Life as a Blog

I haven't written one of these in a long time so I'm hoping the bicycle theory applies to whatever it is that I do here. My gut tells me this won't be the case and that I shouldn't have had that second slice of pizza (FYI: Pizza Joint pizza is big). Either way, we're in for a bumpy ride.

We're (the royal We're...me, myself, and I) approaching my 1 year anniversary on MySpace which means we are also approaching my one year anniversary of writing these blogs (they didn't become toasters 'til the Summer). Looking back, it is quite obvious that my little weekly tradition has changed, for better or worse, the way I view the world.

I've always been a bit of an entertainer. Not so much in the macro sense that I long for the spotlight rather more toward the micro, individual level. I like telling stories and love making people laugh...one day I'll be good at either...so I've always been influenced by the things in my life that other people seem to enjoy. For a long time, it was Bill Cosby and Jerry Seinfield. So most of my stories started with "what's the deal with" (my favorite ending to that is "chicken McNuggets...if it's McMade of what I McThink it is, I'm not McEating it") and I would do my best to frame the events of my life in the boundary of this setup. I got pretty good, too. So good in fact that I looked into getting my own studio audience (I had to give up on that dream...with 1/3rd of the team living out of state and the other 1/3rd living in Grovetown...it just didn't seem feasible any longer).

Enter MySpace stage right. A brief history of time....I like going out and don't like doing so alone so I sent out emails trying to goad my friends to do this or that...I start posting the emails as a blog on MySpace...Someone comments that the blogs are, unlike a mac, entertaining and informative...the comment goes straight to my head. Now, everything I do is analysed (this blog was not brought to you by the letter 'Z') for blog potential. I'll think things like "I really like Craisins, I should write about that...that would kill. Craisins are hilarious. Maybe there's a Craisin festival in Aiken this weekend...that would be perfect." This is less of a blog and more of a cry for help, really.

Thankfully (wait....thankfully!?), there is no Craisin Festival in Aiken this weekend but there is a lot of other stuff going on that may or may not satisfy your daily recommended intake of fruit.

A Salute to our Soldiers: I first read about this on the Augusta Chronicle's website and the comments following the article were heated. So, I'm going to avoid in political slant on this event because, as Jon Stewart points out nightly, the only things funny in politics are the people. Here's my political statement...it cost $5 at the door of the Imperial Theater. Hors d'oeuvres and desserts provided. The festivities start at 6pm. All proceeds go toward families of deployed soldiers.

The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe: A stage performance of C.S. Lewis' classic, this play is running March 15-17 at the Circle Theater in Barnwell, SC....wait....Barnwell? Yikes. If you decide to go, you'll need a compass, a flashlight, some rope, and this....oh, and $9. Seriously, take some breadcrumbs or a cell phone...I knew a guy that went to Barnwell and he was never heard from again. True story.

Triple Crown Street Fair: Looks like you gotta head out of town if you want to have a good time this weekend. Aiken's annual street fair marks the beginning of Triple Crown series with the steeplechase the following week. The street fair has become quite the to-do and they've got a national star in Danielle Peck this year who, according to the flyer, is stunningly attractive. I think she sings, too. They've roped off Newberry St. for the fair which starts at 6pm. $5 at the door.

Anything Goes: We're a week early on this one but my current writing schedule is sporadic at best so I wanted to get this one on your agenda incase I befall a great tragedy before next Thursday. I know nothing of the play but I do know the director and choreographer so forgive me while I peddle their wares. $10 at the door, curtain at 7:30 next Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Viva Italia!: It's St. Patrick's Day and everyone is Irish...unless you're Italian, apparently. The Augusta Symphony is hosting a Masterworks performance of classical Italian music on St. Patty's day...of course. I mean it makes perfect sense to me and, if it makes perfect sense to you, they show starts at 7:30pm in First Baptist Church. $20 for a literally cross-cultural experience.

St. Patrick's Day: You really shouldn't have any trouble finding something to do on Saturday because everywhere is having some kind of Irish themed party. If you actually are Irish, live it up because everyone wants to be you. For the rest of you lads and lasses, put on some green, pick a shamrock and follow the rainbow downtown to have a green beer with me.

Words, words and more words. It looks like the hiatus has left me longer winded. Hope everyone has a great weekend and be warned that hanging out with me this weekend is officially "on the record." Mora na maidine dhuit.

-Jake