Me? Narky?

An incorrect address was texted to me for a party last night, which left me stranded in the inner burbs of Rozelle with a six-pack (of beer) and look of confusion on my face.  A phone call to the the inviters caused much kerfuffle and mirth until it was realised that I was actually at an old address from some 3 years ago.  Not knowing where I was or how to get to the right place (not to mention the $25 it took me to get there in a cab) meant I was a tad frustrated when calling for assistance.  "Don't be so narky!" was shrilled at me over the phone when I expressed the slightest annoyance at the issue (and I mean slight - like "it's going to take me a while to get another cab from here").   

Eventually flagging down another cab I made my way to the correct address in another suburb (another $15) to be lost again in a sprawling waterside complex with christian-type onlookers.   Two more phone calls and i made the destination - a little pissed off but trying to project good cheer and get over myself.  Not helped by further comments like "grumpy Kev" and "why do you think I'd still be living there".    Quite proud of myself - I maintained my forced smile and drifted into the background (where I find myself most comfortable in these situations), drank my beer, smoked too many other people's cigarettes and spoke of French things to a French couple.    That cheered the night :-)

Recently I have been realising the different scene "worlds" that exist around me.   The vast majority of my social circle are down-to-earth, practical, dare I say it "more masculine types" that are unconcerned with celebrity gossip, fashion, how you look, what brand of clothes you wear or what type of beer you drink.  We hang out in the same kind of places, know that we're accepted and don't put expectations on each other.  I exist easily and happily within it.   

Touching on some of the other "worlds" tends to remind me why I don't play in that space anymore (or at least, try to play because I am concerned at what others may "think").  Don't get me wrong - I love the diversity that is out there and am happy to dabble when the opportunity arises but I also admit I will avoid the opportunities unless somewhat compelled to comply.  I have friends from all different "spaces" and love and respect them each for their own qualities.  Is this making any sense?   Maybe I'm talking bollocks but it fits for me....  I know where I am comfortable and where I am not.   I sometimes take such comfort from the poetry of Donald Rumsfeld....  I leave you some inspiring and prosaic words... :-)

As we know,
There are known knowns.
There are things we know we know.
We also know
There are known unknowns.
That is to say
We know there are some things
We do not know.
But there are also unknown unknowns,
The ones we don't know
We don't know

Comments

[sandy]

Eek! Donald Rumsfeld is a conspiring murderer. I can't get past that, regardless of how poetic he might be.

Anyway, great post, Kev. I'd have been beside myself. Good for you for putting on the cheery demeanor and finding some way to make the evening worthwhile. We can all learn from that.

xx

[Jase]

hmm... i wiki Donald Rumsfeld... interesting! anyhoo life would be boring if u don't go outside the comfy friends circle and experience the other side. tho i do feel that i am lucky to have a great bunch of guys i call my friends... good post babe!