My brother was in NYC recently and the Firecracker and I decided to head back with him to LA just because we both had a little time, and she had some frequent flier miles to use up.
The issue was that she had to be in CT for work that morning, so she picked me up from my pad at 2:17 to make a 5:03 flight.
Unfortunately, traffic was ridonk so we cut it pretty close.
Still, we got there just in time and even managed to meet up with my brother at the airport.
My brother had priority with security via TSA Precheck so we all ended up at the gate at the same time.
After we got settled in the plane…
Him: You want something to drink? Me: Nah, we’re ok. Him: I’m buying. Me: Then, yes.
Our flight was completely boring and uneventful – in other words, perfect.
Six-some-odd-hours later, my brother’s wife came to pick us up.
Him: I told her to look for the guy in a bright red leather jacket. Firecracker: Would you wear a bright red leather jacket? Him: I never even thought that I’d associate with someone that owned a bright red leather jacket.
We crashed pretty hard that night, waking up at 5AM LA time, 8AM our time.
The Firecracker likes to do things like go on scavenger hunts so she arranged for one for the four of us to do – me, her, my kid, and her kid.
So early on a Saturday morning, we went off to try our hand at it.
Unfortunately, neither boy was really into it and the weather was pretty lousy – rainy, cold, and grey – so after a few hours, we called it.
Although, not before the kids managed to find a playground to play a little.
As for me, I found something to keep my interest.
Me: You don’t see that very often in Manhattan anymore. Her: What? Me: An ivy-covered building.
It was good that we ended early, though. Because my kid had his first talent show later on that day.
The person organizing the event has known my son since he was only 18 months old and had wanted him to sing and play the guitar the year before but he didn’t want to, and I didn’t wanna force him.
But this year, he said he wanted to do it – despite having a good friend’s birthday party to go to at the same time.
Now, much as I enjoyed my son’s rendition of 7 Years, he’s spent the last month or so practicing for his school’s talent show, where he was the second act outta maybe 30 something.
Told him that I was super proud of him – he’s only 8 but is calmer in front of an audience than I am, and certainly far more talented – and I told him he could have anything he wanted for dinner.
Him: Did you really think I did a good job? Me: Definitely. It was pretty clear to everyone that you practiced hard. But the most important thing is, do you think you did a good job? Him: (thinking) Yes? People were clapping along. Me: They were. Are you proud of yourself? Him: Yes! Me: Good! Because that’s the most important thing.
This time, everyone came with their significant others, which was nice.
We all chatted about the earthquake and the eclipse…
…amongst other things.
Him: Logan always has some random fact. Me: This is true. Did you know that, when I was a kid, Cap’n Crunch gave away a plastic whistle that oscillated at exactly 2,600Hz, which was the exact frequency of NYC payphones so that if you blew one before a call, you could make free calls anywhere in the world? [ED: I misspoke, it was the frequency for all AT&T phones, not just NYC, because they ran a monopoly on pay phones across the country]. Her: How do you remember all this stuff? Me: (shrugging) I don’t get out much.
As that article I linked above notes, Apple – and the iPhone you’re most likely reading this upon – would not have existed but for the existence of that whistle.
I love these kinda significant but often unknown stories.
In any case, the dinner, and the conversation, was great, as usual.
The NFL Player and his wife went to Africa and showed us pics. It was all pretty cool.
The people sitting in the table next to us were also having a birthday celebration, so there were lots of rounds of, “Happy Birthday.”
Like I said before, there are worse ways to turn 51.
Her: (calling from office) Did you feel that?! Me: Wait, you felt that too? Her: Yes! It was an earthquake. Me: Get outta town, no way!
In my 51 years on this planet, I’ve never experienced an earthquake nor an eclipse.
Welp, last month, I experienced both.
The earthquake felt like an enormous truck rumbling in front of my apartment for a solid 20 seconds or so but literally nuthin else happened.
That was it.
It was very strange. I thought, “Could that be an earthquake?” but then I dismissed that idea outta hand until the Firecracker called me.
Now, if that wasn’t enough, a few days later, I experienced my first solar eclipse.
Spent a solid few hours trying to hunt down a pair of safety glasses.
I thought the Firecracker had her own so I also had to spend some time getting her some as well.
And then the tenant that lived in the apartment above me wrote me.
Her: Hey Logan, super random question! Did you get any of the eclipse glasses? Me: Come to us at 77th and Amsterdam right now? We’re in the huge playground. I’ll send you a pin to put into your mapping program
And so she joined us for the event.This is literally the best shot I could get of the eclipse itself, with a safety filter on.
Just as interesting, though, was watching everyone else marvel at what was going on.
Firecracker: It’s the whole place getting dark that I find the most interesting.
For me, it was just nice to experience it with my son, the Firecracker, and my friends.
I wonder if he’ll remember it.
On that note, I wonder what he’ll remember from all these crazy events like the earthquake, the eclipse, the pandemic, etc.
Me: I have all the wisdom and finances of someone older but I look much younger. Her: True…and thank god you’re nerdy. I couldn’t be with someone cool. Me: Yeah, I…wait, what?
I’m 51 now. What a kick in the head.
It’s weird, wishing to be 40.
But it’s still better than the alternative.
The Firecracker baked me a low-carb cupcake with cream cheese frosting based on a recipe from my sister.
And she also bought me a bánh mì, which was my major carb splurge, although that I had with a super low-carb beer.
And my son played this song for me.
Thought you’d enjoy it.
7 Years
by Lukas Graham
Once, I was seven years old, my mama told me
“Go make yourself some friends, or you’ll be lonely”
Once, I was seven years old.
It was a big-big world, but we thought we were bigger
Pushing each other to the limits, we were learning quicker
By 11, smoking herb and drinking burning liquor
Never rich, so we were out to make that steady figure.
Once, I was 11 years old, my daddy told me
“Go get yourself a wife, or you’ll be lonely”
Once, I was 11 years old
I always had that dream like my daddy before me
So I started writing songs, I started writing stories
Something about the glory just always seemed to bore me
‘Cause only those I really love will ever really know me
Once, I was 20 years old, my story got told
Before the morning sun, when life was lonely
Once, I was 20 years old
I only see my goals, I don’t believe in failure
‘Cause I know the smallest voices, they can make it major
I got my boys with me, at least those in favor
And if we don’t meet before I leave, I hope I’ll see you later
Once, I was 20 years old, my story got told
I was writing ’bout everything, I saw before me
Once, I was 20 years old
Soon, we’ll be 30 years old, our songs have been sold
We’ve traveled around the world, and we’re still roaming
Soon, we’ll be 30 years old
I’m still learning about life, my woman brought children for me
So, I can sing them all my songs, and I can tell them stories
Most of my boys are with me, some are still out seeking glory
And some I had to leave behind, my brother, I’m still sorry
Soon, I’ll be 60 years old, my daddy got 61
Remember life and then your life becomes a better one
I made the man so happy when I wrote a letter once
I hope my children come and visit, once or twice a month
Soon, I’ll be 60 years old, will I think the world is cold?
Or will I have a lot of children who can warm me?
Soon, I’ll be 60 years old.
Soon, I’ll be 60 years old, will I think the world is cold?
Or will I have a lot of children who can hold me?
Soon, I’ll be 60 years old
Once, I was seven years old, my mama told me
“Go make yourself some friends, or you’ll be lonely”
Once, I was seven years old
Once, I was seven years old
Here’s the original if you’re at all interested.
He found this song all by his lonesome.
It’s kinda wild, learning things from him instead of the other way around.
Suppose that’s where he and I are headed.
Don’t mind in the least.
Now, wish me a happy birthday, alla you bastards that read me but never say nuthin…
Her: One day, someone’s gonna look at the two of us and think, “What is that young-looking person doing with that old-looking person.” Me: I’ll still think you’re beautiful, even when you’re old-looking. Her: I was talking about you! You’re the old one in that scenario. Me: (laughing) Let’s not be ridiculous here. I don’t age.
It was the Firecracker’s birthday the other day.
Since both kids were around, I just got some ramen for everyone.
She wanted a cake but I’m trying to avoid carbs – yes, I had some ramen, just go with it – so we compromised with a huge cupcake for her and a slice of cake for the boys.
But we were thwarted in our attempts to go low(er)-carb for her birthday when her office gave her a dozen donuts.
I mighta eaten a few before I took the pic below.
It’s gonna be my own birthday soon.
51. What a kick in the head.
Then again, it’s better than the alternative.
Her: Look, when you’re old and crotchy, and complaining about something you read in the papers, the gubernatorial race, or obnoxious kids, I’m still going to be young and vibrant. Me: I’ll most likely be reading reddit, but otherwise: Accurate.
A woman, let’s call her Jill, that occasionally watches my son for me has a copy of my keys and she left something here the other day.
She told me she’d swing by one afternoon but I forgot to put it in the calendar.
Fast forward to a rando day recently and I’d stepped outta the bathroom in my birthday suit as the kid was in school.
It was at that exact moment that she decided to show up and our eyes locked like a 1930s western or a 1980s rom-com.
She’s not originally from America so the conversation below is edited slightly.
Her: Logan! I texted! Me: OMG! I was in the shower! Her: I can see! Me: No, I mean I didn’t…I should go back into the bathroom. Her: Yes!
I tell myself that I’ve either advanced Chinese-American relations with her people or set them back.
Suppose only time will tell.
Edit: I was supposed to head over to my friend Lisa’s big birthday bash this past weekend but my other sitter had to cancel.
Jill was one of at least seven sitters that I called and she couldn’t make it.
So, I’m gonna say the Chinese-American relations may be damaged here…
Location: yesterday, a scavenger hunt in the rain in the UWS
Mood: peckish
Music: let’s make this house our home (Spotify) Subscribe! Like this post? Tell someone about it by clicking a button below.
I was in my local supermarket when I ran into one of the cashiers, Lucy, in the produce section.
Her: (walking up to me holding a cup of coffee and put it down) I understand now. About your wife. My…my husband died. Me: What?! Good god, I’m so sorry. Her: (nodding) He was sick for a while. I thought he would be ok but…he didn’t let me know how bad it was. Me: (putting down groceries and giving her a hug) I’m so sorry. We’re never ready, are we? Her: (shaking head) No. I didn’t think he would go.
I went home, got a red envelope, stuffed a few bucks into it and went back to give it to her.
Her: No, no, I’m fine, really. Me: (gently) I’m sure you’re fine. This is just for lunch. Make sure you eat, ok? Her: (taking it) OK. Thank you. Me: I wanna tell you that it’ll be ok. It won’t be. But you have to keep telling yourself that it will be. After a while, it’ll be kinda ok.
The rest is her story to tell but I was in my own head for a while after that.
Then, I was walking with the kid and he turned to me said the most profound thing:
Flowers may bloom again, but a person never has the chance to be young again.
Assume he learned it in Chinese class (花有重开日,人无再少年) because he certainly never learned it from me.
But then…
Him: Flowers come back. Why can’t mommy come back? Me: I dunno. I dunno. Him: I wish she would come back. Just once. Just for a day, even. (trailing off). She can’t come back, not even for one day? Just one day? Me: Man, if only, kid. If only…
My kid’s a lot more mature than other kids his age. Sometimes, I think of him like he’s a little man.
Dunno if this is a good thing or not. I’m thinking not.
Wish he was just a kid without alla this weight on him.
It’s too much weight for a little kid like him to carry.
Don’t want a little man. Not yet.
Just want him to be a little kid for a little bit longer.
Location: On West End Avenue, finding myself at a loss for words
Mood: contemplative
Music: been gone far too long (Spotify) Subscribe! Like this post? Tell someone about it by clicking a button below.
We woke up on Easter and promptly went to a Starbucks to caffeine up.
The big reason why we went down to North Carolina was that a relative of the Firecracker’s had passed and the extended family was there to mourn and spread that relative’s ashes.
So, we did that on the last day.
I stayed in the car because I figured this was a private family event and this wasn’t really the time nor place to make formal introductions.
Afterward, we went to her aunt’s house where everyone celebrated the relative’s life as well as had Easter dinner.
Her extended family were also quite nice and I ate myself silly, taking a nap in her aunt’s sunny backyard.
Now, I’d been speaking to Rain this whole trip because he moved to a neighboring state down south.
Rain’s taken a huge 180 in his life and essentially changed from being the ultimate city boy to a farmer.
Legit, he’s a farmer now.
To wit, he wanted to give me some grass-fed beef from a cow he had slaughtered.
Him: This will be the freshest best beef you had in your life. Me: Well, you already had me at free.
So, the Firecracker and I headed back to Walmart to get a cooler.
Gotta say that being in Walmart is a trip for a city boy like myself, who has yet to transition to becoming a farmer.
Literally, they had everything including guns and shotguns on display and various projectiles scattered about.
Me: I could live here. They have everything! Her: Welcome to the south, babe.
We then went back and crashed, only to wake up a few hours later at the crack of ass to make the 12 hour trip back.
But we stopped off first at the parking lot of a Chick-fil-A where I met up with Rain, who arrived in this HUGE red pickup truck.
Me: You’re legit a farmer now. Him: (taking sawdust outta his pockets) Yup.
He filled up the cooler with meat while the Firecracker and her kid went in to get some food. Presently, he and I went in as well and we shot this impromptu video below.
We chatted for just a few minutes before he had to get back on the road – I had to pick up my kid and we were still hours from where we needed to be.
After what seemed like forever, I got the kid…
Me: There you are! I missed you so much! Him: Me too, papa! How was North Carolina? Me: Good – but it woulda been better if you were there.
…and then made it home after being stuck in NYC traffic for a while.
She wants to do this trip every year and I’m not sure I can do that. But I see the appeal for her.
We woke up relatively late to meet the Firecracker’s BIL and sister at a North Carolina BBQ joint called Lexington Barbecue.
Her: You’ll like it if you prefer dry rub to sauces. Me: I like all types of BBQ. Her: This is authentic southern BBQ!
I actually ended getting the fish.
BIL: Lemme get this straight, you come to a Carolina BBQ place and you get…fish?! Me: I’m just gonna eat some of [the Firecracker’s] food – she never finishes.
Turns out she did.
BUT her niece didn’t want any of her food, so I ate that.
After we left, I took some pics outside when I heard a fella called out to me…
Him: Hey! Hey, man! You want some real pictures, come on into the smoker. Me: Hot damn, yeah!
He was the pitmaster and also just a prince of a fella.
So were the two gents working back there as well.
The pitmaster pulled a piece of pork right outta the smoker and handed it to me.