Skating in the Clouds

I got up late today, and of course got to work late so I had to stay late. When I did get home Trish was roller skating around the neighborhood. I ran into the house and wolfed down some mac-n-cheeze and a roll and ran back outside to see if I could catch her. She was just coming back up the street toward her house. I waved to her, and ran across the street to meet her.

I asked her if I could join her with my scooter, and she said that would be great. So we skated all over the neighborhood chatting and laughing, and talking about the great lake trip yesterday. Apparently that is an Independence Day tradition for her family. I told her how much fun it was, and asked how often they went out to the lake. She said they go several times a year. She wasn't sure when the next time would be, but she would ask her parents if I could go next time they went. Skating around chatting was almost as much fun as jet skiing with her yesterday. And wow she is so pretty.

I totally lost track of time, and when I realized the sun was going down, I knew I was in trouble. We raced back home, and said goodbye. Sure enough I got the 'you know when you are supposed to be home' lecture, and went to bed.

Swimming in the Clouds

I got home late from work yesterday, and my mom gave me a message from 'our new neighbors'. Apparently Trish had stopped by to see if I could go with her family to the lake today. I was stunned to find out that my mom had said that she wasn't sure. I had worked a long day, and might be too tired. I could only gape at my mom in a complete loss of words as my heart just stopped. It was too late to call and tell them I could come, but I would have stayed up all night if I needed to catch them before they left. I was able to drag out of my mom that they were about seven o'clock, and immediately set my alarm for six and dove into bed.

I am not sure if I slept or not last night. I was so excited when my alarm went off that I forgot anything except to dive into my trunks and a t-shirt and run out onto the porch. There were a couple lights on at Trish's house, but there was no sign of anyone loading their boat, so I went back in the house and wolfed down some cereal. I then sat looking through the front curtains until about ten to seven when I saw Trish's mom and brother carry a load of towels out to their boat. I then stared for another ten minutes when I saw Trish come out of the house start looking through the boat for something. I sprinted to the front door and casually walked over to her house. She saw me as I crossed the road and waved me over to the boat.

We found a life-jacked and a set of skis that fit me, and then went into the house to help carry stuff out to the boat. Her parents were nice, and her brother was even pretty cool. I could tell he was going to destroy me on water skis just by the way he talked about it. I guess he was pretty excited cause he couldn't stop talking about this time he was going to this trick or that trick. If I wasn't so excited to be hanging out with Trish I probably would have been terrified to tell them that I had never been water skiing before.

When Trish's father hooked up the truck, I noticed that they also had a jet ski in the back of the truck. I remember thinking that it was too bad they didn't have two. As it turns out, I couldn't have been luckier that they only had one.

I did what I could to help unload the boat, but having never done it before I actually just stood where Trish told me to stand and then did my best not to look like I had never been on a real boat before.

We drove straight to the middle of the lake and Jake, Trish's brother, jumped into the water with only one water ski. I started looking for the other one, but Trish just threw him a rope and held an orange flag in the air. When Jake waved his hand, Trish dropped the flag, and her dad slammed on the gas. It is a good thing their boat has padding around the edge, and that Trish has good reflexes or I would have gone swimming right there and then.

It turns out that that is how you start water skiing I guess because about a half hour later I was in the water with two water skiis and a ski rope in my hand. When I waved that I was ready I saw the orange flag start to drop, my heart lept, and I went head first over my ski tips into the water. by the time I found the surface of the lake they almost had their laughing under control, and the boat was almost back to me. Apparently I did pretty bad because even their mom was fighting back laughter. I was not so much humiliated as I was thrilled to get back into the boat and drain my lungs of the lake water.

I was just about to grab the boat rail when Trish tossed the end of the rope to me and promised that her dad would start a little slower this time. I did my best to stop sputtering and coughing and swam back to the skis. Jake was obviously bored by the time I got my feet into the skis and the skis pointed at the boat. I heard Jake yell something about lean back just as I signaled ready. I locked my knees and leaned back. I stood on the water just long enough to see the front of my skis go under the water, then everything went black. I regained my senses in time to break the surface of the lake before my lungs burst. This time I didn't seem to have much water in my lungs, but by nose was running like a faucet and my face was numb. time as the boat drifted by I think I saw some real concern in their eyes. I found out later that I had actually attacked the lake with my face twice, and almost got the best of it when I let go of the rope and went under.

After a couple more tries I got up for the length of the lake, but I had never asked how to turn. Jake had made it look like the skis just turned for you. So when the boat turned I just went right on past until I ran out of rope when I was yanked right out of the skis. I am sure I was not the only one glad to have me back in the boat, but it was a small consolation when Trish threw a towel around my shoulders.

I shivered a bit wondering where the wind had sprung up from when Trish stripped off her shirt and shorts, and dove in. I think that must have been when I stopped breathing. I remember hearing a snort from the front of the boat where Jake and their dad was, but I had lost the use of my neck as I watched for Trish swim out to the skis. It must have been about the time she signaled ready that I realized that I wasn't breathing, and my had mouth fallen open and was about to start drooling in my lap.

I reestablished my breathing for a moment until the boat burst into action. When I got back into my seat Trish was cruising, up on both skis tossing her hair out of her face. I tried not to stare, but she was sanding there flexing every muscle in her tight little frame with only a tight glistening swimming suit covering most of her torso. I was once again not breathing, but this time it was because I was preparing to be struck by lightning. I kept waiting for my eyes to burn away or her dad to throw me out of the boat, but nothing happened. She cornered and started a run back up the lake before felt the pressure in my lungs and began force feeding my lungs. My eyes still sting a little from not blinking for almost twenty minutes.

Trish did eventually let the rope fall and we watched Jake for while. I politely declined another chance to attack the lake with my face, but sat stunned as, once again, Trish stripped off her t-shirt and shorts, and took another spin around the lake.

I remember we ate lunch on the docks, but I don't remember what it was. I think there were chips, but only because I dropped them in the water and watched the little bluegill eat them. At that point I was ready to die and pass away completely content with my life, but her dad brought the truck down and dropped the water ski into the water. He offered Trish the keys, and told us to have fun while they tried to find some fish.

It could probably hold three people easily, but I guess it was just understood that just Trish and I were going. She warned me hold tight, but I was having a hard time just putting my hands on her waist. She gave it a little gas, and I almost went swimming. I then took a deep breath and placed my check against her back with both of my arms around her waist. I think that was the moment that we actually left this planet. We drove around in the clouds for a while until she banked a bit too hard and we both splashed back to earth, and once again I had forgotten to breath.

I sputtered and coughed my way back to the surface were I found the water ski circling around to kill us both. I must have made some kind of noise because Trish started laughing and told me to just wait there. I quickly realized that it was stopping as it circled. As we climbed back on, I tried to keep my red face hidden.

This time I was actually able to hear her, as she pointed out various spots on the shore. We were quickly laughing freely and having a blast. She even let me drive a little, but we eventually went back to the docks where Jake and their dad had five different fish already on the line.

Their dad challenged us to race across the bay and back while he and their mom loaded the boats. Jake and Trish must have had a long standing competition because when we said go I surfaced swimming at a moderate pace, and found myself quickly loosing ground to both of them. I ducked my head and dug in. I occasionally looked up, but they were always pretty close, and just pounding the water.

At the far side I stopped to congratulate myself for winning when they both spun and started for the docks at full speed. I was amazed at their fierce competition, but being a pretty good swimmer myself I was able catch them just as we reached the starting dock. Their mom was there to declare me the winner by a hand.

When we got back they said I had to stay for the fish fry, and with a quick trip to let my mom know, I was back with Trish sitting around watching their dad fry fish on the barbecue. It was almost dark when I left, and Trish gave me a hug to say goodbye, and wouldn't you know it my lungs quit again. When I got home I restarted them, and my mom asked if I was sick. Apparently my face was kind of blue.

I told my mom that I was tired and better get to bed early, but in truth I just wanted to sit alone and let the day sink in. I can say without any hesitation that today was the best day of my life.

Queen of the Fireworks

Yesterday was the greatest day of my life. I still cannot even believe it was real. Trish and her family were there. My parents just kept the little kids busy, and the whole neighborhood came down to watch as the gang and Trish and I went totally crazy with tanks, ground flowers, lady fingers, and best of all, bottle rockets.

As we started to set off smoke bombs and light the snakes, Trish and her family all came out with lawn chairs to watch. I invited Trish over, introduced myself and the gang, and gave her a box of snakes. As we all battled for the tallest, longest and fastest snake, she jumped right in and just squealed with delight when she would win.

We didn't have enough tank teams for her to have her own, but she just loved throwing lady fingers at them with me as we tried to knock the enemy tank off course. The flowers seemed to make her a little nervous, but when we finally lit off the tanks she was right there cheering. There is not really a win with the tanks, but it is really cool to watch.

This whole time my dad was down the street a little bit keeping the little kids totally enthralled with smoke and sparklers.

Then we broke out the bottle rockets and set up the paper target, and everyone came to watch. It was like a grand finale before the fireworks had even started. I tried to keep order in the competition, but it turned out that Trish had the real voice of authority. I think it was mostly that the gang was enchanted, and would just give her anything she wanted. It was awesome to watch as she nicely explained who's turn it was, and who had won the rounds. Even when she was in the competition round she just stated who she thought had won and nobody ever even questioned her.

For the final round it ended up being me and Jimmy; and Trish was definitely on my side, giving pointers and checking the wind. We actually lit a bunch of sparklers to outline the target for each shot. As each shot hit the target the entire neighborhood would let out a cheer.

It turned out that Jimmy won only because one of his exploded right on the target completely obliterating it. After the cheering for Jimmy's victory died down Trish put her hand on my shoulder and told me that she knew I was actually the better shot. He was just lucky.

After that I don't remember much. I think she went and sat with her parents while I set off the bulk of the fountains, whistlers, and other stuff. After the grand finale, which I had spiced up with some extra rockets and explosions, Trish came over and thanked me and my family. She said she had a lot of fun and everyone had enjoyed it.

That at least is what I think happened, but it is hard to tell where the night ended and the dreams began. If this is what drugs feel like, I can understand why it can be so tempting.

I spent about an hour cleaning up the trash this morning hoping Trish might come out, but no sign of her. I did see her at church a couple times, and she even smiled at me once. I wonder if she would like gaming with a group of dorky guys on Saturday nights.

Tank Wars and Bottle Rockets

Tomorrow is going to be so awesome! My dad has agreed to give me a hundred and fifty bucks for fireworks as long as I buy some traditional fireworks that my mom will like. Which means lots of fountains, but I know I can get a nice pack of fountains for under a hundred bucks, and then have plenty for some real fun.

I stayed up till after midnight planning the games for tomorrow. I figure some snake races, and smoke signals while we shoot bottle rockets at some targets, and wait for it to get dark; then while the twilight fades we'll have the tank wars. Oh yah! I'll grab some extra long fuses and tie a squadron of tanks together for each team. Then before we light the tanks we'll use lady-fingers and ground flowers to try to thin the ranks. I may even bring out some miniatures for dramatic effect.

I figure I'll grab a few boxes of sparklers to entertain the little kids in the neighborhood, and distract my parents while we get the tanks and fire-crackers ready. If the kids get cranky I can always break out a few boxes of throw pops. The little kids can't resist those, but I like to keep some of those to play around with over the next few weeks.

I'm now off to inform the gang, and spend some money. I can't wait.

Fireworks and Games

The fireworks stands opened today, and of course I bought my traditional party poppers for the game on Saturday. With the fourth falling on Sunday I'll have to combine my game night with fireworks night, but I am thinking that gaming by the light of sparklers might be kind of fun. Of course I recognize that we won't be playing a traditional game night game, but I am working out a couple fireworks games that should be awesome. Now I just need to get my dad to shake loose with a little money.

Hot, Tired, and Locked in a Box

This week has been absolutely exhausting. Apparently 'sale' means drive a train up to the store, and tell your underpaid child labor to unload it. And not just drag it into the warehouse, but stack it. Can you believe that, stacking couches. Next week promises to be just as exciting as we unstack them, move them to the showroom, and then deliver them to everyone in town who thinks it is so great that a father can teach his son how to work. Somehow, that doesn't feel like a 'Thank you for carrying our new living room in."

Then to top that, today turns out to be two parties. So twice my house has filled with giggling silly ladies cooing over bowls and knives and face-wash. Meanwhile the 'great guy' who gave up his game night gets to stay in his tiny little bedroom all Saturday. And believe it or not our cooler is not keeping up with the the hot air from the parties.

Summer :(

My life feels like a mindless monotony. I haven't seen Trish for over a week. There hasn't even been so much as a light on over at her house, and her family was not at church on Sunday. Probably a family vacation.

I work for my dad down at the shop every day except Sundays, but I never seem to make any money. I wonder if my dad wasn't my boss if I would actually be able to make a real paycheck instead of 'saving for college'. On the bright side, my dad let me hire Jack, one of my friends, to help load and unload furniture. It is a lot better than that old Mr. Alfred. I am not even sure he can speak English. It's not that I have anything against Eastern Europeans or immigrants in general, but he is so boring. He could at least laugh at my stupid faces when we lift something heavy.

Oh, ya. And to top it off, I have to cancel my game this Saturday because one of my Mom's Mary Kay ladies can't find a place to have her party. So, of course 'we' volunteered to cancel MY game night. It's weeks like this I almost wish I was back in school.

Who is Thomas Jones

Thomas Jones is an adolescent just getting his teenage legs under him. He lives with his parents and younger siblings at the end of a short street in a small but nice neighborhood in a small town in America.

There is nothing really distinctive about him. He has a handful of friends that he hangs out with. They like Star Wars, Nintendo games, and girls. They like hiking and camping, but not yard work. They are usually good kids, but sometimes fall prey to the vices of rudeness and arrogance to the younger kids.

You would probably not be able to pick Thomas out of a crowd at the mall, but you can't miss him when he is telling stories to a group of kids back here in the real world.

Church

I saw Trish again today. It looks like she is going to be going to the same church that I go to. It our main worship service her family likes to sit clear up at the front, and she is attending the younger sunday school class, but saw her a couple times in the hall, and while I was getting into the car before church.

I wish my parents would invite her family to dinner or something, but then my mom would probably start trying to set me up with her, and that would just be humiliating.

Maybe I'll see her at school next year.

The Princess Next Door

I am so excited. I just spent the last few hours helping some new neighbors move in across the street. My dad is always doing that kind of thing, but he usually doesn't drag me along, but... I suppose they are one of our closest neighbors... AND... they have a daughter that is very cute.

They call her Trish, and she is probably about 11 or 12 and sooooo cute. Even in her grubbys with her hair just pulled back in a pony-tail and no make-up she is one of the cutest girls I have ever met.

She spent most of the time directing boxes into the right rooms while me, my dad, and her dad moved all the heavy stuff. Every time I carried something into the house my heart would skip a beat hoping she would be there to tell me where to go.

She didn't talk much, mostly just pointed, but she actually touched my arm as I carried a doll-house into her bedroom. She acted like it was her most prized possession, but it seemed to be only one of a thousand princess things that collected in her room as we emptied their moving truck.

It is going to be sooooo cool to have the cutest girl in the school living right across the street.

The Adventure Begins

Finally my mom has done something right. For my 13th birthday, she got me an iPad and an internet connection. I know she probably won it from Mary Kay or Avon, but she actually gave it to me this time.

So, here I am. I figure writing a blog will be the best way for me to actually publish some of my writings. I am so excited.

Stay tuned, and I'll try to dump my brain on here as fast as I can.