Old Friends

Got the urge to e-mail an old friend from college on his birthday. The only reason I remember the day is because it was my due date, June 12, but I was born three weeks late on July 1, all red and wrinkled. I always told my mom it was because I refused to be a Gemini. So, I haven't seen this guy for over 20 years but I was in love with him in college. Unfortunately he didn't have the same romantic ilk that I did, plus I had an out of town boyfriend all through college, who I eventually moved west with. We were close friends though, and shared a love of music and corresponded through letters after I moved away. Of course I raved to my room mate about how terrific he was so she decided I was right and they hooked up for several years but it ended badly when she dumped him. I could've predicted it would end as such. So the suprise, when I finally spoke to him last year after connecting with a Christmas card was that he'd never married, never had kids either. But, he said he was still hopeful. Men definitely have more options as far as the family thing goes, he could meet a 33 year old, her biological clock's loud ticking keeping her awake nights and bang, just like that he could be a dad at age 49. And he would make a great dad. So, the funny thing is, when I did finally send the e-mail, was that he'd also been thinking about me lately, having come across the card and a picture I'd sent him of my three wonderful kids last year and he'd vowed to drop me a line. It would be extremely weird to see him after all this time, although I'd love to, if we could both realize, before hand, that now we're middle agers, while when we knew each other we were barely 20. That first shocked look seeing each other this age may be a hard hurdle to get over. He's one of those people that I think of on a fairly regular basis, wondering how he is and what his life is like. There are a few people in your life, too few, who you connect to on a deep level and even when you don't see each other for years, or even ever, you still have that deep bond. I often wonder when I have the vivid dreams of people from my past, are they having the same dream, are we sharing time in some alternate reality together? Or when I think of someone, am I picking up on their thoughts of me, or if I think of them first, do they then pick up my thoughts? Obviously recently we were on the same wavelength, so it proves my point, at least this time.

Rafa

Weekend Notes

A Thing of Beauty

The dream showdown realized, it was a joy watching Rafael Nadal retain his French Open title, beating Roger Federer in four sets. But it was a scary start. Both looked to be nervous, so much on the line for each. Roger’s chance to attain the four grand slams in a row, Rafa defending his title and increasing his clay court record to 60 matches in a row. But in the end the Raging Bull prevailed. Now Nadal has beat Federer six of their seven meetings and in the end I think it was the psyche-out that doomed Roger. He looked pretty disheartened during the last half of the match and made a ton of unforced errors. With Nadal, Federer doesn’t cast the “#1” spell that he does over other competitors. But if he can manage to bring his “A” game and Nadal has anything less than his best, Roger can surely beat him in the future. After all he beats every other player, consistently. But it’s like anything else, the longer the pattern continues, the harder it is to break free. Rafa is an intriguing fellow. Only just turned 20, he showcases more OCD tendencies than most, lining up his water bottles exactly so in front of his court side chair, pulling up his socks, tugging on his tighty whities about every other serve. Most endearing however is his climb into the stands upon winning to embrace the several family members in the crowd, mom, dad, brother and coach Uncle Tony with tears welling in his eyes. Only upon winning to you glimpse anything but dogged determination on his face, a quality that surely contributes to his amazing run. Barring any more injuries like the one that kept him from the Australian Open early in the year, he’s got what it takes to go on to win the next three grand slams. The grass at Wimbledon should be a great challenge for him and a treat for the spectators, but with the talent, confidence and sheer physical power he brings to the game, he’s got a shot. Roger’s consolation prize, he’s still #1.

Other Notes

Don’t bother with The Break Up until it’s on video, and maybe not even then. Jennifer and Vince may be hooked up in real life but unless you love the feeling when you’re out for a couples night and one couple just won’t stop the bickering, forcing their friends to take sides in each fight, you may want to skip it. Both characters are losers, him because he’s a juvenile, a cheesy tour bus guide who is devoid of any understanding of women and she because with her looks, body and career she wouldn’t even be with this guy, she’d be with some terrific fellow who can appreciate the female point of view and has half a brain. Side note, they seem to be getting along in their real romance, as there they were in row three watching the French Open. Ahhh, the life of the rich and famous. On the other hand, Friends With Money, the other current film featuring Jennifer Aniston was very entertaining with a fun script. Bickering couples are also a feature of this film, however here the dialogue is wicked and enjoyable.

On a somewhat related topic, from the one picture I saw of Brad and Angelina’s baby, the kid’s got her mommy’s lips. Having a baby may change everything, but since they were already a family, chances are they’ll make it, for awhile at least. I think Brad is a natural born father, and Angie’s obviously got a big heart with all her good will ambassador work. They’re the polar opposite of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes who I predict will not be so lucky. Katie makes the perfect Stepford Wife while Tom is the most self absorbed guy in Hollywood, and that’s saying a lot.

The more I listen to Pearl Jam’s new cd, the more I like it. Tour play lists show they’re doing several of the new ones at each show. The LA shows should be amazing.

The hot ticket I’d love to see is the Eric Clapton/Derek Trucks collaboration. Layla is one of the top ten songs of all time and the lucky ones who get to see this duo in action will have a lifelong memory, no doubt.

Not really too sad we’re not going to make it to Bonnaroo this year, last year’s lineup was so terrific it would only have been a let down. I do notice now however, especially since we’ve had a ton of rain, when I smell the moist earth it brings Tennessee mud to mind.