Post by Dusty Griffith on Mar 9, 2022 12:24:53 GMT -5
Here’s the thing.
I’ve been here for the better part of two months.
And ever since I arrived, I’ve devoted myself to the craft in the gym and in the ring. The rest of the time, I’ve been sitting around being miserable. Wallowing with a bottle of whiskey most nights to keep me company.
Now, I’m not implying that what I do here hasn’t been worth doing. Not at all. In fact, I’d say things have gone better than expected. The grind in the gym, the team itself, growing the future, and obviously, the fights themselves.
All great.
Especially working with the young, hungry fighters, who want to take what I can teach them and use it to build their own future in the sport. Surprising, really. Never would have thought that I would or could be a shepherd to the future.
So, if everything is so great, what’s making me miserable?
Honestly. Myself.
That’s right.
Y’see, when I’m not sleeping, I’m working; and when I’m not working, I’m sleeping. Every so often I find myself on a plane back to Canada or Japan or wherever the next fight happens to be lined up on my own personal wrestlequest.
As for the rest of my time?
I’ve spent it sulking over everything that makes the city not exactly like what I left behind up north. When what I should be doing is letting go of what isn’t like home and start finding what is like home.
I’ve been here for the better part of two months.
And ever since I arrived, I’ve devoted myself to the craft in the gym and in the ring. The rest of the time, I’ve been sitting around being miserable. Wallowing with a bottle of whiskey most nights to keep me company.
Now, I’m not implying that what I do here hasn’t been worth doing. Not at all. In fact, I’d say things have gone better than expected. The grind in the gym, the team itself, growing the future, and obviously, the fights themselves.
All great.
Especially working with the young, hungry fighters, who want to take what I can teach them and use it to build their own future in the sport. Surprising, really. Never would have thought that I would or could be a shepherd to the future.
So, if everything is so great, what’s making me miserable?
Honestly. Myself.
That’s right.
Y’see, when I’m not sleeping, I’m working; and when I’m not working, I’m sleeping. Every so often I find myself on a plane back to Canada or Japan or wherever the next fight happens to be lined up on my own personal wrestlequest.
As for the rest of my time?
I’ve spent it sulking over everything that makes the city not exactly like what I left behind up north. When what I should be doing is letting go of what isn’t like home and start finding what is like home.
So, that’s what I’m going to do.
Besides, everyone needs a break now and then.
Even me.
=/=
Team Danger University
Long Beach, California
Sometime Before COAC3
“Where are you going?” Jay asks me, I can tell there’s a little confusion, maybe even a little concern as he watches me pack my gear.
“Not sure.” I respond, zipping my duffle before slinging it over my shoulder. “I’ll know when I get there, I just need to get out of Dodge for a spell.”
The kid looks like he has something on his mind, something he wants to say, but the howling bark of the Old Man is heard from elsewhere in the main complex.
“TOMMY!” Nicole's high pitched screech follows as it calls out to him.
I let a few beats pass and grip my duffle a little tighter before heading out of the locker room.
“Hey.” Jay blurts and I stop, turning back around on my heel towards him.
“Yeah?” My brow arches.
“When you get back.” He begins and my head instinctively tilts with curiosity. “I need to talk to you about something.”
“Well, hell, little brother.” I move to drop my duffle. “You can talk to me now if you want.”
“Nah.” He puts his hands up, as if telling me to stop like a traffic cop. “Go do what you need to do, get yourself right and I’ll hit you up then.”
I study him briefly, but only just before shrugging it off and re-shoulder my pack.
“You sure?”
He nods.
“Absolutely.”
I eye him for a moment, but he nods his head towards the door.
“Alright.” I exhale. “I’ll be back tomorrow, the next day at the latest.”
“Understood.”
I nod back this time and push through the double doors that separate the locker room from the heart of the complex.
=/=
Later On That Day at Ascot Hills Park
Enjoying A Southern California Sunset
This right here, is what I’ve been needing.
Just me and the Old Man, and some rolling hills bathed in the golden red sunlight at the end of the day. These hills may not be the same as the ones up north, but it’s enough to finally put me at ease.
It’s the first time since migrating south that I’m able to feel at peace. Truly, honest to goodness, genuine peace. And the quiet. Even with the concrete jungle just over yonder, it’s quiet. Even serene.
It reminds me of home.
More importantly, it makes me feel at home.
Even if it took all day to find and it’s not someplace that I can just walk out my backdoor and be surrounded by in all directions. It’s enough of a buoy in the middle of a place that is the antithesis of where I come from.
It’s enough for me.
And while this is just one piece of serenity, there’s more to this city for me to embrace in due time. For now, this’ll do.
“Whatta ya say, Old Man?” I look down at my dog as he tussles with that silly bag Nicole gave him.
He pauses, mumbles something back in doggolese and keeps chewing and pulling at the finely crafted leather with the iconic brand’s pattern on it.
“Think I got a shot at this one coming up?” I ask as I reach out and rub his big, dumb head with my own big, clumsy bear claw of a hand.
He pauses on what he’s doing and looks up at me before rising up on his haunches. The look on the Old Man’s face is one of confused curiosity.
“I’m just saying, Ronnie Long’s tough.” I state the facts as I know them. “Probably the only guy I can honestly say is equal to me. If not better.”
His head tilts before he chuffs out an answer, that to me, sounds as if I’m being told that I’m being ridiculous; which I probably am.
Heh, in truth, the Old Man probably wants to know when we’ll go get some grub and hasn’t the slightest clue about what I’m going on about.
But, yeah.
My mind is back on track.
I suppose it never really got off track or lost focus on the task at hand, or the greater goal that’s waiting for me at the top of the mountain. It’s just that, I was holding on too tight and needed to let it all go.
Even if only for a day.
Plus, I could eat.
-fin-
