Monday, July 06, 2009
Scrapin' and brawlin'
I worked on my radio internship on Friday July 3rd for the Crystal Lake Festival. My friend Tad was over and I had to entertain him. This was perhaps one the more intense weekends I've had since the Marine Corps. We made it about 5 minutes late to Crystal Lake downtown area where I dropped him off. I had to go the radio station to make it in time for the parade. I thought he would be watching the parade but he walked over the movie theater by rout 31 and watched the Transformers sequel instead. It wasn't such a bad day passing out candy for Star 105.5. The kids I handed out to were great about it. It's funny because some of them acted like they had never seen candy before. There were, without fail, people asking for free t-shirts. I just gave them some candy and walked down the street. I picked up Tad afterward at the movie theater. Waiting for him to come out made me realize how hungry I was. It didn't help I passed on having after parade hamburgers with the other interns. We ate a little when we were home but I was still saving some room for when we met another marine friend. It was quite a day but nothing could prepare me for tomorrow.
I volunteered for my other internship on the 4th for the Elgin parade when I didn't have to. I had kept my shirt in a bag because I had to wear a one of the volunteer shirts. It was a great parade that a lot of people semed to enjoy. Working on the paper work for the parade entries was very satisfying seeing all come together. After I was done with the parade I had to get my shirt back from my boss. My brother called me wondering when I would come over so we could leave for The Taste of Chicago. I ran from downtown Elgin by the police station to the National Street train station to get to Chicago with Tad. I just BARELY made it in time. I knew if could get to the other side of the railroad when the train comes I would be on time. the train came as I was half way across the bridge when the train came. My brother and Tad were waiting for me as I walked on board, I almost collapsed on the train. I worked on homework on the train, there still a lot I have to do. Tad got to see the scenery when you travel by train to Chicago. When we got there I ate alligator, Vienna beef, cannoli, chicken wings, Crab Rangoon, chocolate chip cookies, and some bourbon chicken. We made it back to the train station just before the evening came in. I was so worn out when my friend said to me, "You look like you've been beaten down by life." It was true but, for good reasons when i think about it. I was so exhausted from the parade and running and walking that when I got home I fell asleep around 8 and didn't get back up until 2 AM. I had to take my mother to the airport for her two week vacation in Mexico. When I got back I had a chat with my friend Tad about how I'm wearing myself out and I need to get more organized.
To be fair this is probably the time that is least like anything I go through. I would explain this to him later. At the time i just wanted to go to bed.
Having a weekend like this it makes me appreciate my life. Knowing things like this can happen and I'll still turn out okay is great piece of mind to have. I just have to make sure I keep my heart rate down.
I volunteered for my other internship on the 4th for the Elgin parade when I didn't have to. I had kept my shirt in a bag because I had to wear a one of the volunteer shirts. It was a great parade that a lot of people semed to enjoy. Working on the paper work for the parade entries was very satisfying seeing all come together. After I was done with the parade I had to get my shirt back from my boss. My brother called me wondering when I would come over so we could leave for The Taste of Chicago. I ran from downtown Elgin by the police station to the National Street train station to get to Chicago with Tad. I just BARELY made it in time. I knew if could get to the other side of the railroad when the train comes I would be on time. the train came as I was half way across the bridge when the train came. My brother and Tad were waiting for me as I walked on board, I almost collapsed on the train. I worked on homework on the train, there still a lot I have to do. Tad got to see the scenery when you travel by train to Chicago. When we got there I ate alligator, Vienna beef, cannoli, chicken wings, Crab Rangoon, chocolate chip cookies, and some bourbon chicken. We made it back to the train station just before the evening came in. I was so worn out when my friend said to me, "You look like you've been beaten down by life." It was true but, for good reasons when i think about it. I was so exhausted from the parade and running and walking that when I got home I fell asleep around 8 and didn't get back up until 2 AM. I had to take my mother to the airport for her two week vacation in Mexico. When I got back I had a chat with my friend Tad about how I'm wearing myself out and I need to get more organized.
To be fair this is probably the time that is least like anything I go through. I would explain this to him later. At the time i just wanted to go to bed.
Having a weekend like this it makes me appreciate my life. Knowing things like this can happen and I'll still turn out okay is great piece of mind to have. I just have to make sure I keep my heart rate down.
