ON THE BEACH

On the Beach is a post-apocalyptic novel that takes place on the beaches of Australia. Virtually everywhere else is unlivable because of a nuclear fallout, and the people of the book only have so long until the pollution reaches them. Lucky for Brett and I, this is only a book (for now?), because it would be a lot harder to enjoy the beaches of San Diego with thoughts of impending death weighing on us. So, here Brett and I are, also on the beach, but it couldn't be further from a gloomy time of "if-only I had done..." or "I can't believe your the last face I have to look at..."

We are posting up at Brett B's parents place, and again the hospitality is out of this world. Nancy keeps telling me to make myself at home and unbeknownst to her, I have already decided to stay through 2012. She offered us an extended stay, and since we have not turned down any such offer yet, why start now? It's a good thing I don't live in a place like this year round though, because I'd never get anything done and just check out- it's like living on a resort and it's always nice out. Yesterday I swam in a pool, played basketball, ate way too much food, and walked on the beach. Nothing in this routine remotely resembles a 'real' day. It's a dream world. They say that if wishes were horses beggars would ride, but here I am (as much of crumbum as is possible) and I am getting around just fine.

I like the sand down here too. It's especially soft and you can just sink in it a little when the water rushes back down the beach and out again. "Scouring" as it is called, happens in the water whenever something obstructs the path and causes the water to be redirected downward, eroding what is below and beside the obstruction (in this case my feet). For me it is no big thing, but for bridges it can disastrous. Thank you History Channel.

I am forgetting I had a work ethic. But don't worry about me. I'll be back and climbing some latter somewhere sometime. I won't be satisfied with just any gig. Like Conan said, "Until I am on Hollywood Squares, it won't feel like it's real." If you don't know me, Conan is a key fixture in my life. So are dry cheerios and constantly losing phone, keys, or wallet. Brett doesn't understand either of latter, and it's gonna be a continuing and ever widening gap on this trip. By the end, we probably won't be able to stand each other. I'll be constantly shoving dry cheerios in my mouth just to spite him, and he'll constantly be treating me like a two year old: "Zach, do you have your keys? Where is your phone? Why don't you JUST put them in the same spot always?" He reminds me of my mom, because she is always saying I'd lose my head if it weren't attached to my body. If it sounds like I am laying into Brett, I'm not. Just giving him (and mom) a little taste of some medicine- backtalk medicine.

I don't always talk about useless stuff. Stayed tuned- Maybe I'll talk about the state of the economy. But maybe I'll talk about my favorite episode of Family Matters, because there are enough people talking about the state of the economy, and they might be a little more informed (on the economy, NOT Family Matters).

My sister is doing Teach for America right now. Last time I talked to her I was super excited because we were in San Francisco and I was meeting some real cool people. She had strep throat because she teaches kids and kids are filthy and disgusting and carry around lots of germs and they just give um to everyone, especially teachers. I am not equating good grades, a hard work ethic, a desire to help people, and all that good stuff with strep throat... but, it doesn't not come off as a slippery slope, if you know what I mean. No, no, i only kid. It's fun to kid with Katie. Brian knows. Brian is my cousin and we pick fights with the whole family. We're like Niles and Fraiser picking on their dad for his taste in furniture (see ugly green chair appearing in every episode). For all those people/friends/family/etc, working hard and having a positive impact on society, I salute you, because without you...
I'd have no where to stay.

Sincerely, Lovingly, and always,

Zach

(Katie, don't you dare give up. That's just what those coldblooded kindergarten kids want you to do. Fight evil with evil too, maybe throw an elbow or two- stick thumb tacks on their chairs. Remember, you can always take a lesson from Arnold Schwarzenegger in Kindergarten Cop- check local listings)