The Price of Friendship...

It's early Sunday morning and I've survived another night at the Asylum. The inmates were particularly restless last night - and I think the average IQ for the crowd last night was in single digets. Too many blunts and cans of the Old Gold & Steel Reserve.. or as I refer to them - gutter trash beer. A lot of stuff happened besides the usual chaos, cussing & what nots. I don't think I'm a popular person with the Lbg. Late Nite Street Trash right now.., but then again, when have I ever been? I say what I think, call 'em down, and treat 'em like kids. Bad, unruly, nasty little kids. Someone has to be the adult.. and Lord help us all - it looks as if I've been volunteered. Stop laughing! At work - I'm all business and Mr. Serious. Well, not all the time, but when the situation calls for it, I can be professional. Really, I can.

But works not on the mind today. Two (count 'em - two) friendships came to an end last night... and surprisingly, I'm not upset.

First of all, Pa came in for a while. He was trying to be nice, so I just asked him what he wanted. If Pa is nice, he wants something. That's why he comes around. He said "nothing!".... And then asked me to front him a pack of cigs... and a drink.. and a snack cake. I flipped. my head was already hurting and I was in a bad mood - and I really wasn't in the mood for his B.S. We "talked" - I tried not to get too loud, but I was getting rather upset with the little bastard - and finally, it all just came out. He just got out of jail two months ago. He commented on how I've changed - and been on his case since he got home. I admit it - I have. And I told him why.. I was hoping he'd take the hint and quit coming around. He made a comment about how he knows that I really love him and want to be with him. I had to restrain myself from going over the counter and nailing him on that. It may have been true once, but now, when I see him and think of him, I feel sick to think I ever wasted my time and had feelings for such a sleazy little street urchin. He's a liar and a bum - nothing more. He won't ever be more either because he doesn't want to be. He won't work or even look for a job. All he cares about is smoking grass, drinking and seeing what he can get for nothing. But anyhow, I just felt a big pressure lift and told him to leave the store - now! He started to argue at first, but then he realized I was very serious and left. I locked up and went about my duties and tried to get my work caught up. And to finish it up, I went by the Magistrates office this morning and took out two warrants - details on the other in a second - and the first one has Pa barred from the property where I work. I know he's stolen a bottle of wine (not when I was there, but I heard about it from another cashier who described him to a tee - even down to his shoes and hat)... and I think he stole some crackers from the store last night. But anyhow, as of this morning, he's got a restraining order prohibiting him from coming to the store or on the property - and he will be arrested for trespassing if he violates it. The magistrate knows exactly who he is and said it would be served this morning. Drastic measures, but enough is enough!

The other warrant - Kangaroo has a zero-tolerance policy for shoplifters and gas drive-offs. We don't just let them pay for the stuff - we prosecute. A long time friend of mine, Snooky - came in the store last night. We've been on the outs for a while since I caught in him some lies.. plus he owes me a large sum of money - which I'll never see again. But I had customers lined up 1/2way across the store and was extremely busy - he came in and said to turn on the gas - his car was parked at the gas pumps. On 3rd shift - I make everyone pay first - I don't turn on the gas pumps for anyone. But it's Snooky so I'll make an exception this one time. He pumped $2.70 worth of gas. Stood at the car for a few minutes looking towards the store... and then got in the car and drove off. I know - only $2.70 - what's that? Nothing! But it's the principle of the thing. He owes money that he'll never pay. I've caught him in several lies. And now, the ultimate disrespect - stealing from me while I'm at work. If he didn't have the money - he should had just said so, and I probably would have given him $5 to put gas in his car. I'm an asshole, but I'm not heartless. But he decided to just drive off without paying.. and that is unforgivable in my eyes.

As soon as I was able, I called his house and talked to his girlfriend. He's been lying to her like crazy too - and using me as his alibi.. which isn't good since he never bothers to inform me on what I'm supposed ot be covering him for. Anyhow, I told his girlfriend to have Snooky call me or come back to the store and talk to me before I get off work this morning at 7:00am - or else I will be taking a warrant out for his little stunt. 7am came and went - and still no word from Snooky. So I'm done with him - I'm through! He's willing to go back to jail for 2.70 worth of gas - I'm more than willing to send him there. I love the guy and we've been friends forever, but I will not be disrespected like that... by anyone!

Now I'm home, and I thought I would be upset, but I'm not. I've been hanging out in the kitchen, fixing baked beans and deviled eggs for the family cookout thingee at Tian's this afternoon. And D. (my neighbor boy) is going with me to eat, play cards, swim and chill with the family. I dropped two huge headaches and picked up a new friend in return. This should be a fun afternoon.

One more night of work and then, finally - a night off (Monday night!). I may do a RAW recap for the groups. I haven't decided yet.

By the way, the newest edition of "Tossing Salt" is not currently up at Wrestle-Zone.co.uk. I thought it was, but apparantly, they decided not to run it. So I guess "TS" is again without a home. Oh well - it happens. It will just make the end of "TS" (in 3 more editions) much easier.

I think I'm going to take a little time off from wrestling for a while anyhow.. and concentrate on the screenplay stuff. I have a lot of ideas that are ready to bust out. but between work, this site, the groups. the columns, and the social life - they kept getting pushed to the side. I figure if I take off from the groups & the wrestling stuff for about two weeks - and really throw myself into it, I can get up a good 1rst draft of something. Then let it sit for a few weeks and then go back and start making changes. By the 3rd or 4th draft - I may have something worth doing. But who knows for sure? Not I - belee' dat!

Well, time for a nap before the big afternoon family thingee. I think I'll go watch my beloved on the WWE Experience - I feel like lusting a bit.. and she's about the only woman I can think of that I'd turn straight for in a millisecond. That's one thing I tell everyone I get involved with - just to give them warning - I may have feelings for them - but if Ivory (or Juventud Guerrera) ever become an option - see ya! Other than that, I'll never cheat - but for Ivory or Juvi - all bets are off.

Enough for now. It's nappy time! See ya later, alligator.
-Doug