March 22, 2004

  • "IF TODAY IS YOUR BIRTHDAY: The sky is the limit for you this year, and even the sky may not be able to contain you.


    You have the enthusiasm and brains, so push yourself to a new high."


    Well happy birthday to me!  I didn't really do much today to celebrate.  Aside from the fact that it's my birthday, this day was like any other.  I got a few e-mails from people wishing me a happy birthday, but otherwise, I spent it on my own.  My uncle and lola left before I was even up and were out the whole day.  You live by the sword, you die by the sword.  By that I mean that as a self-proclaimed loner, in a Wolverine sort of way, I often find myself in solitude with my thoughts, without a qualm at all.  The weather was great and I went out to appreciate the sun.  Fortunately, I was able to invest in some attire for my upcoming formal.


    One problem though.  I received a call today from Lori, and she told me that she might not be able to go to the formal anymore.  She's having a health issue that she had some tests done on, which quite honestly is pretty concerning.  I'm praying that she's okay and that it's nothing serious, but her health is definitely more important than any formal.  She told me that she wouldn't be offended if I were to get a "back-up" date.


    Overall, I have only had two formals where I haven't had a problem with finding or keeping a date.  Two out of four.  I must've done something bad in a past life or something.  Or maybe in this life.  Karma is great!  Just roll with the punches.  That's become an anthem for me.


    My analysis of the situation is as follows.  I am hesitant to ask anyone to be a back-up because I don't want to offend them.  I could withhold the information of that situation altogether, although as a firm believer in the whole truth, I think that keeping that information to myself would end up creating a worse situation in the future.  However, I really don't think it would offend anyone, but maybe it would hurt their esteem ever so slightly.


    The next factor is time.  I don't know if women keep dresses on-hand and sized in their wardrobe for occasions like a formal or if it is too close for someone to find a proper dress in case they don't.  A guy could just rent a tux relatively easily, but I don't know if it's harder for women to come up with an outfit.  They say that the wedding day is for the bride.  Are formals for the girl?


    That's not to mention how hard it is for me to ask someone.  I had to totally psyche myself up and gather enough courage for myself to ask Lori.  Each year it's been like that for me.  Napakahiya!  However, that's just a stupid problem that I have to get over.


    It's not all bad though.  Concepts in my favor are that if what I've heard is true, women like to dress up for events like formals.  Secondly, it's a fraternity formal.  Tertially, it's a Chi Rho Omicron formal.  XPO knows how to have a good time.  Finally, and most importantly, it's to go with me.  I'm a good guy.  I'm not nice though.  I'm kind, caring, compassionate, a good listener, fun-loving, and easy to get along with, but not nice.  That's more of a response to the notion that "nice guys finish last."  In any case, who wouldn't want to go with me?


    Alas, who to ask.  Anybody want to give me some advice, tips, or clues?