This past weekend we braved the nor’easter for Evan’s bachelor party and headed to Ocean City, Maryland, to see Dave Matthews Band, who had absolutely no chance of performing. So we Two Stepped it back to Philly.
I’ve done event recaps before and they never quite live up to expectations because they’re always a “you had to be there” kind of thing. But it is rare to find a friendship that spans decades.
Evan and I have watched football together almost every Sunday for who knows how long. We’ve golfed so many rounds together I can’t even remember half his millions of shots. The amount of money we’ve wagered on sports or lost at casinos would make regular people think we’re insane.
He likes to use “Ground Control to Major Tom” when I don’t respond to texts fast enough. We watched the TerreStar satellite blow and I consoled him after the NVAX crash. We’re still not sure if his jumper is traveling. I probably won’t ever watch Newsroom. Plus that one time Drew Brees couldn’t lose to Rex Grossman in 2006 when we barely had any money.
We’ve been friends for so long because we both understand that life is more than a job, money, or all the other bullshit that gets in the way of people’s relationships. We don’t always agree. In fact, we disagree a ton. He knows I’m straightforward and make insensitive comments. I know he’s too scared to agree. We’re not the brightest people on the planet, but we’re both convinced we’re smarter than most people.
What it really comes down to is that we know what the other guy is about, and we accept each other for it.
For 35 years. Here’s to another 35.
Another Wedding in Italy
On Wednesday, I head to Rome to partake in another wedding that I decided, if I have the opportunity to go, I may as well go. Life is too short to turn down opportunities.
I’ve had plenty of time to prepare for this trip, and I’m still sitting here today wondering if I should try to get to the airport next Monday by train or go back a day earlier to make sure I catch the flight. I just checked this morning and the Monday train is at 4:45 a.m. Going back Sunday means I won’t get refunded for one of those hotel nights and I’ll have to find another hotel for Sunday night.
Oh well.
Then I fly home Monday, leave for Orlando Tuesday, fly back to Philly Thursday, and then head to Evan’s wedding.
I was telling Bud about this travel schedule and he said a foreign train ride would make him uncomfortable. Hell, it makes me uncomfortable. Getting trains in foreign cities to places where people barely speak your language isn’t easy. But figuring that shit out is part of the reason I keep doing it.
It’s not as hard anymore to go on these treks, wander into bars and talk to locals. After that time I broke my phone in Antwerp, I think I’m slightly more experienced at handling whatever horrible shit happens next.
What’s nice is that after this little stretch, I’m done for a bit.
People ask me if I’m going to retire, and I’m closer than ever to achieving my goals in business. There’s only a small runway left, and I’d go as far as saying we’ve almost achieved every goal we’ve set.
I have far too much left in the tank to stop entirely, but I can see a few avenues where I’ll start putting my efforts into other endeavors, especially as I’m already winding down my nonprofit work.
I think I understand a little better now what makes me feel happy.
I’m beginning to realize there probably isn’t going to be a point where I say, “I’ve done it.”
It’s the journey you’re supposed to enjoy, which I’m aware is cheesy as hell. Sometimes I do and sometimes I don’t.
So when the opportunity comes along to go somewhere, do something, meet people, or have an experience I might never get another chance to have, I’m finding it harder to come up with a good reason to say no.
Which is why I’m going to Italy.
I just hope I don’t break my phone.
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