Awesomeness out of nowhere
I have amazing friends. Let me just say that. Tonight was burger night. Jake and Zach had never been to Five Guys. Come to think of it, I dont think Benny had ever been either. So, Chris and I rolled out, and picked up Jake and Zach. Meghan brought Benny. We all headed to Beaverton, and met up at Five Guys. I was able to introduce my good friends to my hometown hamburger.
As one might expect, it was a good time. Lots of food, laughter, obscenity and fun. On the way out, we all headed out to the cars. A couple of the guys decided to have a smoke. Benny then went to Meg’s car and came back towards me. He yelled, “Hey Hart!” He was carrying a big white Nike bag. He then handed it to me with a big grin. Of course, I looked at him and said, “Dude, what the hell is this? What did you do?”
I’ll freely admit, I’m good at being generous. But I like to pay my own way. It feels strange when my friends spend money on me. I’m never sure how to react.
Anyway, I pull the big black box out of the bag and open it. Inside are a pair of Nike Zoom Force 1 snowboard boots. Now, bear in mind that when we went snowboarding on Adrian’s birthday, I minorly b0rked my left knee. I sat out most of the day, and was in pain. When we headed back to the car, I changed, and inadvertently left my NorthWave Legend snowboard boots in the parking lot. I went back, but in 20 minutes, they were gone. Of course, I bought those boots at Glass & Powder in Richmond, VA in 2002. They were 8 years old. I’d worn them in pretty good, and they were showing their age. I totally got my money’s worth. And I loved them. I didnt need a new pair of boots. I had my Legends.
Now, as I sit here typing, there’s an awesome pair of Nike boots sitting next to me. I’ve tried them on, and they feel amazing. I need to dig up all the technology regarding them, find out what I can customize, and break them in. The feel good though. Decent toe room, good ankle support, and they dont bite into my calves. I now, cannot wait to go snowboarding again.
As excited as I am about having new boots, I think the other important thing here is how awesome my friends are. B and A didnt have to buy me a pair of boots. I could have bought my own boots. However, they totally surprised me, and gifted me a pair of boots that are pretty awesome. The old saying goes, “friends help you move. Real friends help you move bodies.” No. I’m changing it.
“Friends go snowboarding with you. Real friends surprise you with new boots when you’re an idiot and lose yours halfway through the season, and dont want to miss out on riding with you.”
I wouldnt trade my friends for the world. The obnoxious pricks, the Secret Jew Posse, and the rest. I may joke around and call myself Dr. Awesome, but they really are Team Awesome.


Yes, thats me. I'm a 33 year old professional geek and aspiring moron, here in the lovely Pacific Northwest.








