089. Graze the Skin with My Fingertips

Last weekend, I went to see Anthrax, Megadeth and Slayer perform in Houston, Texas. Unlike my character, I was excited to see the bands the moment my wife gave me the tickets for my birthday. The second we arrived, I felt a level of cynicism leave me. I didn't feel like mocking people for enjoying themselves during the show. Instead, I became what I once was, a guy who enjoyed himself by singing along with the bands, throwing up the horns to celebrate their greatness.

I felt like I did as a high school kid with my brothers in metal Jake, Liberty, Joey, and Tom. I think sometimes people take themselves to seriously and worry about looking foolish when enjoying something that isn't the "norm." Sometimes it's important to enjoy yourself no matter how ridiculous it might look because smiling and having fun is more important than mocking others. On this night I was a young metal-head again with my long hair and lame goatee. As Minor Threat said, "I might be an adult but I'm a minor at heart!"

- James