Saturday, September 29, 2007

Dinner Theater at the Airport Security Checkpoint

I was just a fly on the wall for this little sweetheart. Granted it is 6am and people’s brains really have not begun to work yet. The Portland airport is small and they only have one security check point working this morning. A line of what seems to be all amateur travelers are waiting patiently. Before I head to the check point I hear over the speaker an announcer reminding people to take all liquid, gels etc… must be placed in a clear zip locked bag and placed in the security bin over and over again. This had once happened to me when this first implemented the rule. They search your bag; take out all my stolen hotel shampoo and soap. The airport was gracious enough to put in a zip lock back and push it through. At that time the zip lock bag was new and what a hassle it is to take that stuff out through the security checkpoint with a rush of impatient people behind you. So remember if you can put all your toiletries in the checked bag. If you carry it on, everyone will see what you’re using in the special place by the parceling pot.

The security guard shouts out, “Take all metal out of your pockets, take off your shoes, hold on to your boarding passes, take out the zip lock bag!” While standing in line I hear this call several times. I don’t know if people think if they are quiet they’ll be able to slip by unnoticed? Or this is their first time on a plane? I figure they just are too caught up they just don’t listen. I’ll believe it’s a combination of the three.

As we all wait people are being called out about their toiletries, their boarding passes and taking everything out of their pockets. They do listen to taking off their shoes, which I find odd, but they ignore everything else. I’ve already put everything from my pockets in my bag before the line. I take out my laptop and put it in the bin. My shoes are untied and ready to be removed when it’s time. I’m all set and ready to go through, but then a nice surprise occurs in front of me.

A couple my age, both beautiful yuppies prepare to go through the line. The woman is drinking bottled water and the security guard tells her she can’t carry that through. She takes a few gulps and throws it away. In the woman’s bin she took out two small bottles of what looks like perfume and something else. The security guard says she cannot not carry that through unless she has a zip lock bag, she replies, “It’s okay, it’s in my purse.” That’s not working for the security guard and her husband who’s becoming a bit impatient tries to compromise. The security guard repeats you either need a zip lock bag or throw it out. The husband then takes the perfume and whatever the other stuff was and starts to throw it away. The woman stops him. The woman can’t seem to understand her two options and granted the rule is a little over the top in my opinion and if you don’t know, who brings a zip lock bag but I know they do have some when they check your ID at the beginning of the line. Still whatever sentimental value the perfume may have she’s still making a scene. Of course I’m a huge fan of the dramatics of people that throw tantrums in public so I wait patiently watching the drama unfold. The woman is pissed and trying to find a way to compromise with the airport security and then with a quick stealth move catching the wife off guard throws the contents in the trash. I was impressed by his skills. The woman explodes at him. She keeps asking him, “Why didn’t you tell me?” repeating the statement in different ways. You didn’t tell me I had to do this etc. In my head sticking up for the guy because he had some mad skills and was prepared to take the heat, Baby, you’re a grown woman take the initiative! The man tries to console her by touching her back and she forcefully pulls away silently yelling, “Don’t you touch me.” The security guard then tells the man to get his boarding pass out of the bin and carry it through. The woman moves through the checkpoint pissed. The man follows close behind but is stopped. Apparently he didn’t take everything out of his pockets. So my admiration for his swift mad skills begins to dissipate. He has to go back to the security guard, which gives me the opportunity to zip through just fine. It’s kinda like why does it take people twenty minutes at an ATM when it only takes me 30 seconds?

I grab my stuff and start walking. I pass by the woman whose luggage is now being searched. She calls out for her husband, which at first thought he was I but still trying to get through security. Another old security guard is shifting through all her belongings taking out bottles of stuff. The husband stops and checks in on what is going on. The woman is now balling her eyes out. You would think I would have sympathy for this woman but I really think she was an ignorant spoiled brat who can’t think for her self and relies heavily on material things and blames everyone else but her self. So I diagnosed her with Borderline Personality Disorder and moved on.

I looked back one more time and I noticed something. I don’t know if this is mean for me to say, but the wife was standing alone crying as the guard continued to search her stuff, the husband nowhere in sight, I am left with a sweet sense of justice.

Dinner theater was served!

BE COOL!!!!


I received a welcome home gift that was a fairly large crack in my car windshield. Sigh….I have nothing else to say. I want pizza.

In 48 hours I’ll be in the city I hate the most…I so can’t wait.

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Friday, September 28, 2007

The Lighthouse

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The waves crash against the rocks echoing their sound across the Cape Elizabeth. I've been laying here for a while staring off into the Atlantic Ocean perched up against rocks. The rocks look like carved wood, natural steps down to the water. High tide is gradually making its way up the rocks. I will probably have to move up the incline shortly. My mind is empty with perhaps a thought or two popping in every once in a while. The sun peers through the partly cloudy sky and the cool ocean breeze makes it once again perfect weather.

I drove through dense fog twelve miles west of Portland this morning on my way to the high school. It was a small town like every other town here in Maine. I found the school with no problems. I think I'm beginning to understand my way around here. The school was large and the Art teacher I met was extremely nice. He had me set up in the auditorium and he had gone all out and had a student play his upright bass while students entered the auditorium. It was a nice gesture and the student was very talented. I gave two presentations back to back and I think a quarter of the students actually cared, maybe half. But that's usually how it is. The teacher than showed me around and told me about the tv class he kind of teaches. They have a full studio and edit bays that are really going to waste. He hinted to me that he wanted someone with experience to turn this into a real working classroom, a professional that know what he was doing. I would move up here in a heartbeat I told him if it was ever a possibility. I doubt anything would come of it, but it was sad to see all the equipment not getting any use. A couple of the teachers expressed interest in me coming back next semester so I pretty much have a full schedule if I can get this off the ground. I told them all it will have to happen before march if that's the case. CouldI teach? Could I really live in Maine? If that's God's path, we'll have to see.

I arrived back at the hotel at 12:30pm to change. I had planned on driving to Cape Elizabeth today pending on the weather. It turned out to be perfect. The drive was short. It's about 12 miles southeast of Portland. My goal this week was to see a lighthouse and I am happy to say my distant readers that mission has been accomplished. The lighthouse stands old but strong behind me. That is one thing I've always wanted to see in my lifetime and now I have.

Now I am going to get lunch….

I forgot to mention in yesterday's blog. I was doing a presentation and my IM was on without my knowledge. Michael my dear close friend had written me a hello. I'm so glad Michael used the simple word hello. I have received IM's on his bad office days and my students could have possibly learned a whole new lesson if that was the case. After the class I called him and we laughed hysterically at all the possibilities that could have happened. Thank you Michael for the laughs yesterday. I needed it.

I drove to downtown Portland because I heard about this amazing sushi restaurant. Several teachers, students and random people told me about it. So I walked to the restaurant and they were closed until dinner. I walked around until I decided on a place because I was so hungry. I went to McGritty's and had a sandwich thinking I would just wait it out downtown until they opened. Well I was actually full after that. I thought about going to a movie, but decided against it at the last moment. So I ended up just going back to the hotel. Even though, I really should head back downtown tonight to have a farewell party but I have to wake up at 4am tomorrow, return Big Blue and catch a plane. I have so much to do when I get back to Florida. Pick up my car, drive to work, get some work done, and drive to Tampa (maybe). I think I'm making the right choice to stay in this evening. I've had so much fun this week and have seen a lot. I'm just going to take it all in before I even think about writing a retrospective on the week. So with this bittersweet ending, I will say this almost forgotten state of Maine, will always be in my heart.

….so for those of you who don't know where I am going next, I'll see you in the city I hate the most the city I absolutely loathe…

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The Dreamer and the Realist

I'm sitting in a hotel bar drinking a vodka soda and two lemons. The bar is noisy with business people after a seminar. I just spoke to Danielle outside while smoking whom is from Boston. She tells me her and her husband own a restaurant Angelo's on Columbus street in Boston. I had to write that down for when I'm in Boston next.

I put in my ear buds, clicked on Itunes and now listening to the Once soundtrack. It has drowned out the gleeful conversations of relaxed business people. I had come down here for a late lunch earlier. I took a shower and again I'm annoyingly in a non-smoking room so I figured this would be a great time to write to you my faithful readers.

I must be a bit silly sitting at the bar with headphones and typing on a laptop, but you know I think I like making people curious about that stranger at the end of the bar. I do know from across the bar Danielle's got my back.

Today was a good day. I woke up well rested from Captain Stone's house. I had enough coffee to kick start the day. I had some extra time before school so I decided to drive further past the school. To my nice surprise I found an inlet at the end of this street. It overlooked the serene view of the bay. I was glad that I kept driving to find this gem unknown to me. It added to the peace that I needed that morning before a presentation.

The teacher was very nice and was a talker. She just seemed so excited about a lot of things and you had to somewhat pay attention to what she was saying because the topic would change in an instant. The students were polite. The first were a good mix of art students who asked me about all the famous people I have met. The second group was all girls who were a lot of fun to talk to. The last was in an auditorium, which always seems less personal. It's harder to connect to them that way compared to being in a room right in front of them. I hear tomorrow I'll be in an auditorium all day tomorrow. All and all I have at least made an impression on the teachers because they want me to come back next semester. That would give me an idea of winter, which I think is something I need to find out for myself.

I then drove the half hour back to Portland and staying at the Double Tree. It's further from downtown than I like. Meaning I can't walk to it. Which I could have saved myself from that because when I checked in, I was only booked for one night. I think that was my mistake. I went up stairs and searched for hotels downtown, like that holiday inn would have been great, but I'm sorry Mother, Father, F%@king Expedia doesn't cover it. Yes I know I said that before but that really kind of pisses me off. So I made it easy and just booked it here another night here. Which is okay, so I don't feel like I have to move again.

Wow, after reading this, this is boring.

I've been thinking about this a lot since I had this conversation about it back in Indy with a dear friend. It was brought to my attention the two personalities I own that are in constant battle with each other. One side is the realist and the other is the dreamer.

Wait, before I begin, I'm listening to a song at the bar and it feels like one of those movie moments with the background music going on and the rest of the people are just extras. Like this is a montage of me writing blogs for all of you. Sweet.

All right, so the writer in me is the dreamer and the realist is the one who figures out what to do after the dreamer is done with writing. I've recognize that the when the dreamer and the realist is in perfect harmony I'm doing great creatively. Recently the dreamer and the realist are at war. When the dreamer begins to write the realist is whispering into his ear saying what's the point. The realist is being a cynical bastard who is depressed but won't admit it. The dreamer is full of hope but very sensitive so when the realist brings the dreamer down the dreamer gives up and walks away. Right now I'm trying to get the realist and the dreamer to fall in love again. If I skip one day of writing these notes to my weary eyed readers I feel that I'll suddenly stop. I'm trying to get to a point where this is a good addiction rather than a war in my head. I've learned that I need to be addicted to good things in life rather than the bad. If I could find myself writing to you my friends everyday even though you don't read them everyday, it makes it an obsession. Where something will be missing if my day isn't put down. They say making prisoners write stories or poetry they become more peaceful. Perhaps the realist and the dreamer that are imprisoned in my head for eternity will now become at peace and with that my creativity will flourish.

Words are meant to be read; I guess that's why I don't understand diaries.

I know you have all stressed interest in the movie I saw last night and Brit went out to see it in Bloomington where I am extremely proud and absolutely amazed the movie was there. So here is the link to the trailer for those of you that haven't heard of it or know anything about it.

http://imdb.com/title/tt0907657/trailers-screenplay-E32392-10-2




the inlet I found
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Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Delirium at Captain Dan's

This part of the week is where delirium begins to set in. My body begins to drag and my mind starts to wonder. Perhaps it’s changing hotel rooms every night, or not getting enough rest because you feel like you’re not going to wake up in time for class in the morning. Perhaps like this morning having a class full of droolers who are unresponsive students makes it bit hard to feel good about what you’re doing. But being a wondering stranger in a new city by your self takes its toll.

I drove up to Brunswick, just a half hour north of Portland. I found my way to Captain Daniels Inn.

http://www.captaindanielstoneinn.com/homes.html

An old mansion made for Captain Dan back in the 1800’s. The website made it look beautiful so that’s why I stayed. And it is, they just forget to mention that the hotel is located right on a busy highway so my view is just that. My room is cute but small. My laptop barely fits the desk in the room. I do love the fact that you actually get a real key for your room. And the bed is one of the most comfortable beds I’ve slept on yet. In fact, after having a great lunch in town I came back to rest my eyes and fell instantly asleep.

Perhaps because it was hot today, I really wasn’t in good spirits. I walked around town today grabbed some lunch. It is a very cute and quaint town. People seem to be a little off but in a good way. The most interesting thing I saw today in the park was a man walking his monkey. Yes! A real monkey…on a leash. The town is really old fashioned and extremely laid back. I could see myself making a movie here someday.

On my walk, I discovered an independent movie theater. I don’t know if the world saw that I was feeling down and lonely, but the movie that was playing there was a movie I have been waiting to see since last May. I don’t understand how it is that I couldn’t see this movie in Orlando, but I found it months after its release in Brunswick, Maine. I meant to go the 5pm show but I slept through it during my nap. I figured I would just skip it but I called and found out the next one was at 7pm. I decided to go. I walked to the very small movie theater and when I walked in, there were regular movie theaters chairs. In the front were a three couches and a piano. So instantly I went to the couch. It reminded me of working at Rhythm and Hues during dailies my team and I would cuddle up on one of the couches in the front row while everyone else sat in the movie theater chairs as the morning dailies were shown on the screen.

The Review
It is this humble filmgoers opinion that “ONCE” is with out a doubt the sweetest and Best Film I have seen all year. Not only is this best film I’ve seen all year, I believe this will go into my all time favorite list. It’s a guy meets girl story and it’s funny because their names listed on the credits is guy and girl. It is considered a musical but in a very non-traditional since of the genre. More musicals should be made like this but I don’t think there can ever be a musical like this.

I am so pleased and in awe of this movie theater. The film had been rated R for a few non-sexual F-words. On the marquee they crossed it out and put PG-13. Evening Star Cinema, I applaud you.

The planets aligned on this day after months of trying to find this movie God gave it to me as a gift on one of my low lonely sad days. I had happy tears in my eyes through out this entire movie. When this movie is released on DVD I must have a screening in hopes that everyone will appreciate it as much as I did.

Now I’m going to listen to the soundtrack and fall asleep at peace after slight moment of delirium.

So please if you have a moment in your busy day tomorrow please send me some love, a question or anything that I can respond to. Or if you feel like you can send me a text or call my cell. I would love to hear a familiar voice.

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Tuesday, September 25, 2007

The Sleazy Underworld of College Fairs

A sign reads, "Life is Short, Eat Desert First".

All of these pictures that I post are from the camera in my laptop. So I apologize for not having a digital camera and for this poor quality. It's actually quite funny to see me holding up my computer and taking these pictures. I look like I'm crazy

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There is this underworld to college fairs. To give you an idea of what I do when I’m not giving presentations is that I represent Full Sail at college fairs. I usually enter a large gym, convention center or high school where lines and lines of tables are set up. You carry your “collateral” to the table that has your college name. You lay out your special embroidered tablecloth and obsessive compulsively lay out your brochures and information sheets. Before the fair your usually fed snacks like cookies or fruit and coffee. If it’s a good fair they’ll have a complete spread and if you’re lucky a local culinary arts school will make the dinner. You hope that’s there’s enough bottle water to get you through the two or maybe three hour fair. With a half hour until the doors open to the students you mingle with other college fair reps, or introduce yourself to the table next to you or behind you. That is imperative. The rep standing next to you will make or break your night. They will be your savior, your partner your break from chaos of horny teens. This time I had Todd – Cornell College (not the university), Kim – Iona College NY, some guy from G.W. and old Larry from the other college I attended Columbia College Chicago. These people will be my team that will save me from the insanity.

Once the doors open students, parents and guidance counselors move from booth to booth with dreams, educations, and for parents a financial nightmare. Full Sail will either be known by students, or have been seen in a magazine or people stop by for curiosity. You pick your stance and make final adjustments to the brochures. You prepare yourself for standing the next two or three hours while waiting for your first sell. I kind of compare it to speed dating while you do everything you can to make an impression so they will give you their digits. Then of course hopefully the marriage when they give you their 70 thousand dollars in the end. The repetition begins to get tedious. The same questions asked, my same opening blah blah blah said. That’s when you check on your partners in crime. Either you see how they are doing or shoot over a funny face. It’s like two psychics reading each other’s minds. Finally the fair winds down. You say your good byes to your new friends, grab your stuff, finish paper work, hit a local Fed Ex drop box and drive away.

I’ve made a lot of friends during these fairs from all kinds of schools. When I started last spring attending these things I was so intrigued by it. It’s a people watcher’s wet dream. On my second or third fair I finally asked if there was a college fair underworld. “Oh Yes!” she said. These fairs are on going. Most of these people are on the road more than I am. They’re rock stars! So a lot of these people see each other all the time like how I see my friends at these fairs. My friend offered, “It’s very much a soap opera.” Most of these reps are young and beautiful. Working in the marketing or admissions department at the college. Some have family most don’t. One-night stands are the norm or when two reps from different schools meet at the same fair every year they hook up, sort of thing. Several people have parties back at their hotels or go out for drinks. I’ve even heard of BBQ’s happening. Yet I stay close to my people. Those others are like a fraternity that I really don’t want to join. Plus they are very selective and mostly are guy reps trying sucker in the newest cutest female rep. Yet, I enjoy sitting back and watching the sleazy underworld of college fairs is quite fun. I rather do this everyday than presentations.

I was really excited to go the University of Maine where the college fair was being held. On Monday night I had some extra time before the fair to explore the campus. As I walked and walked it was big boxy brick building after boxy brick building. In this vast campus there wasn’t anything that stood out. It was plain. They had a huge grass area where few students were laying out enjoying the weather while studying or reading. I sat down at a bench with a cup of coffee and looked around. I found myself picturing what it would look like in winter. The trees covered in snow, the snow sparkling in the sun and found myself getting depressed. Seriously, if I was a student there in the winter I would go insane like Jack in the “Shining”. No wonder Stephen King is the way he is, he lives here in Bangor. There were no nature paths or great statues. No beautiful architecture, nothing really. Just brick buildings. I went into the student union and went to the bookstore to get my shirt. There was nothing I liked really. The only one was just plain grey but the only sizes were extra large. I’m not that big…yet. I lowered my head in disappointment and walked to the gymnasium.

This morning I arrived at the college fair at UM an hour early. When I began to set up my table an old gentleman working for the fair came up to me. He said my stand up quick screen wasn’t in regulation of 4 feet high 18 inches. Basically it’s a banner that is pulled up from a base like a giant poster. He made me take it down. At the last two fair there were no complaints nor was there any last night. He told me he didn’t have the rule sheet with him last night and so he didn’t make me take it down. Yes there are rules at these fairs; it’s quite ridiculous really. Come on? You have college sports teams giving illegal gifts to perspective college players and I cannot put up a six-foot poster. Lame. Apparently I wasn’t the only one. Two old ladies a couple tables down had to take down theirs as well. And as the guy from G.W. pointed out, the Military booths get to keep theirs up…SCAM!!

Well, either way, today’s fair was a bust. All the vendors were complaining about the number of students attending and the quality of students there. It was pretty lame. People started packing up 15mins early and I waited it out. I said my good byes to my fair friends and packed it up. I jumped into Big Blue to head back to South Portland.

A nice two-hour drive I pulled into the Best Western. It looked beat up from the outside and nothing what it looked in the pictures on the web. You see, I have always stayed at the Holiday Inn’s but a recent corporate shift to booking everything on Expedia rendered that useless. Expedia doesn’t carry Holiday Inn’s and I was just a few points shy of being a top priority member. Urghh…

I enter my room, which is annoyingly non-smoking and hoped for the best. It actually has a nice charm to it. Microwave, fridge, two sinks, a phone in the bathroom and the most brilliant thing is the MASSAGE CHAIR, the ones at a Brooktstone store with the calf massager as well. After taking a shower I lied in it for an hour. Then jumped into bed and fell asleep. Today was my rest day. Now that the gymnasium doors are closed, the classroom doors are opened. Let the presentations begin…

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Monday, September 24, 2007

Vacationland

Legend has it that my mother and father had been trying to get pregnant for quite some time. They had finally given up and decided to adopt a boy from Hawaii. They had moved to New Hampshire as missionaries where they lived for a short time. While on a trip to Maine my mother was becoming ill. They drove to Bar Harbor Maine with my aunt and cousins. Whether the news was here in Bar Harbor remains to be know to me, but the realization is that I was unexpectantly in my mother's womb in Bar Harbor Maine when my began to have symptoms of being pregnant.

After 31 years I have made it to the place where I was noticed. I am in Bar Harbor Maine. It's a beautiful clear day about 70 degrees with a perfect breeze. I walked the along the coast of the harbor taking the beauty all around me. It's absolutely gorgeous here. Downtown is lined with gifts shops and restaurants. All New England style buildings. The leaves are slightly changing yet to my surprise the flowers are in full bloom.

I'm sitting next to an old man eating ice cream on a park bench in the town square. I'm sipping coffee and doing some work. The town has free wireless so I was able to work and enjoy being outside. I drove up from Portland to Bangor yesterday afternoon during sunset. I really can't explain God's miracles up here in writing. I think only the greatest poets or painters could capture and describe what I saw. By the time I reached my hotel in Bangor it was dark. My room was fair nothing special, but the bed was comfortable. I had fish and chips for dinner and decided to retire early. I woke up at 7am, made coffee and did some work for my next trip. I noticed I had 12 hours to kill until my College Fair and so I jumped into Big Blue and drove 42 miles.

I first stopped off at Acadia National Park. Brittany has always wanted to go there so at the steps I made a promise that I would come back with her someday. I at least bought her a magnet to remember that promise. You see she is my National Park buddy since she traveled cross-country with me from L.A. to Orlando hitting every National Park along the way. It just wouldn't be right to go in without her.

I then drove down a couple of miles to Bar Harbor where I now sit.

I really have nothing profound to say. I put on a mood ring while in a gift shop and it read that I was extremely happy and relaxed. I'm sure that this place could be brutal in the winter and tough to bear. I don't know if Maine would be a place to live or if it's just one of those vacation moments where you're in complete bliss and living here would be completely different. Living costs are about the same as Orlando. Nonetheless I'll always keep it in the back of my mind.

Maine license plates read "Maine – Vacationland". Perhaps that is all will be to me, just a vacationland. I have only been here for three days and I'm in love with it.

Tonight, I head up to Orno, Maine for a college fair at the University of Maine. My goal is to get a black t-shirt with Maine imprinted on it. Not because I love this state but really because I grew up in a small town in upstate NY called Maine. Ha-ha…I just looked over as saw a man sleeping on the grass with his book covering his face. Sweet!

What a great day it has been so far…

Downtown Portland - From my hotel room Sunday Sept. 23
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Big Blue and I at the hotel parking lot before leaving this morning
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Acadia National Park - Visitor's Center
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Bar Harbor
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Bar Harbor - Along the Path
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Bar Harbor - Me on the path
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The Park where I wrote this Blog
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Sunday, September 23, 2007

The Spirits of Portland Maine

I’m sitting at this desk drinking a cup of coffee, staring out my window. There isn’t a cloud in the sky. It’s a gorgeous day. I can’t wait to go outside. But as I sit here I am really trying hard to come up with words to describe last night.

I started walking and decided to go down a different street. A block from my hotel room there was a bar that stood a lone. I nearly walked past it. I honesty can’t remember the name of it. I walked in and ordered a 7&7. I walked outside to the patio a stood with my drink and smoked cigarette. It was packed nor were the people obnoxious. The place was chill, which I love. A guy behind me talks on his cell phone and then hangs up. I look back at him and he shrugs and says it’s my mom making sure I’m not getting too drunk tonight. He then introduces himself as Luke. As we talk he shares with me his love for this city. The food, the bars and the people he loves living here. Luke has just arrived back from Africa where he had been backpacking for the last month. He’s here with his friend Staaus who is standing next behind Luke talking with another friend. Luke walks away to get another beer and I stand quietly smiling at this optimism these he shared with me. Luke comes back with four shots of whisky and hands them to his friends and then passes one to me. They toast “All In” referring to Luke’s big win at poker earlier in the day. We down out shots in great appreciation. I am introduced to Staaus who lives in Maine but is from Russia. His accent is still strong. Luke and Staaus make a funny bet on who has more “game” than the other. Obviously Luke has more confidence but Staaus has the accent the women love. Luke sees a woman and makes his way to prove his “game”.

Staaus and I talk about L.A. and Vegas. He had just arrived back from a weekend trip to Vegas with his brother. He’s a bit ashamed for spending way too much money out there gambling. I think he’s realized he has a gambling problem. At one point he was up thousands of dollars and didn’t walk away. Now he’s broke. I assured him that money is money and he’ll make it back, but the experience is what he needs to look back on and appreciate.

I walk over to Luke who talking to a girl and her friend. I’m told him I’m about to leave and he says we need to go to another place. Staaus still has a full beer so we wait and I sit with Luke and the ladies. To my surprise the Natalie is from Lakeland, FL and her friends is from Altamont Springs. They know Orlando well. We all sit and talk as other locals come in. Everyone seems to know each other here and it’s comforting to be included in the mix. Finally Luke is ready to move on.

We head to Mcgritty’s where many people have told me prior that I need to go to. It’s a brewpub and it’s packed. Luke hands Staaus cash to buy us around and then walks away. Luke is gone for quite awhile. Staaus and I end up talking to David a guy sitting at the bar. I began to notice that people love baseball here. In fact Maine is full of hardcore Boston Red Sox fans. You would think you were in Boston. The irony is that Staaus is wearing a Yankees hat just for reactions from people. He tells me that he doesn’t even like baseball; he’s a soccer fan. Luke shows up and we chat. He tells us he has to meet some friends at Rai Tai and wants us to come along.

There’s a line at Rai Tai and we wait. A lady in front of us jokes with Staaus about his Yankees hat. As we enter the crowded bar an 80’s cover band is on stage. Staaus and I realize we have lost Luke and from that point on we will not see him for the rest of the night. We go upstairs and Staaus buys me a drink. We walk around and I notice people are glued to the Boston/Tampa Bay game. Staaus and I talk in great detail about life, home, women, Russia and our common lack of money.

I was worried as we were walking from bar to bar that this nightlife would be like every other place I’ve been to. You have people decked out and people in very casual attire, and I was afraid that this would be just another meat market. Looking back it kinda is but not really. These people are aware and extremely polite of each other. If someone bumps into you that stop and make sure to apologize with a smile. Everyone moves out of the way when someone is walking through especially in a crowded bar. I notice that these people are sincere and kind. I’m sure some people’s hormones are on fire but they mingle with class.

Staaus bumps into some friends and introduces me. It’s starting to get late so I tell him I need to head back to the hotel. He’s disappointed but makes sure I get his cell phone number for when I get back to Portland.

On my way back I walk past the bar where I started. I decide to have one more before heading back to the hotel. I go to the upstairs part and order a drink. Another band is on stage. I go outside and sit at a picnic table where a group of people is talking. I quietly sip on my drink and listen to their conversation. After about ten minutes, I find myself included in the conversation. I have met five more people. These people are intelligent and laid back. I seem to have fit right in. They find out that I am a “motivational speaker” and tell me to motivate them. The rest of the night we all sit back and talk, laugh and enjoy each other’s company. Before I know, we have closed out the bar. The invite me to continue hanging out but I tell them it’s time for me to head back. They give me their email addresses and make sure to contact them when I’m back from Bangor.

I don’t know what it is. Perhaps when I’m in a new city I have more confidence. I wonder why I can’t do that as much in my own city. Perhaps people are intrigued with a new face and a fresh perspective. Maybe it’s just the people here and it’s just their nature. Nonetheless there really is still good people in this world.

I wan to give a big thank you to the dozen or so people that I met last night. Thank you for the drinks, your kindness and your beautiful spirit.

Saturday, September 22, 2007

Trouble on Day 1

Trouble has struck. I don’t have any information to hand out to the students. We ship boxes up to the hotels that we can’t carry on the plane. So either we lost them in the mail or they were never shipped. So for the next three days I can only offer my charming personality and wit. Oh and my plethora of information about Full Sail.

On the flip side, they have free hot chocolate in the lobby….I love this hotel!!!

So before I can go down to the hotel bar I have to deal with this and drink hot chocolate!!

The Grand Father City

I feel a bit silly really, somewhat ashamed at myself in a way. My plane landed early in Portland. My bags arrived on the belt. I followed signs to the rental cars lugging two suitcases and a quick screen. Reaching the rental car location I noticed mine wasn't there. I was slightly annoyed. I lugged my suitcases across the airport which really isn't that far, but tired and jet lagged I felt I was becoming anxious. I found a phone where I am supposed to call them and wait for a bus. The bus took its time arriving and when it did, stopped twenty feet past me even though I waved him down. I arrive at the rental car place and waited for my car. The process took about a half hour. They pulled my car around that will be my carriage for the next week. A small P.T. Cruiser with just enough room to put my luggage in the back. I've named the P.T. Cruiser "Big Blue".

The three-mile drive to my hotel took 15 minutes. The speed limit was 30 mph on two lane roads. At that point I have become extremely annoyed and anxious. This was suppose to be fun, this is Portland, Maine…

The initial plan was to drive down to Cape Elizabeth today. But the day is dreary like a heavy fog looming over the city. That ocean mist that does not want to dissipate. I'm on the 10th floor and open my huge curtain that reveals downtown Portland. I decided to just walk even though I'm exhausted.

Portland Maine reminds of Portland, OR. It is said that Portland, OR was named after this city and you might think these two cities were brothers separated by birth. It also reminds me of Seattle. The buildings are on hill that leads to the bay. Though the hills are not as steep as Seattle. The old red brick is breathtaking and cobble stone roads in certain sections make it very unique. I went through little shops and bought a camera. I walked up and down streets searching for a place to eat. I decided to walk towards the port and found DiMillo's. It's a ship turned restaurant. It was nice yet casual. The windows surround the dinning area where you could see out into the bay. I was seated at four top slightly embarrassed and since I was eating alone. I looked around the dining room and you could instantly point out the locals from the tourists. The tourists were loud and drunk on life and all of then of course ordering the lobster. The locals were quiet, eating in peace. Their skin aged, their bodies worn down. I noticed that too when I was walking earlier. How easy it was to separate the two.

I of course order a cup of clam chowder and a lobster. I'm a tourist what can I say?

After lunch I walked around more and took pictures of buildings and statues. I was tired but really didn't want to go back to the hotel. I didn't want a drink or a cup of coffee, but then I came upon a movie theater. I checked the times and the one movie I wanted to see was starting in five minutes. This was fate. I snuggled in my seat and watch Eastern Promises. I enjoyed it, though it's funny to see several older people go to a David Cronenburg film because I always remember his films a weird a twisted. He's kinda gotten past the somewhat weird part but he still doesn't hold anything back. So the older people in the theater gasped at the gore and I say, well, that's just David, that wonderful sick man. Please send me your thoughts and lets talk about that one scene…or you will know.

When I left the theater I started walking back to the hotel. And this is why I feel a bit ashamed. I don't know if it's just today, the dreary sky or if this is what it really is, but Portland is so quiet. I did not once here a siren. Cars didn't honk. In fact if the car has a green light they will let a person who is waiting for the walk signal to cross the street before they go. I'm ashamed because I seem to have let in all that impatience that annoyance of everyday life gets the best of me. This is not what this city is. It's a quiet city where it has found a peace through long winters the monster ocean. Like it's an old man who has seen everything and settled down for some quiet bliss. I'm going to call it the "Grand-Father" city because it's old and wise, worn and embracing.

Now, even though I am exhausted I want to know more. I'm going down to the hotel bar and use my complimentary drink ticket then walk to a local pub. I want to listen to these people because they may have some lesson some secret to share with me tonight.

Restaurant Website
Dimillos.com

Movie Trailer of the Week
Juno

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MCO - Orlando International Airport

Who is this Sky Chef? I mean who is this person and where did they go to school? Were they the graduates of the bottom of their class? I believe the Sky Chef is a robot that makes synthetic food products made from chemicals found in the lead factories of China.

That’s right my loyal readers I am at the Orlando Airport waiting and watching CNN in the terminal. I hate using the word terminal in an airport it kinda freaks me out. This morning I have learned that if everyone in America followed the food pyramid to the tee that America would run out of food. So thank you my fast food friends. Also they dissected a Twinkie and what the chemicals are involved. Contrary to popular belief a shelf life of a Twinkie is 25 days.

I woke up a 5am this morning and finished my packing. I’m a bit tired but excited. I am curious to see where my day takes me. I have that feeling that I’m forgetting something so when I realize what it is it will be when I’ll need it the most. Checking in at the airport was no problem. I’ve become a pro at this traveling business. Perhaps in a future blog I’ll add some travel tips or perhaps answer any questions you may have. I passed by the Indianapolis terminal and gave a shout out internally. I mean if I start yelling in the airport I could be kicked out or committed to a strip search, which would not be cool. If any one has had that happen to you please tell me your story.

I’ve had some random thoughts this morning. One in particular is the glass half full or half empty. Half full means you’re an optimist and half empty is a pessimist. Now I think it should be the opposite. If the glass is half empty that means I have consumed half of the liquid, which means I am have replenished. If it’s still half full that means I have a long way to go to finish it. Yeah, that thought lasted for about 3 minutes. Still it’s a matter of perspective. Perhaps my perspective is a bit askew.

So this is it my friends, the beginning of my travel blogs. I sometimes have this affect on people where I offend them. I don’t know why? So I just have to say that from the bottom of my heart if I offend anyone I sincerely DO NOT apologize for that. Listen, I have to keep this honest and true. So if you feel offended by it in anyway than let me know and we’ll talk. But in my own heart I cannot censor this.

These blogs are being posted on myspace as well as petervj.blogspot.com So you do have your options. The plane is going to board in a half hour so by 1:30 I’ll be in the State of Maine.

Remember: Breathe in the Good

Me at the Airport
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Friday, September 21, 2007

6 States 30 Days

For all my faithful readers I am going to attempt a certain consistency to this strange place the "blog".

I leave tomorrow for the much-anticipated trip to the glorious and often forgotten state of Maine. I hope to document much of my adventures often. As many of you know, I have been having some trouble with writer's block lately, so in a desperate attempt to keep writing I am going to try this new approach. So please consider this a documentary or memoir if you will of my trials, my success, my secrets, my slight of hand of stealing hotel shampoo. Whatever the mood you will be informed.

Writing this, right now is a promise that this will happen but I'm going to need help. Please interact with me, please ask questions, and send comments, advice, post pictures, anything. Traveling alone can be lonely so your words will truly comfort me as well as encourage me to continue with these blogs. Please, please travel with me...

According to my schedule I will be on the road for the next month. In that month I will be in 6 different states. For those of you who don't know, I work for my old college, Full Sail. I travel from high school to high school trying to "inspire" students to follow their dreams. Today, I realized that's actually what I do. Students have responded well to me and have given me hope. I realize I have led a full life and my experiences can help someone else. I have come to peace with this job. Yet, I'm on a certain schedule so I cannot always go and sight see often but I'm going to try to squeeze it in as much as I can. Doing seven presentations a day is a bit exhausting and sometimes I have to drive two hours to my next hotel afterwards so I hope that these blogs do not become too mundane. With your help, lets see how I can make the best of it.

Alright...tomorrow morning it will begin....I will see you then...

The Fall has Risen

The summer was full of trials that buried me deep into the corridors of my Bishop Park apartment. I had fallen to a point where I was not able to communicate with people or lacked any motivation to go outside. My health was failing so the doctors had said, so I went on this low cholesterol diet, which wasn't all that bad, but yet lacked a certain spark to put a smile on my face. A couple dear friends had come to sit with me and watch movies. Yet, at the end of the day I was still alone and miserable. I felt my life slowly disinagrating…. I had entered the fun filled fabulous world of depression.

Over the summer I had gone on three trips. I went on two fabulous vacations to see friends and family, the other for business, which turned into quite the adventure. When those shorts trips were over, I was looming over a desk at work, feeling stuck. I was looking forward to when I could burn myself out again and start traveling, visiting schools. It felt so far away back at the beginning of August. The days slowly went by as I watched close to three movies a day. Finally, September had arrived and Labor Day weekend was here. My mother heard the distress in my voice as I coolly played my emotions like nothing was eating at my insides. Yet, mother's intuition had beaten me. She drove up to see me and made it clear I wasn't alone. We shopped, cooked dinners and went to movies. It was the first time in quite awhile that I felt comforted, blessed and loved. Thank you mom.

Last January, when I first started working at Full Sail I had petitioned to visit Indiana high schools. Not only is it my home state, but also there were a lot of friends that I wanted to see there. So yes, it was a selfish petition but I believed in it. I pushed and pushed and finally late August it was a go. I worked hard to get into those schools and make contacts and finally it was a reality. My mother had said before I left that this is going to change you, this is what you need…

Saturday – Sunday Morning
On September 8th I flew into Indianapolis. Brittany picked me up at the airport and drove me down to Bloomington as my mouth watered every time we passed a White Castle. Now without doing a play by play of my first day I'll just write this… Lunch, Indiana University Art Museum, Nap, Dinner, Drinks with Friends, then bed by 3:30am. It was a day that I hadn't really had in months. I was already in Heaven.

Sunday
Brit then had to drive me back to Indianapolis to get my rental car. She stood by with me and waited until my car was ready. After she left I drove to my hotel to check in. I had informed Grant I had arrived at my hotel and not a minute later, he was on his way. We met in the lobby and instantly recognized him. It had been 10 years since we last saw each other and he hadn't changed a bit. I took great comfort in that. We sat at the hotel bar, ate, drank, watched football and caught up. Two hours later, Rob and Stacy showed up, more friends from high school. I hadn't seen them in twelve years. Thanks to Grant, the drinks kept on the coming the stories of our past years were revealed. I was in bed by 9:30pm with a huge smile on my face.
Monday
It was my first day of class for the fall semester. I was a bit rusty during my presentation, but I made it without missing a thing, I think. After the first presentation, I had a couple of hours to kill. So I went to Steak and Shake for breakfast. They screwed up my order. When the manager found out about this, which I hadn't said a word about it, he came over to apologize. He saw my Full Sail shirt and commented on it. He knew about the school and took much interest in it. He then told me my breakfast was on the house. Really?
After two more presentations I head up to Rob and Stacy's for dinner. I was early so I drove up to Panera to get a cup of coffee and do some work. I walked in and asked for a cup of coffee and the girl said…"you're fine" handed me the cup and smiled. Free coffee? Really?
I arrived at Rob and Stacy's in which they were cooking me a home cooked steak dinner. Wow! Before dinner we looked at pictures and talked of the past. Then my high school friend Dana arrived. Another familiar face in whom I adore. We ate the most amazing steaks and drank wine that Rob and Stacy had made from scratch. Without just saying the evening was delightful, I will say it was simply lovely.

Tuesday
I've never been to a high school that had ten class periods. After a record nine presentations I headed down to Bloomington to check into my hotel. I stayed at the Indiana University Memorial Hotel located in the heart of the IU student union. My room was nice with antique looking dressers.
Brittany comes over I turn off the TV (yes that's important) and we walk the campus looking for a place to eat. We decide on sushi. After we eat, we go to a clothes shop where I am looking for a t-shirt that says Indiana on it. We then walk up to her place and make drinks. We sit on her porch and talk. It was one of those talks where you remember why you talk to this person. Why you care for this person and how you want to exist with this person. We covered the ups and downs in our lives. Connecting the past to the present and wishing for the best in the future. Brittany has been there for me during my darkest hours. We've known each other since we were babies and yes she has a picture of me as a baby and I'm sitting like a monkey…yes it's true. The conversation reinforced our bond which gave me great comfort that I have such a great person in my life.

Back at the hotel I enter my room. The TV is on…. spooky

Wednesday
More presentations…
Brit and I eat wings and other unhealthy stuff. Remember that diet? Yeah, throw it out the window. We walk it off and get my t-shirt with "Indiana" on it. Watch movie trailers and go get coffee. We part ways at the coffee shop so I can get ready for Mary Alice. Mary Alice arrives and we walk up to the Vid that is a bar. We have a couple of drinks and decide that we're going to do the "Amazing Race" show and our shtick is that we really don't know each other that well. We've actually only hung out about two times prior. So yeah, that was decided over drinks. Since I had been to the Vid many times before I ask her to take me some place new. Finally I stop the thought process and say take me to Kilroy's. That is the Frat Bar of IU. The one bar that my friends refused to take me to, so with a shit eating grin, Mary Alice and I go to Kilroy's. The bar was dead sadly, but there were enough frat boys and drunken sorority girls to get the point across. I then had a moment of clarity. I realized that I spend most of my time at places where I would find people more like me. In retrospect I need to go to places I would normally not go to inspire me creatively. I mean, think about it... I need to broaden my storytelling spectrum, and besides drunken frat boys and sorority girls is just plain comedy.

Thursday.
Presentations…. you get the picture.
Hooray, White Castle!!!! Brit and I dine gloriously.
Brit is the co-chair for the Pride Film Festival in Bloomington. So I go to a screening with her. It was inspiring. I sit in a room with people as we watch independent films. Some were good some were just plain awful. Overall the experience inspired me. I need to get going on some movies and get them out there. That my wonderful readers...is that.

Friday
Last day of Presentations…
Due to a change of accommodations so Derek could finish his symphony in peace I stay in Bloomington one more night.
Legend has it that Brit and Pete sit for hours trying to figure out what kind of pizza they are going to get. How much money can they spend where to go? Pete steps out for a phone call and when he comes back in Brit had already made the decision and ordered the pizza. Which of course was fine with Pete. Brit and Pete drive to the library and pick up movies. They then drive to the pizza express. When we arrive to our surprise our pizza had mysteriously disappeared. So embarrassed were the pizza express employees that they make a fresh pizza and tell us it will be half off. Pete and Brit sit on the Pizza Express bench outside for about ten minutes contemplating life. Behold the Pizza Express employee comes out and asks if we had already received our t-shirt? Bewildered, Brit says no. The Pizza Express employee hands over a t-shirt to Brit in which she gives it to Pete, then our pizza. Then a slight miscommunication on drinks. But then as everything was about to be said and done….the pizza was free!!!! Holding back their emotions and pure glee they drive away from the pizza express in an explosion of joyous symphony!!!! We ate well…
The Kinsey Institute is showing erotic films from their archives this night. Speed walking our way we arrive just in time to a packed theater. The movies ranged from a rare interview with Kinsey himself. Then short silent films from the 20's to the 50's. They were slow and almost exhausting. The highlight was the rare Betty Page footage making it obvious to me why she was so highly regarded in her day.
After the screening we take some pictures at the fountain in which I write a short film in my head. Walk over to a crowded Starbucks to get me an ice tea. We then walk back to Brit's trying to figure out if we were going to see a friend's show. It was obvious to her that I had crashed and my night was over. I slept well.

Saturday/Sunday
Brit and I walk to over to get our coffee and bagels. We sit on the porch and chat. It is my final exit. Bloomington has this charm that embraces you. I don't know if the novelty would fade if I lived there, but it's peace and beauty makes it hard to leave. Not only leaving my best friend but my other new friends as well. Nonetheless I had to go. I hug Brit good-bye and drive my rental car to Indy as tears roll down my cheeks.

Stacy picks me up at the rental car place where I drop off the car and jump in her car. We eat lunch and head back to her house. I put in a movie for her. I sit in this huge comfy chair that sucks you in. I was asleep in seconds and didn't wake up until the credits rolled. She decides to order pizza and I travel with her through Carmel to get it. We arrive home and Rob is crashed out from a day of partying with friends. After eating pizza I jump in the shower and get ready for our night out.

Derek's band is playing at a festival called Oranje. Rob, Stacy and I walk into this festival. A warehouse/parking garage turned into a sensory overload of art and music. It was amazing! We swoosh through the exhibits and listen to music. Brit and her friends show up which was a great surprise. We had already said our good-byes? Then Derek who had locked himself into his apartment for months trying to finish his symphony, he was in hyper crazy mode like a child rediscovering the world. Then Mary Alice arrives. We reinstate our plans to do the "Amazing Race" as we sip on our booze. We gather in the area where Derek's band is playing. It was my first Basilica show. When they begin, I am instantly blown away. I can't tell you, but you have to see it to believe it. Not only that, but my greatest enjoyment is watching my friend perform. Watching Derek perform always leaves me in awe.

Stacy and Rob drive Brit and me to her car to do the Pete Exchange. I decided to stay at Brit's mom's house. HOORAY, WHITE CASTLE!!!! We stop and pick up that greasy goodness and take it back to the house. We eat in such sweet bliss.

Sunday Morning we lay in bed as long as we can. I get up to a fresh pot of coffee thanks to Jim. Brit and her mom look over old writings as Jim and I talk and laugh at them. I gather my things and say good-bye to Jim and Linda. Brit and I head to a Waffle House for one last diet breaking breakfast. After the All-Star Breakfast and a wonderful conversation it was time to go.

Dropped off at the airport it hadn't sunk in that it was really over. I was going back to the place where I had lost my will my inspiration. Going back to my corner that shelters me from the evils of the swamps. Then I realized… I know some of the most talented people in the world. A writer, a composer, interior designers, a dancer, an architect, and a friend who works with cancer patients. I also may have inspired students to full fill their dreams. Although I may feel like I am alone, I'm really not. My heart is filled with love for the people in my life. I have friends all over the world who are some of the most amazing people anyone could ever meet.

Now I sit on my patio on this hot muggy night in Florida. I'm wearing my Pizza Express t-shirt proudly. I'm not sad or depressed. My heart is full and my mind inspired. My mother was right. This trip did change me and it was exactly what I needed. Thank you to everyone for giving me your time and your love. You lifted up a fallen man.

…Coming Soon: State of Maine!

p.s.
For those I didn't get to see, you were in my thoughts and I'll catch you on the next trip!!!

pp.s
If you read all that…I applaud you.