Twice I was drawn to this town pt 2
My first day in Boulder was an experience. I made sure I had two things for my entertainment. First, I knew I was going to want some weed, second and more important was a Hacky sack. I also had to figure out how to get an ID card. I did not want to be without a job for too long.
Sitting on a table reading a book I had brought from California with me, a great story. Stephen King’s, IT. exceptional read. Getting off track a little. As I lifted my eyes from the page, I saw two men walking toward me. Bill Davidson and John from a local church were out recruiting for Jesus. We were talking about going to church and worshiping the Lord and meeting new people.
I was all set to refuse when Bill brought out the big guns. The Church was serving an enormous meal after the service. I knew not to turn down a meal.
I was up and ready to go when Bill arrived to get me. He told me that John wanted to pass me by yesterday. When I asked why he laughed a little chuckle and said it was because of my tattoos. They had been told to fuck off by someone with a bunch of tattoos right before they approached me. I was a little amused by that. Knowing I wouldn’t ever be that rude without provocation.
We made it to the church and I will say the service was better than expected. I ate what was provided and mingled around until they shuffled me off back to the park. I had found a nice secluded place in the woods about a quarter-mile from the park to set up my tent.
Leaving Church, Bill and I were talking about my predicament. Not having a picture ID was a real problem I never had to worry about before. I don’t need one unless I want to work. I put applications in places anyhow. It worked they hired me at the Elephant room Bar and Grill as a dishwasher. I thought the job was ok, then the kitchen manager brought us a pitcher of beer. The night was outstanding. At the shift was over, I was pretty hammered. The next night they promoted me to prep cook and worked my ass off that night. That first week was going smoothly, and payday was right around the corner. But I was in a Catch 22. Payday was here I could get my ID. But I couldn’t get paid without ID and I couldn’t get an ID without getting paid
The big boss pulled me into his office and asked if I had got one yet? No, I don’t have the money.
The boss man loaned me enough to go get an ID. Payback out of check.
The next few weeks went smoothly. But I knew with as much drinking as I was doing, that job would not last. I ended up quitting instead of getting fired. One thing I found out was up at the College in the alcove of one of the dorm houses was a soda machine packed full of beer. I thought that was just too funny.
I found out how to live on the streets of Boulder and not commit any crimes. If I got hungry, I had found 6 places I could trade labor for food. I met a guy who called himself Gypsy, and he fits the name. We became relatively good friends and hung around each other and shared most of what we got. I spent a lot of time in the library especially when I Found you could watch movies.
Summer was soon going to end, and it was going to get cold in Boulder. And I didn’t intend on freezing my nuts off in a Rocky Mountain winter. I was talking about leaving and Gypsy asked where I planned on moving to, and my response was. Seaside Oregon. I was a little familiar with the town; I had spent a week there when I was 12 with some family friends. And that town is fun.
And that story is for another post. Meanwhile, I am still in Boulder. To be continued.
Sincerely James Sims.
Comments
Post a Comment