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tcr!
· Jun 18, 2022 at 1:12 pm
Ten years ago I sat where I am now smoking menthols. The bushes were small enough I could see the alley down behind them. The pallet on the left was completely blue. The neighbor’s little dog was constantly barking. I didn’t wear glasses. I had a different job, different friends, different truck.
In the immortal words of Mr. Carlson, “what would be the point of living if we didn’t let life change us?”
tcr!
· Sep 18, 2021 at 4:01 pm
Saturday afternoon excursion in DeKalb.
Came away with a Terminator-ish hand for one of my plants at home 😎
tcr!
· Jul 11, 2019 at 11:07 am
In my neighborhood we have an alley that runs behind all of our houses. It’s where our garages are and where we set out our trash cans. Maggie learned to ride her bike there and all that. It’s where the real stories are.
Having the alley is nice because we can put things out there that are still good and somebody will come along and pick them up.
So a couple of weeks ago I was cleaning out my garage and wheeled Maggie’s kid bike out by the alley. She’s too big to ride it anymore and I knew somebody would snag it before long. Maybe pop a couple wheelies and jump some sweet jumps on their sidewalk.
But you wanna know who took it?
My good Christian neighbor. A few nights later when Maggie and I were coming home down the alley she said, “Hey! That’s my bike!”
Yep, it’d moved a mere 30-ish feet over into the neighbor’s yard.
Granted my neighbor had every right to it since I put it up for grabs but it’s kind of disheartening to see Maggie’s first ride just leaning up against the neighbor’s garage the last couple weeks.
Instead of some other kid without a bike being able to ride it this summer it’s sitting there with the weeds.
PS- this is the same neighbor that choked the goose and dumped yard debris by the retention pond.
Karly
· Jul 11, 2019 at 12:40 pm
Aw man. I thought this story would end with a Maggie 2.0 riding the cul de sac and you guys smiling at the memories. 😒
tcr!
· Jul 11, 2019 at 12:48 pm
Me, too.
tism
· Jul 11, 2019 at 12:42 pm
Ffs…selfish neighbor. Take it back. :-P
tcr!
· Jul 11, 2019 at 12:48 pm
Challenge accepted!
tism
· Jul 11, 2019 at 1:10 pm
I will require detailed surveillance reports, and a battle plan.
tcr!
· Jul 11, 2019 at 1:54 pm
There may be some post-op photos
fiatlux423
· Jul 12, 2019 at 9:32 am
I’ll take it back for you and shake my fist at him if he tries to stop me
tism
· Jul 12, 2019 at 9:59 am
The secret “TCR Army” is massing world. Look the f*ck out!!”
reiner_j
· Jul 11, 2019 at 12:54 pm
Oh Sally…..
reiner_j
· Jul 11, 2019 at 12:55 pm
She can’t help it bro. She’s borderline hoarder. Ever been in her house?
tcr!
· Jul 11, 2019 at 1:55 pm
No, we don’t talk to each other anymore 😁
pynn
· Jul 11, 2019 at 1:08 pm
Choked the goose?
reiner_j
· Jul 11, 2019 at 1:19 pm
That really happened bro. It’s not figurative either.
tcr!
· Jul 11, 2019 at 1:53 pm
Totally true.
jimi hindrance experience
· Jul 11, 2019 at 3:28 pm
Yikes.
Schocker
· Jul 12, 2019 at 3:25 am
That is sad about the bike. However, I know she is probably looking for a kid to give it to. She does that. Maybe she thought she was saving it from scrappers. Also, she’s not a Christian. I’ve talked to her many times. She may identify herself that way, but she does not accept Christ as her savior. In fact, she very rarely even goes to church. Trust me… I’ve tried to share and talk the gospel with her many times to no avail. She’s not even sure what she believes, but it’s not that needs Christ as her savior.
fiatlux423
· Jul 12, 2019 at 9:31 am
Take it back bro he’s a dick
tcr!
· Nov 1, 2018 at 10:06 am
Audio (MP3): 20181101 - Ice cream anxiety
If we’re at a social gathering and it feels like I snub you that’s because I’m not a social butterfly. I’m more like a social moth. My wings are dusty. I check the doors to be sure they lock. I have debates with myself about what I’m supposed to do next. I have the social skills of a turtle. Just give me some lettuce.
Large groups of people don’t necessarily make me nervous, just uncomfortable. I don’t like people sitting or standing behind me. I don’t like it to the point where I’ll change seats. If I can’t see everything I feel somewhat flustered. I like to keep an eye on things.
That might sound cliche or overused or whatever but it’s because it’s a real thing that affects more people than it should.
asquared01
· Nov 1, 2018 at 10:33 am
I can relate to so much of what you described. I suppose for me it’s social anxiety. I don’t like going to parties, I don’t like large groups of people that I don’t know and it’s even worse if everyone knows each other and I’m the new person. We have an invitation to a Thanksgiving party we haven’t replied to b/c of my anxiety….I’ve only met the couple once. John knows the husband well but I don’t want to go to someone’s house with a bunch of people I’ve never met. Then I wonder why I don’t have friends…this type of thing right here. :(
tcr!
· Nov 1, 2018 at 10:50 am
I set time limits for how long I’m willing stay somewhere. With a group of people I don’t know, that limit would most likely be 15 minutes. Then I can leave everybody murmuring amongst themselves.. “who was that dashing man in the golden hockey mask?”
asquared01
· Nov 1, 2018 at 1:05 pm
If you’re at least making a 15 minute appearance, you’re a better person than me. I’ll be replying “can’t go” to that invite. 😬
tcr!
· Nov 1, 2018 at 4:45 pm
How about you guys go for 10 minutes? Drop off a can of that cranberry sauce that makes people swoon? And then announce boldly to crowd, “we’re taking turkey pot pies to the homeless shelter on 5th Avenue.” Nobody would blink as you slammed the door on your way out.
keamoose
· Nov 1, 2018 at 10:39 am
Yes, exactly.
Hater McGhray
· Nov 1, 2018 at 10:52 am
Yep
prokop
· Nov 1, 2018 at 11:24 am
Get out of my head. Haha.
fleming
· Nov 1, 2018 at 12:58 pm
I know, right??!! I think there are a lot of us out there, just “faking it till we make it”!
Mona
· Nov 1, 2018 at 1:49 pm
Story of my life.
tcr!
· Nov 1, 2018 at 4:30 pm
One time when I was in college I went up to give a speech. In front of the whole class. 20 seconds in I said, “I can’t do this.” And then I went and sat down. 👍
jenkins_arts
· Nov 1, 2018 at 2:01 pm
Snazzy. That’s a technical term.
tcr!
· Nov 1, 2018 at 4:24 pm
As is fancy!
jenkins_arts
· Nov 2, 2018 at 5:56 pm
Yup
Mitchell
· Nov 1, 2018 at 6:30 pm
Totally get it uncle Trav I am very much like you believe it or not I looked up/still look up to you for years
tcr!
· Nov 1, 2018 at 8:03 pm
Love you man!
Mitchell
· Nov 2, 2018 at 6:45 pm
Love you too unc
threecrates
· Nov 1, 2018 at 6:55 pm
Incredibly written as usual pal. Love this! ❤️
tcr!
· Nov 2, 2018 at 7:10 am
Thanks man! 🍬
jimi hindrance experience
· Nov 1, 2018 at 10:55 pm
It happens to me out of the blue. Everything can be ok and suddenly I’m overwhelmed with panic. I’m never aware of “what happened” if anything.
tcr!
· Nov 2, 2018 at 11:22 am
Might be a short circuit. Of course I’m not a doctor or biologist.
tcr!
· Aug 22, 2018 at 9:40 am
Audio (MP3): 20180822 - I only fought with the police once
I only fought with the police once and there was only one of them. And it was 3 in the afternoon. And I was drunk and feisty. And then he tackled my 19 year old self in an alley and one side of my face ended up in some gravel. And then I went to jail with a swollen eye. And got to spend the rest of the evening sobering up.
About 9pm or so and no longer drunk, I decided I would never fight with the police again.
Momma J
· Aug 22, 2018 at 10:42 am
Wise decision!
tcr!
· Aug 22, 2018 at 12:21 pm
I think so, too. 😊
marney0160
· Aug 22, 2018 at 8:57 pm
I’m right there with ya dude! 😜
tcr!
· Aug 22, 2018 at 9:39 pm
My only regret is that I wasn’t wearing a leprechaun outfit.
marney0160
· Aug 23, 2018 at 6:16 am
Bahahaha! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Irene
· Aug 25, 2018 at 10:20 am
Great decision! At least it only took you one time…
tcr!
· Jun 26, 2018 at 8:59 am
An open letter to C. Elton, Civil Engineer I:
It was with great anticipation and suspense that I read your letter (Exhibit A) regarding the saw cutting about to commence in my neighborhood, dated June 25, 2018.
As you can see I’ve made little haste in responding via email. Even though you offered your local phone number I prefer not to talk on the phone as there were one too many times when I was younger that my mom handed me the phone while she was talking with some dear, distant relative. I had little interest in talking to the person on the other end but still my mother insisted I take the handset and carry on a conversation like I knew who Uncle Leroy and Aunt Loretta were.
However, when I write these words, they flow like a magical river thesaurus dinosaur as I press the delicate yet responsive keys on my iPad Pro’s external and official keyboard.
Lol former penis
keamoose
· Jun 26, 2018 at 5:52 pm
This is a masterpiece.
tcr!
· Jun 26, 2018 at 6:00 pm
Thank you, thank you.
Kris
· Jun 26, 2018 at 8:45 pm
2 things for you Trav. First, if you hsve tomatoes you dont want or cant get rid of, i’ll take em. I’ll even take green ones. 2nd. On you 1 secured vacstion day, does your neighbor know you are going to be inside him or her?
tcr!
· Jun 27, 2018 at 10:00 am
“does your neighbor know you are going to be inside him or her?” — not sure what you mean exactly :)
tcr!
· Jun 27, 2018 at 10:00 am
And I’ll be sure to remember that you like the tomatoes!
Kris
· Jun 27, 2018 at 11:05 am
Well im assuming you meant you will be in your neighbors house, but you just wrote “i will be in my neighbor and onsite to lend my invaluable knowledge to the 2018 Street Improvement Project”
tcr!
· Jun 27, 2018 at 11:09 am
Ahhhhh.. Damn typos :)
tcr!
· Jun 27, 2018 at 5:25 pm
Maggie told me this is “too long.”
I fear she may be right.
angeline35
· Jun 27, 2020 at 11:46 am
That is good stuff :)
tcr!
· Apr 25, 2018 at 9:30 am
Audio (MP3): 20180425 - We, as parents, make mistakes
Maggie had a little scare yesterday. She had gotten off the school bus and was walking the minute walk back to our house down the alley. Some dude was also walking down the alley behind her and that didn’t sit well with her.
I generally get home 15 to 20 minutes after she does and it’s not that big of a deal for her to walk home and spend that time by herself.
Karly
· Apr 25, 2018 at 10:46 am
I’m glad she was aware of her surroundings.
Also, surrounding area police stations will often hold annual free self defense classes. I know St Charles just had 2 in April and Dekalb has them on occasion.
Karly
· Apr 25, 2018 at 10:47 am
Correction…i think it was Naperville that just had theirs
tcr!
· Apr 25, 2018 at 11:14 am
That’s not a bad idea. She was in martial arts a few years back but a basic refresher is always a good idea.
fleming
· Apr 25, 2018 at 11:03 am
So happy Maggie is safe! We just had an attempted child abduction yesterday morning at a bus stop…kids were smart and ran, but so terrifying!
tcr!
· Apr 25, 2018 at 11:16 am
That’s crazy! What the eff is wrong with people?
fleming
· Apr 25, 2018 at 12:15 pm
They’re eff’d up!!! Oh…and thank you sooo much for sending me your publications…I thoroughly enjoyed them!!!!
tcr!
· Apr 25, 2018 at 1:55 pm
You are most welcome!
landerl
· Apr 25, 2018 at 11:42 am
Super glad she’s safe. And you are an awesome parent!
tcr!
· Apr 25, 2018 at 11:47 am
Thank you!
marney0160
· Apr 25, 2018 at 12:26 pm
Ditto with what Linda said! And Kelly’s idea is a good one. Your advice about being loud and visible is spot on, too!
tcr!
· Apr 25, 2018 at 1:57 pm
Thanks!!
Momma J
· Apr 25, 2018 at 1:32 pm
A fine job of parenting!
tcr!
· Apr 25, 2018 at 1:56 pm
Why thank you!
Momma J
· Apr 25, 2018 at 2:23 pm
You’re welcome and well deserved!
jenkins_arts
· Apr 25, 2018 at 5:00 pm
Self-defense classes.
debbie
· Apr 25, 2018 at 5:50 pm
FYI
heylinda
· Apr 25, 2018 at 8:41 pm
Our girls sound similar. Keep reminding her to trust her gut.
elaineorr
· Apr 25, 2018 at 10:11 pm
You’re a good daddy.
tcr!
· Apr 26, 2018 at 8:34 am
Thank you!!
Ryan Waters
· Apr 28, 2018 at 1:16 am
Smart girl and she’s lucky to have a Dad she trusts and reaches out to! You done good!!!
tcr!
· Apr 28, 2018 at 1:04 pm
Thank you!! And I believe she does trust me a little.
tcr!
· Apr 20, 2018 at 7:24 pm
Audio (MP3): 20180420 - A little dog and wild carrots
Let me first say that I’m an animal lover as much as the next Dr. Doolittle. It’s rare that I meet a dog or cat and they don’t end up liking me sooner or later. I think mostly that’s because I don’t care if they like me or not.
However, the neighbor’s dog and myself, we don’t get along. He barks at me from his yard every time I’m outside in my yard. Or when I’m walking to or from my garage. Bark, bark, bark.
Obviously he’s got the short man complex.
sveagrabarek
· Apr 20, 2018 at 8:48 pm
Queen Annes lace. They’re bastards.
tcr!
· Apr 20, 2018 at 8:54 pm
Oh yeah!
sveagrabarek
· Apr 20, 2018 at 8:59 pm
They’re excellent for anger management.
Lisette
· Apr 20, 2018 at 9:30 pm
They look like mandrake from the Harry Potter movies
tcr!
· Apr 20, 2018 at 10:14 pm
Apparently a couple of summers ago I did, in fact, let the Queen Anne’s Lace aka wild carrots take over the world.
angeline35
· Apr 21, 2018 at 10:09 am
I don’t have the issue with the Queen Annes Lace, however I do have the issue of the non-stop barking from the neighbor’s dog. It is a small dog that I could quite easily drop kick through the air across the yard and into never never land. ( I would never have such evil thoughts wink wink) Its very frustrating because during the warmer months I spend the majority of my time at home outside working in my backyard. I have done everything from ignoring the animal, attempting to bribe it (I almost got bitten), throwing small sticks to distract it, to messaging the offending neighbor via messenger, Other people in the neighborhood have called the police and reported them. This worked for them because now the dog is no longer allowed in the front yard only the back which is where I hang out. None of these methods work for me and finally one night last week I screamed “SHUT THE FUCK UP” and low and behold the neighbor appeared immediately and brought the offending animal inside. Finally a method that works. I will continue to do this until it doesn’t. Funny thing is she locked the dog in the basement last night where it barked incessantly but at a tolerable level for me. Not so tolerable for her however because I could hear her cussing inside the house. Tee hee motherfucker :) Love you Travy funny how we have similar problems eh :) - AJC
tcr!
· Mar 22, 2018 at 8:57 pm
Audio (MP3): 20180322 - Memories are what make places feel like home
When I was a kid living in a little town in Iowa, our neighborhood, our street, our house they all felt like home to me. I always felt secure, always felt like I belonged. My life was feature complete on that block.
I’m sure it was because that house on Allison Avenue in Ottumwa was the only place I’d ever lived, the only home I’d ever known. That street just a single block long was the center of my whole universe.
Irene
· Mar 23, 2019 at 8:37 am
What a guy!! What a writer! What a beautiful tribute to your parents!!! ❤️
tcr!
· Jan 15, 2018 at 8:23 am
Marty McFly: We don’t have enough road to get up to 88.
Doc Brown: Roads? Where we’re going, we don’t need roads.
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shawneemicks · Jun 26, 2022 at 5:37 pm
🙌
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