"Light a Roman Candle, and Hold it in Your Hand"

I've been reflecting lately. Reflecting on the important things, those events that shape your outlook, your attitude. I've been recounting tales in my head that now seem tall. Tales of inspiration, sad tales of love lost and those times of freewheeling overwhelming joy. Things came to a point a couple of weeks ago, when I finally got off my ass and decided to do something about it, well at least a part of it.

I'm filled with much nervous anticipation today, as I prepare to make one of those "soul-searching" little voyages you only have a chance to make once in a long while during your shit life.






One of my best friends in the whole wide world has been living across the country for years now. The last time I remember seeing him was in person was at his wedding. He's one of Woodhaven's own (here he is pictured on the right with his brother before they moved).

Well he calls me a couple of weeks ago to check up with me, not realizing it was my birthday (so I've been crying all day). He bravely stated the obvious; that our friendship hasn't been as nourished as it should lately. That over the 10 years since his relocation there's only so much you can talk about before you run out of stuff to say. The letters we once eagerly jotted down and sent to each other frequently stopped years ago. Yes, things have changed. He has a son now, with another baby on the way. Basically he said: Nic, I have a serious life here and I'm unable to take any vacations right now. If you don't get out here sometime soon for at least a visit, this one might be in the books.

So I heeded the call. My bags are packed and I'll be on a plane tomorrow to beautiful sunny Las Vegas. Now I'm thinking, in light of recent events that maybe the Fourth of July isn't the best travel departure date. Haven't been there in a while, so I'm looking forward to some fun. I'm definitely going to gamble excessively on July 7, because the date will be 7/7/07. I have no idea how to play poker or most table games, so I gamble like a woman. Put a quarter in and pull the lever is as much effort as I'm willing to exert.

As far as what to expect while I'm there? For one, I hope this isn't my last visit to see my friend, and that I'm unknowingly going through the motions of tying loose ends and putting the final nail in the coffin. Overall though, I'm thinking it'll be mostly drinking and trying to find a reason to take my shirt off. Cause I've been doing my 7 minute ab routine from Exercise TV On Demand, and I am looking hot baby! I'm not full of myself, I'm just stating the obvious. (I've been in a drought lately, sorry) I just hope not absolutely everything that happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, because god knows I could sure use some more action over here in New York too.

So wish me luck, and Bon Voyage suckers!!

VEGAS baby!!

Today's Musical Selection: If you haven't caught the reference in the title of the post, It's of course the classic Fourth of July by Soundgarden.

Now Im in
control
Now Im in the fall
out
Once asleep but now I
stand
And I still
remember
Your sweet
everything
Light a roman
candle
And hold it in your
hand

Cause I heard it in the
wind
And I saw it in the
sky
And I thought it was the
end
And I thought it was the 4th of
july