"As Ithers See Us"

From "To a Louse" --Robert Burns

As I grow older I fail to get wiser or progress my self view from when I was a teen. In my mind's eye I am still 160 pounds and don't see myself as any smarter or slower than that kid who ran around South Kitsap in the 50's. I remember wishing I could somehow put on some muscle like my father. He weighed a full 180 pounds....a weight he seemed to maintain his entire life. Sometimes you need to be careful as to what you wish for. I not only achieved his magical 180 when my metabolism changed but blew right through that wish with a ton of interest on the side.

Flash forward to the late 80's. Beth and I were attending a performance by my former class assistant and long time friend Debi who had a successful musical act. She was playing in Tacoma at the Sheridan lounge. I was taking a  break when a big burly Hemingwayesque character advanced in my direction as I navigated the men's room. I veered to the left to avoid colliding but he shifted his bulk to the left. So, I shot right as he followed right. Then I smacked straight into a plate glass mirror. Never saw it coming.