Wednesday, September 24, 2008

No Cheers

It was a rough day. It wasn't a "drink my face off to forget the world" day, but a rough one nonetheless. In every town I've lived, I've always had a place that I could stop by after work for a drink or two, relax, and feel comfortable. One of those places you roll into like Norm or Cliff at Cheers and feel like you were amongst friends. One of those places you can let your hair down, bend the bartender's ear, and let things just be for a while. Back in Massachusetts it was The Hangar. Longer ago in New Hampshire it was The Tin Palace, Kelly O'Brians in Colorado, and the Crazy Horse Tavern in Florida. If the Wild Onion Cafe actually existed, it would be a lot like those places.

Since I moved to California over a year ago I haven't found that place. I'll be honest, I haven't looked for it either. Some of that is because I don't drink as much as I formerly did. That's a good thing I guess. In reality, I know the real reason is that unconsciously I've never accepted this place as home. Finding that "where everybody knows your name" place takes a commitment I'm not willing to make. It would be an acknowledgement that I'm in this for the long haul, which I'm not. Mentally, this place has always been just a stop on my way to where I want to be. I don't know where that is, but all my senses tell me this isn't it. I suspect deep down that I knew that even before I picked up stakes and hit the road. That is why there are still unopened moving boxes stacked in the spare bedroom, pictures and artwork on the floor and not the walls, and no Cheers to drop into for a quick beer and a laugh. My former therapist would be so proud that I can analyze myself now.

The latest job opportunity didn't materialize. That wasn't the only thing that made today rough, but it sure helped push it into the dumper. I didn't even get an interview. I'm surprised and disappointed, but not devastated. Maybe I have become more philosophical, but I feel that somehow it must not have been the right for me. The ideal opportunity will come along. It will be a near-perfect fit for both them and me. That will be the place I am meant to call home... and it will be highly likely there will be a Cheers right on the corner once I get there.

25 comments:

Suzanne said...

The right fit will come along. You'll see. And when you find your next Cheers, hopefully you'll only drink V8. I want to stop drinking wine. Help me.

I love you dear. I know this period of your life is hard, but it'll pass and everything'll work out. You'll see. Honey, if I can make it through menopause and all the shit I'm dealing with, trust me, you can make it through this. You're tougher!!! ;)

Oh, and for some fun, go to Skeeter's blog. He posted a photo. You comment on his blog, right? Looks nothing like I thought he would. Wow. Leah, then Skeeter. Who's next? Then stop by the Wild Onion. 23 comments later, Irish music is still blasting!

Have a good evening, okay? And when you have time visit IV's blog. The post is a hoot. You'll appreciate it, but to understand it you have to read the previous post and comments first. Have fun! Oh and Cece could use a big old hug. Well that should be enough to keep your mind off of sad stuff.

Love you darlin'.
XO Blottie Suze

Suzanne said...

Bob, why did you remove the "Followers?"

just bob said...

I didn't take the followers off honey... they are below the Entrecard logo.

Megan said...

I had to leave my Cheers behind when I moved. Doubt I will find one in the new hood but you never know!

Sorry you didn't get an interview, Bobness. But I'm glad you haven't given up hope!

Suzanne said...

But Bob, when you come up on my dashboard, the numbers are no longer there (for the Cafe and your blog). Why? Are they still on your dashboard?

Big hug honey,
XXXXX

just bob said...

Blottie... Well, I'm still following you. Look behind you. See me? The creepy looking guy with the hat. Now I'm waving my hand. See me yet?

Anonymous said...

Hey Bob,

Sorry abut your rough day...mine kinda sucked too. I had one of my horrific migraines that left me in bed hiding from the light. I really hate getting older.

Anyway, what I find so interesting about this post is there isn't that usual depair that I've read in your posts before...there is a twinge of hope. Yes, you will find that job and that "place where everybody knows your name" but until you do...everybody knows your name around here. We can throw back some virtual beers and laugh until we cry.

My job situation is looking pretty crappy right now, but I know something will come along. I just wish the economy wasn't in the toilet too. Damn Republicans!!! The other day when I was walking to BART on the way home, there was some guy out there with Obama posters and buttons. I took one and put it on, I thought about you. We gotta get those numb-nuts out of the White House come hell or high water!!!!!!!!!!!

Rock on, dude!
XO
RC

Kirsten said...

Shank! I'm sorry to hear you had a bad day. It just wasn't right for you. The job that you really want is still out there.

Queen Goob said...

The place I go "where everybody knows my name" is the back porch with my dog. I find it more comforting to be with me, myself, and Coop nowadays; can be myself and not all sunshine and daisies.

Sorry about the job - both you and RC. I stay where I am because even though the work and pay suck, my boss rocks and I don't mind coming in every morning. There's a lot to be said for liking those you work with.

Hugs and if you're up to it, maybe you and I could give RC an impromptu dance lesson.....her Riverdance leaves much to be desired.

just bob said...

Megan... good luck with the move and finding a new hangout. Maybe that supernova of a light on your patio will point you in the right direction.

RC... I can bring back the despair if you like. It's right below the surface and could make an appearance at any time.

Kirsten... Every time I apply for a job, another more attractive job gets advertised. That's the only reason I'm staying semi-optimistic. But I'm hoping the current, "I really want this job" pans out.

Queenie... You sure don't want me giving anyone dance lessons. That would look even more disturbing than my usual appearance. Glad that porch is treating you well.

INNER VOICES said...

ahhh... i fucking hate those days... and find the best place to go where everyone knows my name is where ever im at... crack a couple of cold beers and forgettaboutit...

remember the old days of FTW and who gives a shit?

yeah, good ole days...

chin buddy, it only gets worse.

Penelope said...

Man, I was totally where you are two years ago. Things are a hundred times better. But my career situation made a 90 degree turn around last year and now, for the most part, I'm pretty content with work.

I don't have a great answer for you, but keep plugging away. If you do what you're supposed to do, it'll happen.

Go 'Stros,

Karen

Kookaburra said...

i am following your blog!

kylie said...

hi bob

Mr. Shife said...

Sorry Bob about the roughness of your day. I can relate as I got laid off so if we were in the same area I would have definitely bellied up next to you at the bar. I wish you the best of luck and hang in there.

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
INNER VOICES said...

OOOOOOO... whose comment got deleted?!?!

i wanna know!

just bob said...

Inner Voices:

Here you go...

hi
hello
how was your day?
i liked your blog
you are fantastic!!!

really nice blog
fabulous fantastic
bye
take care
see you

It was the same spam comment that was sent out to at least 4 other blogs that I follow!

Megan said...

Spam, spam, spam, spam, spam!

Have a great weekend, Bob!

Suzanne said...

Thank God it wasn't me. Everyone knows how I delete like a maniac!!!!!

Hey Bob, the debate is just about to begin and believe it or not, I'm still awake. Gotta go. If that idiot wins this whole thing I swear to f****** God, I'll shoot myself. No. Really. I was watching CNN yesterday and laughed too hard. One of Clinton's former campaign managers called Bush a "functioning moron." Amen. A man after my own heart. It's always so nice when someone actually speaks the truth.

Love you dear. Hope all is well. TALK TO YOU TOMORROW!!!! I'm so hoping for the best!

XO
Blottie ;)

j said...

It's interesting -- sometimes stopping by after a load of comments feels like coming late to a dinner party. Here I come, in the middle of the dessert course ...

I'm sorry to hear about the job prospect, but you're right, there will be more. There is a new sense of optimism there.

And California's not for everyone. I spent three years in Columbus pining away for the East Coast. I'm not sure I could have done it any differently, but I also regret not living in the moment. There's something to be said for that, if it's at all possible for you.

Kookaburra said...

Hey Bob,
I see that you have had a rough day and that you are restless and can't seem to settle down. When you find the right place, you'll just know.

Man, I've had heaps of job opportunities over the years that have vanished into thin air. All through no fault of my own. I know that a job will happen along for you soon if you keep at it.
Glad that your outlook is positive.

Penelope said...

Dude, I got that comment.

The blog is "interesting" . . .

Karen

INNER VOICES said...

bob.....




i hate to say it......






your blog is fucking fantastic....







i dont hate to say it, i hate for you to have to hear it....








is that what i mean, no.








shit......













i hate to know that you might think you are not fantastic and therefore think your blog might not be fantastic as well...








so yeah.....










have a fucking beer, where ever you are...









cause yer blog is fantastic...........

just bob said...

Penelope/Karen... Thanks for the encouraging words!

Kookaburra... Thanks, now I have two readers from Down Under!

Kylie... Hi There!

Mr. Shife... That's horrible news about getting laid off. I hope you find something good. I'll buy the first round if we ever meet.

Megan... That's one of my favorite Monty Python skits.

Blottie... I'd never delete you honey. Functioning moron is a nice way to describe Bush.

Jennifer... There's always room at the table for you. Shall I warm something up or are you just having dessert?

Penelope/Karen again... yeah, interesting is a kind word for it.

Zach/IV... Thanks for those words. I put a lot of effort into the blog. Not everyone of my posts is a winner, but there are some gems here.