Sunday, May 23, 2010

Return of the Drunk Guy - Episode III

You were waiting for another update on dude, weren't you? Well, here it is.

I was walking Bear a couple days ago and we came to the intersection by DG's house. We could take a left and avoid it altogether, or we could hang a right and take our chances. It had been a very long time since I had seen him or his dog outside. Plus there was a little kids' baseball game going on in the park just past DG's house and I wanted to check it out. And it was a beautiful night, so I figured both Bear and I could use the little extra loop added to our walk. The minute I rounded the corner I saw him and Elle sitting on the stoop. I swore in my head and considered turning back for about 1/2 a second, but figured that would look weird. So we forged ahead. Immediately I could tell something was different. He didn't say anything to me, he didn't call us up to meet his dog. But as we walked past, Elle came out toward the street and Bear was pulling to go see her. So I let them say hi. Of course, dude did NOT remember me again, although we had meet 2x previously! Anyway, the dogs are playing and I notice some differences in our drunk friend:

1) No beer or drink of any kind in his hand
2) No slurred speech
3) No stumbling around on the lawn
4) Clean shaven, hair combed

I'm thinking to myself - Aren't you supposed to be drunk? We chat for a minute about the dogs - he talks about what a hunk Bear is and how Elle would like to have a sleepover with him, but I notice that he has somehow found a filter for his mouth (no doubt due to the soberness) and although he alluded to it, he managed to avoid talking directly about dog humping and the like. And that was it. He didn't say much more. I say goodbye and head down the driveway, half expecting him to start rambling about Bloomington kids being our future, but nothing. Not a word as I walk away. Honestly, it felt a bit strange but believe me it was great.

So that's about it. Yes, anti-climatic, but I thought you all deserved a little update. Chances are he won't stay sober for long - his neighbor said it's kind of a cycle for him. Drunk - rehab - sober - drunk again. But I bet he'll remember meeting me next time, since he wasn't 3 sheets to the wind this time. I suppose we'll see. Stay tuned...