THE DAILY DIVERSION

Not for me though, even though I probably need it for something! I should probably forewarn you that this may get a little long today. I've got a lot to talk about!

Since getting married, Adrianne and I have been thinking about trying to get into some groups and activities in and around our new "home" here in Downtown Memphis. We had our first chance last night when we attended our first "Downtown Neighborhood Association" monthly meeting. It will probably be our last too. We invited our neighbor, Mary Jo, to join in the fun with us.

I don't really have too many problems with people being in their own little "cliques", even though I thought that was supposed to end in high school, but I have other issues with this group. A few of the folks who were members were nice enough. They introduced themselves and talked a little with us. We actually met a very nice couple that live further north down Main Street from us, whom I wouldn't mind hanging out with some more. Most of the people at the function were middle-aged and older, which is also fine with me. There were a few 30-somethings (which I guess I am now?), but very few young professionals (meaning still in their 20's), which was a big surprise.

There was one main MC and he did well and was very cordial. His wife was actually sitting behind me, but I'll get to that later. They had a few different speakers, all of which were interesting, and only spoke for a few minutes each.

The first speaker was a lawyer who was running to be a district court judge. It just so happened that he was on "The Apprentice" some time ago. Obviously everyone else knew this, but I didn't, so it didn't mean anything to me. Believe me! I'm not going to vote for someone based solely on the fact that they were on a crappy "reality" TV show. Instead, tell us your merits and what you'd like to do if elected. That means a lot more to me. Personally, I think he pushed the fact that he was on the TV show too much. That can't be the focus of your candidacy, can it?

The next speaker was the entertainment coordinator for Isaac Hayes restaurant. They have music acts there all the time, and are currently trying to revive "dinner theater" in Memphis. She talked about the show they are doing, which is "A Raisin in the Sun", and the actors, and, of course, the cost (which isn't bad at all). I think Adrianne and I may try to do this, but it is the day before her first day of teaching.

Lastly, the President of MLG&W, Joseph Lee, talked to us for a little while. By this time the natives were getting a little restless or drunk, or both. More often than not, I was straining to hear the speaker (whom I was actually interested in hearing what he had to say) because the two loudmouth women (yes, the MC's wife and her buddy) behind were constantly chattering. If they weren't talking, then everyone else behind them were wrapped up in their own conversations.

You know, it really is rude to talk while someone is on stage, taking time out of their personal schedule, to talk to you. I guess a lot of these people didn't get that idea. It infuriated me that the MC's wife was the worst of the bunch.

The nice couple we met (who have paid their dues and are part of the DNA) were even getting angry about it. More than 10 times they turned around and shot ugly glares at the two cocktail princesses behind me.

At several points I wanted to stand up, interrupt our speakers (any of them, since people were talking throughout all three of them), and just yell out "SHUT THE FUCK UP PEOPLE! WE HAVE SOMEONE SPEAKING UP HERE!!!" Obviously, I did the smart thing and kept my trap shut.

The meeting was held at a small little tavern on Main Street, in between Beale Street and the South Main Arts district. I'm not sure how many people showed up, but there was enough that we were packed in tight, and it was H-O-T, hot! As soon as Mr. Lee finished speaking we headed for the door.

This gave us an opportunity to actually talk to Mr. Lee a little while longer, which was a really pleasant experience. Personally, I think he has an eye on politics very soon. We thought he was a politician when he came into the bar in the first place, but that's another story.

Anyway, we talked for a little while outside of the tavern, and since we were walking back toward our humble abode, he walked and talked with us. We talked about a plethora of things, including, but not limited to, Memphis' growth. It's sad, but that was the highlight of the meeting for us.

All three of us left the actual meeting disappointed. Not a single one of us plan on attending again, nor joining this "association". It may be our loss, who knows? However, if most of these people can't show enough respect for people that have busy personal and professional lives, that are cutting into both to talk to you for a little while, then so be it. Also, when a speaker is talking to you, it's just rude to get drunk and not pay attention to them. You never know, you might have learned something if you were listening.

So, now we're going to try to find another "association" to join. Supposedly there is a South Main Neighborhood Association that meets monthly too. Now, we live at the very beginning of South Main, but I think we will still count. Supposedly it's a different group. I certainly hope it is. I might just get mad enough to say how I'm really feeling if I encounter the same thing again.

We did end the evening on a high note though. We stopped in for a little snack and some Texas Margaritas at Rio Loco. !!Que Bueno!!

Yes, tequila calms even the most savage of beasts!