I don’t know when I started harbouring this particular fantasy. It kind of sprang up on me. It’s another one of those romanticised things (See Northern Lights Entry). And again, the part of my mind that is immersed in the irrationalities of imagination is only half of this fantasy. The remaining piece was brought on by Life.
There are things that as a kid you think are cool. Like smoking a cigarette and leaning against a dirty red brick wall. Like perching a pen or pencil behind your ear. Like tying a red bandana across your forearm as if it were the tourniquet Gang Symbol. Like drinking just enough to let your blood alcohol level tip you into a meaningless haze.
Like dangling a prespiring beer bottle between two fingers and sitting on the couch watching Football with your friends. This is my favourite dream. My favourite flash-forward prediction of what I hope I am doing 10,20, seven years from now.
Last night I went to my best mate’s house and watched the Charger game. His three sisters, one brother in law, mum, dad, a 1 and a half year old nephew, and his one month old niece were there as well. We watched the Chargers win, and the padres lose. His nephew ran around happily, bouncing between family members and momentarily stopping to let my mate read him the book “Daddy and Me”. Twice.
His sister set the oven on fire. His nephew rolled around with his niece.
Those were the best three hours of my week. They probably top out the best three hours of my month.
I’m most happy with a large family around, kids bouncing between people, crackers on the table, ribs burning in the kitchen, and the football team kicking butt on TV.
I’ve merged this scene with one of high common popularity. Watching the game with a spouse or boyfriend/girlfriend, drinking beer, hanging out. This image has only been reenforced by my Romantic lit phase (where I found myself drowning in pathetic simplified splices of reality, but still utterly and innately desirable).
Too bad this isn’t my usual life. Too bad I have to borrow his family.
But it’s something that I want for myself, when I’m older. It’s a direction to move in.
