Amoebas at the start
Were not complex;
They tore themselves apart
And started Sex.
Arthur Guiterman
I found that the other day on my Bookshelf CD and found it to be quite amusing. Ha Ha. I'm in a very content, relaxed mood today. It rained the entire day so I put off going to the beach until tomorrow. I've just been sitting (and sleeping) here at home reading all of my wonderful travel mail. I was looking through the travel guides from many of the states and from other countries around the world. I get this stuff all the time from National Geographic Traveler and Southern Living and I love it. To travel is my compassion and my lifelong goal is to travel the world. My most sought after destinations are in Europe. I'm the biggest anglophile in the world. I'm expecting, and can't wait for, my next letter from Tracey. Thinking about traveling always put me in a hopeful, enthusiastic mood for my future.
Speaking of the future, my nice little article about the class of 1992's challenges in the future was printed in the paper today. I had originally planned on using that as my graduation speech, but the paper came due and it was about the same thing anyway, so I turned it in. I much preferred the thirty-second last-minute version anyways. Well here is my first published work:
Reforms are needed in the way we live
By DAN B. SKINNER
The future ahead of the class of 1992 seems bright. It always does. But our children will feel the effects of our misguided society if we do not soon make needed reforms.
With great hope I desire a clean world of peace and prosperity, but only through our generation's work can we even attempt to acheive these goals.
A major refoem that needs to be made is that of our public education system. As other countries continuously improve and emphasize their schooling, the united States finds it feasable to cut back the money to an already ailing system.
The only way to combat the wrongs of society - such as hunger, homelessness, and racism - is through education and our country seems to be moving entirely in the wrong direction. As the nation's leaders strive for an era of world peace, it seems that less money should be spent on military goals and more on the children who are finding it harder to learn with less. The government's priorities must be set straight.
Another important issue which has not yet found itself important in the minds of the government, and the people, is the environment. true, people will say that they conserve water or recycle aluminum cans. This is a good start, but still is not enough.
Large industries must be pressured to clean themselves up. This can only be acheived when the people stop buying from the companies that dump wastes into the water and toxic fumes into the air. These companies are continuously revealed to us through environmental groups, thus ignorance is not an excuse. Costs will go up, but that is the price we must pay if we hope to save our world.
On a brighter note, as the economy slowly seems to be improving, we will be graduating from college and graduate school in a time when the careers that we are striving for will be more readily available.
Those of us that wish to work in the field of medicine will be benefitted by the ever growing trend towards being healthy, as well as the opprtunities to reasearch and possibly find the cures for AIDS and cancer.
Those moving into politics can find themselves playing an extremely important role in the future. Besides acting on the needed reforms mentioned above, they can take up foreign relations and help promote U.S. relationships with the many new countries who have just recently declared independance from communistic rule, as well as help these countries pave their way to a long and happy existence.
And we must never forget the tradesmen. The world needs its mechanics and construction workers. Without them we could never expand our world, or keep what is already here in good condition.
There seems to be a comfortable place waiting for all the graduates of the class of 1992 in the future, and hopefully we will make beneficial differences that will impact the world foe generation to come.
About the writer
Dan B. Skinner, 17, is the 1992 valedictorian of Leto high School. He is a member of the National Honor Society, National Beta Club, Mu Alpha Theta, and the Ecology Club. His honors include Best Science Student and ITT/Chamber of Commerce Student of the Year. Skinner plans to attend the University of Florida in the fall and major in medicine. He hopes to someday practice medicine in England or Germany. He is the son of Jim and Ellen Skinner.
Along with a nice little picture. Boy I was in a pessimistic mood at the end of the year. I guess I was just bummed out and I didn't really want to write them a paper at all. Now I wish that I would have spent a little more time on it because it sounded to choppy, and too liberal (ha ha)! Here's my graduation speech. I finally found it.
Good evening. The future ahead of us has a lot in store for the class of 1992. Some of us will become doctors, teachers, and some of us engineers. No matter what you decide to become, it is important to choose a career in which you will be happy, and in which you can grow to your greatest potential. You should not choose your job just because it is easy, or for the money involved.
The goals that you set for yourself should test both your mental and physical abilities. Set your goals high and never underestimate yourself. By doing so, your accomplishments in life will be that much greater.
This class has a lot to offer the world and I hope you all will work your hardest to contribute.
And finally I would like to thank my parents for all of their help and support over the last 17 years.
Thank you and Good Night!
Short and sweet. I was also honored with Cindy a couple of weeks ago in the St. Pete Times. There was a big color photo of each of us with a big biography on me and three lines on her. I remember her telling me how she was pissed about going back to school just to give them that little bit of information.
VAledictorian: Daniel Brett Skinner
Age: 17
Plans: University of Florida, engineering or medicine
Extracurricular activities: National Honor Society; Beta Club; Key Club; Students Against Drunk Driving; Mu Alpha Theta; Class Capers Awards: Best Science Student; ITT/Chamber of Commerce Student of the Year; Tampa Tribune Honor Student; Marine Corps Academic Excellence Award; English PRIDE winner; Who's Who in American High Schools
Thoughts: I really have mixed emotions about leaving high school right now. I'm glad that it's finally over, and I'm very proud of the accomplishments I have made here, But I'm going to miss not being with all my friends. Many of us have been together for over five years and we are almost each other's second family. It's hard to leave behind all the good times, and the bad times, but we must move on and do our very best at life.
I really like that paragraph alot. I was damn proud after I wrote it. It sounds so sentimental and perfect, much better than the other valedictorians' thoughts. I was impressed with myself.
We got our report cards the other day. I got B,B,A,B,A,B,A. Mr. Thomas, my AP physics teacher, swore that I was getting a C. I never told my parents and sort of hoped I would be home when it came. It wouldn't have been a big deal though. I was happy as hell when I saw that I made the high honor roll.
We also saw me on the Best of the Class commercial for the first time the other night. We recorded it and kept watching it over and over again. It looked kind of crappy but not as bad as I had feared. I also found out that I got a letter from Lawton Chiles, the governor, that went:
Dear Daniel:
Congratulations on your recent graduation from high school and mor importantly your selection as valedictorian. The effort you have put forth through the years will serve you well as you move ahead to college and beyond.
and so on... Then he goes into saying how he is, "firmly committed to Florida's education system," which is a bunch of fucking bullshit! But I appreciated the thought even though it's just a form letter from a lying Democrat.
I've been having an exceptionally fun time at Busch Gardens lately. So much that I'd love to work until closing every day! I was hoping this morning that he'd call me in to work, but oh well. I love the people and I love talking and messing around with the other employees. The Tidal Wave got a gorgeous new girl named Sonya. She has long light brown hair and looks part European, maybe French or Italian. She couldn't get the change machine to work so I asked her if she needed change. I'll always cherish that dollar bill. I still have the fifty cents that Cindy used to buy M&Ms from me once. I like collecting money, even if the value is only sentimental. My passion is two dollar bills. I have fourteen of them, one that is an uncirculated one that is stamped and postmarked, and two that have in order serial numbers. That's neat.
I was eating with Amanda and she had just gone to the bathroom just before. I ordered two servings of fries and a piece of Black Forest cake. She ordered a hot dog and fries and when I saw her pick up a fork I asked her why. She told me that she decided to eat some of my cake. She even ate my cherry! She was trying to sneak a crossword magazine up to the lifts. I asked her where she was planning on hiding it and she told me in her shirt. I told her it would be kind of obvious if she were suddenly flat chested. She told me to watch and she pulls out the top of her shirt and tucks the magazine into her pants. I only saw her full tits (covered unfortunately) but this is from a very conservative seventeen year old. And she new I did, and if she was trying to attract me it worked.
Anyways, I'm getting my wit back now. Andre and I judge about every girl that comes by. Michelle came in on Monday with a really hot friend. A few minutes earlier a really good looking girl came up and Andre asked me if that was my kind of woman. I said yes, and after Michelle got in the boat, I told him that so was she. We then discussed whether or not we thought she had sex. Afterwards I told him hands off that she was mine, and it was funny. Well, my lust for Michelle is known now. Later I told Billy and he said if anything did go between us, not to tell the supervisors or one of us would get transferred. Lately she and I have been getting the most scheduled hours out of all of the seasonals. The past two weeks I've had 39 hours or above scheduled. If they keep me around that much somebody must like me.
I was off at 4:15 yesterday and Amanda worked until closing. I jokingly told her that I'd stay until closing for her. She was all hopeful and tried to beg me to stay for her. In any other circumstances I would have but I already promised to be home early for spaghetti. She told me that was mean, and was like holding a steak out to a hungry puppy and then pulling it away. Then I told her she must have a pretty low self-esteem to compare herself to a dog, and besides I know that my offering was as good as steak. She thought that was real cute and we both laughed.
Well, tomorrow I hope to get a nice burn tomorrow. Friday I face both Kim and Michelle. I can only hope.
Wednesday, June 24, 1992
Saturday, June 20, 1992
June 20, 1992 - Saturday - Michele Ingalls
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!! Boy, that was a mental relief! It could be the fact that I just got home from working a ten hour day at Busch, and I have the same scheduled for tomorrow. It's a good natured scream however, almost a giant sigh.
I had a bad day at Busch last Monday. I didn't talk to Kim, and I just didn't do anything wonderful or impressive. I did accidentally knock a boat over the front brakes, causing it to hit the boat in the right channel and knock a nice two inch hole right in the side. Oh well. Pity. I also had to drive mother's Sunbird to work. I pulled out of the driveway this morning and couldn't get my Mustang over ten miles per hour. I took it in for repairs, and it turns out that my catalytic convertor was plugged. I also had all of my brakes replaced and the front bearings repacked. It cost my mom about six hundred total. I hoping to get it painted nice and possibly put new tires on the front before college.
My next day at work was Friday and things went much better. I talked to the people all day long until my throat almost went hoarse. It seemed like every time I was on break, so was Marcella. We talked, sort of, all day. We would take turns asking a question, the other would answer, and then we'd shut up for five minutes. Today that really got on my nerves so I just left. I've made fun of her before about being such a great conversationalist. I also found out that she still has her boyfriend. I talked to Kim for a few minutes yesterday. We didn't say much, but I teased her once. I looked at her intensely for the first time and realized how gorgeous she is. Her hair is perfect and long and curly and her face is perfect. I saw a hint of compassion in her face today and I melted. I just want another thunderstorm with her.
Today I actually had real talks with three people that I had only said hi to before. One was the black guy in his middle twenties, Andre. I went up to Spillway and he was there with his shoes off asleep! I woke him just as a boat of girls went by and he goes 'there's you a girlfriend,' and then he asked me if I had one. I told him about Nicole and I breaking up so he pointed me out another girlfriend. I said she was too young and he asked me how old I was, eighteen. I told him seventeen so he tells me there's always Amanda. I tell him that I'm tired of the seventeen year olds, that I want one about twenty two or three. He thought that was funny and then took off. I also met the new girl named Michelle. She's gorgeous, period. She has thick wavy blond hair and the most perfect butt on our ride. She's got a damn fine body. I noticed her tush yesterday and fell in love. She's the tiniest bit overweight, but carries it perfectly, the same way Andrea did back at Leto. She and Kim were the one's I was referring to when I was talking to Andre.
Anyways, we ended up working the unloading brakes together, and started talking. We were first talking about a lady that got hurt a little earlier, but then she asked me where I am going to school next year. I've been telling them that I haven't decided between UF and USF yet so they won't plan on me leaving and so the girls won't brush me off because they think I won't be around long. I'm pretty sure about UF, I guess. Michelle turns out to be a 17 year old Junior at Tampa Prep!!! I was stunned. Well, I think I can handle a seventeen year old once more! I inwardly cheered for joy. YES! YES! YES! Oh, I don't want to get ahead of myself. She also knew I was valedictorian. I haven't had a break or lunch with her yet but I hope I do soon.
Speaking of valedictorians, I saw Amy Carpenter, the little King valedictorian at the night function tonight. All of the hospital workers and their families got into Busch free and she was there. I was in the back and turned around and there she was on the stairs. I think she recognized me as I looked straight back at her and laughed.
After Alan let me off at 8:15, I went and talked to Doug for a few minutes. He's getting married to the current female lead skater in the ice show. I congratulated him and laughed at him since he can't look or touch anymore. We then traded schedules for tomorrow.
Kim doesn't work again until Thursday. Whatever I do for the next few days, I hope I do the right things. I hate Marcella. I want Michelle. It's all so clear. Bullshit! I'm seriously going to work on Michelle.
I had a bad day at Busch last Monday. I didn't talk to Kim, and I just didn't do anything wonderful or impressive. I did accidentally knock a boat over the front brakes, causing it to hit the boat in the right channel and knock a nice two inch hole right in the side. Oh well. Pity. I also had to drive mother's Sunbird to work. I pulled out of the driveway this morning and couldn't get my Mustang over ten miles per hour. I took it in for repairs, and it turns out that my catalytic convertor was plugged. I also had all of my brakes replaced and the front bearings repacked. It cost my mom about six hundred total. I hoping to get it painted nice and possibly put new tires on the front before college.
My next day at work was Friday and things went much better. I talked to the people all day long until my throat almost went hoarse. It seemed like every time I was on break, so was Marcella. We talked, sort of, all day. We would take turns asking a question, the other would answer, and then we'd shut up for five minutes. Today that really got on my nerves so I just left. I've made fun of her before about being such a great conversationalist. I also found out that she still has her boyfriend. I talked to Kim for a few minutes yesterday. We didn't say much, but I teased her once. I looked at her intensely for the first time and realized how gorgeous she is. Her hair is perfect and long and curly and her face is perfect. I saw a hint of compassion in her face today and I melted. I just want another thunderstorm with her.
Today I actually had real talks with three people that I had only said hi to before. One was the black guy in his middle twenties, Andre. I went up to Spillway and he was there with his shoes off asleep! I woke him just as a boat of girls went by and he goes 'there's you a girlfriend,' and then he asked me if I had one. I told him about Nicole and I breaking up so he pointed me out another girlfriend. I said she was too young and he asked me how old I was, eighteen. I told him seventeen so he tells me there's always Amanda. I tell him that I'm tired of the seventeen year olds, that I want one about twenty two or three. He thought that was funny and then took off. I also met the new girl named Michelle. She's gorgeous, period. She has thick wavy blond hair and the most perfect butt on our ride. She's got a damn fine body. I noticed her tush yesterday and fell in love. She's the tiniest bit overweight, but carries it perfectly, the same way Andrea did back at Leto. She and Kim were the one's I was referring to when I was talking to Andre.
Anyways, we ended up working the unloading brakes together, and started talking. We were first talking about a lady that got hurt a little earlier, but then she asked me where I am going to school next year. I've been telling them that I haven't decided between UF and USF yet so they won't plan on me leaving and so the girls won't brush me off because they think I won't be around long. I'm pretty sure about UF, I guess. Michelle turns out to be a 17 year old Junior at Tampa Prep!!! I was stunned. Well, I think I can handle a seventeen year old once more! I inwardly cheered for joy. YES! YES! YES! Oh, I don't want to get ahead of myself. She also knew I was valedictorian. I haven't had a break or lunch with her yet but I hope I do soon.
Speaking of valedictorians, I saw Amy Carpenter, the little King valedictorian at the night function tonight. All of the hospital workers and their families got into Busch free and she was there. I was in the back and turned around and there she was on the stairs. I think she recognized me as I looked straight back at her and laughed.
After Alan let me off at 8:15, I went and talked to Doug for a few minutes. He's getting married to the current female lead skater in the ice show. I congratulated him and laughed at him since he can't look or touch anymore. We then traded schedules for tomorrow.
Kim doesn't work again until Thursday. Whatever I do for the next few days, I hope I do the right things. I hate Marcella. I want Michelle. It's all so clear. Bullshit! I'm seriously going to work on Michelle.
Thursday, June 11, 1992
June 11, 1992 - Thursday - Ecology Club Picnic
I really need to write right now, just to get everything off my chest. Nicole and I talked Monday and mentioned us maybe going to Busch Gardens and then Bennigens for dinner. It would have been entirely my treat but it's not going to happen today. She went to Sea World with someone all day Tuesday, so I was supposed to call last night. I did about seven, and then she asked me if I came by her house Tuesday and made me swear that I didn't. I'm not sure why. She sounded antsy and said she'd call me back. Of course she didn't. I tried calling her about 10:30 to bitch but it was busy, she has call waiting, and it was busy? So I said fuck her, and vowed not to call her back until she calls me. Shit. I'm not too depressed, because I keep thinking about the possibilities with Kim at Busch. I hope to God I'm not reading too much into this. All I hope is that we can maybe go out somewhere a couple of times, for starters.
I seem to be losing all contact with my former flings this week. Yesterday I went to Honeymoon Island for a cookout with some people from Ecology Club at Leto. We had been planning this for a while and used the club's money to pay for it. Chris Hill, Jennifer, Mr. Massena, and about ten others were there. Barbara Burke brought her younger sister, who was really cute and we talked a little. She tried sitting near me a couple of times and I kept half flirting with her, but oh well. Abby didn't come. While the food was cooking Annette and I walked out to scout the beach. We then went back and got Jennifer and Mrs. Pirkey. I pulled off my shirt and Annette and I went swimming. She forgot to wear a bathing suit, so she had to keep puffing her white T-shirt out to keep things hidden. She isn't very good looking, though, so I didn't really care. As we were coming in, We saw a stingray swimming around in about two foot water. It was cool because I have never seen one in the wild that close before. There were a couple of cute girls on the beach on lounge chairs, topless. I walk right up and by them to get the optimum view. I was being somewhat daring. Some of the others had also come down and were laying out on the beach. I was having fun showing off my tan, and kept being used as a comparison to show everyone else how white they were.
We then went back to eat. I had a hamburger and a hot dog, which were both good. Massena and I then teamed up and played volleyball against Annette and Chris. The net was in hot dirt so I was standing on one of my beach towels. We both won a game and then all went to the beach to swim. I took us all to a place further up the beach and stop were a mother and her two really cute daughters were laying out. I was leading and acting all important, sort of showing off. I guess I was feeling confident in myself. We stayed in for almost two hours before heading back. Jennifer and I led the way up to the showers which I had to hold on for her.
There were two really cute girls down on the beach who I started flirting with while I was showering. I then went and sat on the deck railing and kept looking down at them. Both of them kept turning to look up and I was feeling all special. We walked back to our cars, and then I drove back down to the beach to go lay out for a while, and to see those two girls. I had already picked out a spot close to them but they were leaving by the time I got there. I stood outside my car, drinking a 7 Up, until they were gone. Then I went down to the beach and fell asleep for an hour.
I believe in horoscopes and really like some of the ones I've gotten the past couple of days in the paper...
Tuesday - Being able to find an interesting approach to every task is a quality that few people have. Trust your judgement regarding new love interest.
Thursday - ...What seemed like a mediocre romance will become a passionate love affair.
I can only hope...
I also found some more notes and letters from Abby. Even though she's out of my life now, she was important to me for a while and deserves to be remembered.
Dearest Daniel,
Hello! Sorry, but I've not got the time to write a long note. I still cannot read your mind though, or understand what you are thinking. I suppose you'll have to tell me. I can't read your eyes. I think it would be interesting to have a long conversation with you, but I never get the chance. Call, and we can talk. Perhaps you can tell me what you are thinking when you stare off into the distance like you do.
Abby
I just realized that everyone I have my deepest relationships so far seem to enjoy analyzing people's mind. Abby, and Nicole who wants to be a Psychiatrist. I also was thinking back to when Nicole told me that she wanted me and I was the reason she came back and started talking to Renee, and that she always gets what she wants. That was special.
Daniel,
Hello. Stacy and I discussed this, that, and everything else last night at Burger King. He said you liked Nicole. I asked why, and he said (in more explicit terms) that you liked her for what she could do for you. That's a pretty sad reason to like someone Dan. I certainly hope you like her for her personality. Liking someone for looks is a trap, because you trick yourself into thinking you are happy with just a physical object to love, not a person. But I'm not going to sit here and lecture you. You're smart enough to figure out the way things are on your own. Luck to you.
What do you want Dan? All I want are some good friends, good music, and some fun in life. Seems simple enough, but it keeps me so busy I don't have time to chase anything else. I don't look for things to make me unhappy, unlike you typical realist. Well, I must go. Regards,
Abby
I just remembered the time that Trinity was saying something nasty about me to Nicole. He never wanted us to go out in the first place. Abby came up and said something really nice about me to her and helped to save me. My goal now is to wrap up everything about the two of them and get on with my life. I don't really want to include this next one but I must.
A: Well Daniel? What do you have to say for yourself? Why do you like
her?
D: Because she's someone to talk to when you're not around!
A: Cute, but flattery will get you nowhere. Truly, why?
D: That is truly!!! She's just in my Ecology class and we just
started talking a couple days ago.
A: OK - but why just when I'm not around? What (as a person) do you
like?
D: Because, by chance, I never see the two of you at the same time!
She's nice, interesting, just like you! Why, aren't I allowed to
like her?
A: OK. Yes, you are allowed to do whatever you will. I ask, because I
don't know what you are thinking. Stacy said you liked her in
particular (as a possible relationships) and I wondered why. Just
speculation.
D: Stacy's just bullshiting because of gossip a bunch of guys said a
long time ago. Besides, why do you believe Stacy over on
something in my life? People try to read so much between the
lines, don't they, and maybe Stacy's jealous. You like my usual
short sentences?
A: I don't believe Stacy over you. So what was this malicious gossip?
I'm nosy.
D: Stacy already told you probably! Blow job.
A: What? I've no idea what you're talking about.
D: So
A: Nice. So what about your life? You never tell me anything about
it.
D: Yes I do. I'm a wonderful legendary person! I work at Busch
Gardens.
That gossip came from the time we were all in Hopkin's office at lunch. Ross was telling us about the time she was in his car and gave him a blow job while he was driving. I just now whinced. I remember how our little joke used to be "I bet you can't make me swerve" while I was driving and how she once told me how much she hated the armrest in between the seats because it got in her way. DAMN IT! She also told me the six guys she's had sex with - Mario, Preston Ely, Brian Nunez, Tim Martin, Eric Minetti, and Mark Middleton. Get out the yearbooks! I used to tell her that I was lucky number seven, and I could have been! It's all my fault... but I've learned alot.
Daniel,
Hello. I hear (from Stacy, of course) that you talked to Nicole
for a while. Joy to you. You can't have a conversation for that long
with me. She must like you a lot to talk to you for so long. Sigh. So
she's a step up from me, huh? (he, he) I think that's kinda funny.
I'm happy. I'm going to see a friend of mine in a play at Plant
HS. then we're going to a party afterwards. I hope it's fun. I know
he's a good actor. I've seen him do some acting before. (He's a good
dancer, too. We moshed at the "They Might Be Giants" concert.)
Anyway. I don't suppose you would want to help me with my Trig
homework? I need some help. I'm confused. When I sit in that class I
feel stupid. Like an idiot or fool. But I suppose you wouldn't
understand that. I wouldn't think you'd feel stupid in ANY way. It
must be nice to be smart. Oh well, I must go know. Write back please.
I'd like to know what you're thinking.
Abby
That must have been the night that we talked for five hours until two in the morning! I tried calling Abby Monday night but she wasn't home. I left a message with her mom that Dan had called. Abby called Tuesday afternoon. I remember her telling me that her boyfriend, Dave, admitted being jealous of me. That's cool! He recalled that time at Larry's when she was all over me and sitting in my lap. Anyways, she and I were talking about having sex during a thunderstorm, and how much we'd both enjoy doing so. As we ended, I told her to call me someday when it's raining.
Dan,
I think that I am depressed all the time. But smiling too much
is sort of a coverup. Not always, but then, I can't be depressed 24
hrs a day (I'm sleeping for some of them.) As for why, well, I guess
because being weird takes its emotional toll. I'm not well liked
(personally, like - "Hey, Abby's a nice person, I want to be her
friend." It ends up more like "Hey Abby's weird, I like to laugh at
her") and I can't get along well with others all the time. And my
friends lately are treating me like hell. Sigh. I want to scream and
I want to cry because it hurts to be silent but I can't open my mouth
and speak. i've got to go.
Abby
I also wrote stuff every once in a while when I was overwhelmed such as...
My day could have just become a horrid one, for I always leave situations such that i'll do really well or crash and have a bad day. I can't wait for Sea World tomorrow. I can't wait for nicole tomorrow. My life is becoming a fascinating adventure. My heart is racing. Romance the one of your dreams thriftily? Thin Bits and Pepsi on a bus... perfect!!! Why is it always right even when it seems hopelessly impossible. I need Nicole Hayden. She was even in my dreams last night. I must be in love for her image vexes my mind and my heart speeds up upon a mere thought of her. This also is not just because she is talking to me, Abby is constantly talking sex to me, but I feel nothing.
and...
We're so stupid !!! So very stupid. I care more about you than anyone else right now. Yes, even myself! I LOVE YOU! I keep trying to convince myself that we're through but I can't. You're too overwhelming. We're too alike. I haven't talked to you you now for two days. You looked so beautiful Yesterday. I hurt. this is the first time I have ever felt so deeply about someone. I just realized that writing this to you and GIVING it to you could get you back. But I'm scared i might lose you forever. I just want to talk to you some more. Our simple yet wonderful conversations, our fun times. Notice how much fun we had Tuesday even though we had just parted. We even ended up kissing although we shouldn't have, but I would do it again.
I remember that V neck pink shirt she was wearing. It was my favorite outfit of hers. She looked extremely beautiful in it. I felt so awful that I couldn't tell her. God, memories. I remember that last kiss in my car in front of her apartment so vividly. I can almost still taste it now. She also wrote me a couple of notes on computer at school. Here they are...
Hey there, honey! I know I am wonderfully sweet to sit and type you a little love note. So what do you want to do if anything tonight? It is up to you. I'll talk to Pam and see if she wants to do anything though. (Or to see if she would get mad if you and I do something. I don't want to leave her at home alone though. But I want to see you more. Problems, problems.
I thought your little note was cute. You even spelled Ich Liebe Dich right. VERY GOOD!!! Write me another one. That is if you get a chance-and feel like thinking about me!!
Well, I'd better go.
LOVE YA,
***NICOLE***
Hey there, honey! How are ya? I am sorry I am being so bitchy.
In a week or two I will be better. Okay. I just have a lot on my mind
right now. Please just put up with me. Well since I just have a minute
left, I guess I should be going. See you after school! We get to paint
again--aren't you happy!
Well, I'd better go.
Ich Liebe Ya,
***NICOLE***
And then we broke up that Monday, April 27th. And that's a wrap!
I seem to be losing all contact with my former flings this week. Yesterday I went to Honeymoon Island for a cookout with some people from Ecology Club at Leto. We had been planning this for a while and used the club's money to pay for it. Chris Hill, Jennifer, Mr. Massena, and about ten others were there. Barbara Burke brought her younger sister, who was really cute and we talked a little. She tried sitting near me a couple of times and I kept half flirting with her, but oh well. Abby didn't come. While the food was cooking Annette and I walked out to scout the beach. We then went back and got Jennifer and Mrs. Pirkey. I pulled off my shirt and Annette and I went swimming. She forgot to wear a bathing suit, so she had to keep puffing her white T-shirt out to keep things hidden. She isn't very good looking, though, so I didn't really care. As we were coming in, We saw a stingray swimming around in about two foot water. It was cool because I have never seen one in the wild that close before. There were a couple of cute girls on the beach on lounge chairs, topless. I walk right up and by them to get the optimum view. I was being somewhat daring. Some of the others had also come down and were laying out on the beach. I was having fun showing off my tan, and kept being used as a comparison to show everyone else how white they were.
We then went back to eat. I had a hamburger and a hot dog, which were both good. Massena and I then teamed up and played volleyball against Annette and Chris. The net was in hot dirt so I was standing on one of my beach towels. We both won a game and then all went to the beach to swim. I took us all to a place further up the beach and stop were a mother and her two really cute daughters were laying out. I was leading and acting all important, sort of showing off. I guess I was feeling confident in myself. We stayed in for almost two hours before heading back. Jennifer and I led the way up to the showers which I had to hold on for her.
There were two really cute girls down on the beach who I started flirting with while I was showering. I then went and sat on the deck railing and kept looking down at them. Both of them kept turning to look up and I was feeling all special. We walked back to our cars, and then I drove back down to the beach to go lay out for a while, and to see those two girls. I had already picked out a spot close to them but they were leaving by the time I got there. I stood outside my car, drinking a 7 Up, until they were gone. Then I went down to the beach and fell asleep for an hour.
I believe in horoscopes and really like some of the ones I've gotten the past couple of days in the paper...
Tuesday - Being able to find an interesting approach to every task is a quality that few people have. Trust your judgement regarding new love interest.
Thursday - ...What seemed like a mediocre romance will become a passionate love affair.
I can only hope...
I also found some more notes and letters from Abby. Even though she's out of my life now, she was important to me for a while and deserves to be remembered.
Dearest Daniel,
Hello! Sorry, but I've not got the time to write a long note. I still cannot read your mind though, or understand what you are thinking. I suppose you'll have to tell me. I can't read your eyes. I think it would be interesting to have a long conversation with you, but I never get the chance. Call, and we can talk. Perhaps you can tell me what you are thinking when you stare off into the distance like you do.
Abby
I just realized that everyone I have my deepest relationships so far seem to enjoy analyzing people's mind. Abby, and Nicole who wants to be a Psychiatrist. I also was thinking back to when Nicole told me that she wanted me and I was the reason she came back and started talking to Renee, and that she always gets what she wants. That was special.
Daniel,
Hello. Stacy and I discussed this, that, and everything else last night at Burger King. He said you liked Nicole. I asked why, and he said (in more explicit terms) that you liked her for what she could do for you. That's a pretty sad reason to like someone Dan. I certainly hope you like her for her personality. Liking someone for looks is a trap, because you trick yourself into thinking you are happy with just a physical object to love, not a person. But I'm not going to sit here and lecture you. You're smart enough to figure out the way things are on your own. Luck to you.
What do you want Dan? All I want are some good friends, good music, and some fun in life. Seems simple enough, but it keeps me so busy I don't have time to chase anything else. I don't look for things to make me unhappy, unlike you typical realist. Well, I must go. Regards,
Abby
I just remembered the time that Trinity was saying something nasty about me to Nicole. He never wanted us to go out in the first place. Abby came up and said something really nice about me to her and helped to save me. My goal now is to wrap up everything about the two of them and get on with my life. I don't really want to include this next one but I must.
A: Well Daniel? What do you have to say for yourself? Why do you like
her?
D: Because she's someone to talk to when you're not around!
A: Cute, but flattery will get you nowhere. Truly, why?
D: That is truly!!! She's just in my Ecology class and we just
started talking a couple days ago.
A: OK - but why just when I'm not around? What (as a person) do you
like?
D: Because, by chance, I never see the two of you at the same time!
She's nice, interesting, just like you! Why, aren't I allowed to
like her?
A: OK. Yes, you are allowed to do whatever you will. I ask, because I
don't know what you are thinking. Stacy said you liked her in
particular (as a possible relationships) and I wondered why. Just
speculation.
D: Stacy's just bullshiting because of gossip a bunch of guys said a
long time ago. Besides, why do you believe Stacy over on
something in my life? People try to read so much between the
lines, don't they, and maybe Stacy's jealous. You like my usual
short sentences?
A: I don't believe Stacy over you. So what was this malicious gossip?
I'm nosy.
D: Stacy already told you probably! Blow job.
A: What? I've no idea what you're talking about.
D: So
A: Nice. So what about your life? You never tell me anything about
it.
D: Yes I do. I'm a wonderful legendary person! I work at Busch
Gardens.
That gossip came from the time we were all in Hopkin's office at lunch. Ross was telling us about the time she was in his car and gave him a blow job while he was driving. I just now whinced. I remember how our little joke used to be "I bet you can't make me swerve" while I was driving and how she once told me how much she hated the armrest in between the seats because it got in her way. DAMN IT! She also told me the six guys she's had sex with - Mario, Preston Ely, Brian Nunez, Tim Martin, Eric Minetti, and Mark Middleton. Get out the yearbooks! I used to tell her that I was lucky number seven, and I could have been! It's all my fault... but I've learned alot.
Daniel,
Hello. I hear (from Stacy, of course) that you talked to Nicole
for a while. Joy to you. You can't have a conversation for that long
with me. She must like you a lot to talk to you for so long. Sigh. So
she's a step up from me, huh? (he, he) I think that's kinda funny.
I'm happy. I'm going to see a friend of mine in a play at Plant
HS. then we're going to a party afterwards. I hope it's fun. I know
he's a good actor. I've seen him do some acting before. (He's a good
dancer, too. We moshed at the "They Might Be Giants" concert.)
Anyway. I don't suppose you would want to help me with my Trig
homework? I need some help. I'm confused. When I sit in that class I
feel stupid. Like an idiot or fool. But I suppose you wouldn't
understand that. I wouldn't think you'd feel stupid in ANY way. It
must be nice to be smart. Oh well, I must go know. Write back please.
I'd like to know what you're thinking.
Abby
That must have been the night that we talked for five hours until two in the morning! I tried calling Abby Monday night but she wasn't home. I left a message with her mom that Dan had called. Abby called Tuesday afternoon. I remember her telling me that her boyfriend, Dave, admitted being jealous of me. That's cool! He recalled that time at Larry's when she was all over me and sitting in my lap. Anyways, she and I were talking about having sex during a thunderstorm, and how much we'd both enjoy doing so. As we ended, I told her to call me someday when it's raining.
Dan,
I think that I am depressed all the time. But smiling too much
is sort of a coverup. Not always, but then, I can't be depressed 24
hrs a day (I'm sleeping for some of them.) As for why, well, I guess
because being weird takes its emotional toll. I'm not well liked
(personally, like - "Hey, Abby's a nice person, I want to be her
friend." It ends up more like "Hey Abby's weird, I like to laugh at
her") and I can't get along well with others all the time. And my
friends lately are treating me like hell. Sigh. I want to scream and
I want to cry because it hurts to be silent but I can't open my mouth
and speak. i've got to go.
Abby
I also wrote stuff every once in a while when I was overwhelmed such as...
My day could have just become a horrid one, for I always leave situations such that i'll do really well or crash and have a bad day. I can't wait for Sea World tomorrow. I can't wait for nicole tomorrow. My life is becoming a fascinating adventure. My heart is racing. Romance the one of your dreams thriftily? Thin Bits and Pepsi on a bus... perfect!!! Why is it always right even when it seems hopelessly impossible. I need Nicole Hayden. She was even in my dreams last night. I must be in love for her image vexes my mind and my heart speeds up upon a mere thought of her. This also is not just because she is talking to me, Abby is constantly talking sex to me, but I feel nothing.
and...
We're so stupid !!! So very stupid. I care more about you than anyone else right now. Yes, even myself! I LOVE YOU! I keep trying to convince myself that we're through but I can't. You're too overwhelming. We're too alike. I haven't talked to you you now for two days. You looked so beautiful Yesterday. I hurt. this is the first time I have ever felt so deeply about someone. I just realized that writing this to you and GIVING it to you could get you back. But I'm scared i might lose you forever. I just want to talk to you some more. Our simple yet wonderful conversations, our fun times. Notice how much fun we had Tuesday even though we had just parted. We even ended up kissing although we shouldn't have, but I would do it again.
I remember that V neck pink shirt she was wearing. It was my favorite outfit of hers. She looked extremely beautiful in it. I felt so awful that I couldn't tell her. God, memories. I remember that last kiss in my car in front of her apartment so vividly. I can almost still taste it now. She also wrote me a couple of notes on computer at school. Here they are...
Hey there, honey! I know I am wonderfully sweet to sit and type you a little love note. So what do you want to do if anything tonight? It is up to you. I'll talk to Pam and see if she wants to do anything though. (Or to see if she would get mad if you and I do something. I don't want to leave her at home alone though. But I want to see you more. Problems, problems.
I thought your little note was cute. You even spelled Ich Liebe Dich right. VERY GOOD!!! Write me another one. That is if you get a chance-and feel like thinking about me!!
Well, I'd better go.
LOVE YA,
***NICOLE***
Hey there, honey! How are ya? I am sorry I am being so bitchy.
In a week or two I will be better. Okay. I just have a lot on my mind
right now. Please just put up with me. Well since I just have a minute
left, I guess I should be going. See you after school! We get to paint
again--aren't you happy!
Well, I'd better go.
Ich Liebe Ya,
***NICOLE***
And then we broke up that Monday, April 27th. And that's a wrap!
Sunday, June 7, 1992
June 7, 1992 - Sunday - Kimmeth Powell
Yesterday was one of the most sensuous, hopeful days that I've had in a long time. It was wonderful. It was mainly because of Kimmeth. Anyways, I worked yesterday and it was hot as hell. I just sat up in Spillway eating cupfuls of ice to keep cool. Then I got to work with Agnes down on the platform for the first time in a long while. She's the Polish girl who trained me. She has since dyed her hair dark brown and looked pretty cute except for the fact that she's married. But we talked about a couple of things and it was nice. I could not believe some of the girls there at Busch. I mean the young gorgeous girls in tiny bathing suits. I saw full tits at least four times today and these girls are in no way gross sluts. Their more like high-class rich snobs and I love it. I love my job! I think this is one of the best jobs for a teenage guy, except for possibly Adventure Island, but I still love it. And to think this is nothing compared to the way that it will be in deep summer when I work full time. Yum. Ha Ha! And then there's the fact that I'm paid to talk to every single one of them and that makes it that much better.
I got sent up to Lift 2, the forty foot box in the sky, at 4:15. As I'm standing there I can see the entire park and beyond. Suddenly I witnessed a HUGE bolt of lighting strike right over near the slides at Adventure Island! I have never seen one actually hitting the ground before. There was a bright orange glow and sparks where it did and smoke for a long time afterwards. It was literally AWESOME! I was impressed and worried since I was so high. Then I get a call from Kim down at Spillway telling me to make sure I stand nice and tall. I thanked her alot and then we hung up.
A short time later they shut the ride down and then the rain came. This was the first real thunderstorm we've had in Tampa in a hell of a long time. It got really nasty with the wind whipping the trees all around and making my little box sway. The doors kept swinging open and the window doesn't cover the entire opening so the inside of my box got soaking wet. I had my shoes off and was loving it. I found a People magazine hidden near the roof so I read it for a while. Then I started thinking about Kimmeth down at Spillway. I debated over whether I was just going to sit here and sulk like normal until the storm was over, or if I was going to call Kim and hopefully get to know her better, or just plain get to know her. I was scared that if I called we might just talk for a few minutes and hang up, and then everything would be screwed up. Then I asked myself if I've learned nothing from Cindy and Nicole about being forward and not holding back. So I called. It was thundering at the moment so I started by telling her that I'd trade places with her. She said sure and to get ready and we'd make a run for it. Then I asked her if we were having fun yet and she said of course. Then we started really talking about everything.
One thing we wondered, which I made fun of her about, was where do the butterflies go when it rains? It was funny. I told her about how I gave my speech in front of all two thousand people. She said that she was never really that good at talking or reading in front of lots of people and then we started talking about what we did in high school. She told me about how she and her ex-boyfriend used to skip Psychology class and go to more than one lunch. Her ex that she used to live with used to smoke and she was telling me how she has vowed never to kiss anyone again who smokes. I laughingly told her that she would end up getting married to a heavy smoker and have to live with it for the rest of her life. She said that she wouldn't because it was a serious vow that she had made. She asked me at first if I smoked. I told her that I guess then that I would have to take up smoking. She then told me not to worry about it because she has also vowed never to kiss a man named Dan. I then go 'Hi, my name is Brett.' It was funny and she liked it alot.
She mentioned that she wanted to cut her hair. I told her not to, it was better long, and that she actually has something nice about her and she wants to get rid of it. She said she just doesn't like all the attention she gets sometimes with people telling her how pretty her hair is. I told her just to put it up when she's in that mood but she said that doesn't always work. She then told me it would be like people always telling me how pretty my eyes are. I was like wow, I wonder if she seriously has looked at and liked my eyes. I said that actually they do all the time and I love the attention. I think and hope that I talked her out of it. I mentioned about how as soon as I leave I got to go on vacation up to Georgia. We talked about things up there, she really likes animals so I told her about the ones up there. She said that once she and her girlfriend rented a cabin in the mountains in Tennessee. They were close to Cherokee and went there and went hiking and she liked it.
She then told me about her family. She has a younger brother whose 22, one that's 26, and one that's 31. I told her at first when I hear of someone's younger brother I think of a kid about 10. I guess that's because I'm younger. She's 24. She told me that once, and I liked this part, she was in the shower scrubbing down when she thought about and couldn't figure out if she was 22 or 23. She had to go back and remember what she did on each of her birthdays. I told her that maybe she shouldn't have skipped her Psychology class. We also talked about drinking and partying and how a friend of her's dad used to sell RV's and if the kids were too drunk after a big party, they could stay in an RV until morning. She said how they used to joke about who woke up with who. I told her she had it made. I told her about my graduation party at Jana's at the Downtown Hyatt and how they served us drinks.
A couple of times people would pick up the phone down on the platform and say something. I don't think they thought that we'd be talking away for an hour and a half. Rebecca asked us if we were all right and Kim said yeah, we're having a party up here. She told me to make sure I was careful when I came down because the metal was really slippery. Frank picked up once too. Alan also called us and tells me that I'm on dinner and that Kim was on break. Meanwhile it is still pouring down rain. We talked about it for a while but then decided that we'd stay and talk some more. She told me that if I came down, that she'd go with me, but otherwise she'd just stay. We kept on for a while. We kept trying to outdo each other by how wet our boxes were. I also would, every once in a while, just say 'It's still raining' and that was funny. She told me about how she went to Adventure Island not that long ago and was being 'one of those people that don't listen to directions just for the fuck of it'. She was being a really naughty girl, I bet. I go 'Miss, put your top back on' and we laughed.
After a while I looked outside and realized that the rain had practically stopped. We decided to go down. I came down barefoot to keep from slipping. She ran to the bathroom and I went up into the back room. Alan was sitting there doing paperwork, Amanda was reading, and Marcella was just sitting there. They were too depressing, and still barefoot, I walked out front where Frank, Rebecca, and the other black guy were, I can't remember his name. They were talking away. I told them that the people in the back were just too much fun, and Rebecca agreed. We ended up talking about drinking again. Frank said 'I haven't had a drink in...' and I go 'two days!'. It got me a laugh but then he changed it to two years. I was impressed. After a while I was about ready to run out to the front of the line to talk to Agnes, but Kim came back. I was standing up on the stairs/walkway over the water and they were down on the platform right under me. I'm looking at Kim's head and I found a couple gray hairs and I made the fact known. I shouldn't have been mean but it was funny. I wasn't really mean to Kim, I just hope she didn't mind me bringing up a flaw of hers.
Then they started the Flume back up. Kim and I went back up to the lifts and got wetter going up than coming down. It could have been due to the fact that we were shaking trees to get water on each other. Some rain had gotten on the sensor eyes so we had to wait for a mechanic to wipe them off. I talked to Kim for a few seconds on the phone. After people were back on the ride, something happened and the whole ride shut down. I turned and looked and saw a full and really bright rainbow, and the entire second rainbow! It was beautiful from way up on the lift. I told the people in the boat that we had to stop the ride so they could look at the rainbow. They thought it was funny, but then we had to evacuate. I kept telling them to be very careful and walk slowly because it is slippery. At the bottom as we were leaving Kim bent over to tie her shoe, so not daring to miss such a beautiful opportunity, I nudged her in the butt. Then we got to walk all the way back up to the lifts again. I stood outside looking at the rainbows where Kim could easily see me from Spillway.
Once people were back on the ride I sat outside in the drizzle on my stool. It was really comfortable and relaxing. We had about an hour to go. We talked once again for a second but the last thing I said was kinda rude. She was cutback and I thought they would send her home soon and I wouldn't get a chance to redeem myself. Kim is the type of person who does everything right, she always tells everybody who does the smallest thing wrong to stop. 'No splashing,' and so on. I think it's funny, but at about 7:20 I get a call from her and she wasn't telling me to nag someone for her. We ended up talking until closing, with people on the ride, and I didn't think she'd do it. Wow. We started making fun of the people going by. While they were waving and smiling at me, I was waving, smiling, and calling them ugly, obese, or cute over the phone to Kim. She was doing the same and it reminded me of Cindy and I at graduation. Agnes got on the phone for a while too. I found out that she is pregnant! I told her that I wondered why she was wearing her shorts half way down her ass.
Eight o'clock finally came and Kim and I walked down for one last time today. She still had to work the GTE night function until midnight. I was again barefoot and Marcella walks by and goes 'Put your shoes back on!' with a really big smile on her face and louder than I've ever heard her talk before. Kim goes 'What?' but I just smiled and didn't answer her. Then we said our goodbyes and she said that today was a real experience. Fuck yes! I wonder if this will lead to anything. I hope so. I love life!
I got sent up to Lift 2, the forty foot box in the sky, at 4:15. As I'm standing there I can see the entire park and beyond. Suddenly I witnessed a HUGE bolt of lighting strike right over near the slides at Adventure Island! I have never seen one actually hitting the ground before. There was a bright orange glow and sparks where it did and smoke for a long time afterwards. It was literally AWESOME! I was impressed and worried since I was so high. Then I get a call from Kim down at Spillway telling me to make sure I stand nice and tall. I thanked her alot and then we hung up.
A short time later they shut the ride down and then the rain came. This was the first real thunderstorm we've had in Tampa in a hell of a long time. It got really nasty with the wind whipping the trees all around and making my little box sway. The doors kept swinging open and the window doesn't cover the entire opening so the inside of my box got soaking wet. I had my shoes off and was loving it. I found a People magazine hidden near the roof so I read it for a while. Then I started thinking about Kimmeth down at Spillway. I debated over whether I was just going to sit here and sulk like normal until the storm was over, or if I was going to call Kim and hopefully get to know her better, or just plain get to know her. I was scared that if I called we might just talk for a few minutes and hang up, and then everything would be screwed up. Then I asked myself if I've learned nothing from Cindy and Nicole about being forward and not holding back. So I called. It was thundering at the moment so I started by telling her that I'd trade places with her. She said sure and to get ready and we'd make a run for it. Then I asked her if we were having fun yet and she said of course. Then we started really talking about everything.
One thing we wondered, which I made fun of her about, was where do the butterflies go when it rains? It was funny. I told her about how I gave my speech in front of all two thousand people. She said that she was never really that good at talking or reading in front of lots of people and then we started talking about what we did in high school. She told me about how she and her ex-boyfriend used to skip Psychology class and go to more than one lunch. Her ex that she used to live with used to smoke and she was telling me how she has vowed never to kiss anyone again who smokes. I laughingly told her that she would end up getting married to a heavy smoker and have to live with it for the rest of her life. She said that she wouldn't because it was a serious vow that she had made. She asked me at first if I smoked. I told her that I guess then that I would have to take up smoking. She then told me not to worry about it because she has also vowed never to kiss a man named Dan. I then go 'Hi, my name is Brett.' It was funny and she liked it alot.
She mentioned that she wanted to cut her hair. I told her not to, it was better long, and that she actually has something nice about her and she wants to get rid of it. She said she just doesn't like all the attention she gets sometimes with people telling her how pretty her hair is. I told her just to put it up when she's in that mood but she said that doesn't always work. She then told me it would be like people always telling me how pretty my eyes are. I was like wow, I wonder if she seriously has looked at and liked my eyes. I said that actually they do all the time and I love the attention. I think and hope that I talked her out of it. I mentioned about how as soon as I leave I got to go on vacation up to Georgia. We talked about things up there, she really likes animals so I told her about the ones up there. She said that once she and her girlfriend rented a cabin in the mountains in Tennessee. They were close to Cherokee and went there and went hiking and she liked it.
She then told me about her family. She has a younger brother whose 22, one that's 26, and one that's 31. I told her at first when I hear of someone's younger brother I think of a kid about 10. I guess that's because I'm younger. She's 24. She told me that once, and I liked this part, she was in the shower scrubbing down when she thought about and couldn't figure out if she was 22 or 23. She had to go back and remember what she did on each of her birthdays. I told her that maybe she shouldn't have skipped her Psychology class. We also talked about drinking and partying and how a friend of her's dad used to sell RV's and if the kids were too drunk after a big party, they could stay in an RV until morning. She said how they used to joke about who woke up with who. I told her she had it made. I told her about my graduation party at Jana's at the Downtown Hyatt and how they served us drinks.
A couple of times people would pick up the phone down on the platform and say something. I don't think they thought that we'd be talking away for an hour and a half. Rebecca asked us if we were all right and Kim said yeah, we're having a party up here. She told me to make sure I was careful when I came down because the metal was really slippery. Frank picked up once too. Alan also called us and tells me that I'm on dinner and that Kim was on break. Meanwhile it is still pouring down rain. We talked about it for a while but then decided that we'd stay and talk some more. She told me that if I came down, that she'd go with me, but otherwise she'd just stay. We kept on for a while. We kept trying to outdo each other by how wet our boxes were. I also would, every once in a while, just say 'It's still raining' and that was funny. She told me about how she went to Adventure Island not that long ago and was being 'one of those people that don't listen to directions just for the fuck of it'. She was being a really naughty girl, I bet. I go 'Miss, put your top back on' and we laughed.
After a while I looked outside and realized that the rain had practically stopped. We decided to go down. I came down barefoot to keep from slipping. She ran to the bathroom and I went up into the back room. Alan was sitting there doing paperwork, Amanda was reading, and Marcella was just sitting there. They were too depressing, and still barefoot, I walked out front where Frank, Rebecca, and the other black guy were, I can't remember his name. They were talking away. I told them that the people in the back were just too much fun, and Rebecca agreed. We ended up talking about drinking again. Frank said 'I haven't had a drink in...' and I go 'two days!'. It got me a laugh but then he changed it to two years. I was impressed. After a while I was about ready to run out to the front of the line to talk to Agnes, but Kim came back. I was standing up on the stairs/walkway over the water and they were down on the platform right under me. I'm looking at Kim's head and I found a couple gray hairs and I made the fact known. I shouldn't have been mean but it was funny. I wasn't really mean to Kim, I just hope she didn't mind me bringing up a flaw of hers.
Then they started the Flume back up. Kim and I went back up to the lifts and got wetter going up than coming down. It could have been due to the fact that we were shaking trees to get water on each other. Some rain had gotten on the sensor eyes so we had to wait for a mechanic to wipe them off. I talked to Kim for a few seconds on the phone. After people were back on the ride, something happened and the whole ride shut down. I turned and looked and saw a full and really bright rainbow, and the entire second rainbow! It was beautiful from way up on the lift. I told the people in the boat that we had to stop the ride so they could look at the rainbow. They thought it was funny, but then we had to evacuate. I kept telling them to be very careful and walk slowly because it is slippery. At the bottom as we were leaving Kim bent over to tie her shoe, so not daring to miss such a beautiful opportunity, I nudged her in the butt. Then we got to walk all the way back up to the lifts again. I stood outside looking at the rainbows where Kim could easily see me from Spillway.
Once people were back on the ride I sat outside in the drizzle on my stool. It was really comfortable and relaxing. We had about an hour to go. We talked once again for a second but the last thing I said was kinda rude. She was cutback and I thought they would send her home soon and I wouldn't get a chance to redeem myself. Kim is the type of person who does everything right, she always tells everybody who does the smallest thing wrong to stop. 'No splashing,' and so on. I think it's funny, but at about 7:20 I get a call from her and she wasn't telling me to nag someone for her. We ended up talking until closing, with people on the ride, and I didn't think she'd do it. Wow. We started making fun of the people going by. While they were waving and smiling at me, I was waving, smiling, and calling them ugly, obese, or cute over the phone to Kim. She was doing the same and it reminded me of Cindy and I at graduation. Agnes got on the phone for a while too. I found out that she is pregnant! I told her that I wondered why she was wearing her shorts half way down her ass.
Eight o'clock finally came and Kim and I walked down for one last time today. She still had to work the GTE night function until midnight. I was again barefoot and Marcella walks by and goes 'Put your shoes back on!' with a really big smile on her face and louder than I've ever heard her talk before. Kim goes 'What?' but I just smiled and didn't answer her. Then we said our goodbyes and she said that today was a real experience. Fuck yes! I wonder if this will lead to anything. I hope so. I love life!
Thursday, June 4, 1992
June 4, 1992 - Thursday - Abigail Noren
I just found part of a funny little note between Abby and me. We used to pass notes in English when we were bored. Well, here goes...
D: Why not?
A: Why talk when one can play?
D: good point
A: Thank you. I thought so myself
D: oh, did you
A: yup.
D: so
A: wanna play, little boy?
D: I don't see any little boys, who are you talking to?
A: you, little boy Daniel.
D: FU
A: Sure.
D: Fine
A: ok.
D: so
A: prove that you're not a little boy.
D: what are you, blind!!!
A: no, I just see a little boy with my minds eye, one who follows
through on none of his statements. Prove my thoughts wrong.
D: OK
A: When
D: whenever
A: When are you available?
D: in 15 minutes
A: sounds good. Where?
D: up yours
A: my, my, my. get your mind out of the gutter unless you intend to
follow through on your promises.
D: so you think my promises are gutter-ish
A: no, they sound quite delightful. so why not follow through?
D: Why would you ever think I won't!
A: because you haven't yet.
D: how do you know
A: because you haven't followed through on any of your promises to
me.
D: oh.
A: oh? is that all? so are you going to rectify that situation or are
you just going to tease?
D: To tease is a powerful game
A: but to follow through is more fun
D: sure it is, make me a list of all I should follow through with
A: a list? I've not got enough paper to list the delightful
perversions in my mind. Why not just jump into the unknown
D: What's in the unknown?
A: Why ask you? its unknown until it happens.
D: Then how do you know its there?
A: In the gutter of my mind I perceive it.....
Well now that I read it again, I'm impressed at the opportunities that I was presented. This was only one of many notes and definitely not the best. The very last was the one where we got really emotional and she ended up saying she loved me. I think that I would have ended up going out with her but then Nicole came along. I'm still glad that she did and would have it this way again if I could do it over. I tried calling Nicole tonight but I got the answering machine. Abby's number is 886-0059 in case I need it over the summer. Abby used to say that she didn't like me, but I could tell very easily of her jealousy when I started dating Nicole. She finally admitted to Stacy one night at Burger King that she was jealous and liked me. She just called the other night, I think Monday, and we talked for a while. She has a boyfriend now. He's the guy that gave us free Larry's ice cream after an ecology clean-up once. She was trying to get me to go to the airport with her, I think, after graduation but I sort of ignored her. I remember either Kirsten or Jana calling out to me that I had better clap for her when she got her diploma. Jana and a couple others were really in to me going out with Abby, and Jana kept trying to get me to take her to prom. But so soon after Nicole, I couldn't take Abby, I would have ended up having sex with her in spite and I didn't want that. Besides, I would rather show my kids pictures of Nicole, and tell them about feeling her tits and all, than I would the same or more about Abby. I wouldn't mind, however, about ALSO telling them about Abby. Maybe she'll call. She finally told me at graduation that she liked what I wrote in her yearbook, all nice and emotional. I thanked her for being there for me and caring for me during my times with my 'little problem.' Nicole somehow ended up seeing that and I had to lie my way out of it, saying it was about something else. I told her that besides, she wasn't a little problem, she was a big problem!
Today was cloudy so I didn't go to the beach, or anywhere for that matter. Oh well. Well that's my tribute to Abby. I wonder if she would appreciate it. I cut a bunch of my side hair off yesterday. I'm not sure if it's better or worse but I needed to do it for Busch Gardens. I guess this is enough thinking for a day that I haven't done anything.
D: Why not?
A: Why talk when one can play?
D: good point
A: Thank you. I thought so myself
D: oh, did you
A: yup.
D: so
A: wanna play, little boy?
D: I don't see any little boys, who are you talking to?
A: you, little boy Daniel.
D: FU
A: Sure.
D: Fine
A: ok.
D: so
A: prove that you're not a little boy.
D: what are you, blind!!!
A: no, I just see a little boy with my minds eye, one who follows
through on none of his statements. Prove my thoughts wrong.
D: OK
A: When
D: whenever
A: When are you available?
D: in 15 minutes
A: sounds good. Where?
D: up yours
A: my, my, my. get your mind out of the gutter unless you intend to
follow through on your promises.
D: so you think my promises are gutter-ish
A: no, they sound quite delightful. so why not follow through?
D: Why would you ever think I won't!
A: because you haven't yet.
D: how do you know
A: because you haven't followed through on any of your promises to
me.
D: oh.
A: oh? is that all? so are you going to rectify that situation or are
you just going to tease?
D: To tease is a powerful game
A: but to follow through is more fun
D: sure it is, make me a list of all I should follow through with
A: a list? I've not got enough paper to list the delightful
perversions in my mind. Why not just jump into the unknown
D: What's in the unknown?
A: Why ask you? its unknown until it happens.
D: Then how do you know its there?
A: In the gutter of my mind I perceive it.....
Well now that I read it again, I'm impressed at the opportunities that I was presented. This was only one of many notes and definitely not the best. The very last was the one where we got really emotional and she ended up saying she loved me. I think that I would have ended up going out with her but then Nicole came along. I'm still glad that she did and would have it this way again if I could do it over. I tried calling Nicole tonight but I got the answering machine. Abby's number is 886-0059 in case I need it over the summer. Abby used to say that she didn't like me, but I could tell very easily of her jealousy when I started dating Nicole. She finally admitted to Stacy one night at Burger King that she was jealous and liked me. She just called the other night, I think Monday, and we talked for a while. She has a boyfriend now. He's the guy that gave us free Larry's ice cream after an ecology clean-up once. She was trying to get me to go to the airport with her, I think, after graduation but I sort of ignored her. I remember either Kirsten or Jana calling out to me that I had better clap for her when she got her diploma. Jana and a couple others were really in to me going out with Abby, and Jana kept trying to get me to take her to prom. But so soon after Nicole, I couldn't take Abby, I would have ended up having sex with her in spite and I didn't want that. Besides, I would rather show my kids pictures of Nicole, and tell them about feeling her tits and all, than I would the same or more about Abby. I wouldn't mind, however, about ALSO telling them about Abby. Maybe she'll call. She finally told me at graduation that she liked what I wrote in her yearbook, all nice and emotional. I thanked her for being there for me and caring for me during my times with my 'little problem.' Nicole somehow ended up seeing that and I had to lie my way out of it, saying it was about something else. I told her that besides, she wasn't a little problem, she was a big problem!
Today was cloudy so I didn't go to the beach, or anywhere for that matter. Oh well. Well that's my tribute to Abby. I wonder if she would appreciate it. I cut a bunch of my side hair off yesterday. I'm not sure if it's better or worse but I needed to do it for Busch Gardens. I guess this is enough thinking for a day that I haven't done anything.
Wednesday, June 3, 1992
June 3, 1992 - Wednesday - Graduation
I did it! I gave my speech in front of over two thousand people! I was scared shitless. Now it's all over and I feel wonderful because I did good and had fun.
We all had to be at the Florida fairgrounds this morning at 9:45 for rehearsal. I walked around talking to everybody until they made us find our seats. I kept joking that it wouldn't be hard to find my seat, first chair, first row! Ha Ha! I asked Cindy how were she and Chris and she just laughed saying there is no her and Chris. Yes! I was hoping it wasn't just one of these one day breakups. And it's not. Yes! Yes! Yes! We got nice little SADD keychains as we left. I also joked with Kirsten and got her to hit me in the stomach. I go 'you hardly ever talk to me and now you're beating me up' and we laughed. She was looking for Tricia and as I was leaving I saw the two of them talking so I walked up to Kirsten, put my hand on her shoulder, pointed at Tricia, and went 'there she is'. I think she called me a smart-ass as I walked away. It was funny. Nicole and I didn't talk at all at rehearsal but she later said she tried to get my attention as she marched out.
On the way there I just kept reading my speech to myself. I originally wrote a pessimistic speech with talk about reforming schools and saving the earth but I ended up turning that in as my article for the Tampa Tribune Monday morning. They wanted all of the valedictorians to do a paper on the future. I wrote my last minute, one page, bullshit speech at four o'clock today after I woke up from a long nap. I also didn't eat anything today because I knew that a full stomach would really mess with my nerves. My only salvation and hope was that fact that in a couple of hours it would all be over and I would start having fun. We got there at 6:30 and had an hour and a half to kill talking to people before it started. I met up with Stacy and sent my parents up to get seats close to the front. We forgot to bring a bloody camera! Damn it! We went up behind the stage to get our cowls and Mrs. Massey, the principle, put on mine. I started talking to Cindy and Tejal and asked them if they were nervous. Cindy was really nervous and kept saying she was going to through up. I dare say she was almost as screwed up as me about talking. We got in a bunch of pictures and talked to Jana and Andrea and everybody else. I kept walking under the bleachers with Stacy reading my speech out loud. He kept telling me where to slow down and all.
Everything else between then and the time I spoke sort of blurred by. Mr. Cardoso passed out marbles for us to hand to Mrs. Massey as we got our diploma covers. He gave me three and told me that he better not catch me throwing them at anybody... and missing. When I gave my speech it started out fine I guess, but then I started listening to myself and lost my place. So I looked up at the audience and impromptued the rest of the paragraph, and saved my ass without ever pausing. It was really sweet and short. Chrissy later told me that she heard someone in front of them say 'how sweet' when I thanked them. Nobody else thanked their parents individually, and I was making fun of Cindy right in front of her parents before we went up. I wasn't sure how her parents would talk to me when I first started talking to them and Cindy since I beat her and all and had never met them in person before. But they were nice. I went and sat back down in my seat, and just sort of slumped there in shock about giving my speech. I didn't listen to any of the other speeches but when Cindy came and sat down, she was almost as much in shock as I was. She kept shaking and was all jumpy, meanwhile I just sat there and didn't move. We didn't snap out of it until after we and a quarter of the school had gotten our diploma covers. Then we started having fun. We would make fun of the people, and say which of the people we liked while at Leto. She said she liked Brian Nunez so I told her that he fucked Nicole. She said thanks for completely ruining her image of him, and we laughed. We ended up having a damn good time. Michelle Hasebrock was right behind me and kept fixing my outfit when something was crooked. Stacy told me as he walked by that I did good and if he said something positive it had to be true. Whew!
At the end we tossed up our hats and bounced around beach balls and all that. Then we went to get our diplomas. They looked really cool because of all the seals on them. I had four. National Honor Society, National Beta Society, Honors, and Valedictorian. It is really nice and impressive. Then we started our goodbyes. The first person I hugged was Cindy, then Jana. Kirsten runs up to me and goes 'Dan, you did it! You talked in front of everybody!' and gave me a big hug. Some of them ended up being really long. Then I hugged Andrea, Sandy Babb (hesitantly, we started to shake hands at first, but then we figured what the hell), Christine Mitchelson, Rose, and some others. I shook hands and said bye to Minh, Derek, Mike Alberts, David, and some other guys. I also hugged Mrs. Lane, my 10th grade English teacher. It was in her class that I began excelling in English. Then my parents finally found me. They said they were watching me talking to everybody before graduation. Meg walked up in a really revealing dress and since my parents were standing there and she and I had gotten to know each other at Jana's party, I went up and gave her a nice big hug. I was kinda showing off, but damn that's one hug I'll always remember!
We headed under the bleachers where everybody else was getting their diplomas. I walked up to Nicole and we hugged. We talked for a little bit. She looked really cute tonight. Her dad had flown in from Raleigh, North Carolina at 4:15 (I called her earlier) and I knew how she had told him all about me. I also knew that he would be watching me as I graduated and I kept thinking about that before I gave my speech. Both times she walked by she looked up into the stands instead of at me, so I confronted her and she said that she kept trying to get my attention when she was on the stairs but I was talking to Cindy. But we ended up having a good talk and my whole family got to see her up close for the first time.
I had a fucking blast and I'm going to miss everybody so much but I'm glad it's all over!!!
We all had to be at the Florida fairgrounds this morning at 9:45 for rehearsal. I walked around talking to everybody until they made us find our seats. I kept joking that it wouldn't be hard to find my seat, first chair, first row! Ha Ha! I asked Cindy how were she and Chris and she just laughed saying there is no her and Chris. Yes! I was hoping it wasn't just one of these one day breakups. And it's not. Yes! Yes! Yes! We got nice little SADD keychains as we left. I also joked with Kirsten and got her to hit me in the stomach. I go 'you hardly ever talk to me and now you're beating me up' and we laughed. She was looking for Tricia and as I was leaving I saw the two of them talking so I walked up to Kirsten, put my hand on her shoulder, pointed at Tricia, and went 'there she is'. I think she called me a smart-ass as I walked away. It was funny. Nicole and I didn't talk at all at rehearsal but she later said she tried to get my attention as she marched out.
On the way there I just kept reading my speech to myself. I originally wrote a pessimistic speech with talk about reforming schools and saving the earth but I ended up turning that in as my article for the Tampa Tribune Monday morning. They wanted all of the valedictorians to do a paper on the future. I wrote my last minute, one page, bullshit speech at four o'clock today after I woke up from a long nap. I also didn't eat anything today because I knew that a full stomach would really mess with my nerves. My only salvation and hope was that fact that in a couple of hours it would all be over and I would start having fun. We got there at 6:30 and had an hour and a half to kill talking to people before it started. I met up with Stacy and sent my parents up to get seats close to the front. We forgot to bring a bloody camera! Damn it! We went up behind the stage to get our cowls and Mrs. Massey, the principle, put on mine. I started talking to Cindy and Tejal and asked them if they were nervous. Cindy was really nervous and kept saying she was going to through up. I dare say she was almost as screwed up as me about talking. We got in a bunch of pictures and talked to Jana and Andrea and everybody else. I kept walking under the bleachers with Stacy reading my speech out loud. He kept telling me where to slow down and all.
Everything else between then and the time I spoke sort of blurred by. Mr. Cardoso passed out marbles for us to hand to Mrs. Massey as we got our diploma covers. He gave me three and told me that he better not catch me throwing them at anybody... and missing. When I gave my speech it started out fine I guess, but then I started listening to myself and lost my place. So I looked up at the audience and impromptued the rest of the paragraph, and saved my ass without ever pausing. It was really sweet and short. Chrissy later told me that she heard someone in front of them say 'how sweet' when I thanked them. Nobody else thanked their parents individually, and I was making fun of Cindy right in front of her parents before we went up. I wasn't sure how her parents would talk to me when I first started talking to them and Cindy since I beat her and all and had never met them in person before. But they were nice. I went and sat back down in my seat, and just sort of slumped there in shock about giving my speech. I didn't listen to any of the other speeches but when Cindy came and sat down, she was almost as much in shock as I was. She kept shaking and was all jumpy, meanwhile I just sat there and didn't move. We didn't snap out of it until after we and a quarter of the school had gotten our diploma covers. Then we started having fun. We would make fun of the people, and say which of the people we liked while at Leto. She said she liked Brian Nunez so I told her that he fucked Nicole. She said thanks for completely ruining her image of him, and we laughed. We ended up having a damn good time. Michelle Hasebrock was right behind me and kept fixing my outfit when something was crooked. Stacy told me as he walked by that I did good and if he said something positive it had to be true. Whew!
At the end we tossed up our hats and bounced around beach balls and all that. Then we went to get our diplomas. They looked really cool because of all the seals on them. I had four. National Honor Society, National Beta Society, Honors, and Valedictorian. It is really nice and impressive. Then we started our goodbyes. The first person I hugged was Cindy, then Jana. Kirsten runs up to me and goes 'Dan, you did it! You talked in front of everybody!' and gave me a big hug. Some of them ended up being really long. Then I hugged Andrea, Sandy Babb (hesitantly, we started to shake hands at first, but then we figured what the hell), Christine Mitchelson, Rose, and some others. I shook hands and said bye to Minh, Derek, Mike Alberts, David, and some other guys. I also hugged Mrs. Lane, my 10th grade English teacher. It was in her class that I began excelling in English. Then my parents finally found me. They said they were watching me talking to everybody before graduation. Meg walked up in a really revealing dress and since my parents were standing there and she and I had gotten to know each other at Jana's party, I went up and gave her a nice big hug. I was kinda showing off, but damn that's one hug I'll always remember!
We headed under the bleachers where everybody else was getting their diplomas. I walked up to Nicole and we hugged. We talked for a little bit. She looked really cute tonight. Her dad had flown in from Raleigh, North Carolina at 4:15 (I called her earlier) and I knew how she had told him all about me. I also knew that he would be watching me as I graduated and I kept thinking about that before I gave my speech. Both times she walked by she looked up into the stands instead of at me, so I confronted her and she said that she kept trying to get my attention when she was on the stairs but I was talking to Cindy. But we ended up having a good talk and my whole family got to see her up close for the first time.
I had a fucking blast and I'm going to miss everybody so much but I'm glad it's all over!!!
Monday, June 1, 1992
June 1, 1992 - Monday - Jana's Grad Party
I mailed Tracey a birthday card and a present today. They cost $5.02 to send. Afterwards I drove to Clearwater Beach. I had to lock up my brakes for the first time today and they worked. The idiot in front of me decided to slam on his brakes just as he was going into an intersection to let an ambulance go by. He almost needed one himself. I put two dollars (four hours) into the meter because I forgot my watch and didn't want to get a ticket. There were lots of clouds but it was relaxing just lying there. I got some really good views from some of the girls there. I woke up once and this one girl, my age, was lying back side up staring straight at me. She was cute, really cute after she came out of the water and was leaning over to pick up her towel. Nice! I went back to the car after two hours and went driving up to the North beaches to maybe walk towards the more secluded parts but there were no parking spaces. I went back but someone was in my space, but I found another with three hours left a little further up. The sun finally came out and I got a decent burn for the day. Then I realized I left my keys in the car! I found a Clearwater Policewoman and told her. She eventually came over and used a metal bar and showed me how to try to unlock the door. She had me trying to do one side, with her on the other, to no avail. Then an ex-mechanic came up and did it in no time flat. Thank God! I talked to her for a little while longer and she gave me a safety pin to put a key onto my shorts in case I went back out. I drove up and down the strip about three times before going home.
Saturday night I went to Jana Sierra's graduation party at the downtown Hyatt Regency. I bought her a card earlier at Target and a money holder with a Busch Gardens ticket and $20. I didn't want to seem too cheap around all of her rich Italian relatives. I got there a little early and sat down. Jana arrived with her family about ten minutes later and I shook their hands. Nobody else from Leto was there. Jana had invited about forty people from school, it was seven already, and she was a little worried. I joked with her to cheer her up and talked to her mom and to Gina a bit. Her grandmother recognized me from the awards ceremony after she kept thinking that she knew me from somewhere. A bunch of her relatives then congratulated me. Then we moved into the greeting room. Jana's grandmother was all worried that I didn't know anybody and was trying to find someone for me to sit with. Eventually, I ended up eating the hors D'oeuvres with Bobby and Kirsten. Somehow neither one of them knew that I worked at Busch Gardens so I got to brag. Derek and Meg showed and I talked to David Rauscher about his new job at Busch. Cindy then tells us how she and Chris were talking on the phone and then she broke up with him because he didn't seem to want to find any time to be with her. Chris and Cindy broke up! YES!!!
We went into the ballroom after a while. It was really lavish, lit only by candlelight, with a DJ and all. I sat next to Meg and Andrew Fellios. We ate fettucini, a salad, chicken cordon-bleu, and German cake. Tonight was the first time I ever talked with Meg face to face. She's really nice and I kept making fun of her when she would turn her face every time they put the video camera in our faces. She's really cute. After we ate a lot of people started dancing. They did the Chicken Dance and Meg came over and pulled my arm until I went out and danced with them. They recorded the whole thing on video and said we'd all go on a cruise if we won the prize on America's Funniest Home Videos. I serenaded with Cindy (for a long time), Jana's mom (and dad!), and a couple others. Andrea and I almost did but I got pulled away. It was great fun. We all then stood in rows hands on shoulders and kicked up our feet. I danced with one of Jana's younger aunt's (about 29). We then did the dance where everyone moves around in a line, again on camera. I had a good time but it was tiring. They played 'Friends in Low Places' and I sang the whole time.
Later, Minh, Melissa Keesee, Frank Rose, his girlfriend, and I went running around in the hotel trying to find souvenirs. We didn't take anything but had fun running around on the upper floors. We then found out that the bartenders would serve us drinks. I didn't take anything though. I found out when I got there that I left my wallet at home. Imagine getting pulled over, no license, and alcohol on my breath. That would be real nice. Otherwise I think I would have. I eventually hugged Jana goodbye (for the third or forth time) and left. It was well worth it. I at one time thought about not going but after missing prom I now realize that I will never skip out on anything again, I seriously want to become a real socialite up at Florida. I've had a lot of fun talking with all the girls lately and being buddies with the guys. I've found out how easy and fun it is to talk to girls lately, and how beneficial it might be. I've had alot of first times talking to different girls lately just because I'm being more open. I love it! And I'm sure as hell getting a tan to go along with it all.
Yesterday at work I was working the loading brake and Marcella came out to group. We started talking and I kept making cutsie little remarks. She was actually laughing and we talked continuously for a long time. This coming from a girl that NEVER talked to me the entire time I've worked at Busch Gardens. She barely even said anything to me when the supervisors told her to. I've always been in lust with her and it was fun watching that glow in her face that I've never seen before. Well I've got a new friend to look for on breaks. I hope our talk lasts until the next time I see her. I don't think she liked me that much to begin with because I sort of ignored her. I love love.
I just got off the phone with Abby. I used to tell her how Jana didn't like her because she was too 'expressive' and I rubbed it in by gloating about getting the invitation to Jana's party. Stacy also sort of resented me for it. Well too bad for them. Thanks Jana!
Saturday night I went to Jana Sierra's graduation party at the downtown Hyatt Regency. I bought her a card earlier at Target and a money holder with a Busch Gardens ticket and $20. I didn't want to seem too cheap around all of her rich Italian relatives. I got there a little early and sat down. Jana arrived with her family about ten minutes later and I shook their hands. Nobody else from Leto was there. Jana had invited about forty people from school, it was seven already, and she was a little worried. I joked with her to cheer her up and talked to her mom and to Gina a bit. Her grandmother recognized me from the awards ceremony after she kept thinking that she knew me from somewhere. A bunch of her relatives then congratulated me. Then we moved into the greeting room. Jana's grandmother was all worried that I didn't know anybody and was trying to find someone for me to sit with. Eventually, I ended up eating the hors D'oeuvres with Bobby and Kirsten. Somehow neither one of them knew that I worked at Busch Gardens so I got to brag. Derek and Meg showed and I talked to David Rauscher about his new job at Busch. Cindy then tells us how she and Chris were talking on the phone and then she broke up with him because he didn't seem to want to find any time to be with her. Chris and Cindy broke up! YES!!!
We went into the ballroom after a while. It was really lavish, lit only by candlelight, with a DJ and all. I sat next to Meg and Andrew Fellios. We ate fettucini, a salad, chicken cordon-bleu, and German cake. Tonight was the first time I ever talked with Meg face to face. She's really nice and I kept making fun of her when she would turn her face every time they put the video camera in our faces. She's really cute. After we ate a lot of people started dancing. They did the Chicken Dance and Meg came over and pulled my arm until I went out and danced with them. They recorded the whole thing on video and said we'd all go on a cruise if we won the prize on America's Funniest Home Videos. I serenaded with Cindy (for a long time), Jana's mom (and dad!), and a couple others. Andrea and I almost did but I got pulled away. It was great fun. We all then stood in rows hands on shoulders and kicked up our feet. I danced with one of Jana's younger aunt's (about 29). We then did the dance where everyone moves around in a line, again on camera. I had a good time but it was tiring. They played 'Friends in Low Places' and I sang the whole time.
Later, Minh, Melissa Keesee, Frank Rose, his girlfriend, and I went running around in the hotel trying to find souvenirs. We didn't take anything but had fun running around on the upper floors. We then found out that the bartenders would serve us drinks. I didn't take anything though. I found out when I got there that I left my wallet at home. Imagine getting pulled over, no license, and alcohol on my breath. That would be real nice. Otherwise I think I would have. I eventually hugged Jana goodbye (for the third or forth time) and left. It was well worth it. I at one time thought about not going but after missing prom I now realize that I will never skip out on anything again, I seriously want to become a real socialite up at Florida. I've had a lot of fun talking with all the girls lately and being buddies with the guys. I've found out how easy and fun it is to talk to girls lately, and how beneficial it might be. I've had alot of first times talking to different girls lately just because I'm being more open. I love it! And I'm sure as hell getting a tan to go along with it all.
Yesterday at work I was working the loading brake and Marcella came out to group. We started talking and I kept making cutsie little remarks. She was actually laughing and we talked continuously for a long time. This coming from a girl that NEVER talked to me the entire time I've worked at Busch Gardens. She barely even said anything to me when the supervisors told her to. I've always been in lust with her and it was fun watching that glow in her face that I've never seen before. Well I've got a new friend to look for on breaks. I hope our talk lasts until the next time I see her. I don't think she liked me that much to begin with because I sort of ignored her. I love love.
I just got off the phone with Abby. I used to tell her how Jana didn't like her because she was too 'expressive' and I rubbed it in by gloating about getting the invitation to Jana's party. Stacy also sort of resented me for it. Well too bad for them. Thanks Jana!