October 19th marked the 20th anniversary of my mother's passing. It's always a time for introspection, and obviously, somewhat sad, though not necessarily depressing. Considering that one doesn't really remember the first few years of one's existence, I've now spent as much time missing her as I've spent enjoying her presence. As far as I can remember, anyway... 
 
However, this year, to celebrate my wife's birthday (10/16), we decided to join a couple of friends who were going to Disney during the week. I personally don't really like Disney (except for A Nightmare Before Christmas), as I am, by nature, a boring old fart.
 
Plus, just watching rides make me dizzy. And I hate crowds and noise and people.
 
But I knew it made my wife happy, so I went with it and decided to put on a smile and make the best of it, not to spoil her fun.
 
I shouldn't neglect to mention that I managed to negotiate a detour and a quick stop at Mountain View Cemetery to visit Randy Rhoads' grave site and pay hommage to the man who made me want to play electric guitar and study classical music.  
 
Still, I wasn't all that excited to go. I hate traveling and ever since the car accident, things only got worst. Not to mention that I only slept 40 minutes the night before we left - I really wasn't in the best of shapes.
 
But things went surprisingly well. Actually, even after a sleepless night, hours on the road and almost 8 hours walking in the amusement park, when we sat down for a beer afterwards, I was rather disappointed when I realized that bars close at 1:30 over there... 
 
Anyway, while we were in Anaheim Wednesday night, I received an e-mail advising me that I was the final candidate for a job I'd applied on back in September. The only thing left to do was to provide my references. Thanks to Facebook, I am still in touch with my former supervisor and the HR people, all of whom are friends. I received confirmation tonight. So I'll be working tech support for some well known pro audio company starting next Monday. 
 
Did I mention that Friday evening, I found out that an awesome "new" Elvis double album (Way Down in the Jungle Room) had come out in August and got it on the spot? That was the icing on the cake. :)

...I hate crowds and noise and people.

You sure picked the wrong vocation.
 
Actually, I share the same aversion. Despite gauging the success of a Saturday night by how big a crowd we had. Wanting to be in the company of people isn't the same as needing to be.
 
Thanksgiving, that's my dreaded anniversary.
 
 

I'm also in the same boat......hate crowds, noise, and people in crowds.
This week will be the 2nd year since my dad's death, but my Faith has kept me strong through all the difficult times.  
 
Congrats Rain on the new job opportunity and also the new Elvis album......the light at the end of the tunnel.

Congratulations! And starting a new job on Halloween? Priceless.
Did you ask if you could wear a costume on your first day?

Krist wears a "costume" every day.
(or does he?)

Mesh
I'm also in the same boat......hate crowds, noise, and people in crowds.

 
What about going to concerts then?

jamesg1213

Mesh
I'm also in the same boat......hate crowds, noise, and people in crowds.

 
What about going to concerts then?

 
The crowd/noise/people part was mainly because I have 5 small children (when going to theme parks/restaurants/public places etc..), people tend to be on one mad mission to get to their destination without any consideration for anyone else.
 
For concerts, I have no problems at all. I'd generally go with my buddies and generally just focus on the band/music (of course a few lagers help).

jamesg1213

Mesh
I'm also in the same boat......hate crowds, noise, and people in crowds.

 
What about going to concerts then?

To be perfectly honest, I've avoided concerts for most of my life. There's people, and, even more importantly, the music is usually so loud that you can't actually hear much. As such, a live DVD would be my preferred option.
 
But one thing I eventually learned after ruining a couple of relationships is that I need to get over myself and do things with others.  And as Mesh mention, a few cold ones don't hurt. 

duplicate

bapu
Krist wears a "costume" every day.
(or does he?)

In this day and age, my preference for formal wear does make it so. I usually stop short of wearing a hat, unless I can push that far, but I'd be most delighted if I could wear one all the time.
 
That being said, out here in Las Vegas, I've learned to appreciate a more casual way of dressing. You'll never see me in a Hawaiian shirt, but then, that would probably look like a costume on me. :P