Coolness can be such a fleeting thing for me. I’m not talking about always being “cool” -- no, I’m too uncool to ever be “always cool.” I laugh at that MasterCard “perfect pair of jeans” commercial when they poke fun at never wearing khaki shorts. I own 10+ pairs. But I have my moments, times when my confidence is high and I feel so comfortable in my own skin that it’s noticeable to everyone.
But such coolness never hangs around for very long.
I found myself at home with Xav and Mar last Friday evening, reading myself for a trip down to Charlotte to watch the Drive-By Truckers at The Visulite Theatre. As a friend would remind me later that evening, this would be my first live music show in a long time and I was excited. I was introduced to the DBTs a few months ago by a friend who spearheaded the excursion (thanks, JF) and have enjoyed blasting their stuff ever since. T-shirt, khaki shorts (sorry, James Dean), sneakers -- my usual wear, nothing special and no care about how I looked -- I was feeling cool.
And then I headed to the bathroom for an application of Preparation-H.
WTF?!? That’s probably what some of you are thinking right about now. Yeah, I know, TMI, you’re crossing the line again, blah blah blah. Deal, ok? Anal issues are my issues and I'm dealing with some painful s**t (pun fully intended). I was the guy going to a kick-ass, melt your face rock concert who had to apply a thin layer of P-H on his butthole to A) relieve the pain and B) avoid the need to scratch in front of hundreds of people. I rubbed some on because it hurt and the stuff works. A quick pull up of the pants and a thorough washing of the hands later and I was ready -- not quite as cool as I was a moment earlier, feeling a bit “squirrelly,” but ready. Doc got home and I headed out the door.
The DBTs were flat fantastic. A sold out show, an incredible venue and an up close look at a remarkable band -- I felt so cool. Hell, I was cool. Me, the guy living a wife/two kids/stay-at-home dad/take my kid to school in a SUV existence -- I was so f***ing cool. After dropping off my buddy a little after 2am, I found myself driving with the windows down and the music turned up, high on life, in that sacred state of euphoria that only great music can take you. As I pulled into my driveway, I made myself a promise -- I’ll go see live music more often.
Once inside, I headed straight to the bathroom for another application of Preparation-H.
Like I said, coolness is such a fleeting thing.
Just want the music? Fast forward to the two minute mark.
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