So, I got into work this morning not quite as bright eyed and bushy tailed as one would wish but I arrived early and fully prepared to meet the day's challenges. As I pulled into my parking spot I noticed something in the alley, not so much be hind my store as behind the bakery one door down. I investigated and found the following: a dead rat.
Some might be used to finding deceased animals as they start their day and some might find rodents to be a pleasant part of life. I belong to neither such camp. I will spare you the gory details of this encounter, but suffice it to say I was a bit put off. Though others may have been concerned with the well being of any other rats in the vicinity I was more worried about the possibility that there were indeed more rats in the vicinity.
Hoping against hope, that this macabre find was not evidence of an infestation, but instead was simply another different bakery "sending a message," I proceeded inside.
As is my custom, I made my way first to the back room, disarmed the alarm and poured some water into the coffee pot. I then headed up front, started the coffee, logged into the computer, and filed the overnight paperwork. I was about to unlock the front door when I saw something out of the corner of my eye.
I whirled, letting out an angry "Whoooo" of terror, half expecting to be pounced on by a gnarled, grizzled, fanged beast carrying rabies, cholera, and bubonic plague. But it was no rat before me. I found myself looking down in utter incomprehension at a small package, about four inches by eight and an inch thick. Closer inspection revealed that a carefully written note had been rubber around it. The note read "Sorry this is late," signed Fouad. The package was a VHS video tape. I hurriedly unlocked the door, turned on the open sign and rushed back to the work area to examine this strange interloping package. The note was not hurriedly scribbled but instead obviously printed on a computer, but using a font emulating fine penmanship. The tape itself was an exercise video, made in 1994 called Step Reebok The Video. On the cover, an athletic woman with strong calves is bathed in an eerie blue fluorescent glow. The video belonged, a dozen years ago, to a video store. It said Three Day Rental. Twelve years previous, the owner chose to follow other pursuits and closed up shop. At the time, the store I manage was located next door, where the bakery sits now. A former video store being quite spacious and well suited to the sale of high end paint, my boss moved over and occupied this current location almost at once. I opened the terse note and found that it had been printed on the back of a flier for the old video store. I had coupons that expired in February of 1997. I was not yet 18 when this coupon outlived its original purpose.
I spent much of the rest of the day considering the intervening years: my own adventures and missteps and those of this tape.
Fouad also included a phone number. I considered calling several times. I thought about thanking him, congratulating him, berating him, demanding an exorbitant late fee... And what to do with the tape itself. Perhaps I will place it on a shelf next to some exterior high gloss and wait for someone to rent it again, wondering where I might be in 2021 when it is returned.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Monday, May 4, 2009
much ado about an old song
SO, weirdly, this song has come up several different times over the last few days, and in each instance, a different incarnation has revealed new aspects. The song, Don't Forget Me, was written by Harry Nilsson and released on the Pussy Cats album, produced by John Lennon. One of my most fervent hopes is to one day hear this particular durge sung by tom waits.
But in the absence of that particular cover, I opt to share many others:
First, the orginal
Harry Nilsson - Don't Forget Me | ||
Found at skreemr.com |
Next, Neko Case,and a dizzying array of photos
Now how about some Macy Gray
And to finish this study, I offer Marianne Faithfull, who is honoring Mr Nilsson himself
Don't Forget Me
by Harry Nilsson
In the wintertime
Keep your feet warm
But keep your clothes on
And don't forget me
Keep the memories
But keep your powder dry too
In the summertime
By the poolside
While the fireflies
Are all around you
I'll miss you when i'm lonely
I'll miss the alimony too
Don't forget me, don't forget me
Make it easy on me
Just for a little while
You know I'll think about you
Let me know you think about me too
When we're older
And full of cancer
It doesn't matter now
Come on get happy
'Cause nothing lasts forever
But I will always love you
Overkill accomplished.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
cool enough for this post
So, I might be the last to have seen THRU-YOU, but it merited a mention.
I also came across this on TV and felt like listening to it again.
see ya next blog post
I also came across this on TV and felt like listening to it again.
Guided By Voices - Game Of Pricks | ||
Found at skreemr.com |
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Sunday, January 4, 2009
happy 2009
So, here's hoping the new year will bring you only the very best. Peace, harmony and beauty.
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