The 4th and World Cup 2006

My time is moving so fast (which will probably be a running theme). The fireworks in Portsmouth were good. The fireworks in Boston were UN-FUCKING REAL. We started the day in Fanieul Hall at a pub watching the end of Italia vs. Dutschland. Great game that finished with 2 crazy goals in double OT propelling Italia to a finals berth. Then Jacob and I watched a street performer who was having a bad day and sadly, thats just as fun if he were having a good day. We decided to head to the esplanade in the early evening. We camped out in the middle of 500,000 people on the banks of the Charles River. We listened to Rockapella (yes, they did the theme to Carmen Sandiego), and then Kool Kieth Lockheart and the Boston Pops kicked a little 1812 Overture ass. Bostons own Steven Tyler and Joe Perry showed up to do "Don't Want To Miss A Thing", "Dream On", and "Walk This Way". Sweet. Then the fireworks. WOW. Halfway through the set at the end of "Dirty Water" (all the fireworks were set to music and this song is the anthem for Red Sox Nation as its played after every home win) the end of the barge shooting the fireworks off in the middle of the Charles caught on fire. It was small enough not to stop the show but big enough to make 500,000 people not say "ohh" and "ahh" for a minute. The finale was spectacular, spectacular and then the long drive to NH ensued.

I've spent a lot of time in Nottingham lately as a result of not being allowed in Plaistow, my usual headquarters, because Peter, Jacobs father and homeowner, wanted some QT with his lady friend Brenda. So Jacobs Moms house it is. It's in the middle of nowhere which means that for the past few days I've slept better than a good secret. We had a BBQ the other night with a kind of World Cup theme. We bought a small futbol goal and a World Cup futbol to go with it. We also got some alcohol. I won't recount everything but I will say that there is a gigantic lump on my shin.

The final is in a matter of hours and I'm pretty excited. Futbol is the worlds game and I had no idea for so long. I'm bringing the futbol that I bought the other day to Africa as well as a few more that I plan to buy. America has never really embraced the sport past high school and soccer moms but it's high time.

peace

Wedding of an Old Friend

I attended the wedding of a very old friend Amos that I got in touch with recently. My trip to New England would have been considerably shorter had I not found him. I had this thought in the middle of it, what an honor for me to be here and what a hell of a way to start my trip.

The weekend was filled with surprises. I've never been to a reunion and with the way I moved around in high school, I probably never will. That being said this was the closest thing to a reunion I've ever had. I've forgotten (because it's been awhile I guess) that I've lost 100 pounds. Theres nothing better to stroke your ego than all your old friends in an honest astonishment of your appearance. It was also cool to tell people about my trip. Everyone seemed to be doing pretty well in their lives and it was nice to have something I could be proud of.

The wedding itself was amazing. Amos and his new wife Stephanie never looked happier. They had amazing smiles all day. The priest that married them was a little weird. He seemed either gay or drunk, possibly both. He kept making jokes like a new comedian bombing on stage. I think I actually heard crickets at one point. Not to sweat though, the main attraction was the bride and groom and they were perfect.

The reception was at the New England Center in Durham and as projected, I got hammered. The food was great and at one point Amos and Chris Merenda (old buddy) got up to sing a song to Steph (who said she didn't want to be the center of attention...like that was going to happen). He said the song was romantic and then they started sing a song about how Steph was from outer space and she had put a spell on Amos in the 9th grade. Calling her a super hero and saying that there was kryptonite in the wedding band. At the end of the song he picked her up and twirled her around on the dance floor while we all sang the chorus. It was one of the coolest parts of a wedding I'd ever seen. Then they had a live band with huge afros singing 70's disco & funk. Real cool.

Hanging out with old friends was so fun. I kept remarking how astonished I was that everyone had grown up. Sometimes I forget that while I'm living my life, so are other people. Seems simple enough, but the idea floored me a few times. After it was over I went home and felt totally blessed that I could be there.

Everything else has been great. I've jammed and written songs with Jacob (whom I'm staying with). Spent time with his girl Liz. I got to spend some time with my Mom at my Aunt Joans. My cousin Ashley escorted me to the wedding, lucky me!!! I went to 2 BBQ's on Sunday (yes I was hung over, naw, it didn't suck). I'm going to see fireworks in Portsmouth in a little bit and I'm looking forward to seeing Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Dr. Phil, Rockapella, and The Boston Pops on the 4th in Boston. I love America, I love Amos & Steph, I love NH, I love you. It's all happening.

peace