Self-explanatory, right? In no particular order…
College Graduation Day. For all the talk I gave about not caring whether I walked or not–and I meant it–I was waaaay too hapy about walking the stage. My brother can best describe what it sounded like when I called him on the cell to let him know I was about to hit the stage.
The moment I found out Biggie died. I’m still not sure why it shook me, but I was on the way to work on Sunday morning when I heard the news on the radio. I expected Pac to get shot. I didn’t see this one coming. And I feared it was behind something stupid and industry related. That hypothesis remains viable, which is really, really sad.
First trip to the mall during freshman year. The day I met some of the closest friends I’ll ever have. And the day me and Spark Blizzy convinced a boy to buy a PlayStation game, even though he didn’t have a PlayStation in his room. Since Spark Blizzy did, we got a game for free. Even used to tell the cat he couldn’t play his own game.
Musicology Tour 2004. Finally got to see Prince live. The most memorable moment–him playing an acoustic version of “Little Red Corvette” with a purple guitar with red lights all over the RBC Center. That night, I was able to cross off one thing on my list of things to do before I die.
The day my old man got in a car wreck. Nothing like fully realizing that, one day, I’ll have to let go of the parents. Wasn’t ready to deal with that then, though. Still ain’t, really.
Closing day for the Estate. Because it was hell on earth getting it straight.
The moment I got off the plane in California. I landed in Ontario and went outside to get a cab. I remember looking up in the sky, seeing an eerie purplish hue and thinking, “whoa, this ain’t Atlanta.” And trust me–it was not.
First time I dunked a basketball. After my knees made it clear that playing lots of ball would hurt a lot, I became the basketballl manager. So one of the cats saw me grab the rim while I was in the gym and told me to try to dunk. So I did. Next thing you knew, I’d thrown it down with the left hand, much to the surprise of people that remembered when i was a 5’1″ freshman. Much better being a 5’10” junior.
Seeing the godson for the first time. He still doesn’t like me that much, but an adorable fella he is. It was amazing to see him and realize that, in a way, this is my kid. This is someone I’ll be looking after for the rest of my life. That’s somethin, lemme tell ya.
First time I heard Southernplayalisticadillacmusik. Still the most excited I’ve been listening to a record.
Going to buy Wu-Tang Forever. Still the most excited I’ve been to buy a record. It’s better than many give it credit for being, btw.
The first query from ESPN.com. I thought it was a joke. The best part–it was at the recommendation of Ralph Wiley, and I had no idea he was going to do that. I’d actually shot some angles at him that I thought would help him write about it, if he chose to. And he passed it on to me. That’s generosity, jack.
Finding out RW died. Last thing I told him was that I got a column with AOL and I thanked him for all his help. Glad I got to do that, just in time.
When the Accord caught on fire. Imagine getting a call saying your car caught on fire. Then, imagine having to tell your father. Yeah man. I wish I could forget this one.
First time a woman said she loved me. Made me a bit uncomfortable, but it worked in that case. Still throws me off when people get on that kick, though.
Finding out the godson got shot. He’s doing great now, though. Well, considering.
Winning the 2000 HCASC Championship. Yes, I’m a quiz bowl nerd. In fact, I’m a Hall of Fame Quiz Bowl nerd.
When Vince Young scored the winning touchdown in the Rose Bowl. Watched the game at my boy’s crib, in the room with this chick that kept rooting loudly for USC because her friend’s dad went there or some dumb shit like that. Either way, I stayed silent. She didn’t, even after I said we should meet in the middle and be quiet. So Vince scores the touchdown, and I got up and let loose a stream of expletives, all said in joy. I was nice, though. Didn’t say a word to that girl. I wish I could say some things now, though.
When Sid slid. ’92 NLCS, Game 7. If you don’t know, I can’t explain it.
Atlanta Braves, 1995 World Champions. For all the years I spent watching them cats when they were dreadful, I still think Ted Turner owes me a ring.
The Artest Brawl. I stayed up til 5am watching that. Then I woke up at 8 and started all over again. I still can’t take my eyes off that.
My first pay check from Fuddrucker’s. I was so proud to just have a job that I’d gotten for myself and all of that. First time I’d really felt grown.
First paycheck I got when I worked at Coke. I looked at the total, looked at my father and said, “now I see how people sell out.”
The moment I realized I was leaving graduate school. Should have felt bad. But it didn’t. And it’s been a blast since. That was like gettin out of the Army.
4.18.2000. Still miss that kid to death.