------------------------------------------------------------------- Living Hell - Volume #1, Issue #2 ------------------------------------------------------------------- Contents ======== o Movie Hell Postscript o Car Versus Semi on Interstate 40 o Last Night at a Bar Movie Hell Postscript ===================== See http://www.moviehell.com/ for final totals of films reviewed, grades assigned, adjectives overused, and naughty words written, plus link to last year's retrospective "One Hundred Re- views Later." Car Versus Semi on Interstate 40 ================================ See http://192.220.87.232/jpg/pin for pictures and wee narra- tive on terrible-looking, non-fatal wreck from June 5. Includes landing, loading, and lifting off of Carolina Air Care's "Tarheel One." Last Night at a Bar =================== [ Happened one year ago ] The subject is spotted at 9:45 p.m. She arrived earlier, I think, but this is the first time I've noticed her. The first time I've taken a *really* good look at her. She's standing alone, a few feet away, and apparently looking for another individual. Her eyes rapidly scan the room, her head turning in every direction. She loiters a little longer and returns to the second room. I'm in the back of the first room, watching as she leaves. I'm still watch- ing, a few minutes later, when the subject pokes her head back in. Is she still trying to find that third party? Maybe she's bored. Or restless. Her measurably cheery presence-- at least at a dis- tance-- disappears again, leaving curiosity (mine) in its wake. Five more minutes pass before I decide on a course of action. Crossing the first room to the second, I position myself against a wall, opposite the door and beside a large monitor. Twenty, maybe thirty individuals are inside, some interacting, others merely mil- ling by their lonesome. I spot the subject immediately and spend the next eleven minutes (and a half) studying both her and those interacting with her. Are they extra-attentive? Do their gestures or expressions reveal the nature of their interpersonal relation- ship, if one exists? I watch *her* as she circles the room, in search of someone to interact with. I also notice that *she* ini- tiates each encounter. Good. She also choose a different partner each time. Good. She neither appears to be there "with" anyone, nor visibly "interested" in anyone. During this assessment, I also mull *my* coming actions. Make eye contact? Approach abruptly? Discreetly pass a handwritten note? Alas, my mulling is unexpectedly cut short when *she* bee-lines for *me*. Before I can blink, I've accepted her hand and we're leading each other onto the dance floor. My first inquiry is made midway through the song. I ask her name and occupation. She works in the same field as I. Good. I also mention my hobbies. She has a sim- ilar set of interests. Good. Over conversation continues into a second song and, soon thereafter, I'm standing again, alone at the wall. Information learned so far: she works in town and lives in town. She's around the same age as myself and has been employed in her field for several years. She smiles a lot and displays a gen- erous amount of enthusiasm while dancing. I make a mental note: do not mistake an effervescent personality as an enthusiastic reac- tion to meeting me. Other observations: she does not appear to be either engaged nor married; neither indicators are spotted on her ring finger. There *does* appear to be a diamond on her *right* hand, however. Divorced? I've also been watching the *men* watch- ing her. At least one person looks slightly smitten, but he only glances at her occasionally. Good. Three more songs are played. I approach and ask for another dance. This time, I open the conversation with the weather, specifically talking about recent storm activity in the area. Segue to our com- mon interests, which she displays both knowledge and enthusiasm to- ward. Good. The conversation again stretches over a second song. When we don't talk, I pay attention to her physical form-- or at least, as much as can be learned from loose-fitting clothes. By this time, I've also slipped a non-business business card into my shirt pocket. So, while we're walking off the dance floor, I offer same. She accepts with a smile and thank you. First, thanking for the dance. Second, thanking for the business card. Good. I re- turn to The Wall; she returns to working the room. Having make a successful "contact," I'm tempted to leave. And yet... I remain curious. Will she drop me a later line? Perhaps initiating a con- versation about our common hobbies? And, most importantly, has she perceived enough interest from me? Regarding the latter, I decide no. Casual encounters are a dime a dozen and, when there's dancing to be done, attention is tossed about like loose change. No, I need to cinch this one. Thus I wait. Wait for a break between songs. Wait until she's alone. Seven-and-a-half minutes later, I stand beside and speak my carefully chosen words "very nice to have met you." She smiles, seemingly matching my sentiment. And then I take the plunge. "I'd like to talk to you again, away from here." She stares blankly. Uh oh. I repeat myself and this time she hears what I must've mumbled. Big smile. Yes, she answers. Then she clasps my hand in appreciation. I nod, return her smile, re- turn her clasp, and leave the building. Yes, I think I might ask this person to have coffee. Copyright 2000 by Michael John Legeros ------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------   Home Search Mike Legeros Copyright 2023 by Michael J. Legeros