Drama, Drunks, Dan Savage

             Diane from the rowing club stopped by the house Friday afternoon with a check for me. I was wrapped up on the phone and could not talk. It was evident she was not aware of what had transpired at the board meeting Wednesday night.

I sent her out the following:

Dear Diane,

I just wanted to fill you in as it is clear Ted did not inform you of what transpired here Wednesday night. It was not pretty. He brought up he had many rowers complain to him they would never get into a boat I was coxing again. Let’s just say things got heated.

I know I’m not a coach and have tried my best, but this took me aback. I remember the joy I got from the early rows even when getting yelled at for bending my elbow or digging the blade. To think I could have discouraged any rower by my actions has distressed me more than you can imagine.

Nancy has not returned any of my E-Mails or phone calls. From how she reacted to Ted’s e-mails concerning the advanced boat, I think it is a safe assumption she has left the club.

I sent Ted an E-mail explaining I will be leaving the club after the meeting Sunday. I do not want to do a grand exit. I just want to walk away quietly.

This is so hard for me. I originally was going to leave the BWRC back in 2011 when things were falling apart, but held on hoping there would be improvement.

I almost thought things were going to turn around this summer. We had a row after one of the Learn to Rows. Nancy coxed, Mark was 4, I was three, Chris was 2 and Rebecca was bow if I’m remembering that bow pair line up correctly. We came flying back from the bridge rowing all four under full pressure in a set boat with a real run. The last time I experienced such an adrenaline rush was at the Dogwood Regatta when we rowed our first race. Sadly, in-club politics killed that dream.

I’m going to be honest with you Diane. I’ve had a headache and knotted stomach since that meeting Wednesday night. There were E-mail exchanges with Ted today that had me so upset my teeth were chattering.

For the return I’m getting from the little rowing we do, this frustration is not worth it.

I’ve been with the club pretty much since its inception. The stress and angst of the past few months have been too much. I will not subject myself to it any more.

 

 

Yesterday was the Old Miss home game here in Tuscaloosa. This city was crazy. I hate to think what the Homecoming game will be like next week. My neighbor Michelle was out of town and friends were parked in her driveway. Being so close to the stadium every inch of parking space is coveted, rented out and fought over.

It was about 10:30 or so these friends of Michelle’s were in the driveway when I heard noises that were not right. I hate to appear the nosey neighbor, but too much is happening around here to ignore anything. Michelle’s friends said some kid went running into her back yard. I just got through the gate to witness this young boy scaling the six foot stockade fence along the alley and falling over the top. I looked over the top to see this thin, blonde curly haired boy sprawled on the ground. Checking him over it was clear he was totally wasted. Michelle’s friends had to get on the road, so it was up to me to take care of this kid. He was scuffed up and bleeding a bit, but nothing serious. Fortunately some students returning from the game were able to help

out. They could navigate his I-phone and get a contact. They were laughing when I explained I only had a Tracfone from Wal-mart…an I-phone is so out of my league! These kids were able to phone a contact from a Text message..I explained to this contact where I was located and we would be waiting on my front porch for his pick-up.

I wrapped his arm around my neck and half carried him to my porch. First thing was to get a basin as he was having “upheaveals”. I tried to get him to drink some water to hydrate a bit. He was barely coherent. I kept telling him he was safe and his ride would soon get here. I told him, “You are going to be hurting tomorrow, but did you have a good time today?” He gave a sly smile and muttered, “Yes!”

His friends came to pick him up. They had been so worried. College kids can be so infuriating! I was just glad to get him safely out without the police being involved. As annoying as this was, I considered it a payback for the times in the very distant past I have been in the same situation. Maybe not quite as intense, but we have all been there…..

I met Laurie at the boathouse this morning. We took turns rowing her single. That will be my next move: get myself a single scull.  I’ve been working on the presentation for the membership meeting in three hours. It is sad to me to be closing this door, but for my sanity it must be done.

On a lighter note, Saturday afternoon I was listening to a podcast interview of Dan Savage, the outspoken sex advice columnist, co-founder of the “It Gets Better” project, and definer of Santorum. (Karma can be such a bitch…Rick Santorum will forever have his “Google problem” attached to his name thanks to Dan.) Dan was saying on this interview how one of the latest threats against him from the conservative right involved him impaling himself upon a fire hydrant. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/29/dan-savage-death-stan-solomon-_n_3837289.html

Through the magic of the internets I sent Dan off an E-mail explaining to him how the “fire plug segment” had me “LOL’ing”. I told him of my fire hydrant collection and included a picture. He sent me back a reply! I’m flying on that!!

I have an extra fire brick I’m going to send out to Dan, along with a couple sidewalk bricks. I always think of him looking at these bricks in my patio…..