I named this part one because I have more stories than I want to put in one post.
I have had the joyous experience of working at an amusement park one summer when I was in college. Ever since I worked there I’ve wondered why it’s called that. There are only a few amusements for the employees, and a lot of people get grumpy when they have to follow the rules. Drat safety. It always ruins the fun.
I was a ride operator. Most of the time that meant I checked lap bars on the roller coasters. It is a rule that the first occupied seats and the last occupied seats have to have two people. This is a safety precaution.
My first day on the job there were two of us checking lap bars, one on each side. The other fellow somehow missed the fact that the last seat on his side was empty. (I should have noticed it too in all actuality.) The coaster started up the lift and the operator noticed the empty seat. Because I was over eighteen I got to climb up the little staircase on the side, climb over the fellow in the back seat, secure myself in the empty seat, and ride. Luckily the train wasn’t that high up on the lift.
A few hours later, the train got stuck at the top of the lift. Once again, because I was over eighteen, I got to climb the little stairs all the way to the top. There was a guardrail, but not really. For someone terrified of heights, I’d rather be safely secured in the stuck train than standing on the platform over a hundred feet in the air, reassuring everyone. Not my idea of a great job.
I worked long days and as everyone who goes to amusement parks knows, there is the same speech. “Please keep your arms and legs inside the car at all times. Do not stand up. And enjoy your ride.” Just imagine how repetitive that gets. What gets even more repetitive are all the customers who ask, “Does that ever get old?”
Really? They have to ask? We say it every time even if we’ve seen them on the ride a dozen times already.
I think I’ve mentioned earlier that I like to talk in my sleep and that occasionally I hallucinate. That summer was terrible. I would get home at midnight and wake up at three in the morning. My brain would think I was at work so I would sit up in bed and say the stupid line, over and over, and over. At about four I would realize I was at home and not at work and would try to go back to sleep until seven when I would get up and go to work.
It is amazing what people do when they think they are alone. One ride I worked was a haunted house. Just so you know there are normally employees in the back checking on customers to make sure they don’t do anything stupid. The employees stay out of sight but they can still see you. I was running the front of the ride, where I say the blasted speech when one of the supervisors came up. He asked to run it for a while. As a young couple got into the car, my supervisor calmly said. “Welcome, keep your arms and legs inside the car at all times. And remember this is where you bring your family, not make them. Enjoy your ride.”
28 July 2010
25 July 2010
*Brothers
Intro: This is a short story that gives a little history about two characters who are in a novel I'm writing. This story is meant to be complete by itself. (Though it doesn't matter in this story, this is currently the year 2247. The genre is Sci-Fi.) Because I can say so, my novel is called Game Over and hopefully, eventually, you'll see it in stores. Probably not in the near future though. Give me a couple years. Enough rambling, let the games begin.
William looked at Samson and felt the burn of jealous. That’s how he often felt being one of a matched pair. Why not him? His only advantage was the ability to learn by the book. Not much of an advantage when compared to someone who could pick it up on the first try.
“William, are you coming?” Samson asked; his usual smile in place.
With careful hands, William organized his papers and books before sliding them into his satchel. Samson was brawnier and his well muscled arm rested across the shoulders of his girlfriend. Fae smiled at William.
“Are you coming with us to the movie?”
It burned William that there was only kindness in her voice. Part of him wanted to argue that he’d seen her first. He should be dating her.
“I have some studying to catch up on.”
“You can always study later.” Samson said.
“One of these days, you’re going to be forced to be the obedient one.”
“Yeah, yeah. Catch you later.”
William waved good bye and watched his older brother saunter off with his arm still lazily holding her close. At home William finished his homework and then played video games with his younger brother, Justin. Even though William was nearly six years older, Justin could beat him at nearly every game. It was still fun though. Eventually, their mother ordered them to set the table.
“Where’s Samson?” Mother asked.
“On a date.” Justin drawled. “With the ever so lovely Fae.”
Mother threw a dish towel which he caught easily. “You’d better not say anything when he gets home. I’m glad to see him getting out more.”
William carefully set down the plate he was holding. He was sixteen too; shouldn’t he be getting out more? No one ever said that to him. When Samson came home, Justin drilled him about the movie. It was an action flick that was doing well.
“You should have come, William. You would have enjoyed it.”
William chuckled. “Naw, I don’t want to see it with someone as squeamish as Fae. I’ll go with Justin this weekend.”
Justin punched his fist into the air, “Yes. You’re the coolest William.”
“Cooler than me?” Samson asked.
“Completely.” Came the quick reply.
Justin hugged William quickly before running off to his room.
Samson scowled. “He never hugs me.”
“Would you rather have hugs from your little brother or your girlfriend?” William asked drily.
With a laugh, Samson replied, “Pretty obvious answer.” He sobered and flopped down on the couch. “I made a decision tonight.”
“What?”
“I’m dropping out of school. There’s a tech school that offers the program I want. If I start now I can finish in just under a year.”
“What are you going to do?” William asked. He couldn’t picture Samson not being in class with him. Though William studied more, Samson got decent grades in everything but math. In math he was the star pupil without even trying.
“It’s a mechanical repair technician.”
Before William could say anything, Samson pushed on.
“That’s why I was late coming home. Fae and I went to the school before heading to the movie.”
“And what does Fae think of you changing schools?”
“She’s fine with it. I asked her.”
“What about mom and dad?” William asked. His throat was dry as he sat on the edge of the chair.
“We’ve already talked about it. I finished filling out the paperwork today. I start next week.”
“Next week? But we’re halfway through the semester?”
Samson raised an eyebrow. “They don’t have a set schedule. It’s a self-paced class. I can start whenever I want. There’s no point to wait until the end of the semester.”
“Are you crazy? You could get a degree in engineering, or architecture, or design. You’re going to throw it away to become a mechanic?” William stormed to his feet. “Are you stupid?”
“What’s your problem? It’s not like I’m forcing you to come with me.”
William shook his head and stormed out of the house. Since it was nearly midnight, the streets were deserted in the small suburban neighborhood. Though it was chilly, William didn’t turn back. The park was technically closed at dark but it was relatively easy to climb the large fence. He sat with his back against a tree for the rest of the evening.
When morning came, he stretched his cramped legs and left. He skipped school and instead went for a hike in the nearby hills. At dark, he made himself comfortable in the park again. He heard someone call his name, but ignored it.
The third night from home, William was hungry and ventured towards his favorite hamburger joint. He paused when he saw Fae and Samson sitting in a booth. Fae rubbed Samson’s back. Samson stared blankly at the food in front of him. Dark circles were under his eyes and occasionally shivered.
William watched them for nearly half an hour before sneaking away again. This time, instead of going to the park, he went home. There was a large wisteria bush next to the house by his window. Though he’d grown from the last time he hid in it, he made himself comfortable.
At three in the morning he woke to the sound of Samson’s muffled screams. William closed his eyes and clenched his teeth. The nightmares were back for the first time in nearly two years. Though he wanted to climb through the window and help, William forced himself to stay where he was. Samson was always angry when he helped.
The next evening William walked in, just in time for dinner. Justin hugged him and Samson smiled briefly. His eyes were red and his hands shook.
“If you’re not careful,” William said as he took his seat. “I’m going to steal Fae.”
“Give it your best shot.” Samson replied.
That night, William listened but Samson’s nightmare didn’t return.
“I’ll leave her to you.” William murmured as he drifted off to sleep. “For now.”
William looked at Samson and felt the burn of jealous. That’s how he often felt being one of a matched pair. Why not him? His only advantage was the ability to learn by the book. Not much of an advantage when compared to someone who could pick it up on the first try.
“William, are you coming?” Samson asked; his usual smile in place.
With careful hands, William organized his papers and books before sliding them into his satchel. Samson was brawnier and his well muscled arm rested across the shoulders of his girlfriend. Fae smiled at William.
“Are you coming with us to the movie?”
It burned William that there was only kindness in her voice. Part of him wanted to argue that he’d seen her first. He should be dating her.
“I have some studying to catch up on.”
“You can always study later.” Samson said.
“One of these days, you’re going to be forced to be the obedient one.”
“Yeah, yeah. Catch you later.”
William waved good bye and watched his older brother saunter off with his arm still lazily holding her close. At home William finished his homework and then played video games with his younger brother, Justin. Even though William was nearly six years older, Justin could beat him at nearly every game. It was still fun though. Eventually, their mother ordered them to set the table.
“Where’s Samson?” Mother asked.
“On a date.” Justin drawled. “With the ever so lovely Fae.”
Mother threw a dish towel which he caught easily. “You’d better not say anything when he gets home. I’m glad to see him getting out more.”
William carefully set down the plate he was holding. He was sixteen too; shouldn’t he be getting out more? No one ever said that to him. When Samson came home, Justin drilled him about the movie. It was an action flick that was doing well.
“You should have come, William. You would have enjoyed it.”
William chuckled. “Naw, I don’t want to see it with someone as squeamish as Fae. I’ll go with Justin this weekend.”
Justin punched his fist into the air, “Yes. You’re the coolest William.”
“Cooler than me?” Samson asked.
“Completely.” Came the quick reply.
Justin hugged William quickly before running off to his room.
Samson scowled. “He never hugs me.”
“Would you rather have hugs from your little brother or your girlfriend?” William asked drily.
With a laugh, Samson replied, “Pretty obvious answer.” He sobered and flopped down on the couch. “I made a decision tonight.”
“What?”
“I’m dropping out of school. There’s a tech school that offers the program I want. If I start now I can finish in just under a year.”
“What are you going to do?” William asked. He couldn’t picture Samson not being in class with him. Though William studied more, Samson got decent grades in everything but math. In math he was the star pupil without even trying.
“It’s a mechanical repair technician.”
Before William could say anything, Samson pushed on.
“That’s why I was late coming home. Fae and I went to the school before heading to the movie.”
“And what does Fae think of you changing schools?”
“She’s fine with it. I asked her.”
“What about mom and dad?” William asked. His throat was dry as he sat on the edge of the chair.
“We’ve already talked about it. I finished filling out the paperwork today. I start next week.”
“Next week? But we’re halfway through the semester?”
Samson raised an eyebrow. “They don’t have a set schedule. It’s a self-paced class. I can start whenever I want. There’s no point to wait until the end of the semester.”
“Are you crazy? You could get a degree in engineering, or architecture, or design. You’re going to throw it away to become a mechanic?” William stormed to his feet. “Are you stupid?”
“What’s your problem? It’s not like I’m forcing you to come with me.”
William shook his head and stormed out of the house. Since it was nearly midnight, the streets were deserted in the small suburban neighborhood. Though it was chilly, William didn’t turn back. The park was technically closed at dark but it was relatively easy to climb the large fence. He sat with his back against a tree for the rest of the evening.
When morning came, he stretched his cramped legs and left. He skipped school and instead went for a hike in the nearby hills. At dark, he made himself comfortable in the park again. He heard someone call his name, but ignored it.
The third night from home, William was hungry and ventured towards his favorite hamburger joint. He paused when he saw Fae and Samson sitting in a booth. Fae rubbed Samson’s back. Samson stared blankly at the food in front of him. Dark circles were under his eyes and occasionally shivered.
William watched them for nearly half an hour before sneaking away again. This time, instead of going to the park, he went home. There was a large wisteria bush next to the house by his window. Though he’d grown from the last time he hid in it, he made himself comfortable.
At three in the morning he woke to the sound of Samson’s muffled screams. William closed his eyes and clenched his teeth. The nightmares were back for the first time in nearly two years. Though he wanted to climb through the window and help, William forced himself to stay where he was. Samson was always angry when he helped.
The next evening William walked in, just in time for dinner. Justin hugged him and Samson smiled briefly. His eyes were red and his hands shook.
“If you’re not careful,” William said as he took his seat. “I’m going to steal Fae.”
“Give it your best shot.” Samson replied.
That night, William listened but Samson’s nightmare didn’t return.
“I’ll leave her to you.” William murmured as he drifted off to sleep. “For now.”
21 July 2010
Ultra Light
My family likes to camp. I enjoy it when I actually sleep well (rare for me) and have yummy food to eat. When we camp as a family, the food is amazing. My mom is really good at planning meals and we eat great Dutch oven dinners.
When we go backpacking, it is another manner. I don’t know of anyone who is willing to carry a cast iron Dutch oven, the charcoal, or the specific food in a backpack. It just isn’t worth it.
There was a time in my dad’s life when a fifty pound backpack was acceptable, not so anymore. My dad is a great ultra light backpacker, now. He has everything down to a science and makes backpacking a pleasure, now. His meals are satisfying and tasty, now. It wasn’t always so.
I was the first test subject for his ultra light backpacking. He has since apologized and I bare no ill will, anymore. If you had asked me two days into the trip, I probably would have said something much different. I was miserable. But by golly, my backpack was just over twenty pounds, for a four day, three night trip.
I mentioned in the beginning that I rarely sleep well. This is even true in a bed, camping is even worse. In the backpacking escapade my dad decided that the extra weight of my mummy bag should be replaced with a fleece like sleeping bag. (Where we were going, this wouldn’t be a problem for most people.) I don’t really remember sleeping the first night, or the second night.
As for food, well. I never realized how picky of an eater I was. I didn’t use to like cream cheese on bagels. (That has since changed.) For breakfast we had bagels and strawberry cream cheese. I needed the protein so I munched it down. On the third day of hiking we stopped for lunch. While everyone else in our group pulled out something edible, my dad handed me the strawberry cream cheese and . . . the largest cucumber I’ve ever seen. I think it weighed in at a pound. He’d found the largest cucumber he could. My lunch consisted of only that cucumber with strawberry cream cheese. I didn’t even get halfway through the cucumber. (My dad didn’t finish it either.)
When we reached camp I was starving, and exhausted. While everyone else hiked around and looked at the beautiful scenery I slept. That night my dad was feeling bad about the awful lunch, and probably hungry himself, he pulled out the store bought backpacker’s meal. We feasted on teriyaki chicken and raspberry crumble.
The trip is long over but it is now the family joke that dad will feed people cucumber with strawberry cream cheese. His menu is the equivalent of a Dutch oven masterpiece without all the extra weight.
When we go backpacking, it is another manner. I don’t know of anyone who is willing to carry a cast iron Dutch oven, the charcoal, or the specific food in a backpack. It just isn’t worth it.
There was a time in my dad’s life when a fifty pound backpack was acceptable, not so anymore. My dad is a great ultra light backpacker, now. He has everything down to a science and makes backpacking a pleasure, now. His meals are satisfying and tasty, now. It wasn’t always so.
I was the first test subject for his ultra light backpacking. He has since apologized and I bare no ill will, anymore. If you had asked me two days into the trip, I probably would have said something much different. I was miserable. But by golly, my backpack was just over twenty pounds, for a four day, three night trip.
I mentioned in the beginning that I rarely sleep well. This is even true in a bed, camping is even worse. In the backpacking escapade my dad decided that the extra weight of my mummy bag should be replaced with a fleece like sleeping bag. (Where we were going, this wouldn’t be a problem for most people.) I don’t really remember sleeping the first night, or the second night.
As for food, well. I never realized how picky of an eater I was. I didn’t use to like cream cheese on bagels. (That has since changed.) For breakfast we had bagels and strawberry cream cheese. I needed the protein so I munched it down. On the third day of hiking we stopped for lunch. While everyone else in our group pulled out something edible, my dad handed me the strawberry cream cheese and . . . the largest cucumber I’ve ever seen. I think it weighed in at a pound. He’d found the largest cucumber he could. My lunch consisted of only that cucumber with strawberry cream cheese. I didn’t even get halfway through the cucumber. (My dad didn’t finish it either.)
When we reached camp I was starving, and exhausted. While everyone else hiked around and looked at the beautiful scenery I slept. That night my dad was feeling bad about the awful lunch, and probably hungry himself, he pulled out the store bought backpacker’s meal. We feasted on teriyaki chicken and raspberry crumble.
The trip is long over but it is now the family joke that dad will feed people cucumber with strawberry cream cheese. His menu is the equivalent of a Dutch oven masterpiece without all the extra weight.
18 July 2010
Updating the blog
You will probably notice that my blog has increased in size. I write a flash fiction story every week. I have gone back through and added what I've written. From this time forward I will post my stories on Sundays.
Every story will be labeled as "Story" and they will all have a * at the beginning of the title.
I hope you enjoy.
Every story will be labeled as "Story" and they will all have a * at the beginning of the title.
I hope you enjoy.
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