Here's What's Up

So, as I noted in my previous post, I have a few updates since I last blogged. In fact, a lot has changed, but I am only going to recap the more recent events. However, I will say that the past year feels like I was sleepwalking. I don't know that I've ever been so down and out in my life as I was from 08.08 - 06.09. You might know my tendency for being a bit over dramatic at times, but honestly, there was a lot of crap going on that forced me to change. I was resistant at first, but I now realize those changes have ultimately been the best thing for me. Anyway, here are some things that have happened recently:

• I officially broke off my involvement with DSI. I wish I could say there are no hard feelings, but honestly, there are. I feel like I might have lost friends as a result of this, but there are a few whom I'd like to maintain a friendship with. This break was quite significant because improv and comedy have been a huge part of my life for the past decade, and now that I am not spending my time doing it, I feel like I have time to do some of the other things I want to. My plan is to work on doing more stand up and comedic writing to fill the void, as my creative process has become more of an individual endeavor. And maybe that comes from not feeling like I can trust others to support me in what I do. One door closes, another opens, yes?
• My job is awesome, and is taking up a lot of my time. I found myself checking and responding to emails at the bar last night. That's dedication, friends. Things are busy right now, but that's awesome.
• I am now a Durhamite. I moved in with my friend Ryan, whom I've known since college. We lived together before in 2000, and things have changed / not changed. I also have another roommate named Cameron, and he is good people, too. Our place is amazing. Loads of square footage and space, and I've even taken steps to make this place really feel like more of a home than a house. So far, so good. Oh, and the 4th roommate is an old friend, too. His name is Zen / Brandon / Jessica, and he's a cat.
• I bought a brand new car. Yes, it was expensive and a quick decision, but it was necessary as the old one was on his way out, and I needed to think fast. Unfortunately, it didn't qualify as a "clunker" though. Meh, oh well.
• My folks finally got out of Florida, and they seem to be very happy. My sister got engaged to a guy she really loves, so I am happy for her. It looks like the Griffins have made it through a dark spot over the past year+, but things are looking up, and that makes me happy, too.
• Lastly, I've been doing some online dating, and it has been a great experience. I've been out with several girls, some of whom I had good chemistry with, others I didn't, and others still that there was interest, but not worth maintaining. HOWEVER, I did find someone I really like. She is a musician, a writer, and a genius. All that and stunning. I think she might like me, too, which makes it even better. I'll expand more on this in the future.

That's it for now, I suppose. Ryan and I are going to see Inglorious Basterds, which I've heard was great. We'll see. Expect a review soon. Cheers
-JSG

A History of Relapse

Well, it has been over a year since I "closed" this blog, but I have decided to open it back up to get back in the habit of blogging for myself. I'd like to say that I'll be doing it daily, or even consistently, but I am not going to set myself up for disaster by promising that to myself or you. I'll do it when I can, but honestly, I do plenty of writing on a daily basis, so I don't feel bad about not writing here every day. Plus I have another blog, if you didn't already know, and that will remain in tact, but this one will serve as a personal journal, and that one will serve up plenty of very funny and amazing pictures, videos and the like.

So, a quick recap of the day while I'm at it. Work felt lighter today than usual, and even though it has been busy, I enjoy what I do very much. I like the people I work with, and feel like I am doing good work. It's exhilarating.

Went to Durham Be Easy tonight, and got there just in time to see The Mountain Goats. Wow. Every time I see John Darnielle, I like him even more. His music is great, and I like his rapport and honesty with the audience.

RS and I went to Bull McCabe's downtown, where we ran into HM. It was her gf's b-day, and it was nice to say hi. They left pretty quickly, but understandably, as the bar was sort of wretched.

Met up with CT and his friend at Satisfaction, and I actually drank a Jagerbomb. Possibly one of the reasons I have the energy to write this now. I also armwrestled both CT and his friend. I lost terribly both times. It reminded me of what lousy shape I'm in.

I've got some other news to update, but for now, this is going to have to do. I'm probably going to do some updating to the design of this site, and my other sites too, but I'm not going to rush it.

Deal with it, bitches.

A History of Hiatus

This blog will be on hiatus for the foreseeable future. I would like to direct you my new blog, however, which can be found here:

Believe You Me. Enjoy.

I has a new job

I like it.

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King Kong Plays Ping Pong with his Ding Dong in Hong Kong

I watched The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters last night, and it was easily one of the best documentaries I have seen. The world of gaming is much seedier and strange than I had expected. If you get a chance, please check it out. Also, I recently saw a few other fantastic docs at the Full Frame Documentary Festival.

I'm rereading A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, and it is pretty great, too.

In other news:

• I'll be playing some bitchin' Air Guitar in Troy Sterling's Air Guitar Madness this and next Saturday. You should come and see it and participate, too. Oh man. Pictures from last week can be found here.



• I start a new job on Monday. I'm really excited about it, and I'll have the opportunity to write professionally. Not sure in what capacity, but writing nonetheless.



• I am the owner of a new (used) car. I forgot that driving can be so much fun. (Mine is black.)



• Spring is (basically) here. I played disc golf with a friend recently, and it was exhilarating.



• I've been reading and drawing almost every day. Some writing in there, too. It feels good.



• I've lost 18 pounds since January and I'm going to the gym 3-4 times a week. That feels great.

Nick, you might owe me 18 dollars.