All posts in aric s. queen

jeez. that month without a computer killed me.

sorry.

do you like how I scurry back here as if you were constantly wondering where I went? amazing what having a blog does for one’s self-importance.

let’s get right down to what you’ve missed:

Saigon’s been crazy. I’ll put some photos up in a few. Josie got mugged and it still bothers me. work was easy enough to come by and, if you’re looking for a bit of a break and don’t feel handsome in the city you currently find yourself in, then hop on over to Vietnam. 30 hours a week teaching English = $2000+ a month. easy work. well, not easy work, but still… living here has been an adventure in itself, and we haven’t done much, seeing how we’d both already been here before. I picked up a handful of music-based writing gigs for the local magazine here. I’ll link to them as soon as they’re up. also – funnily enough, a few folks have mentioned being brought to my and Josie’s blog simply by searching for information on Saigon and in a week or so, I’ll post some secrets we’ve discovered. and oh yeah, we’ve been living in a hotel room. no kitchen, no dishes, takeaway for every meal, but a huge balcony where I can feed the birds, so I’m not complaining. okay, I’m complaining a little.

but things, they are a changing. as they always seem to be. more on that soon… as well. also. too.

oh yeah, it’s Movember. got my outrageous mustache in the works and in a few days [notice a theme here?], we’ll talk to the lady who’s behind the effort I want to raise awareness for. it’s for charity so no commentary on my greying facial hair, got it?

the book got some recent help from a few people – one old friend, and one new. the new plan is centered solely around getting it out before February. it’s the only thing that’s going to pay for the big sailin’ trip, so the motivation is there. writing a book, a memoir when you’re 34 though is something I’d never suggest. nothing like having to write like you did a few years back and force yourself not to correct it. kind of like people who request ‘Little Girls’ to be sung at Oingo Boingo reunion tours.

Collin, or, Tate to those who don’t know him as well as others, made us all very proud here by being the first person to launch Elle in an Asian market - only 43 people in the world have done what he has. we haven’t seen much of him, despite spending a month at his ridiculous two-catwalks-having home, but for this to be done makes it all worthwhile. be proud of him even if you don’t know him.

also, in a month or less if I’m lucky, there’ll be a few new treats for anyone who likes treats. but this is already becoming a bit self-indulgent post, so I’ll leave it there for now.

I really just wanted to say hi.

hi.

I didn’t speak to a soul today.

the only time my voice worked was when Def Leppard came on during shuffle.

it was fantastic – both were fantastic.

nothing like a random iPod program to justify 80′s angst.

love does bite, well said.

it’s like being a grown-up here,

and that’s nice.

’cause I don’t have the things grown-ups have.

I wake up and have some yoga,

then practice some tea with milk.

walk down to the beach and wake up,

that’s quite nice, even though I’m not a beach person.

it’s a rocky beach – thus the nickname of ‘shipwreck cove’

and sister, when the water pulls those little things back into the ocean,

it’s like one person starts wildly applauding,

and then everyone joins in.

I like it very much.

and then I work – dirty building work.

I like that very much too.

painting rooms has always been a joy for me,

3 hours and a transformation – must be nice.

but I’m also a spackling fool.

no lie.

if you have pizza and some good microbrews, I’ll come and do yours.

it feels good to be good at something manly.

and I’m so clean! I think I get this from Tim.

you’d most certainly be impressed by my workstation.

I even vacuumed the tiny bits of wallpaper I’ve pulled off,

even though I’m not done and will start back in the morning.

very, very tidy – well done, Mom.

and now I’m going to make some dinner,

a few beers,

and a DVD.

it might be boring to you, but normalcy,

hot-water,

and free wifi aren’t things I’m used to.

being grown-up is like a vacation for me,

the opposite of most, I suppose.

but to know that this is my bed,

my mug,

and my window for a month,

makes me quite relaxed.

and believe it or not,

I need it.

that’s a big number, 10,666.

we can all agree on that.

that’s how many people dropped by yesterday.

am I bragging?

no, I have nothing to brag about.

I’m writing,

because it’s the cheapest thing I can do.

ten-thousand people and change.

why?

I’m guessing because despondency sells.

you’re either from the credit card company,

another stalker,

my Mother,

or perhaps, you’re wondering how this will work out.

you can stop reading now, if you want.

I’m rambling.

trying to think something or hear something,

that gives me a bit of direction.

I don’t want your money,

you bought my photos and for that, I thank you.

you might offer up kind words,

some work – some don’t.

I hate cliches, they’re a dime-a-dozen.

but you want to see how this turns out,

this boy, in Cairo, wanting to get to the real Africa,

but having Libya on one side, and Sudan on the other.

no overlands for me, I’m afraid.

the lady at the embassy told me the same.

what will happen?

I turned to my favorite Dr. Seuss book today,

childlishly stumbling for answers between the illustrations.

and it gave me a chuckle,

but nothing much else.

oh! the places I’m trying to go.

I’m trying, Dr., I am.

sitting here, hitting ‘refresh’,

as if it’s up to me when my emails come.

waiting and waiting, like Martin Sheen,

without the bathroom,

it’s cheaper that way, you see.

dear Mom, dear Dad – funny story…

it’ll have to begin,

perhaps misspelling a few words to remind them my college education cost nothing.

I’d sell you this computer,

but the ‘I’ key is faded.

the airline I would take to over there,

had a plane crash a few days ago – could I ask for a discount?

it’s a great idea! I tell myself,

and would tell them.

and, whoever will listen.

listen to my great idea.

now, feed me.

in one week, this post will make me laugh.

so laugh now, if you like.

I want you to.

I want to too.

and I’d like to be doing something,

besides coming back here.

I can’t even be in a good mood about the pyramids.

poop.