« Seasons | Main | The Happiest Place on Earth? »

October 08, 2006

It's a Guy Thing

I had an awesome past 2 weekends! I won in all my fantasy football leagues, the A's advanced to the ALCS (I'm trying really hard to not get my hopes up... and to push all thoughts of A's winning it all out of my mind before I "jinx" things!) the Sharks are off to a great start, and I spent this past weekend in San Diego for Jonathan's bachelor party. =)

Hanging out with Jonathan's hometown friends was very refreshing - in many ways, it reminds me of hanging out with my own high school buddies... except for the fact that Jonathan and all his friends are Christian. The only reason I make this distinction is because hanging out with his friends made me think that this is how fellowship between Christian brothers should look like. We had our "manly men" activities, we talked about "manly men" topics, we goofed around a lot (especially at the bachelor's expense...haha), we were very "real" and honest with each other. No putting up pretenses or hiding behind "holy masks"; just lots of good, clean, fun times and conversations. This was a huge encouragement to me - knowing that I can have the same type of relationship that I have with my high school buddies in church... and vice-versa.

Spending time with these guys also reminded me of how seriously most of the people at my church take themselves. ;P To each their own, of course... but there's no way some of the practical jokes we played on each would fly! We have a master plan to try and change that though... muahahaha...

I think the highlight of the bachelor's party - besides totally punking the guest of honor, haha - was playing tackle football! Man, I LOVE tackle football (sorry, I think flag football is completely lame)... and as out-of-shape as I was (and despite being the smallest and oldest guy there), I made my presence felt and earned the respect of the guys! ;) I bowled over some people, forced a fumble, shut down my guy while playing corner, and was a pass-rushing/blitzing monster! I even contributed on offense too, with some tough runs... I fought hard for first downs and yardage!

Too bad that only lasted the first "half" (I think we played for like 4 hours?), haha. I was totally out of gas and hurting bad... and pretty much had to rest every other play after that... so sad! =P It was hilarious to note how everyone's demeanor changed once we decided to put something on the line - losers would buy winners Jamba Juice. From there on out, it was all serious and focused... no more trash-talking, no more joking... all for a stupid $4 drink, haha. =P

One thing that always seems to surprise people is how super-competitive I get. I HATE losing. Everyone usually knows me as a goofy, happy-go-lucky, trash-talking guy... but you know that I'm taking it (the game/competition/whatever) for real if I'm NOT talking trash. =) I guess the trash-talking and joking around is more for my sake - to keep things loose and prevent myself from going into "competition mode." ;)

Anyway... lots of fun! =) The sad thing is realizing how old and out-of-shape I am! The next day - almost all of us, actually - were shuffling and hobbling around because we were too sore! We must have looked like a sad bunch, haha. I couldn't even get out of bed properly - I had to roll to my side, and gingerly push myself up to get out of my sleeping bag!

I bruised a rib trying to tackle one of the guys - this pretty big, burly dude who used to play linebacker... stupid me for trying to take him straight-up instead of wrapping up his legs or something. Man, that brought back memories of one of my first days playing high school football (yes, I realize I'm starting to sound like Al Bundy! ;P)... I tried to tackle the fullback straight-up - he was running full steam, and dragged me for a few yards before the others took him down. That was pretty embarrassing, haha. At least this time it was relatively quick and painless - he just broke my tackle completely. ;P
=====

I also had the chance to go shooting at a range. It was my first time firing a weapon... and I have to admit, I was a little intimidated when I first heard/saw a gun being fired - a 45 mm semi-automatic. I don't know how cops and such can fire these bad boys without going deaf! It turned out to be pretty fun though... we tested several different 9mm, 22mm, and 45mm weapons, and it was interesting to note the differences between each.

I definitely have a greater sense of respect/fear for firearms though. As cool as it was to fire guns, and admire all the cool-looking weapons in the shop, the experience confirmed that I would never want to own a real gun. =)
=====

Seeing the news about North Korea's possible nuclear weapon test tonight seemed like a sobering reminder from God about remaining steadfast in my preparations... anad being broken by the darkness that grips NK.

Posted by stevelee at October 8, 2006 10:40 PM

Comments

Post a comment