chance for many of you get to know her (or, in some cases, meet her for the first time). I'll try to make some plans for a lot of us to get together while she's here, and I hope you guys can find a chance to come out and spend time with her. She's a wonderful person and you all should know her better.
Those who know me best know that it's often very difficult for me to be content. Finding happiness has never been difficult for me, but true contentment is a rare commodity in my life. Admittedly, this is a flaw in my personality, but it's one that's stuck with me for a while so I don't think it's easily broken. However, despite this difficulty I've been more content with Lindsey this past year than I have in many years, and for that I'm very grateful.
So thank you, Lindsey, for keeping me sane during a tumultuous time in my life. For introducing me to your wonderful part of the country. For all the saltwater taffy I've eaten this past year. For the tide pools. For watching ridiculous phone-in game shows with me late at night. For accepting my dorkiness. And thank you for not just being an amazing girlfriend, but for being a wonderful friend as well. 143, baby.
Today I had an odd, random memory: there was a really bizarre commercial for the original Legend of Zelda game on the NES that, even at age 6, I thought was pretty off-kilter. I'm sure I still enjoyed it, as at that age anything having to do with Nintendo was, to me, like the purest crack cocaine. It had basically nothing to do with the game aside from a little bit of what the actor was talking about, but I have a feeling that at that period Nintendo of America's advertising was pretty random. The NES had more or less no competition stateside at that period, so television commercials for games were more announcements of said games existence than a concentrated sales tactic.
Anyway, the curiosity bit and I found the commercial on youtube. I also found another Zelda commercial that is equally funny, and I'll post that as well. I thought you'd all enjoy taking a peek, as something like this cannot be described but must be experienced.
First, the one I remember:
Seriously, who the hell does that sell to? Crystal Meth addicts? Now you see why I still remember that after 20 damn years.
Here's the bonus - apparently Nintendo knew exactly what kind of kids they were selling to at the time, and the idea of even pretending that video games were "cool" was far in the future:
Just so you know:
Your parents help you hook it up, since you're clearly an imbecile. Because you're awkward, sweaty, you have a pocket protector, and no woman will ever love you.
Just a quick update to let you know that the jam cd has finally been prepared and I'll begin listening to it. Some nice choices from all parties. I'm going to give it some time before I declare the song I like best, but all in all I think it's going to be a nicely eclectic and fun cd.
Okay, kids... here's the score. I find new music almost exclusively by what I see my friends listening to, what they tell me is good, etc. Now that summer is here, it's time for me to make a new Mix CD to play as I drive. Instead of just putting a bunch of stuff I already know in there, I've decided to open it up to everyone that reads this blog. Therefore, may I announce:
THE 2006 SUMMER JAM COMPETITION!
The rules are simple: just post a response to this entry with TWO SONGS that you think should go on the summer jam album. After the contest period is over, I'll assemble a mix CD with all of the suggestions in a random order, and after listening for a while, I'll announce what song will be the official 2006 Summer Jam (in my estimation, at least).
Criteria for entries:
-Songs can be from any era, past or present.
-Songs can be in any style – from J-Pop to Classical, it’s your choice.
-Please include the artist who performs the song.Covers are fine, but make sure you include which person is performing the version you wish to enter.
-The song must be available for download online, either through iTunes Music Store, the artist’s website, or less than legal means.If you know where the song can be found, please include that in your entry.
-Show your taste!Include the songs you like, not just ones you think I would like or “joke songs” just so I’ll have to listen to them.Throw in a song from your favorite band.You have two entries, so use them to spread the music you love.
The contest will run until June 20th, so you have plenty of time to add your entries.Let the competition begin!
