I sat at one side of the bakery, looking over the guests. I am waiting for my food and waiting for my coffee to cool.
Just a table away from me sits a woman in a light blue blouse and blue striped pants. She wears it well and is quite pretty. Her water glass filled with lemons is almost empty. She is casually playing on her phone, but has taken up the entire two person table with her things. She is eating alone. Her food is delivered and it looks amazing. Thick buttered bread, eggs, and a little jar of marmalade. I ask her what she's having, she replies with a smile, "Uhm, I'm not sure, Eggs breakfast, I think it's called?" She asks the waiter walking between our tables for clarification. It is Egg breakfast. We make small conversation before I thank her for the information, and the conversation dies away. She starts to eat her food and goes back to her phone.
While I get myself situated at my own four person table, I search for a power outlet to make sure my laptop stays charged, an older gentleman approaches me. I can tell he is a blue collar worker, with a rough, sun dried face, a wrinkled blue t-shirt and a jeans, "There is only one power outlet in here." He says. "It's by my table, next to that pillar." I nod and say thank you, resigned to my time limit. He continues, "I'm leaving. So you can have my table." He turns away and starts to pack his things. I quickly pack my own and go for the move. Again, I may small talk with the stranger about how other Wildflowers have more than one power outlet, he leaves and I sit next to the pillar, now plugged into the power, no longer with a time limit restriction.
Sitting next to me are a pair of women. They are friends, possibly colleagues, already done eating and just making small talk. They are talking about people, venting about a few, which is why I think they may work together, or go to school together. There appears to be a bit of an age difference, but that could just be me being mean and judging. Still, they are enjoying each others company, and I like that.
On the other side of the room from me sits six women, all very similar age. They aren't sports related, I don't think, just because their body styles are all different. Laughs are being passed, they all seem to not be in a rush. I can see two hand bags, one that has a binder in it... School mates, looks like seniors in high school, maybe college? No insignia's to tell me. I've never bothered meeting my classmates for a project outside of school before. Well, once, for college, but all we did was tick off the restaurant we took over.
There are two servers who have caught my attention. The woman has "Baked" on her shirt, while the man has "Delicious" on his. Delicious just took woman in blue's plate. She continues to look at people. Now, she is in the busy zone, but it makes me sad. I want to talk to her, make sure she is okay... but again, that could very well be me projecting feelings. She's dressed well and looks nice. After her plate was taken, she has picked up her stuff, looked around the room and saw me. She gave me one more genuine smile and I gave one back. As she turned to leave she stopped. Her jaw dropped and she smiled. The pillar blocked my view of who she saw, so of course I peaked. It was a gentleman sitting at a table with a friend. They are making small talk and she seems to be genuinely happy. Good.
Back to Baked and Delicious. They are dressed well. shirts are tucked in. Form fitting shirt. Delicious is a good looking dude, the kind of good looking that you'd think was too good looking. The one who all the women crush on and ends of being gay, that kind of good looking dude. Baked is cute too, same form fitting shirt, tucked in, hair in a braid except for that long bang in which she could pull behind her ear as cute girls tend to do. The last server is another dude, and I don't like him much. I mean, I'm sure he's Okay, but he clearly has no desire to be here. Back to my fictional two servers - Baked and Delicious. I think Baked has a crush on Delicious. As I entered the restaurant earlier, she said "You're 20?" as if shocked. I don't know if she was hoping he was older or younger... but she seemed to need the clarification. She looks to be between 17-20 - So it could go either way. Anyway, Delicious takes this job seriously, wiping down things well, he took all the plates so far that I've seen, he took my plate.
The pair of women have left.
The table is hosting a baby and a mother. I didn't notice them leave, but Delicious wiped down the baby chair.
Unlike Starbucks, this place rotated quick, I can't keep up well. Lunch is now in session and this place has filled up. Every table is taken. I've taken two and now I sorta feel bad about it.
Unkempt server just talked to a kid and worked out where the food went (mother and brother went elsewhere at the time) and it was sweet. So maybe he isn't bad after all, just unkempt.
I like people. I am a fan of them. I truly think our fears about strangers is significantly exaggerated. It is necessary when you are a kid, but it shouldn't be when you are an adult. Halloween candy has never hurt anyone, and that's when strangers meet strangers kids the most. Yes, be cautious, but cautious doesn't mean avoid.
I am going to go fill up my cup of coffee and start up my editing.
Thank you for reading.
Saturday, June 15, 2019
Friday, May 24, 2019
Journal #5 of 2019 - How my Brain Works
I leave the office building where I work, and turn down Institute Avenue to walk to the barbecue joint at the end of the street. I pass by Panda Express, and two different sub shops.
As I wait for my turn to cross the street, I look above and I see him. He stands atop of the sky scraper, but his black supersuit absorbs all light. He jumps and leaps toward me. My Fitbit on one hand and smart watch on the other. I bring them together in and my suit grows around me, my face quickly concealed before anyone notice. "The [Hero]" someone shouts as I leap into the air. I fly towards [villain] and we crash into each other. He gets the better of me and starts to shove me toward the earth...
And I cross the street.
I cross the street and continue down the sidewalk, Doze's breakfast is on my right. Pancakes actually sound pretty good! As I turn too enter into Doze's, it explodes into fire and glass, sending me across Institute Avenue, crashing me into the public bus. My trench coat crackles like fireworks as it took the brunt of the force. I wrap my trench coat around me and run into the blaze, looking to rescue anyone I see. The smoke is thick and the heat is real and I am able to grab students and point them to the exit when I see him. He drops a dead body and faces toward me. His face is concealed in a ski mask and his coat billows. With my years as a wizard I direct the fire and aim it at him. He's able to move my fire tornado away from him and force it into the sky, bringing all the fire out of the building in one deep boom. I ready another spell ready to level the building with him in it after everything he's done. He. Will. Pay.
I decide against breakfast food.
The sandwich shop is bustling and decide against it too, and at the end of the block is Cocky's barbecue. Something I've enjoyed numerous times. My belly grumbles and it seems to agree, that's where we'll get our grub.
I increase the speed of stride, hungry for the pulled pork that was destined for me. A group of guys exits the barbecue and immediately stop me, pushing me slightly. College kids. I'm tall for who I am, and in somewhat in shape. The leader of the group mocks my outfit. It isn't form fitting and my hair isn't brushed, as I was in a rush this morning. I try to walk past, but am pushed again. They mock me. My quick wit immediately shoots back, but I went too far, and they grow angry. They spew some racist comments and shove me, hard. I don't fall, but do take several steps back. The leader raises his fists and goes for a right punch. I lean back, grab his wrist, my left arm lifts above his right and I slide my elbow down his arm and into his nose, the crunch is audible and he falls back. He scoots towards his friends and points towards me. It's on.
Using my martial arts skills, I blocked the first swing, second swing, and blocked a kick. I jumped back, roundhouse kick into all three of their faces. Jumped into the guy in the middle, clothesline-ing both guys on either side of me. All four of us go down, me landing in my super hero pose.
I turned into Cocky's and got my lunch.
It was tasty.
As I wait for my turn to cross the street, I look above and I see him. He stands atop of the sky scraper, but his black supersuit absorbs all light. He jumps and leaps toward me. My Fitbit on one hand and smart watch on the other. I bring them together in and my suit grows around me, my face quickly concealed before anyone notice. "The [Hero]" someone shouts as I leap into the air. I fly towards [villain] and we crash into each other. He gets the better of me and starts to shove me toward the earth...
And I cross the street.
I cross the street and continue down the sidewalk, Doze's breakfast is on my right. Pancakes actually sound pretty good! As I turn too enter into Doze's, it explodes into fire and glass, sending me across Institute Avenue, crashing me into the public bus. My trench coat crackles like fireworks as it took the brunt of the force. I wrap my trench coat around me and run into the blaze, looking to rescue anyone I see. The smoke is thick and the heat is real and I am able to grab students and point them to the exit when I see him. He drops a dead body and faces toward me. His face is concealed in a ski mask and his coat billows. With my years as a wizard I direct the fire and aim it at him. He's able to move my fire tornado away from him and force it into the sky, bringing all the fire out of the building in one deep boom. I ready another spell ready to level the building with him in it after everything he's done. He. Will. Pay.
I decide against breakfast food.
The sandwich shop is bustling and decide against it too, and at the end of the block is Cocky's barbecue. Something I've enjoyed numerous times. My belly grumbles and it seems to agree, that's where we'll get our grub.
I increase the speed of stride, hungry for the pulled pork that was destined for me. A group of guys exits the barbecue and immediately stop me, pushing me slightly. College kids. I'm tall for who I am, and in somewhat in shape. The leader of the group mocks my outfit. It isn't form fitting and my hair isn't brushed, as I was in a rush this morning. I try to walk past, but am pushed again. They mock me. My quick wit immediately shoots back, but I went too far, and they grow angry. They spew some racist comments and shove me, hard. I don't fall, but do take several steps back. The leader raises his fists and goes for a right punch. I lean back, grab his wrist, my left arm lifts above his right and I slide my elbow down his arm and into his nose, the crunch is audible and he falls back. He scoots towards his friends and points towards me. It's on.
Using my martial arts skills, I blocked the first swing, second swing, and blocked a kick. I jumped back, roundhouse kick into all three of their faces. Jumped into the guy in the middle, clothesline-ing both guys on either side of me. All four of us go down, me landing in my super hero pose.
I turned into Cocky's and got my lunch.
It was tasty.
Thursday, May 9, 2019
Journal #4 of 2019 - The Coffee is Bitter, the Doughnut is Sweet.
I get a coffee and a breakfast sandwich from a shop nearby work, and as I walk out, I can't help but love the morning. The street is empty and some shops are still closed. The bus is dropping people off for work and other adventures. It's not yet full of people who need to go somewhere. The world is still prepping for the day, and this coffee shop is there to make it a good one.
Finally saw Endgame. I enjoyed it. I've had more than one friend (and more than one group of friends) await my thoughts on the matter because I poke holes a lot. Makes me laugh and feel kinda bad at the same time. But eh, I'll need to see it a second time to find flaws. One thing has been pointed out to me that I agree with, but I won't mention it here.
Game of Thrones is garbage though. I'll rant about that all day if ya want me to. I won't here, though, not on this platform. Makes me really want to read the books though.
Speaking of reading, MAN I need to pick it up. I don't know if it is just this job, or I'm getting older and require more sleep, or am no longer properly prioritizing (cause I was out of a job for a month) but I don't see myself with a lot of time. I run out of time nearly every day. Grocery shopping, cricket shopping, writing, writing groups, TV, movies, games, reading, cooking, cleaning, and other chores like LAUNDRY, Guh I hate doing laundry... I gotta find a balance, some type of routine. When I get into cooking I cook a lot, and then I'm so worn out. I need to buy a microwave. That would save me some cooking time. Back to reading - I need to read more. I am growing a bit of a backlog, and I dislike it. I have one I'm trying to finish, and another I have been requested to read for a readers group I am joining (gotta read the book to join.)
Next time I have a morning free, I am going to go do some serious writing. I want to rewrite all of The Crate Sword and edit it whilst I write. It sounds like it will be a therapeutic experience. And I'm hoping it will spark more ideas to continue book 2. I have had quite a bit of writers block in book 2. I know where I want it to end up, I just don't know how to write it properly.
Beyond all these first world-y problems, life has been easy. I hardly drink anymore. Work is good. Apartment is good. Social media is good. Real life is good. Family and Friends seem to be doing alright.
All in all, its been a good few months, let's keep this going.
Brandon "Shep" Hoffman
Finally saw Endgame. I enjoyed it. I've had more than one friend (and more than one group of friends) await my thoughts on the matter because I poke holes a lot. Makes me laugh and feel kinda bad at the same time. But eh, I'll need to see it a second time to find flaws. One thing has been pointed out to me that I agree with, but I won't mention it here.
Game of Thrones is garbage though. I'll rant about that all day if ya want me to. I won't here, though, not on this platform. Makes me really want to read the books though.
Speaking of reading, MAN I need to pick it up. I don't know if it is just this job, or I'm getting older and require more sleep, or am no longer properly prioritizing (cause I was out of a job for a month) but I don't see myself with a lot of time. I run out of time nearly every day. Grocery shopping, cricket shopping, writing, writing groups, TV, movies, games, reading, cooking, cleaning, and other chores like LAUNDRY, Guh I hate doing laundry... I gotta find a balance, some type of routine. When I get into cooking I cook a lot, and then I'm so worn out. I need to buy a microwave. That would save me some cooking time. Back to reading - I need to read more. I am growing a bit of a backlog, and I dislike it. I have one I'm trying to finish, and another I have been requested to read for a readers group I am joining (gotta read the book to join.)
Next time I have a morning free, I am going to go do some serious writing. I want to rewrite all of The Crate Sword and edit it whilst I write. It sounds like it will be a therapeutic experience. And I'm hoping it will spark more ideas to continue book 2. I have had quite a bit of writers block in book 2. I know where I want it to end up, I just don't know how to write it properly.
Beyond all these first world-y problems, life has been easy. I hardly drink anymore. Work is good. Apartment is good. Social media is good. Real life is good. Family and Friends seem to be doing alright.
All in all, its been a good few months, let's keep this going.
Brandon "Shep" Hoffman
Ha! Boom Baby!
My blogsite has a BRAND new look!
Well, sorta, I mean... it’s a blog, how much different could
it get?
Anyway, a couple things - you can access it from my website
(Shepsus.com/blog) and the blogspot address has been changed
to shepsus.blogspot.com, not the long justathought-shepsus.blogspot.com so
if you have me bookmarked, you should update it.
The next phase in my plan is to redo my current website as
well. It has been said that the pictures on the "About Me" page are
older photos of me and don't currently reflect how I look. Since I have a
friend who does professional photography DC Creations, I might hire
her to do a photo shoot soon.
This past Saturday I went to a writer’s workshop, I took a
lot of notes and left knowing a lot more than I did walking in in about the
publishing industry. It is something I am really into. The class was about
eight people, and the instructor Yishun, who is a professional author, works at
a Literary Magazine and teaches at
the University of New Hampshire. The homework prior to taking the test was
writing a 300-word synopsis/pitch for your story. It was a bit nerve wracking
to read aloud what you feel your novel is, and describe your world and
characters. I was the only one who did humor, and the instructor definitely
gave me pointers on how to convey that to future agents or Presses.
The other thing the class gave me was writing acquaintances.
I got to talk to six of the eight other people in there, and went to lunch with
two of them. It was a lot of fun. And similar to my experience to karaoke, it
was people in just different walks of life who could sit and eat lunch, age,
generation, or thoughts on life didn’t matter. Tony is a father of five who
hails from Australia, Jenn is a married woman from Flagstaff. It was nice to
just talk about ideas and brainstorm with people who think about stories the
way you do. Crazy ideas on super hypothetical “What Ifs.” We are just nerds who
found other nerds to nerd about something. I like having these people in my
life.
My new job is a lot of fun. I have co-workers I get along
with and a good set of skills that help here. I am enjoying it. There are other
perks too, like some free food, meeting important people, and a rather relaxed
environment.
I want to leave work now, so I am cutting this off here…
Sorry for the abrupt ending, but yeah, I want to leave.
WAIT – I got a lot of positive response from the Starbucks
observation writing, so I am going to try and do that in the near future. So
stick around!!!!!
Shep
Tuesday, March 12, 2019
Journal #1 of 2019 - Restarting
Where do I begin? I'm three months late into my 2019 journals. And I'm okay with that.
It has been a LONG time since my last blog post. I was using it for therapeutic reasons and to get out of my head. I guess I don't need that anymore. Since I left "What I miss" on my last blog post. I totally found a Karaoke spot for a couple months. Unfortunately, I am no longer really welcome there on the day I used to go. That's a long story that I'd rather not tell on a public forum.
2019 has started out way better than 2018. It's still crazy to think an entire year has past since the awful that began 2018. I'm not saying all of 2018 was bad, but... It was all bad.
I restarted my life toward the end of 2018 instead of trying to move forward. Restarting was the right way to go.
I live in a one bedroom apartment by myself.
I have no job currently.
And I love it.
I haven't lived in an apartment in... 5 years? And that was just for a few months. Before then it was at least another 4.
But having a full kitchen for just me... It's great! I'm marinating steaks for carne asada tonight.
It has been a LONG time since my last blog post. I was using it for therapeutic reasons and to get out of my head. I guess I don't need that anymore. Since I left "What I miss" on my last blog post. I totally found a Karaoke spot for a couple months. Unfortunately, I am no longer really welcome there on the day I used to go. That's a long story that I'd rather not tell on a public forum.
Other things are new. I have a bearded dragon. His name is Smaug. I was quite lonely living at my dads and I learned how to take care of Bearded dragons with Kristi. A friend offered me the dragon, and I chose to take it. It was therapeutic to have another being around and I liked having something to take care of again.
I left my job at CP. It was a personal decision. I've been on the job hunt since. Truth be told, I thought it would be easier to find work than it has been - but I'm in no dire straights. I have money saved from trying to buy a house, the majority of my credit cards have been paid off (and thus usable). Even so, I'd like to have a job soon, before it becomes a concern.
Because I have a small place to maintain and no job, I've found myself with quite a bit of time. I am not using enough of it effectively, but I am hoping to change that. I recently had a conversation with my lovely new girlfriend about my weight. Now, she loves me the way I am, but she made a mention that the medical "ideal" weight for someone my height sounds unreasonable. I saw this as a challenge to try and get there. She doesn't know this yet... but I'm sure she'll know soon. This will mostly consist of dieting, but heading to the gym never hurt me before. Now that I am in a happier state of mind, it might be something I can stick to.
I'm getting Linux back soon. The moment I have a job, I am paying to allow him into my apartment. I could afford it now, but I figure Linux is super safe and comfortable with my mom. There is no rush.
Ya'll already know this, but I am dating a new wonderful woman named Monica. It is weird, if I'm honest. Not weird in a bad way, just... you get used to coming home to the same person with the same dogs and house and routine. I talked to Monica about this (cause she has a similar, but different story) and she hugged me close and understands it's not so much missing the ex, but missing the future that was there. The future was laid out, it was planned, and it was certain. And now I'm in a one bedroom apartment. If I'd been told a year ago that I'd be alone in a one bedroom apartment, I'd have thought the world literally ended. Again, it isn't bad. I need to stress that it isn't bad, because I am happier than I have been in a long time. But it is a bit weird.
This blog is going to change a bit over the next couple of months. I still want to write in it, but its no longer going to be something for my brain to lose its tick, or for any other therapeutic reasons. Currently, I'm thinking short stories - Donna and Daniel got me a book "Write a Story" featuring key words that are needed. I might transfer that over to this. That kinda sounds like fun.
Speaking of which, Hodger 2 has been collecting digital cobwebs over the past two months. It's time I dust that off and put some digital pen to digital paper.
Thank you for reading,
Shepsus
Because I have a small place to maintain and no job, I've found myself with quite a bit of time. I am not using enough of it effectively, but I am hoping to change that. I recently had a conversation with my lovely new girlfriend about my weight. Now, she loves me the way I am, but she made a mention that the medical "ideal" weight for someone my height sounds unreasonable. I saw this as a challenge to try and get there. She doesn't know this yet... but I'm sure she'll know soon. This will mostly consist of dieting, but heading to the gym never hurt me before. Now that I am in a happier state of mind, it might be something I can stick to.
I'm getting Linux back soon. The moment I have a job, I am paying to allow him into my apartment. I could afford it now, but I figure Linux is super safe and comfortable with my mom. There is no rush.
Ya'll already know this, but I am dating a new wonderful woman named Monica. It is weird, if I'm honest. Not weird in a bad way, just... you get used to coming home to the same person with the same dogs and house and routine. I talked to Monica about this (cause she has a similar, but different story) and she hugged me close and understands it's not so much missing the ex, but missing the future that was there. The future was laid out, it was planned, and it was certain. And now I'm in a one bedroom apartment. If I'd been told a year ago that I'd be alone in a one bedroom apartment, I'd have thought the world literally ended. Again, it isn't bad. I need to stress that it isn't bad, because I am happier than I have been in a long time. But it is a bit weird.
This blog is going to change a bit over the next couple of months. I still want to write in it, but its no longer going to be something for my brain to lose its tick, or for any other therapeutic reasons. Currently, I'm thinking short stories - Donna and Daniel got me a book "Write a Story" featuring key words that are needed. I might transfer that over to this. That kinda sounds like fun.
Speaking of which, Hodger 2 has been collecting digital cobwebs over the past two months. It's time I dust that off and put some digital pen to digital paper.
Thank you for reading,
Shepsus
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