The Life and Times of Nathan

Time goes by...so slowly...

2006-09-29T03:33:00.000-04:00

for those who wait. What a day, a week, a month, a long time. Call it a spark, a prompt, or a feeling of guilt...here I am. Have you ever met someone who knows more about you than you know about her/him? Probably, but then again, maybe not. I return from a night of debauchery, smelling of someone else's cologne, and reeling in the afterglow of Kettle One...I feel violated and understood, all at once. I am larger and smaller than I could want to be, yet...my drunken thoughts are drunk. I feel slightly boring, and a touch asinine. Edited due to drunken babble

It's been a while...

2006-08-12T02:19:00.000-04:00

I have not noticed people moan when I enter a room, it is usually after I have been in there a few minutes...dedicated to anonymous poster...

Slacking on posting...

2006-04-20T02:18:00.000-04:00

I have been bad about posting recently....shame on me. We are in the midst of Prom Season, and I have just been busy. I am thinking once that is over, although Wedding Season starts immediately following, I am taking a trip to Europe! I think that will be a nice way to celebrate a wonderful Spring. You all, remember to tell any high schooler you know to book a limo with us! The business line is 865.776.8004, and the name is L'Espace Motorcoach, Inc! Life is great here for me. I am not a fan of the horrible allergy attack I had last week, which explains one week of absence on here. Many things to report, but it would take too long.....so just know that I am doing well....n

Spring weather....

2006-03-31T15:01:00.000-05:00

I must say that I am loving the breath of Spring air. It is so nice to not alternate between short sleeves and a wool coat on an almost daily basis. Prom Season officially kicks off tomorrow with Heritage and Webb Schools. I will be spending tomorrow evening behind the wheel of a limousine! I am sure I will leave Prom Season with a bunch of crazy stories...n

Hey y'all...

2006-03-22T14:11:00.000-05:00

Just got back from fishing in Natchez, Mississippi late last night. I went down with Scott, Layne, and Ashley (Ash) for a long weekend. The previous weekend I went to a concert in Louisville, KY. Aside from that, I have been busy, hence the lack of posting. The trip to Natchez was a riot! We actually stayed just across the river in Deer Park, LA. They have drive through liquor barns...meaning, you can drive up, order a drink, and they give you a straw. We only caught 2 fish the whole time...the weather was cool and very rainy, except for yesterday. We had $3 Irish Car Bombs at Bowie's on St. Patricks Day, cheap Margaritas at Fat Mama's, Lemon flavored beer at King's Tavern, and penny poker machines at the casino. We painted the town red a few times.

Chinese Zodiac...

2006-03-03T16:07:00.000-05:00

I declare this the year of the....whore. We should all make a more pointed effort to be skanky, in our own ways. Whores are strong, resilient, and fun. They revel in their whoredom. Whores do not get along with any other sign, unless they are into bestiality. If you were born a whore, live up to your full potential, and be the best one ever.

Wouldn't it be nice if we could all be...

2006-03-03T16:03:00.000-05:00

in Barbados right now. Mom and Dad went down on Thursday for a long weekend. I am jealous. It is cold here, and probably 85 there. This was part of his Christmas present to Mom, so I am sure they will have tons of photos and some Rum when they get back...

Snow tease...

2006-02-19T22:47:00.000-05:00

This sporadic snow is such a tease. I just want it to snow 2 feet, and get it over with already! Nothing that was planned seemed to happen. I did not go skiing, and no Alabama for me. Mom and Dad were going to go to Barbados for the weekend, but they got delayed due to snow. They missed the connecting flight out of Charlotte, and just came home. Mom is about to finally start posting on her blog. Well I got a firm date on Daniel Hutchens arrival in Mexico City. I will be off to MEX on June 27th! Christine is planning to go too, so watch out Mexico. We will be added to another country's list of banned travellers! Just kidding, well only a little. We will probably travel seperate airlines, as I will take my usual route through Charlotte, and she will probably go through ATL. There is an old saying here in the south, You have to pass through Atlanta to go to Hell. Well I will have to pass through Charlotte, unless I redeem Skymiles to take THAT trip. Thanks American Express! I did get Erin to the airport this morning, and she is officially in Boise. I think they are going skiing tomorrow. I will have to pick her up at the airport in a limo with the cast I can imagine she will end up having after this...n

VD and my 100th Post!

2006-02-15T16:37:00.000-05:00

Well is that not just fun that my 100th post is wishing everyone a happy belated VD? I suppose everyone got candy and flowers. I got a gift card and chocolate from Mom. I must say that I am a little blase when it comes to Valentine's Day. I mean seriously, Hallmark has a great left hook here. If you don't go buy flowers, chocolate, etc. then you are not getting any on the 14th in return. Hallmark makes prostitution legal for one day, no paying up for cards, etc. No booty. I just find that amusing, and sad...mostly amusing. I also got a few martinis and a rose (from Christine). I may be zipping off to Birmingham, AL to meet up with Chris on Sunday, and going snow skiing with Christine and some folks on Saturday. All those depend on how busy I am with the business. I have to take Erin to the airport EARLY Sunday, since I might also be flying out at 6ish, so she can go to visit her sister in glamorous Boise, Idaho! I think they are going to ski too. If I can go on Saturday, I see myself spending more time at the bar than on the slopes, I'm just saying is all. I think things are looking good with buying the house down the street, what a move that will be. A red wagon pulling my stuff down 4 houses. I can see it now. Well, Happy 100th post everyone! n

Charlotte...

2006-02-13T14:57:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone is off to a good week! I had a fun weekend! Late Thursday night or early Friday morning, however you want to look at it, I realized I had nothing on my plate for Friday night. I sent Trent an email asking what was going on in Charlotte. He called the next morning and said come on over. I had planned to catch the last flight into CLT, but it was oversold. I realized I was going to have to fly in early and wait for him to get out of work. So I get a seat in front of this really abrasive redneck, he was rude to the flight attendant and everyone around him. This was before we even took off. The flight attendant told him that we would return to the gate if he didn't chill out. I am thinking, "Oh great. I have a stupid, drunk redneck who is going to try to open the emergency exit during flight." We managed to get there just fine. I slinked to a bar to wait. Let me just preface the following with this: My travels are never boring. No matter how short a distance I am going, I attract adventure. I am the electomagnet of pulling in sex, drugs, and rock and roll when I travel. I am without a doubt, your jetset partyboy. Ok, so I am sitting at the bar, and before I finished my second Scotch, I was being offered cannabis. I suppose I came across as a partyboy when you take into account the following things from appearance and conversation: flying into town for a night of fun, dressed in jetset dapper style, LV luggage, and those necessary BIG Chanel hangover-hiding sunglasses. Trent picked me up, and we went to his apartment. We hung out a bit, and went to a cool martini bar 1523 Loft. I missed my planned flight home, but easily changed it to the one 30 minutes later, which was delayed an hour when I got to the gate. I must say that I like hanging out in the airline lounges, but you never meet the interesting people there....it is different than the terminal bars. So watch out for me running through Charlotte trying to catch my next flight! n

Hung Up...

2006-02-10T03:11:00.000-05:00

Here is video remix of Madonna's song, which I love. If you like the ABBA sounding Madonna, then give the Techno ABBA Madonna a look...n

Hello to Shannon...

2006-02-08T03:47:00.000-05:00

Here is your shout out! That is not Shannon, Ireland by the way. Been there once, that was enough for me. Thanks for emailing me by the way. It was by chance that I opened that email, as I have been getting TONS of spam. I am removing my email link, but I am going to post it here. You will have to remove the extra character, etc. I want it visible, but not to those spam generators, as they have no manners when it comes to unsolicited requests for penile enlargement, which I don't need, thank you very much. #*$...NATE1879@yahoo.com#%$ I think you can figure it out. Two days into a three day hangover, and I am functioning rather well. I got an email from Daniel Hutchens last night. If you need a memory jog, he was the exchange student from the UK my senior year at Maryville College. Well he is spending a year traveling around the world, and is currently in Guangzhou. Mathilde (French exchange student from the same time) and I are planning to meet up with him for some fun in the sun in Mexico in about September or so. Speaking of MORE travels...some folks I know are planning their first Euro trip, and have asked me to join along, as I have a touch more travel experience than they do collectively. Ok, LOTS more. I may have to juggle a little to make it happen, or fly straight from Europe to meet Daniel and Mathilde in Mexico. Furthermore, the thought of spending half the time in Amsterdam's Red Light District is not that appealing to me. There is more to the city than hashish. This year will probably log me well over 100,000 flying miles it seems, Business/First class, of course. Remember folks, pick one airline, and stick to them. The miles add up, and next thing you know...you are taking a "free" trip to Tokyo. After the last couple of self-depricating posts, I am back to my haute self. Aren't you glad...N

Happy Day...

2006-02-04T16:55:00.000-05:00

You all have to remind me not post when I have been drinking. I forgot again, and got Cat all worked up. For the record, I do not want to be 18. I hope no person over 18 wants to be it again. Although I do feel I have an age hangup, as I talk about it all the time. I am rather certain about my hangups, but this is not the place for all that I suppose. Well all right, it boils down to being afraid of growing old alone or with the wrong person. I know, Mr. Independent, and I am worrying about something like that. So on a lighter note, I am driving a limo tonight for some high school "Winter Formal." Time to finish up "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." Take care, and I did not mean for the last post to generate strong feelings. Well you all should have fallen more deeply obsessed with me, but aside from that....have a good weekend. N

Everyone wants a change...(EDITED)

2006-02-03T00:58:00.000-05:00

It seems that a number of people I have talked to recently are looking for changes in their life. I know the feeling, but I wonder if this is a product of our generation? We are not settling into the long term careers of the previous generation, or a least, more likely to change paths several times along the way. Are we just bored, or are we wired differently than our parents? Has fight or flight become the mantra of our generation? Are we unhappy with what we have made for ourselves, are we just afraid of becoming our parents, or worse, are we afraid of commitment?

Erin is thinking of going to Europe to teach (go girl). Ashley is going to Germany for the entire summer to live in Frankfort, while living with an old friend (you won't come back). Chris is looking for employment in D.C. (you may stay here). Trent wants out of Charlotte (you know you love Maryville, and all of the oddities). Nick wants out of banking in Houston (can't blame him). Rebekah wants out of her entire life she has built for herself (at our age, responsibilities like you have seem overwhelming, but hang in there). Cat is frustrated with vet school (you only live once, so enjoy your time there more). I want out of here (I want to do something, but I know I am building a comfortable life for myself).

I thought for a while I could content myself with a moderately successful business here. Living a fun, easy, party life, but I get bored sometimes. It would be easier if I knew what I wanted, and honestly, I do. I think we are all having what Rebekah calls a "quarter life crisis," presuming I live to be 108. The freedom of adolescent ignorance, but we tend to forget that they are generally carefree because they have few responsibilities, no self-confidence, and little life experience. Madonna said it well, "Experience has made me rich, and now they're after me." Well, they might not be after me, but we've earned these wrinkles, good memories, bad memories, and the way to guide our future. What about our situations are we to do? As much as I complain about being "trapped," I would be crazy to think my life could be made easier selling all my things and living like a nomad in Prague or someplace. I would enjoy that, but it probably won't happen, as I tend to think those kind of things only work in movies. Enjoy the weekend...n

The Book Game...

2006-01-30T22:38:00.000-05:00

Borrowed from Naked Boy Chronicles:

Here are the rules:
1. Grad the nearest book.
2. Open to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the text of the next 3 sentences (#5,6,7) on your blog with these instructions.
5. Don't you dare dig for that "cool" or "intellectual" book in your closet! I know you were thinking about it. Just grab what is closest. No cheating.

I'm not scared anymore. They can't reach me. Just the words reach me, and those're fading.

From One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, by Ken Kesey.

Will probably need some roommates in May...

2006-01-30T20:34:00.000-05:00

Mom and Dad are thinking about buying the house down the street from me to use as a rental. I will move down there, and I am going to need some roomies. I am going to put up information at the International House on MC campus. The place will be rented by the room, and rent varies per person based on room and length of lease. I think 3, 6, 9, and 12 months will be offered to make it easier for students. Welcome to Nathan's frat house. I already know which room I want...the one with the fireplace, greenhouse, and outside access. Oh yeah, it's mine! If you need a place in Maryville, let me know. I don't need any crazy people, thanks, but I have my own problems.

I got my rejection email from Continental today. Life goes on. I expected it, so I am not really shocked...N

Lazy Sunday...

2006-01-29T14:42:00.000-05:00

Just got back from champagne brunch, and I want to nap. I woke up this morning in a panic. For some reason, I thought I had accidentally messed up the limo schedule, and a trip did not get done. I know I was dreaming about the business right before I woke up, so I guess it slipped over into my blurry half-awake mind. I am still trying to figure this out, but I think it was just exhaustion. Well I have made plans to go to Natchez, Mississippi the third weekend in March for an Antebellum slow southern trip. We will be going to a lake cabin, drinking beer, and fishing. I would imagine libations will abound. Picture this: To Wong Foo Thanks for Everything Julie Newmar, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, Ya Ya Sisterhood, Gone with the Wind, Steel Magnolias, and Fried Green Tomatoes all rolled into one. Natchez, Mississippi. I will get in touch with my deep southern roots. No cell phone service, no ATM, no computer, no pretense. I am excited.

I think Mom, Daniel, and I are going to take a day trip on Friday. Not sure where...n

Thanks for the free ticket to Houston, LOSERS...

2006-01-27T12:41:00.000-05:00

Well. well, well....well, well, well. What can I say? Hummmm. There is an airline out there that can just go BANKRUPT for all I care now, unless they do happen to call me back, which in that case, they can wait about 6 months. In all honesty, because that's my nature, I am probably NOT going to get called back. That is ok, I can handle rejection. I just hope my interviewer NEVER gets a line of her own, and works flights between Houston and Cheyenne, Wyoming for the rest of her life. I am just kidding, not serious...ok...well...maybe a little bit...alright, I am totally serious, and bitter.

Actually, I felt I gave the best interview I could, but heck y'all, that was my first real interview. I have interviewed before, like when my cousin and I had this bet in college to see who could work at Wendy's the longest...she won. I pretended I didn't know how to do anything. I was evil. They told me to MOP the bathrooms one day, and I said, "What is that?" They looked at me like I suddenly had a third eye or something and said, "What do you mean?" I said, "What is mopping?" I got the whole, "You don't know what mopping is? How don't you know? Let me show you...." That was my excuse for everything 'I don't know how.' So after explaining they said, "You have never mopped?" My evil reply, "Oh, why no. I thought that was only something our maid was supposed to do. You don't have a maid or a cleaning lady here?" I thought they were going to SHIT themselves from the shock of my 'ignorance' or maybe my arrogance. Anyway, I lasted about 6 weeks, if I recall, and I only worked like 7 hours a week. Mostly standing in the back cutting tomatoes or toasting buns, yes they actually have that person, or maybe it was just me. I was still a strict vegetarian at the time, and one day they made me cook those hamburgers...I thought I was going to PUKE on the grill. I only got to do the window once. At the end of the shift I had way more money than I was supposed to have had, that was actually a mistake, I was not trying to cheat anyone, but it was busy....and apparently I could not count that day.

So anyway, where was I. Oh yes, so this was my first interview for a job I thought might be fun, or at least for a little while. Well, until someone pissed me off, and I had use my impeccable manners, tactfulness, and charm to tell them off in such a way that they were thanking me for setting them straight. On a positive note, I met some really interesting people. Shout out to Nick, Ramon, Kellie, and Francisco. Houston was not the FAT, pretentious displays of money city I thought it would be....it was worse. I ventured into the city during my huge break after the interview, and I found out some fun facts. There is a transit system that kind of jumps out in the street randomly (be careful). It looks surprisingly like the TGV or Eurostar. In the caste system of Houston, there is an "inner loop" and "outside the loop," which are definitions of the good and not-so-good addresses you want to have on your monogrammed stationery. I may go back for a visit to check out the night life.

EDIT: Yesterday afternoon I had lunch with Cat. We rode on the equestrian team in college together...and raised a little hell with those prudish girls. Actually we were normally informed we had to be on good behavior since we were so pervy. Well Cat is now superficial! No, well, a little, and I LOVE it! She is a fashionista. Girl is all about shoes. So we went shoe shopping. Nothing gets you over the pain of being rejected by an airline like buying 4 pairs of shoes! I remembered how much fun it is to hang out with her...we must do it more often!

Last night I went up to a party Michel was having, my Peruvian friend up the street. To get on with my life I felt it was necessary to snort marijuana, shoot up pills, and smoke acid...wait no that was a crazy dream from the day before. No, I just had a few drinks. *Sidenote: Maybe they googled me, and found out what a crazy person I am. That could have scared them enough to say, "Put that freak on a plane back to Maryville!" All is not lost, I have a managable haircut, whiter teeth, and a happy liver...n

I should be sleeping right now...

2006-01-24T23:24:00.000-05:00

I have to wake up at 5am to get to the airport for my flight to Houston for the flight attendant interview. You all know how I am a night owl, and NOT a morning person. I have to sleep though, usually I just stay up all night when I have an early flight, but I should not go to the interview looking like I went out and tied one on all night. I had a great lunch today at Copper Cellar with my OLD friend Melina. We talked about what all is current, and then laughed about old times...plus our 10 year reunion is next year. Am I going? ABSOLUTELY! I want to see who is fat, married, remarried, remarried again, has a litter of kids, has let themselves go, and just to show how FABULOUS I still am.....no, how MUCH MORE FABULOUS I am. It would be nice if I now said, "Oh, I am only joking," but in reality, I am serious.

An update on my interview preparations: (scale of 1-5, 1 being didn't happen and 5 FABULOUS)
Detox - 4 (I drank a few the other night, but overall good work by me)
Teeth Whitening - 5 (My teeth look like they are 17 years old. I even had some chick at a fast food place ask me to smile again! To be honest, about all I have done for 9 days is bleach my teeth. I will be a little shocked if a few don't fall out during the interview.)
Hair - 5 (It is gone, and I love it! I will be conservative for the interview, but I can wear a mean fauxhawk now!)
ZIT - 3 (We battled. I won, but it is slow on the retreat. Nothing like it was, but oh well.)
Preparedness for questions - 5 (I am witty and charming anyway. If they don't like what I say, well I am going to be honest, that's my nature.)

I should know something about 15 hours from now. I will let you all know...n

...Gone today...

2006-01-21T18:06:00.000-05:00

My hair is GONE! I still managed to keep more than I expected, but folks, my hair is in a plastic bag...10 inches of it! I am loving the new 'do. It is what the woman called a "short British style," which I think really means "Beatle-esque." I am getting all ready for my interview trip out to Houston on Wednesday. Hair cut (+++), bleaching teeth to wipe away years of chain smoking (++), drinking lots of water to clear out the booze (1/2 +), and getting rid of the horrible ZIT on my left cheek that is a throwback to adolescence, although not really, as I NEVER had acne then, and I could count the number of zits I have had on one hand (---). Am I bitter? Well...maybe...ABSOLUTELY! With the haircut I look younger, and they will probably say, "Son, would you tell your father he is ready for the interview?" To which I will say, "Daaaaaling, I'm here. Could you hold my cigarette? Please keep the Martini chilled, and if you have a minute, run down to the store and get more olives." This will only be my second "real" interview ever. The first one was a bust. It was for some lame corporate office job, without travel nonetheless, and I got up and left the interview. Who wants to sit in front of a computer speaking Spanish to poor people about problems outside of their control? If I really wanted that, I could get a job at any old Mexican restaurant :) Anyway, here is my chance to shine. If I don't get the vibe when I arrive and mill about a bit, I am going back to the airport and get into a comfortable first class drinking binge and going to Vegas to celebrate. If I do get the job, then I will be happy, and board the economy seat they gave me back to Knoxville in a confined alcoholic euphoria with a touch of "how the hell am I going to get everything accomplished before training" state of mind. I will keep you posted...n

How to spot a jetsetter...

2006-01-19T01:52:00.000-05:00

When you are stuck in an airport, you may sometimes wonder, "How do I spot a jetsetter? What do they do? What are they like?" Well gather around children, I will tell you how you spot them, what they do, and what they are like.

First, and foremost, we are not talking about the nouveau riche or celebs here. We are talking about our dear Ladies and Gentlemen Jetsetters. If your mental picture was of Paris Hilton, well my dear dear, you are rather off the mark.

L & G Jets, as you may wish to call them, are much more well mannered than that. You would never find one of us wearing sweat pants or gym clothes anywhere, but in the gym. We don't have people chasing us with their camera, as we tend to stave off unwanted attention by being less objectifiable. I will speak mostly of "G Jets," as I am one, and it is easier than going into L Jets too. If you must know how to spot them, leave a comment, and I will give away their secret too.

G Jets are one thing above all else, they are Gentlemen, remember the G does not stand for gregarious, and as such, they are often found minding their own business stewing up glamorously devilish and gentlemenly things to do once they reach their destination. We, G Jets, are found wearing at least smart, snappy casual up to white-tie formal...one may have to hop straight from the airplane into a limousine headed for the opera. Our carry-on luggage, which is the only luggage we carry, as Gentlemen would not burden others, especially if said Gentleman is a Jetsetter and knows the perils of this suitcase, but also of the kind and underpaid person loading luggage. If you require more than a carry-on, we would assume you are actually moving to a new city or taking a long weekend to a remote part of the world that does not sale anything you might need. From time to time, we pull a roll-aboard (a carry-on with wheels), but Gentlemen prefer to carry their luggage, hence the term "CARRY-ON." Think rolling suitcase...moving van...you get the picture. One can easily use UPS or FedEx to mail ahead those extra things. If you can't fit it inside the cabin, it ain't going.

As we are most often found lurking toward the First Class cabin, we exhibit our excessively ornamented nature toward travel extravaganza, the carry-on bag itself. We actually enjoy custom luggage, our great-grandparents luggage (Lord knows it doesn't have wheels), or something a little flashier, Louis Vuitton. That is the biggest G Jet giveaway. You spot a young gentleman wearing a nice tailored suit (the style will be European, and not at all mistaken for the young businessman), dark sunglasses (to hide the fun from the glamorous night before), and his finely tailored carry-on; people you have witnessed a G Jet in his natural habitat.

We wait patiently aside, as the gate agent has enough to deal with without us. We will make calls to firm up plans, but we NEVER talk so loudly that everyone knows them. We agree moderation is so very overrated, but we would not offend our fellow passengers. You will find us boarding at the end, as who really wants to be bumped into while other passengers are trying to make their way to the back. Do not fear, we still have time for one, maybe two, libations prior to takeoff. If someone is in our seat, we simply take another. Altercations may be fine in a bar, but not on an airplane. The drinks are just as cold on the other side of the aisle. As you would expect, we are mannerly above all else. I, on a personal note, being a Southern G Jet, have manners and charm that are slightly different, yet equally gentlemanly as compared to my NYC counterpart. This is where things can get hairy. If there is a pack of L & G Jets taking a Mayflower trip, then it is possible the airplane may become absent of Vodka, so please do not become angry with the nice flight attendant. We apologize in advance, please accept our invitation to the Club Lounge after landing, for a drink on us. If we are alone, we are most often reading, thinking, or imbibing. We try not to make you move, as we like our window seats, but sometime even our jetsetting bladders need a respite. We will be more than happy to pick you up a drink on the way back, as a token of our appreciation.

We have come to accept the fact that our lifestyle finds us frequently in airports, so we do not complain about things that can't be changed. Security is annoying, food is bad (except Sbarro), restrooms are gross (although there is always someone in there cleaning), and there is a LOT OF WAITING. I think one has personal control over their environment, so you can allow yourself to be frustrated, or allow it to become fun, i.e. I personally spend my waiting time at a bar reading and/or drinking. I do not place any ill words toward the security, the restaurants, restrooms, or the bore of waiting. I entertain myself my friends. I am rather old fashioned, and I am not really interested in gadgets, so I usually read novels. I do not like to listen to music, and would not have a clue as to how to play a video game, while waiting around others. This is fine if you do, but please keep the volume off.

Speaking of volume...children. We love children, they keep us young don't they, although I don't think I could eat a whole one, and I like them more when I can speak to them for just a minute and then when nature calls, someone else answers. Even as a "y G Jet" (young Gentleman Jetsetter), I was raised with the manners to mind my own business, and speak when spoken to by adults. Tantrums are reserved for the other jetset, the Paris Hilton type. They often fly private, whereas we love the interaction of commercial travel. As we mind our manners.

Manners. We light ladies cigarettes in bars that still allow one to smoke. Thank you bars that still allow smoking, we know who you are, and we love you. We buy our guests and ladies their drinks. We don't discuss religion, politics, or sports with people we don't know. We are fountains of knowledge, and we prefer to leave those aforementioned topics to be discussed with people we know...as our mothers and grandmothers told us we should. *Sidenote: This may be more of a Southern G Jet thing. As I have personally spoken with other G Jets who insisted upon broaching these subjects. This "S G Jet" responded and forged on with the conversation, with the underlying current being that the subject was changed as quickly as possible. A gentleman would never question the manners of another, as this is the EPITOME of RUDENESS. An alarm would have sounded, storm troopers would have fallen from the sky, and I would have been politely asked to relinquish my "S G Jet" first class ticket, luggage, and glamorous life for breaking the NUMBER ONE RULE OF TRAVEL...manners. I would then be forced to pull my large suitcase onto airplanes, have my fridge and case of booze packed in my checked luggage (what is that?) thrown around, and worst of all, be seated in MIDDLE SEATS FOREVER!

Be a Gentleman or Lady when you travel. You may not be going to the same glamorous parties we are when you get off the airplane, but your jealousy does not excuse bad manners. If you think jealousy is a basis for bad manners, then you are wrong. There is nothing about not being a Jetsetter that impacts conduct, and conduct is the judge of manners. Even if you can not choose to be one of us, you can always choose your conduct, as people of conduct are always thinking of the well being of others. That is the definition, as far as I am concerned, of a Gentleman. He is one who makes those around him as comfortable as possible, and that is all my friends. Queen Victoria had the ruler of India over to a state dinner in England. He was unfamiliar with fingerbowls. He picked his up and started to drink from it. As we all know, that is not the purpose of them, but would she dare tell him? NO, she softly picked hers up, and drank from it too. Bear all these points in mind folks, and I just might invite you to a GLAMOROUS Jetsetting event. I send you my love and hope for good fortunes...N

The more things change...

2006-01-16T11:07:00.000-05:00

Airplanes have changed, but the people inside them have not. 50 years ago you could look out the window or read a book or sleep or think. You were also free to be very bored. Now the cloud-watchers can still watch, the readers can still read, the sleep-deprived can still sleep, and you are still free to think whatever you like, even of nothing. You can most certainly still be very bored.

It is recommeded that you eat plenty of carbs on long haul flights, as the cabin pressure is equal to about 7500ft altitude, and the carbs, along with LOTS of water, make the jet lag transition easier. Those sound like great ideas for the business travel crowd, but I don't do any of those. We jetsetters do the opposite. We eat the food, drink lots of booze, and plot our next adventure from the higher quality air in First Class (or Business if First is full). So get away from that window seat...we have some cloud watching to do.

Where has all the heat gone???

2006-01-14T23:57:00.000-05:00

Man it is cold here! I am ready for a warm weather destination! Next weekend may be the perfect time to do a day trip out to Las Vegas. By the way, if you have not noticed, I am updating the look and content of the blog. It has been a year and a half, I thought it was a little stale. I wanted to change the whole look, but it erases your settings...so I am too lazy to try and figure all that stuff out again.

I have been thinking that the airline job may not be where I should be focusing my attention right now. I think I want to, and should, point my energy into doubling revenue for the business this year. I will admit I had gotten bored with it, you all know how I get tired of things when they don't challenge me. I have decided that I can spice things up again if I get us busier. I am always faced with the idea lurking in the back of my head, "When are you going to get that Masters degree?" I am yearning for some intellectual stimulation. I want to take photography with Stan this spring, I need to refresh my Spanish in the worst way, and I am itching to try to learn the basics of another language...I am thinking Portuguese or Italian. I can do those things while reaping some financial benefits too.

Luz Pulpeiro, my old Business professor from Venezuela, emailed me the other day. She asked me a question that I usually blow off with a random answer, but she got me to thinking. She said (translating and paraphrasing), "I know what you are doing now, but what do you want to do in the grand scheme of things?" Well I have not replied to her because I don't honestly know how to answer that. I know I would LIKE to eventually get a Ph.D. I know eventually I would LIKE to teach college. You get the point. There are lots of things I would LIKE to do, but I do not know what I WANT to do with what is left with my life. Sometimes I think I am squandering what little time I have, in the big picture, to simply humor myself in the present. I have no 5 year plan, hell I do not even have a 6 month plan...I am not one of those people. Maybe I should be, but I am most certainly NOT. I sometimes envy those people a little, but then I look at my own directionless life, and I think, "Nathan, this really isn't so bad, is it?" And really people, am I one of those white picket fence, 2.3 kids, minivan people anyway? HELL NO I AM NOT! I am always 2 days into a 3 day hangover, living by the minute, and raising hell while speading a little of it into everyone's life everyday. I am the one who find people saying they are doing things they don't usually do, say, etc. around me. I am the bad influence in people's lives, the little devil on their shoulder, if you will, and that is what I think I want to do long term. Brighten people's day by having brightened my own through my sordid misadventures that give me quirky stories, memory lapses followed by frightening detailed realizations of lurid and laughable misfortunes, and by just being me. So Luz, here is the answer to your question, I doubt I will be conventionally successful, but by my own standards (discovered from YEARS of self-doubt, self-deprication, and general unhappiness) I have started to become happy with myself, and admit it to myself (for the first time in my life)...and I will continue to do so every day, with ups and downs, of course, but that is what I plan to do with my life and it is my success story. By the way, just a little note of thanks and appreciation Luz, you were one of those people that saw into me good, and wonderful things in my future, at a time when I could see nothing I liked about myself. As you said, I too remember you well, and always will. Thank You...un gran abrazo...Nathan

Hair today...

2006-01-12T04:26:00.000-05:00

Here is a picture of me from Halloween (pre Willy Wonka), but I look the same. Soon Mom and I will be cutting our hair for "Locks of Love." They make wigs for children with cancer. I decided to do this after Erin (London) was diagnosed, and Mom thought it was a good idea to donate her hair too. So this is my look, but not for much longer. I don't even remember what I looked like with short hair...n

Look y'all...pictures...

2006-01-12T03:18:00.000-05:00

I just figured out how to put a picture in a post! So you may want to go and look over some old posts, as I am going to a pics! This is me at La Louvre 14 Oct 2005. We had just arrived into Paris from London via the Eurostar the night before. I was EXHAUSTED, if my face doesn't show that I had slept about 5 hours over 3 days. Sending my love...n

Do you have a SECRET?

2006-01-10T01:13:00.000-05:00

Check out this website. It is called PostSecret, and it is right here on Blogger. p.s. I took this photo, but I messed around with it...kind of looks cool, no?

Happy Birthday 2 me...

2006-01-08T17:24:00.000-05:00

I am 27. There, I said it, I am 27. It sounds so blah, and so near 30. I have resolved to make 27 as glamorous as possible though. I plan to travel like the mad man I am. I started with the family birthday trip on the 5th. We had plans to go to San Juan, Puerto Rico, but well know how planning birthday vacations work with the Higdon family. The airplane out of Knoxville had mechanical problems, etc. so we missed the 2 flights out of Charlotte to San Juan. We decided to go somewhere "warm" instead....Ft. Lauderdale. The warm thing is kind of funny, as there was a random cold front that moved in (followed us) and it was colder than it had been in some time down there. So much for sun, swimming, and beach bumming. It was more of wear a jacket and drink to stay warm. Thursday night was crazy! I somehow ended up hanging out with these crazy Norweigans all evening. My night finished at a place called Scores...a strip club. I always have the craziest things happen when I travel. Well I got my first class seat roundtrip 2F down on the 757, and 1D on the return 737-300. I was supposed to be in 1F, the window seat, but some big woman was parked there...I am not a fan of confrontation when you are going to be in a confined tube blasting through the air for an hour and a half...so I just took her aisle seat. I always get irritated when someone steals a window seat, and then does not even look outside. Anyway, drank a few martinis down there, had Mexican lasagne, tried Conch for the first time (fried and in a Gumbo), and eat some yummy shrimp. I got an email from Continental Airlines about the job I just applied for last week---keep the fingers crossed....n

My airline fetish...

2006-01-04T01:17:00.000-05:00

For those of you who would like to see the nerdy airline stuff I read, here is an example. Enjoy...if you can...n

Happy New Year...

2006-01-01T17:51:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year everyone! I got to see the ball drop at Katie's house. There were a few people over, as I was taking a break from driving a limousine. It was a little sad, but good to see OLD Dick Clark on there. I will be 27 on 8 January, and he has been a part of every 31 December in my life. You could tell he was thrilled to be there, and he has probably been getting ready for this for over a year...so it was good. This year is off to a fun start, I am interested to see what will happen.

I would assume some of you have seen the movie Pay it Forward, well I have not, but I did just that the other day, I paid it forward. I had 2 first class upgrades on US Airways, which could be used to upgrade ANY fare ticket domestically. They are called Space Positive, meaning that if there is a seat up there period, it is yours. As I have not needed them, for various reasons, I had just been sitting on them. The expiration date was 31 December 2005, and I had been trying to find someone to use them. As most of you know, I am a BIG airplane nerd. I read lots of airline related sites, and have a wealth of USELESS airplane knowledge. So anyway, one of my regular sites I lurk upon had a wonderful post. In case you do not want to read it, here is a synopsis. Delta , along with most airlines, open their first class lounges to active military personnel during the holidays. People were mentioning different things to do to thank them during Christmas. Well I really felt moved, so I decided to take a day trip, and find 2 soldiers to give upgrades. Yes I do not agree with the Middle East occupation, but this is not about politics, it is about the men and women putting their lives at risk so I can sit here and rant. Yes it is their job (they volunteered), but they are also doing something that I am not willing to do, and I respect and understand that. So anyway, back to the story, on the 30th I headed to the airport. Originally Daniel and I were going to Tampa for the day, but he overslept, so I decided to go somewhere myself. I had not game plan, other than find those 2 soldiers. So I land in Charlotte and I am on a mission. I am doing my recon work trying to scope out some military uniforms, but after an hour I am not finding ANY soldier ANYWHERE. I plop down at my usual bar over in terminal C just down from C8, Phillips Seafood, they will usually let you smoke without ordering. I decide that at 8:00am I need a Bailey's and Coffee (Double Shot for $2 more!), and I need to decide where I want to go. I decide on Pittsburgh, and a loop through the hubs, which I would have a better chance at giving out those upgrade passes that were currently bookmarks in "A Clockwork Orange," (my current travel read). The guy beside me starts chatting and tells me he is going to Boston to visit family, and how he buys tickets from Priceline, etc. I say, "Wouldn't you love to just ride in first class to Boston," and he says, "I can't afford that, but I sure would like to." Robin Hood swoops through the smoke filled bar and slids an upgrade pass over to him and says, "Well, now you can." He was beside himself. It felt good, oh it felt really good to do something nice for someone I had never met. I just told him that he had to do something nice for someone else. He headed to check-in and slipped the bartender a $20.00 tip...not a bad start. Then some flamboyant woman came in, we chatted, and I headed to my gate. The plane was downgraded, so I lost my first class seat :( , but I still made it on the plane! Off to mystical Pittsburgh. I was trying to figure out where to go next the whole flight, nothing spoils the mood like being stuck in a middle seat in coach between 2 large people. I just didn't even like the place before we landed. I get on the phone and find a flight to Philly leaving 30 minutes after landing, I realize I have a good chance of first class (even though it is only a 40 min flight), so I got it and seat 3F was so much better than 84939ZZ. In Philly I had so many options of places to go, but Erin called and asked if I wanted to hang out later, so I decide to make my way to Knoxville....not straightaway, as I still had one pass, and no time to pass it out if I caught the direct flight to Knoxvegas. Listed my flight like 15 minutes before departure, the gate agent was pissy because she could not find my listing...blah,blah,blah...coach again as punishment. I spot my seat and it is exit row!!! She wasn't that mad at me I guess. I feel nap time coming, that is until, Tyrone and Shacronda pull out their ghetto picnic basket and start eating, correct that LOUDLY devouring chitlin sandwiches and hot wings, along with their contraband booze. I thought I was going to puke, not only from their manners, but the HORRID smell of the "food" they apparently loved so much. Saving grace, the cabin crew was the same I had to Philly. The purser stopped by and asked why I was in the back this time. I said it was a last minute change, and this was the only seat...he slipped me some booze, since I FORGOT ;) to bring my own. Back in Charlotte, I managed to sleep the majority of the flight, thanks Finlandia! I head back to my bar in C concourse, even though I am flying out of E (you can't smoke in Fox Lounge in E, am I bitter, absolutely). I chit chat with a drunk crack whore sitting in the seat beside my usual bar stool. She was a riot! Missing teeth, mental illnesses, and DRUNK. She tells me about how she missed her flight the day before because, well, she was drunk and they would not let her board. I am seeing a pattern in her life here. I order a Vodka tonic, and she leans over and say, "Make it a double for $2, I did." No kidding. Well we talked for a bit, and then she slinked off to try and board her flight. There was a lady sitting a few seats down who had been there reading. When crack whore left, we kind of looked at one another, and I said something like, "I'm not with her." We chatted, and I found out she had missed an earlier flight due to her watch...she just wanted to get back to Miami. She said she was standby, and there were a few coach seats and several first class...and she just wanted to get home. I said, "Well, now you can." Robin Hood swooped in again. I could see that she was moved, and we talked for a minute before I told her I had to go. I also requested that she "do something nice for someone else." She said of course, and I replied, "there but by the grace of God, go I." Here I am now. I did not help a soldier, I did not solve world peace or cure a disease, but I think that "I done good." I don't go for New Year's resolutions, but I will break from that and resolve to "do gooder" this year. I must be getting older because things that were once important seem a little more trivial now, and experience, from mistakes and intention, has made me a little more selfless. I send you all my love and hope for a blessed and prosperous year for each of you...n

A New Year is upon us...

2005-12-28T16:02:00.000-05:00

Hey all! I am excited about the upcoming year. I plan to travel like a fool this year! I have my lodging arranged in Madrid, so I am think a good hostess gift would be a good bottle of Moet & Chandon or Veuve Clicquot...any comments? My birthday trip may change a little, I am not really finding any hotels in Puerto Rico, there must be some event in town. I am kind of thinking about Santo Domingo, D.R. Do any of you know anything about it, aside from the continual Haitian unrest. Otherwise, I am just trying to get all the business paperwork in order for the end of the year, which is not really that fun. Scott is having a New Year party, so I will probably be there. I had wanted to zip down to Miami tomorrow, but all the holiday travellers are filling the flights...boo hiss. I probably need to stay around town anyway. If any of you want postcards from my trips, send me your address, as I don't buy gifts. I travel way too light for gift buying, unless you want me to mail it, and I do not really care to put that much time into it. Take care...n

Natal entitlements...

2005-12-27T00:38:00.000-05:00

Dio, thanks for posting. Feel free to do it often. Now that you mention it, my birthday will be spent with the pomp and glamour I like...because kids, if someone gives you something...well naturally, it means you are supposed to have it. I am going to Puerto Rico for a few fun sunny days on the beach with the family, shout out to the family, and then home to unpack and repack....I am then going to Madrid for the weekend. Now don't go getting all jealous, as I still have to convince someone to host me for the weekend. I will be going, space available, of course, business class to Madrid, and obviously first to Puerto Rico, as I am not inclined to sit in a torture chamber for 4, let alone, 8 to Europe. I am in the beginning stage of planning trips to San Fran, L.A., Germany, France, Italy, and Mexico in the upcoming 8ish months. I am sure I will throw in a few day trips to Miami and NYC in between.

On a sad note, Penelope died. For those of you who don't know, Penelope is my car. Actually come to think of it, if you drink a soda in the next few weeks, you may be drinking from her. She died a quick death, and I have sent her to the scrap yard. She had enough miles to have gone around our fair planet about 14 times (around the Equator). Who knows what is next? Maybe a Jaguar or Mercedes, I will keep you posted. I find it hard to let go of something that I have had for 10ish years. Well...take care...n

Merry Christmas...

2005-12-25T22:18:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone has had a wonderful day. Maybe you got what you wanted, and maybe you didn't. The point is having a day of rest and reflection. Maybe your family was great, but maybe they got on your nerves...just remember that one day they won't be there to do so, which means be thankful while they are. Have a super week, and remember my birthday is 2 weeks from today! :)

Disco Christmas Party...

2005-12-18T22:01:00.000-05:00

Last night was the 232 Clarion "Disco Christmas Party," if you were not there...you suck. Here is a photo of the slim and trim Aja Rodriguez "Bootylicious." Disco music, champagne punch, and egg nog flowed ALL night. I think it was a success, and fun to boot. One day when I finally take the time to download my pics onto the computer, I will post some. Chirstmas has kind of slipped up on me this year...by the way, where has this year gone? My birthday is coming up in 2 1/2 weeks, and I feel like it was yesterday. Inching closer to 30. Today is mostly a recovery day, so I will write again later...n

Mickey Country...

2005-12-12T13:56:00.000-05:00

Well y'all, I went on an excursion yesterday. I was supposed to wake up and catch the 5:30a flight with Dad, Mom, Daniel, Elizabeth, and Teresa to Charlotte....well I didn't wake up. About 8:45ish Mom calls and says that if I am staying in town I should watch the dog. Mom, Dad, and Teresa are off to St. Thomas, Virgin Islands for the weekend. Daniel, Elizabeth, and I were going to Orlando for the day. Well I hem and haw around....then I bolt out of bed. I rush over to prep the limo, make sure the directions for Tracy are good, walk Jasper, and haul butt to the airport. While I am running inside, I list myself for the flights on the phone...I have 25 minutes til departure. I print my boarding pass and rush to security---Knoxville is never really that long, only for the early business people rush in the morning and evening---I must keep in mind the 10:25a flight to Charlotte as it was very open and the lines were short. I guess the turboprop scares off some people, overall I am surprised at people's fear of them, as they are overall safer in the event of an engine or two failure. At this point, no one realizes I am coming to Orlando. They are all assuming I am staying in Maryville...realized I could get down there just as they were waiting to board the plane home, and I was just going to turn around and come back with them. I get to Charlotte and as we land I turn on my phone just as Daniel was calling and he says they are at MGM studios...and asks if I could do some errand, but I say no I am on my way down and should be there about 2pm. We decide to push our flight back to the 6:45p (last one to CLT). I got first class to Orlando on a 757-200, just me and 6 others people up front boozing it. Gather around kids, grandpa has a story for you, FIRST CLASS is the ONLY WAY TO TRAVEL! Now granted, I got it at a huge discount, shouldn't say how much, but it was recouped by the few drinks and snacks I had. Plus, the class envy is just hilarious. Seeing the looks you get walking to and from the front of the plane amuse me. Got to Orlando and had lunch. We drove around a bit, and then back to the airport. Well Daniel and Elizabeth flew coach down, and since there were only 2 seats up front returning, they went up there. I did get a comfy exit row seat though in coach back to Charlotte! They slipped me some booze, so all was not lost. Overall the trip was a blast, and hanging out with Daniel and Elizabeth was fun. UT graduation is this coming weekend, so I don't think I am going anywhere. A fun trip will happen again soon...n

I need a break from NYC...

2005-12-07T16:26:00.000-05:00

Well I am back...Here are some of my cohorts in crime...I had a blast...too much fun actually. I am glad to not be in jail, and back in Maryville. Mom and Dad are off to St. Thomas this weekend, lucky them! I think Daniel and I are ONLY going to take a day trip on Friday to somewhere warm...maybe Miami. My weekend was a blast, but I do not want a public record of it...so email me if you want to know...In other news, Mom is driving the Miller Lite Girls tonight for a promotional gig. That will be an interesting trip for her...n

Another reason for y'all to hate me...

2005-11-30T18:52:00.000-05:00

the jetsetter is off again this weekend. I am returning to NYC to do a little Christmas shopping...and maybe some autogifting. Chris is going up there and they have a hotel...so why not go back? I think a little first class 36 hour trip should do the trick, as I am a little depressed that the year has flown by so quickly, and nothing makes you feel better than spending money on frivolous things. I think I will leave Saturday afternoon and return Sunday night or Monday morning. Otherwise my life is a bore. I just try to figure out where I should go next, while trying to run a business. Remember that Christmas is here...dinner and a limo are good for someone who has it all...n

NYC was COLD...

2005-11-29T16:19:00.000-05:00

Mom, Dad, and I had a blast in the Big Apple over the weekend. We went to Rockefeller Center and saw the tree. We did not ice skate because we were freezing. We perused China Town. Oh yes, we bought some "not-authentic" merchandise. I am the proud owner of a Louis Fauxton wallet and duffle bag. Mom has a Goochy wallet and purse, Fauxton wallet and purse, and something else I think. We met Stan on Saturday and went to Soho, East Village, Bowery, etc. Dinner was at an Asian restaurant. We all had mojitos and wine, along with wonderful pumpkin soup and crab cakes, followed by great entrees. I had the trout, which still sported it's scales and head...it caught me a little off guard. We then went to Time Square, as all good tourists do. We then headed to the hotel so we could catch our 6AM flight to Philly!! We all know I am not a morning person, so this really blew, but it was our only sure way of making it back to Knoxville. Non-reving on a holiday weekend shocks me that we actually made it in together on the flights we "wanted." Mom almost got left behind from LaGuardia to Philly, but the force was with her....so she got to fly the puddle jumper with us. Got home and slept...we were home by 10:30am...it felt like 10:30pm! I may be going back up to "the city" again this weekend to Christmas shop. Who knows? If anyone has any requests, please let me know...soon...n

Winter is here kids...

2005-11-22T16:50:00.000-05:00

It is cold, cold, cold outside my dear friends...much like your heart. I am beginning to dislike winter more and more every year. Thanksgiving is in a few days, Christmas is around the corner, then the New Year, and then the most spectacular event of the year...my birthday (8 January) in case you forgot...start saving now. Mom, Dad, and I are going to NYC this Friday through Sunday. Stan is going to show us around---Louis Fauxtons, Rolox, and Channel sunglasses for everyone! China Town here we come. So hope that we do not get snowed in or anything such as that. I had a great weekend. You will have to email me for the lowdown on my lowlife...n

Flying the friendly skies...

2005-11-12T16:29:00.000-05:00

Hey y'all. United Airlines is hiring flight attendants, and I am sending in my resume. I really want on the international flights obviously. They are needing them for their Washington, D.C. and Chicago bases. The applications are being accepted via email starting tomorrow, so I am polishing my resume. Keep your fingers crossed. I think this would be something fun and different, yet surprisingly similar to serving tables. I will keep you posted...n

Happy HALF century Mom...

2005-11-04T22:10:00.000-05:00

Well today is Mom's 50th Birthday! Yeah! So the two of us went on a little trip to celebrate. I made us reservations at Tavern on the Green in NYC, and we flew up there this morning. We had lunch and walked from 72nd to 26th street.....I do not recommend doing this! The trip was fun and I am tired. Post more later...n

Home again...

2005-10-20T23:34:00.000-04:00

Well there is no place like home. Actually there are a lot of redneck hick towns, but anyway...me back. So here are the rest of the details. We flew out Monday afternoon, Business class, of course, and as we were landing in Charlotte, Dad said he did not want to go home. After landing and clearing customs, we ran and booked ourselves on a flight to Ft. Myers for 2 days in the sun. Well I left there nothing short of being blistered. I still hurt, but it is turning brown. I made the flight out of Ft. Myers (Mom and Dad were stuck there another 6 hours). In Charlotte, I missed the flight to Knoxville because it was overbooked and finally made it home after waiting around 2 hours. I realized that the only souvenirs I have are shells I collected at the beach, and a gnarly sunburn, which I think will leave me awkwardly tanned for a long time. I am eagerly awaiting my next trip. I really did not want to come back to my normal life. I thought about getting on a plane back to Europe, but then I realized I am broke, so I came home....n

In London...again...

2005-10-16T13:05:00.000-04:00

Ok y'all. We were supposed to go on a week holiday to Italy. That started to fall through when we could not get out of Knoxville onto a flight to Philly due to weather. We decided to take a flight via Charlotte to London. We arrived in London, and I thought we could get a cheap flight to Rome via one of those low cost carriers. I thought wrong. I was going to cost something like 3 grand. We quickly cancelled all our plans in Italy and decided to take the Eurostar to Paris for a few days. We were telling the train agent when we were booking that it was Daniel's birthday and we were experiencing problem after problem. She gave us Business class passes to the lounge, which we used. By the way, Business class "across the pond" was very nice. I enjoyed actually have room to sleep and all the booze. There is nothing like a long flight and arriving refreshed. We arrived in Paris without a hotel and somehow came into one near Montparnasse. We had a blast in Paris, I took the family on a rapid one day tour of Paris. They saw all the major sights, etc. We trained back to London yesterday. I am in an internet cafe while they are on a sightseeing bus around town. I actually have to meet up with them very soon...so I am hurrying. We are flying out tomorrow, a day early, as Daniel wants to make sure he gets back for work. Next time we do an international trip we will just wing it. There is my update, and I will be back home (supposedly) at 4:45pm tomorrow afternoon. Cheers...Nathan

If you are a frequent United flyer...

2005-09-04T23:23:00.000-04:00

If you frequently fly United Airlines economy class, you must do this for yourself. Check out the option of purchasing an Economy Plus package here. They range from $299 up to $749, and the top one is the best deal if you make a number of flights because you get the lounge access and fast track to premier status. That extra 5 inches of legroom becomes much more important the farther you fly....trust me if you don't already know this yourself! Hey United, if you happen to get a bunch of people sign up from my suggestion, you could throw a few tickets my direction......first class would be nice, but economy will do just fine.

I have had enough...

2005-08-30T15:18:00.000-04:00

People out there, doing what you do, and being illogical....no it is pure lunacy. Here is my rant: Boycotting Gasoline. People!!!! You cannot boycott gasoline and the "evil" gas barons on Monday, when you went and filled up your Land Rover on Sunday night. That is not how boycotting works, or effectively anyway. To properly boycott the high gas prices.....you have to park your 8 mpg SUV for a week, get off your fat lazy ass, and WALK, CYCLE, JOG, RUN, SKATE, ROLLERSKATE, SKATEBOARD, etc. Please stop sending me your complaints about gas prices and your feeble attempts to do nothing. When you really want to boycott, call or email me...I will walk or cycle for a week, if you will.

Louisville Slugger...

2005-08-15T21:24:00.000-04:00

Anne Marie, Scott, and I went up to Louisville, KY for Becky's 25th B-Day yesterday...I must say that Louisville is a much bigger city than I would have imagined. It is KY, but much unlike the rest, i.e. Lexington. We hit up some fun bars, danced our butts off, and otherwise had a super time. Becky has a cute little apartment in Old Louisville, and she is surrounded by an artsy community (think Asheville with clean "hippies").

slayer convention...

2005-08-11T16:30:00.000-04:00

I talked to Becky Banks yesterday, who is a huge Buffy fan, and she informed me that Knoxville is hosting a Slayer Convention Sept. 9-11. She wants me to go to the Martini/Karaoke event with her, which could prove to be interesting if anything. How are all of you doing out there? Hello to the anonymous posters.

Wedding weekend...

2005-08-08T17:32:00.000-04:00

Well I went to Nashville (well Clarksville) for a wedding this past weekend for Melinda and Skyler. Melinda and I were graduated from Maryville College back in 2003. The ceremony was at the farm of Skyler's family. I was an usher, which makes the 3rd wedding I have "ushed" in during the past few years. It seems that everyone I know is feeling the desperate itch to get married (Melinda and Skyler are not part of that, as they seems to be made for one anther). Maybe it is something in the water, or society pressures....

Comedy Zone...

2005-07-28T18:27:00.000-04:00

We are working on a relationship with the Comedy Zone to provide transportation on Wed and Thur nights for packages to the show since it is popular for people to go there on dates, etc. That is great, as those days are typically slower, although Sunday and Monday are the slowest. I have plans for those nights once the website is up. I want to offer reduced rates on the slow nights mentioning how it is easier to go to dinner, etc. and less expensive. Things continue to grow busier every week, which is great.

Softball practice tonight beside Walgreens for those that need to know. See you there!

bottom of the 5th...

2005-07-27T01:59:00.000-04:00

We lost by 14 points. Not bad considering we played a team who is using this as practice for the fall league. We all need to actually have a practice, but whatever, it was a blast. I think we all had a load of fun! I am going to bed way too late again for such an early day...

Sordid lives...

2005-07-24T17:28:00.000-04:00

Y'all have to see this movie...Sordid Lives! I love it. Being as I am, from East Tennessee, I swear I know someone like each of those characters, and the story is right on target with southern people.

Speaking of the South, I declare, summer is here. The heat and humidity are getting to me, I mean my own sweat has up and begun to sweat. We had softball practice this morning...oh!...I forgot to mention. The company is sponsoring a co-ed softball team. Our first game is Tuesday night at Everett Park. I am interested to see how we will do...

Alex, I'll take Baron for 100...

2005-07-22T20:43:00.000-04:00

I came across this, and enjoyed it! Especially the George H.W. comment (I can just see the rednecks around here saying that). Enjoy. I am having a relaxing evening trying to find someone with a title to marry...

Me tired...

2005-07-22T13:46:00.000-04:00

I have put in about 34 hours with the business in the last 2 days...me tired. I also decided earlier this week to hit the gym 3-4 times a week. I would like to see my abs again. I watched a good movie the other night AKA. It is similar to the identity assumption in The Talented Mr. Ripley, but this one is in England. I want to see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and I also rented The Merchant of Venice. Cat if you would like to see Charlie, let me know. Otherwise, I do not know what is up for the weekend...well, Mina is in town, and Scott is have people over for her on Saturday. Ran into one of my old French students at the gym today, I can't believe it was 2 years ago that I was finishing that practicum so I could get my minor in French. Time really does go by in a blink...

What's up...

2005-07-18T03:35:00.000-04:00

A shout out to Trent and Cat for reading my blog! London Erin is off to Mexico (you know the border town near San Diego...) for a mission trip of sorts. Marshall is still playing around in Angers, France. Chris is over halfway finished with his internship in Nashvegas. I am here.

I spent the afternoon replying to emails, some were MONTHS old to people from far and wide (NC, FL, HI, England, Wales, Venezuela, etc.). I get lazy trying to think of what to say, and then I say nothing until I have way too much to catch up. What ever happened to old-fashioned letters? Have we progressed to the point that our news from friends must only come in the form of cyberspace post? It is like phone numbers...who's number do you actually know? Would you panic if you lost your cell phone? I have actually seen wedding invitations sent via email...no one I know, as they would never be so crass. Our efficiency has come at the cost of intimacy. Any thoughts?

Life Aquatic...

2005-07-15T13:40:00.000-04:00

Last night I watched The Life Aquatic again with some yahoos. I enjoyed it the second time. The weekend is ramping up to be busy with work. Well I am jealous of my brother, maybe for the first time ever. He works for US Airways, and that means he, mom, and dad can fly for free. This is a brief account of my brother's week (He works Fri-Mon). Monday evening he and mom are talking about going somewhere for a day trip, which they have been doing for several weeks. Tuesday he decides he is taking mom to Hilton Head Island a day of sun and fresh seafood. Early Wednesday morning they board the plane at TYS and head to CLT. They missed their flight to HHH and he told mom to just pick somewhere. Next thing is me waking up to a phone call with Daniel telling me they are in seats 1 A & C (first class) on their way to MIAmi. They rented a car, went to South Beach, and ate awesome food. So...after a day of fun in the sun they headed home from MIA...napping in seats 3 D & F back to CLT and then to TYS. By the way, it was gloomy, rainy, and dull here in Maryville for me. Next week, he and dad are off to another sunny beach day in TPA. The Higdon family has now become "jet-setters." In October (Daniel's bday is 13th and Dad's is 16th) we are going to spend both of their birthdays in Italy. We will go into Venice (somewhere between rows 1-4) for 2 days, train down the country (maybe stopping in Florence for a night), and then spending the next 2 or 3 nights in Rome before heading home between rows 1-7. Yes that is Envoy class (essentially US Airways business class, their top offering on TransAtlantic routes). We have estimated that cost to us at about $400.00, as opposed to the almost $30,000 if we had to pay for 4 tickets!! Have a great weekend y'all!

Look what I found...

2005-07-14T17:29:00.000-04:00

I googled myself and found this.

Lazy Sunday...

2005-07-10T20:28:00.000-04:00

This is another lazy Sunday. I went to the lake with my family....it rained off and on the whole time. I can go with the guys and it will be super sunny, but if my family even thinks about going out...RAIN. Marshall called today, but I did not have reception. He said he is doing well, and he sounded kind of drunk on the message. Overall, I have been really lazy today, and I like it like that. I am going over to Whitman's to have a drink after he gets off work around 11p, so that is the highlight of my day thus far.

L'Espace Motorcoach, Inc...

2005-07-06T15:06:00.000-04:00

We have a number of fun things coming up with the business. Once the website is in full swing, we will be offering various web specials and fun contests, etc. I am looking forward it. It will be so much easier to promote these things, instead of trying to test the waters via newspaper (costly). I am thinking of trying to do some tours, ie. Winery, Mountains, Shopping to Pigeon Forge, etc. If you have any ideas let me know.

I hope all are well!

Happy Independence Day America...

2005-07-04T16:36:00.000-04:00

Y'all I have so much that has happened since my last post. Business is booming, I have a tan, we have a new roommate Jay, friends and family are well, Marshall is in France for summer school, and I could go on.

Last Wednesday I went to a bar called Sapphire, which is on Gay Street in downtown Knoxvegas---very swanky place---for the Knoxville Magazine premier party. I took Stan, Justin, and Phillip and Sebastian from KnoxVIP. I am trying to make the effort to get out and give a face to L'Espace Motorcoach, Inc. Our website will be up and running within a week (fingers crossed...thank you Dylan). So watch for it!

My friend Linda just returned from her first trip back to her birthplace in Portugal, and she is SO thrilled. If anyone knows where she can find a better job than WBHS let her know. Preferably college!

I am bad....

2005-05-19T16:46:00.000-04:00

I have not posted in a month :( Sorry, I broke another USB wireless card....I have not bought another one, and I don't like to post from the office/library/someone else's computer. To answer a comment, yes Heather I remember you, and your mom. I will post again at some point in the near future...n

Mr. Higdon goes to Washington...

2005-04-19T23:31:00.000-04:00

I am on the road again! I will be flying up to Washington, DC next Tuesday to have fun and then on Wednesday I will taking part in the Cuba Action Day. The premise of this day is to raise awareness to the fact that the embargo against Cuba (I can yet again see my inbox filling up with hate/love mail) is ridiculous. By this I mean, the embargo is not really accomplishing the goals that I see it is supposed to be doing. I think that the embargo is a throwback to the anti-communist rhetoric of the Cold War. I am treading water with what I am about to say, but bear with me, I think that if we can go and fight for freedom across the globe...well, we could help improve the lives of people 90 miles away. I cannot see anything but positive benefits for our economy...agricultural exports, well...essentially everything is fair game. Cuba is free from our commercialism, so we could ruin it with that, but that is another debate. Nonetheless, the country is rife with potential. These are not my personal motives, as my only issue is that travel to the country should not be limited.

We are meeting Congressman Duncan (see previous post) and liasons of Sen. Frist and Alexander. I think there are some group activities planned, and there are to be about 500 people turning out for this. This too I will keep you posted on as the days slip by me. (London photos are being developed as we speak!) As Erin would say to me, this is a refreshing trip with a cause, much unlike our hedonistic adventure to the U.K. God allows us to work in mysterious ways n'est pas.

Hopefully something might come of fruition from this endeavor, but I am not really sure to be honest. When it comes down to it, I think nothing productive will really happen, as everyone has their agendas and supporters to please. Can a small group of people concerned with a small island make a difference? Who knows, if anything, I will be photographed and placed into the homeland security database as a "counter-revolutionary," but if that is all then so be it. I would just like others to see the country. It is a beautiful perspective to see a culture similar and so different from the mass media fed one in which we live. So wish us luck, and peace. Hope that we represent ourselves as gentlemen and represent our cause as a noble one, even if you disagree. That is what our wonderful country is built upon, that is why people are giving their lives....so that others can challenge the choices of our republic and those we elect to represent our values, views, and beliefs. May peace be with all of you...n

Back home and reflecting...

2005-04-18T10:55:00.000-04:00

I am back home, booo. I have been thinking about priorities and all that stuff, and this excursion reminded me how much I love to travel. It was also refreshing to meet new people and talk about intellectual things, not that we do not do that here...Western Europe and the U.K. feel like a second home (I do need to try out Eastern Europe). I may start taking a lot more weekend trips over there if Daniel, my brother, gets the flight attendant job with US Airways! Keep your fingers crossed. I am starting my travel fund to Southern Africa now for January. If Daniel does get the job, then I am going to make this an intro-around-the-world trip and work my way around the globe.

This week's agenda is full. We have the cars on the road a lot. I have a wine tasting on Thursday, and I am actually driving on Friday and Saturday nights. I think that another driver will be hired if things continue to stay busy. Prom Season is almost over, but we have the weddings coming...and we are starting to book a lot more random things in the middle of the week. Remember to tell everyone about us. Gotta go to the office, I will post photos soon...n

P.S. I will share travel stories also!

Last night in London...

2005-04-13T18:23:00.000-04:00

Well y'all, it is the last night in London...a recap of events, as I could not post at a cybercafe we visited. We went to the theatre and saw a play---can't remember the spelling, will post that later. We pub crawled several nights. Walk MILES! Shopped...I wore a $15,000 Gucci jacket inside Harrod's for about 10 minutes. I was asked if I was Marilyn Manson a number of times, and was stalked by some Scotsmen who swore I was him. Tonight we went to a play called American Anthem which had Mary Stuart Masterson, Steven Weber, and Kevin Spacey....I got Kevin Spacey's autograph after the show! I have to pick up a few things tomorrow, but I must say London is VERY EXPENSIVE since the dollar has almost no value anymore. We fly out tomorrow afternoon and get into Atlanta late, we will drive home Friday. See you soon, and honestly, I haven't missed a single one of you :) much love...n

Busy weekend...

2005-04-03T22:17:00.000-04:00

Well Prom Season started off well. We were finishing some of the final touches just as the cars were to get out on the road. It was great to have all three vehicles out earning their keep! Thing are rather booked on the weekends through June. Keep in mind that we send the cars out at discounted prices during the week, this is something we decided would be a good idea. They are better on the road than sitting around. The Bentley has it's new stereo installed---it is cool. The LCD TV is not here still.....waiting for it to arrive. We changed the coachlights on the black limo, and reupholstered the J-seat. As best I can tell, the cars are in tip top shape.

Erin and I are getting excited about our trip to London! We have our hostel booked for the 4 nights at a cost of $70-ish apiece! This is going to be a budget trip, as we are both broke. I think we are going to catch a play or two, and mill around London. We have both been there several times, so we are not really going to do the tourist thing. I want to do some secondhand store shopping....take care...n

Blogger's guilt...

2005-03-30T22:54:00.000-05:00

I have not posted in a while, and I feel bad. I have been very busy! Prom Season begins this Saturday, and we are trying to get everything in top form. The Bentley is getting a new JVC stereo and a 13.3" flat screen LCD TV! My brother and I put some bigger speakers in it today, which was fun....neither one of us are audio freaks, so we had no idea what we were doing. The stereo is being put in by a professional. All three limos are on the road for this weekends Proms! Our one year anniversary is coming up on April 15. I am also trying to get ready for my UK trip next weekend. I will be going April 9-15. I will tell all about that later. For now, I am tired and calling it a day...n

Plans for today...

2005-03-19T13:30:00.000-05:00

Well I was almost finished with a post, and my computer messed up....so here we are again. I do not even remember what I had written. Tonight I am going to go see a play at WBHS (7pm, $5.00, and probably good cheap fun). Erin's (theatre Erin/Remission Erin) theatre troope is doing their spring play so I am going out to see it. I probably had a few of the students in my Spanish classes last fall too. That job showed me that I am not high school teacher material, not even a little bit. I am college prof material, as their minds have already been corrupted sufficiently to allow for my presence in their life.

I am not driving this evening! We have a new driver, and you know what that means kids? I am not driving every weekend now! (this is what I keep telling myself anyway) I do need to drum up more money to take with me to London, which is about 3 weeks from now. I think the trip will be great! It is only 5 days, but that is just long enough to go, but short enough that we can party and get back.

PS. Scott those movies are Testosterone and Twist. Sorry I have gotten lazy about put those highlighted link things.

Richard. Russell. What's the difference...

2005-03-18T11:50:00.000-05:00

Apparently a lot. Yesterday was interesting. I was called about driving for a gig, and the party involved in this whole thing was Russell Simmons---Def Jam Records, etc.---well I thought the guy said Richard Simmons---fat workout guy Sweating to the 80s---I guess I was a little off. I then checked Russell out on the internet, as I had no idea who he was. Arriving at Red Iguana in the Old City, well everywhere for that matter, as people are crazy stalkers, I began to think "stardom" is probably annoying. I think I would only want to be slightly famous, but is there such a thing? I guess that is like a slight cold, a slight case of AIDS, or a slight car accident, no matter you have to deal with it, and someone will make a big deal about it. Anyway, this has been a busy week, and the weekend is not seeming to want to slow down either. Much love to you all...n

Fear, loathing, and a LONG drive from El Paso...

2005-03-14T00:46:00.000-05:00

There are going to be typos, get over it. I have a lot to write. I am back kids! Did you miss me? Of course you did, and I missed you! Well I can say that I was not posting for a good reason...had to go pick up the car---in EL PASO, TX! Ok here is the story. On a short notice, mom and I booked a flight to El Paso. Since Knoxville is one of the most overpriced airports in the Southeast, we decided to fly out of Nashvegas. We rented a car from Hertz, and got a wonderful Toyota Prius! How exciting, use Hertz everyone, they were great to work with, much unlike Thrifty this past summer. So we drove down and used all of 3 gallons of gas! I had tried to check us in online, but it would not work. This is because Delta had cancelled the flight from Nashville to Atlanta, but they were nice enough to rebook us on American. I had never flown on American (they were not that bad), I am partial to Delta and Northwest. So we fly down to Dallas on our connecting flight, and wait. Dinner was necessary so we eat and were nonchalant as we Higdons tend to be....well we almost missed our flight into El Paso (opps). We get there and head to the hotel. Next morning we go to get the car and try it out. The car has a terrible miss, so we were heartbroken, but they sent over the mechanic and it turned out to be a bad plug wire and we were good to go. Mom and I decided to not take interstates 10, 20, and 30 up to 40---we thought it would be nice to take highway 54 through New Mexico up to 40. I have flown over the Southwest, but never driven out there. I am used to the hills back here. It seemed like you would see a car, mountain, or whatever and then not reach it for an hour. As we drove along (Mom did most of the driving) the weather started looking very grim. It only rained a little, but we had tumbleweed attacking us that was the size of medicine balls. We became rather worried that "Ben" as he is being called was going to get scratched or ran over. Also, a rat the size of a small child ran out in front of us---and I saw something green zip through the air. It is New Mexico folks, ever heard of Roswell? Area 54 ring a bell? It took us three days to get back. We stopped for the night in Groom, TX, had lunch in Clinton, OK, slept in Little Rock and we questioned and stared at the whole way. Gas stops were a blast! People picked their jaws off the ground and asked to look at it. We almost caused several car accidents, one in OK and another few in Memphis and Jackson, TN. An Escalade full of future rappers almost jumped out of the vehicle onto ours along the interstate somewhere in OK. I have never seen so many "thumbs ups" before, and a woman blocked us in at a gas station in Nashville so she could look inside and get a business card while running around the car---I thought she might try to club us and take it. I actually did not realize so many people knew what a Bentley looked like, so I must give a shout out to rappers for bring the public awareness to where it is now. Without them I would have a lot harder time selling the car to people. It is officially going for $200 an hour including all fees, and oddly enough that is not phasing the prom kids. God love mommy's and daddy's credit cards! We may just pay for the car this prom season, yeah I wish! Otherwise, mom and I made it home in one piece respectively, and we had a lot of fun together. It was a bonding experience, being in the same general area as someone for almost 4 straight days teaches you a bit about one another. It taught me that I am so much like mom it is ridiculous. I also realized that a number of my weird idiosincratic behaviors are from her. By the way, when I do short trips like this, I usually have a system change---this time it was no bowel movement. Just thought that might move you :) We ate at some fun diners and had buffalo at a Cherokee gift shop/diner in Oklahoma. I managed to get the coffee just before they made a fresh pot in all of the hotels, and I ripped the back pocket off my jeans somewhere along the way showing my underwear for a while without realizing it. I do not want to drive for a long time! So there is my past week in a nutshell...n

What is it like to ride in a Bentley?

2005-03-01T18:47:00.000-05:00

I would not know at the moment, but soon enough I will find out what the mystique is all about. Folks, the newest addition to the fleet is a Bentley Arnage conversion. Yeah, I am kind of thrilled! This car is white with burgundy interior and seats 8 passengers. I think that we will be a step above the rest, or deeply in debt. Nonetheless, it will be super cool. I am excited and I plan on partying all evening. Take care and talk to you soon...n

Unexpected visitor...

2005-02-28T13:50:00.000-05:00

Trent came in to town this weekend! Went and visited him after Miss Saigon on Friday night. Then met up again Saturday and Sunday. He came in with his friend Nick, who Trent had made sound like a moron, a stuttering moron really. Nick was not so much that way at all. Enjoyed the weekend. I made cookies on Saturday, and they were good. Went to the theater last night and saw "Constantine." Sorry y'all, I am not in the mood to post, and this one sound REALLY stupid, as though my others don't...n

Blow my brains out & check him out...

2005-02-23T03:53:00.000-05:00

Well Hunter S. Thompson is dead. Sorry to break the news if you had not heard. I was first introduced to him while studying in Venezuela. I had not heard of him or the Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, but I loved it. It was so fitting you know. Well yet another person I would like to meet is dead. I enjoy those who run against the wind. So farewell...

Now switching to a more superficial tone, I am sure some of you think that is the only tone I have, and that makes you an impervious asshole. You can go play with yourself later, finish reading the post. As my "anniversary date" for my unlimited movies-although you really uses it-I am-I am not a loser-well maybe a little-no I am watching things I would never pay full price for pass at Blockbuster is coming closer, yes folks, March 6 will be the end of my ramblings about movies for a while. Shut up and deal with me. I have nothing better to do, and my liver already hates me. I watched a movie called Latter Days. Go get it. It is an indie film, if you don't like them, get it anyway. If you don't like it, don't complain to me. I have no more power over you than you have over yourself. Check out Steve Sandvoss, he is an adorable actor, I wish him well. Now if you are slightly suicidal and would like spend the last 88 minutes of you life in cinematic torture and give yourself hope in life, watch 10 Attitudes. (Saw would probably give you more hope) It made me feel as though I lost 1 hour and 28 minutes of my life, which I will never be able to regain.

Anonymous posters. I think one of you is someone I know, as the original anon would not say "mother's milk," I don't think. I think I know who you are...

Anyway, I was thinking about myself, and I thought "Gosh Nathan, you are pathetic. You should really go on a date. You probably won't like it, but you should try." Do any of you know anyone who might interest me. From recent experience, I prefer someone under the age of 70, but who am I to me picky. I need to get away, which I will be doing in April. Drama Erin (aka Remission Erin) and I are going to London (England) for a few days. Pleased to get foreign batteries recharged! Enough blab. This is what happens when you all let me stay up too late and drink too much with nothing better to do.

So to you guys out there, a good night...n

Stop raining...

2005-02-21T12:30:00.000-05:00

I am tired of the rain today. I feel much better, and I want to get out and about. Yesterday I had dinner at the Bonefish Grill with my family and it was good. I recommend the Pan Asian style Tuna. I continued watching movies all weekend, and that is about it. I went to a motorcross event with the family, my little cousin Cody wanted to see it. It was rather interesting how they can jump, on motorcycles no less, over those huge jumps. I saw a number of rednecks, go figure. That was my weekend...n

This is for anonymous...

2005-02-18T11:44:00.000-05:00

While I have been out of service for a few days, I have watched some movies. Some were good, and others should not have been made (in my opinion). American Splendor, Mean Girls, Touch of Pink were good, and Saddest Music in the World was bad. Our foreign food night to King Tut's was thrown off a week, thanks to the illness. So next week we will take off on our magic carpet to Egyptian food.

Business: Prom time is coming. If you know high schoolers who want a limo, tell them to hurry and book. We are starting to really fill up! There is a 5 hour minimum....n

I am sick, stay away...

2005-02-17T12:47:00.000-05:00

Me sick. I think that after avoiding everyone who was sick, I still managed to get sick. I have felt like doody for a few days. I am taking it easy. I only venture into Blockbuster to infect them in search of entertainment.

I hereby give the royal decree that no one may comment on grammatical errors on this blog. There is no spell checker, so get over it. Thanks, JNH, the 13th Earl of Cates and Clarion.

Lazy days and Saturdays...

2005-02-12T16:07:00.000-05:00

A big howdy to all of you. Today is lazy, just the way I like it. I drove yesterday from like 5:30p-1:30a and I am tired. Daniel, my brother, is working as a server at Up the Creek Restaurant. I strongly suggest all of you go sit in his section, be nice, DO NOT BE PICKY, and tip him well. If you must be picky, then you must stay home and make your own picky people food. Furthermore, you will pass Taco Bell and Krystal on your way there---EAT there food if you cannot be uber nice. Sorry for the rant, but I think people are horrible when they go into public and eat. Remember the etiquette lessons I have given all of you. So I will just wait around for one of you to call me for dinner, on your dime, as you owe me for so much---the least I can do is let you buy me dinner...n

Mercedes-Benz is not the only good thing out of Germany...

2005-02-10T17:24:00.000-05:00

We adoring fans...how I have missed you. Last night we finally made it to Restaurant Linderhof, I know they must have been mad. Seriously folks, besides arriving 15 minutes before closing, they had been waiting 3 weeks for us, and they were still so nice! That is why you are always charming dear followers of me. Erin S., Mikey, and I had our wonderous "Old World German Cuisine" as the menu stated. It was super. I now realize there is more to Germany than Mercedes and BMW, they have good food. Who would have known. I jest dear international cuisine fans. I know that Germany is sorry for Hitler, David Hasselhoff, and the demise of the original VW Beetle. Our dear waitress told us so...Dinner was great. I would like to know why no one RSVP's...I know you people are looking at this site, as I have a tracking program. I am afraid you are not going to be able to look at my site unless you RSVP for King Tut's Egyptian food for next week. This was Erin's choice, and she will be sad if you don't come along. Now we have limited seating, so if we don't like you, we are totally booked (if you know what I mean, and I think you do). Check out Scott's site! N

What DRUG are you...

2005-02-09T02:07:00.000-05:00

You are Speed!

So what if your face looks like a before photo for Proactiv?

You've got the juice to stay up and screw all night long.

But with skin like yours, the only action you'll get is a frenzied cleaning spree.

What Drug Are You?

More Great Quizzes from Quiz Diva

The Homeless Parrot...

2005-02-08T15:07:00.000-05:00

Here is a plug, of the variety known as butt, for my friend Cat. She is a vet student along with Anne Marie, Marshall's better half, and an otherwise cool chic. We went to MC together, rode horses on the equestrian team, and made fun of a good number of people. Check out her blog! I command you...n

The Angry Inch...

2005-02-07T17:43:00.000-05:00

If y'all have not seen Hedwig and the Angry Inch, you must. I had seen it a long time ago, and I rented it the other day....LOVE IT! If you like glam rock, it is a must. "Sugar Daddy," cracks me up! That song makes me laugh and think Wow all at the same time. For those of you in the know, does Hedwig not look like India Dupree? I was suckered into the Blockbuster unlimited movies for a month at like $15.00, so I am taking full advantage. I also recommend "Goodbye Lenin," "Saddest Music in the World," and "Mean Girls." Andrea May and I have this weird obsession with cheesy teen flicks. "When I think about all my travels and the people I have come upon, I must first think about those who have come upon me," Hedwig....n

Evil Charter...

2005-02-02T14:46:00.000-05:00

Well hello y'all! My posting has been sporadic as of late. We are going to rid ourselves of the Evil Charter internet...it is total crap! Our service has been down for a week, and I have not been able to keep you informed. I have not really done that much, so there you go, rest easy!

On the business side of things, we are looking into advertising on WB20! That is exciting, and not nearly as expensive as I had imagined. Will keep you updated! Gotta run, I am posting on the computers at the public library, and my time is almost out....n

Tsunami Relief music...

2005-01-26T05:10:00.000-05:00

So apparently there is some Tsunami Relief benefit thing in the Old City later today. I suppose I might make a pit stop there, as I am sure all of you were wonder "What is Nathan going to do today?" Well my dear followers, that is something I might do. Earlier this evening we played the game of the Gods, and Scott and I tired of it, so we split the pot and went to the 24 hour McDonalds. I have gone to McD's twice in the last week, which is weird because I had not visited them in several years. I oppose them, much like I dislike Walmart. I think they are both vile trashy places, but all that is open at 4 am. What do you do? So dear friends, I say go to them if you must, but don't tell anyone. I will have to remove you from the A-list if you go there, and as all of you adore me, you will not go.

German Restaurant is being put off until next week. Make sure you eat between now and then though, unlike Trent's friend Chris who has given up on food. He has a fun little blog, so I suggest giving it a look-see.

By the way, I was just thinking of something evil and funny, so I will share it with you. Last week I ran into someone from high school, not literally, as I am sure you all worry about my good health from time to time daily. I was at a gas station, and I saw the guy, who had changed a bit. He was a sporty spice type back then, of course back then we had to walk uphill both ways in the snow without shoes, but it looked to me like he was doing more 12 ounce curls than anything else. I am not trying to be TOO mean, but I think I have fared the storm much better than most of the people I graduated with....at least the ones I run into from time to time. My 10 year reunion will be in 2 years, and I am interested to see how they have turned out. Most will be married, with kids, and crap jobs. I will be single, free, and glamorous....as always, unless I get hitched, have a herd of kids, and start working a factory job, which we all know is ludacris. I will stave my plans for world domination, as I feel it a bit much to totally outshine. So I will just be charming and me, which seems to work for now. It is late and I am going to bed while most of you are preparing for your day...night, night....n

World Poker Tour...

2005-01-24T17:39:00.000-05:00

Ladies and Gentlemen, boys and girls, and the rest of the perverts that I know...Poker has taken over 232 Clarion Avenue. We have been playing once or twice a week for a while now, and everyone is addicted to Texas Holdem. As far as I can tell, it is about the only good thing to come out of Texas, but I could be wrong. I started off hot, and I have not won in a while. It is good fun!

Tuesday's foreign food night has been moved to Wednesday, so if you are still interested, pencil the new time into you agenda. We may change locations, as Erin Schindler may be celebrating a raise at work! Happy Congratulations Erin.

Special Notice for Trent: Last months bills are in da house. Email for details. I know you check this out regularly, so I figured you would see this.

Keep it real y'all :) Much love to my friends, family, fans, and stalkers! n

Jungle Fever...BLACK

2005-01-20T15:22:00.000-05:00

Jenny colored my hair for me the other night, and now I have black hair. It looks different....I like it! It is semi-permenant, which means that it "probably" won't wash out in the month that it says it will. Anyway, that is all for now, I just thought that you all would like to know, since you have nothing better to do....n

Kashmir and 4620...

2005-01-19T10:49:00.000-05:00

I have a hangover...went to 4620, which is a jazz martini bar, last night. I had too many martini drinks. Last night Erin Schindler and I went to Kashmir, an Indian restaurant, and then headed over to Martiniville. Erin had been freaking out all day about the Indian food because she watched some movie called Pauley's Girl (I am sure is was a cinematic success, as I have never heard of it, but then again I do not see lots of movies) in which the guy eats Indian food and then has explosive diarrhea. I assured her that you did not have to get it super hot and that not all Indian dishes look like someone vomitted on the plate. It turned out that she really enjoyed it. Next Tuesday is German food at Restaurant Linderhoff. If anyone is interested in going with us, please feel free to R.S.V.P. (respondez s'il vous plait, for those of you so inclined). Anyway a herd of us went to 4620 and it was super-cool. Ran into Whitman and Dustin, they were out for a few beverages. Overall, I feel like doodie today. I am waiting to go to the gym until this evening. Shalom.....n

Have you given an organ lately?

2005-01-18T11:43:00.000-05:00

Howdy y'all! My post are a little sporadic since I broke another wireless card (that makes 3 in 6 months). I am looking on ebay trying to find a used one this time----kind of tired of spending $50 a pop on them. On to other things...I am rather pleased with myself, I have been hitting the gym 5 times a week for 3 weeks now. This is not a New Year thing either. I have to get myself back into shape after living with Trent. (I can hardly wait to hear what he will have to say about that)

On the business front, we are working with TN Donor Services providing transportation to the transplant team/doctor so they can get the organ from the freshly dead or living donor. This work comes on a short notice and can be at 1pm or 4am. Also, we will be starting our Harrah's Cherokee Casino runs next month, but not with the van as expected. We are chartering/subcontracting a limo bus, an actual motorcoach, to do the work. They are nice! They seat 25-30 people with leather couches and chairs, shower and bathroom, kitchenette, 4 25" flat screen tv's with stereo surround. I would not mind to travel like that! This is a trial run, if we have a good response we will do it twice a month. Then if that works well for our gambling friends, we will look into a weekend trip to Tunica. With prom season approaching and summer on its way again, we are going to be really busy. Anyway.......n

Let me clarify something...about CUBA

2005-01-12T13:01:00.000-05:00

First off....Hello all. My Cuba post was taken more seriously than I imagined. I was just remembering the country, I went on a little rant, which was not even thought through---now I am having to clarify. Let me lay some opinions out on the table. Yes Castro is a dictator, and I do not agreee with that. Now what I am about to say will cause my inbox to clog again....(let me mention, I removed a not so nice post I made, and am replacing it with this)...I think anyone who foolishly or honestly still controls a country after 50 years is commendable. Am I saying the brutal acts, El Moro, the Mariel Boatlift, TV trials of unrevolutionary, 99% literacy rate, hungry people, housed people, or any number of other things are good or bad????? Some ARE good and some ARE bad. It may not be right, probably not, but what I am getting at here is that it is part of history. I am passing no more judgement than a historical observation here. I have always found it interesting that if Castro is so bad, then why is he still there? I think he is bad---there is said it---he is a horrible humanitarian!! I think communism is beautiful on paper, but it just does not work in real life. I think Cuba is a paradise, it's people afraid of the government (to varying degrees), and foreign visitors get painted a rosy picture. I was given a look to ponder in Cuba, and I saw what I wanted to see. I know enough about Cuba to make some educated opinions, but they are just that. The hardest thing in my life is trying to decide which shoes to wear, but I am not stupid. That is why I was livid with the anonymous post. In the future, if you have any questions about my blog, do not attack me.....because seriously, I will not take you serious. I have rambled again here, but I am in a hurry to be somewhere....so feel free to write me with any questions you may have.....besos y abrazos.....n

Happy Birthday to ME!

2005-01-08T22:50:00.000-05:00

I am now 26! Stop clapping. Someone today thought they recognized me from high school. She said I did not know her, but she remembered me. I introduced myself, and then she said she probably graduated a year or two before me. I asked her when she graduated, and she said 1988!! I almost crapped my pants. I had drunk a lot the night before, but not enough to make me look 35 years old! Funny now, but NOT at the time. Take care all....n

Viva la revolucion...

2005-01-06T17:05:00.000-05:00

Well kids, around this time last year I was preparing to motor down to old Cuba for 3 weeks-ish. This year I am sitting here. I had planned on going with the group to South Africa, but that fell through on my part. After starting a business, being in the hospital, and trying to live on my own....I just did not have the cash. I am going to London in April with Remission Erin, so I do get to recharge my "out of the country" batteries. Cuba was an awesome experience, and a year later, I realize it was a once in a lifetime thing. Not that one can't go, but it is difficult. Also, my goal was to get there before Castro died and the country turned into a Vegas style atmosphere again, much like it was pre-revolution. Dear readers, I would like for you to imagine that you live in a country that is 90 miles from the greatest country in the world (a superpower at any rate), and you can hardly afford the necessities, let alone creature comforts you are accustomed to having. Now also imagine that you are still proud and do not dislike the people, the government is a different story, of that same superpower. People are people. Now continue to imagine that your same small country has the highest literacy rate in the world, and you can go to college to become a doctor for free and have free housing---but you will make more money being a bellhop in a hotel catering to foreign tourists and their tips.

What I am saying is that if you plan to make a New Years Resolution, make one that is worthwhile. Losing 10 pounds will only make you want to dump 5 more. Resolving to stop cursing will only make you do it on the inside. If you want to do something, then do something real because some people have real problems to deal with in this world. If you decided to be a porn star, then be the most generous porn star in the world :) n

2005-01-05T19:59:00.000-05:00

I've come a long way baby! photo by MOM (I presume)

2005-01-05T19:55:00.000-05:00

I was young here!

West Wing...

2005-01-05T19:40:00.000-05:00

Well folks, I have finished my WW marathon. After having vested enough time to essentially waste 3 straight days (66 episodes, if I recall) I am at a loss. I now feel an emptiness without more to watch. The interesting thing is that it has again spurred my desire to run for an office one day. It will not be President, as I am sure I have already ruined/smeared/crashed any chance of high level office by now. Does anyone have an objection to this? I think I could do it, I am smarter than most politicians. I am ambitious, ruthless (only to a degree and only when I have to be so), and I think I take a broad look at things. Being a Senator or Rep would not be too bad. How about Gov. J. Nathan Higdon? Who knows...I just would not become my enemy :)

No news yet on the diversification project at work. Rest assured that I will tell you as soon as I know. Where did the saying "the whole nine yards" come from? I will give you recognition if you answer correctly. One of you I know already knows the anwer, so you may not participate. Speaking of that, congrats to Remission Erin for being back at work. I am sure all the high school boys have missed you! n

2005-01-04T23:57:00.000-05:00

Nathan and Jenny (with Clint in the background)
photo by Carrie Booher

Yes, I am still alive...

2005-01-03T18:34:00.000-05:00

Well my little pretty ones, I have not written much lately. The holiday season sucked me in for a while. I am back. Let us see here.......Happy New Year. I think we can all make this one better than the last. Trent has officially left East Tennessee for greener pastures in NC. Good luck, and don't get your hands too dirty cleaning toilets. In Blount Today I had a press release on 1 jan! This year seems to be starting well.

I will share with everyone the true reasons why I have been absent.....WEST WING. I am so addicted to it. I have had the marathon, if you will, of seasons 1-3. I am currently half finished with season 3, just in case you were wondering, and yes, I am going to watch another couple of episodes after I post this. Watching the show really makes me think again that I want to get into politics, on a local level, I have a sordid past, which I think limits the level I can reasonably attain. Who knows? Look at national politics over the last 10 years to say the least, but anyway. I am back, and you my dear subjects are pleased!! n

2004-12-27T13:40:00.000-05:00

I once was a cowboy you know...

2004-12-27T13:38:00.000-05:00

My first Birthday

Time is flying...

2004-12-27T03:10:00.000-05:00

and I must be getting older. This holiday season just zipped by, and my b-day is in less than 2 weeks. I know 26 is not a big deal, but it is a lot closer to 30 than 20. Birthdays no longer thrill me so much as make me introspective. I wonder what have I done? Am I doing anything worthwhile? What is next? Where do I go from here? Honestly, who really knows, and do I really care to know, even if I could...probably not. I just don't know what I thought it would be like to be 26, but I sometimes think I am wasting it away.

On a holiday note, Christmas was blessed this year. I got some nice new bow ties, can't have enough when you are often in a tux. I am still fumbling to tie them correctly. Some nice comfy flannel sheets (thank you Nanny), some cufflinks (Chris), awesome shot glasses (Christine), a cool drivers cap (Marshall), a beautiful dress shirt (Daniel), and some more stuff----sorry I am a little tired and I do not want to list more. If you are interested, email me :) Santa brought some villages some gifts, and that make me happy.

Well...it makes me as happy as one could be. Speaking of being happy, I am going to make the effort to get insurance and start back on the crazy pills after the first of the year. I am sure that is why the season has blurred by and I can never sleep, although I am always exhausted. I think I want to give Wellbutrin a go this time, not that Effexor did not work, but I have my reasons. I really just want to be able to sleep well again, just sleep for that matter. I would also like to feel again, or more than not much. By the way, Katie and Suzanne have mentioned many times since their respective engagements that they want me to marry them, well I filled out some form on a website----so I suppose I am an ordained person via whatever it was....yes I know that sounds rather nonchalant about something rather serious, but I honestly do not remember the name. I kind of feel bad about the whole thing, so I am just crossing my fingers that God does not get mad at me for this. So maybe we should forget that I mentioned this. How about Peyton Manning beating Dan Marinos record? (That was for you Trent) Much love y'all....may your thoughts and prayers be with Trent as he packs up and prepares to move back to Charlotte next week.......n

Is it Monday yet?

2004-12-19T13:59:00.000-05:00

We all know how normally we do not look forward to the end of a weekend...this one, I do. I am ready for Monday. This weekend seemed to fall apart at the seams. We had to bite the bullet on a limo trip because we were late and the people were mad. I love having to talk to people on the phone when they are mad, wait....no I don't like it at all. The weekend was yucky, and now I am finished complaining.

Erin flew in safely for the wedding, and is back out tomorrow. She said she rented one of those ugly Toyota Echo things, it was cheap and fuel efficient, but that is about it. Today is the celebration for Jenny's and Gretchen's respective b-day. Looks like I am going to be shuffling a bit tonight. Happy Birthday Jenny and Gretchen! I have almost finished shopping, only dad's gift is left to go pickup. By the way, I just looked outside, and it is snowing! As you all remember, I heart snow. I don't think I would heart trying to get out of my hill laden neighborhood, but that is another story, and one that would only apply if the snow actually amounted to anything.

Dear Santa, may we have a white christmas?

Christmas is upon us...

2004-12-15T20:56:00.000-05:00

Boys and girls gather around and let grandpa tell you a story. Once upon a time there was a house at 232 Clarion Avenue, and it held a divine Christmas party with lots of food, booze, and sex toys. You may wonder how you can attend this melee of madness, aren't you? Well you can't. It happened last night, and you missed your chance at a "Jelly Dong," although Jenny may let you borrow the one Santa brought her. It was a great evening with lots of eggnog and good food. Trent and Marshall did well with their cooking. Marshall is leaving with Anne-Marie tomorrow to head back to Detroit for a month. It will be cold so we should hope they remember to take a jacket. Overall, I suppose I am ready for Christmas, but it really feels like it has slipped up on me. I mean the other day I was lounging in a Speedo by the pool, and "hey, what &@!? Christmas is here." I also thought I was ready for cold weather, are you ready for cold weather dear readers? I think not. I am now trying to involve you all more; did you notice this? Of course you did, as you are all astute members of society. If you are not, then I am sorry for giving you more credit than you deserve. We should all take a moment to remember those less fortunate this holiday season, and then actually do something about it. Toys for Tots perhaps, or maybe a visit to a retirement home. It is just a thought. n

Internal monologue/ramblings/whatnots...

2004-12-09T22:42:00.000-05:00

I thought that I would write some of my crazy thoughts while I am trying to waste time prior to an airport transfer that is delayed (indefinitely). I was just thinking about the how this is so vain, you know, writing about my life and all, I am not sure who I feel bad for, me or you. We all know that my life is lackadaisical and my job much the same, I mean I sit at home and answer the phone to take bookings and drive some, but you poor people have lives (or 9-5 ers). Then I started thinking about how you all have to occupy your time anyway, so then I felt better.

Do you ever wonder why our generation is so lazy? For the most part, we, as a whole, expect the treasures of the world to be gently placed into our laps. This is a generalization, as I know a good number of people out there busting their behinds to get ahead, but there are so few ambitious and motivated people. Everyone whores himself out to whatever dream has been socialized into his (or her) brain about what he must do. When did people stop being adventurers? There are no more North Poles, Amazon Jungles, foreign lands to find, so to speak, but there are so many experiences out there to be tackled. I have had the pleasure, and fortune, of visiting more places than most of the people I know, and that is my kind adventure. I am not charting unseen lands, for me I am. Paris and Savannah are not uncharted, but it is the whole adventure of getting there, the experience, and the memories that I am really talking about. It is about knowing that really cool cafe that had the most awesome coffee, the ugly shells you found at the beach, the kind homeless couple in the cold rain sleeping on the streets in the city of lights. I just wish people would stop being complacent and get out there and go. Although being ambitious does not mean you have to go anywhere, I mean something along the lines of hitching your rope to a shooting star. Live life as if every day were your last, because one day it will be. I also like the quote from Motorcycle Diaries, "Let the world change you... and you can change the world."

Rain, Rain, go away...

2004-12-09T16:20:00.000-05:00

and don't come back for a while, ok. I would prefer snow. It would be nice if it would snow like 8 feet, and I would not have to go anywhere---wait, that means I would be stuck with Trent. Nevermind. Well, well, well...the first annual 232 Clarion Christmas Party will be next Tuesday, and I have Becky's "secret santa" gift. I have the feeling that half of the people are going to give sex toys, and the other half are going to give cigarettes and booze as their gift to others. So the damn damn thing is going to be Tuesday night from 7 until ???? I think we are having Ham and well I am not sure what else. I have been wrong on everything about this so far, I was telling everyone it was one day, and then it was the other, and you get the point. It will be a night of booze and food. If we are lucky, our neighbor will come an complain about us being loud again. Santa is giving him a big lump of coal. How do I know this you may ask, it is because I said so.

I am thinking about posting some of my writing on this page, so you may leave hate mail, notes of love, and other general comments .

Filler up, with Vegetable Oil ?!?!

2004-12-08T01:01:00.000-05:00

Yes kids, you too can run your car on waste vegetable oil. Does this sound crazy? Yeah a little bit, but it's true---well only if you own a diesel, and if it is properly converted, which you can actually do yourself. Does it smell bad? If you like the smell of French Fries or Chicken Tenders, no. Does it pollute more? That is a good question Nathan. The answer is no, it is much cleaner. Tests vary, but it is said to be from 50-70% cleaner---it's a renewable resource that is better for you engine and it is eco-friendly! Will it harm my motor? Actually, the glycerin in vegetable oil will lubricate your motor and prolong its life. Chemically, vegetable oil and diesel are similar, obviously, both will combust via heat and compression---veggie oil is less viscous than diesel, which is the reason for the conversion. Is there anything else I should know that is nerdy? Yes Nathan there is. Oil burns cleaner and does not emit sulfur (causing acid rain). The carbon release would have been naturally released from the decay of the plant. It is neutral-carbon, releasing carbon that was captured only a year or two ago, and it will again be released in next year's crops. Fossil fuels release carbons that were captured millions of years ago. This is what upsets the atmosphere and causes global warming. The point is that it is economical and nice, as you are recycling something that was used up. Here is some nerdy information for those of you who like chemistry.

For those of you that don't, you have a job too, I want a 1991 Mercedes-Benz 350SDL or a 1995 S350 TurboDiesel to convert for my own personal trials. If you have one of these fine automobiles, you can sell it to me for a dollar, and I will take you for a ride in it. I will be accepting donations starting...now. So don't hug a tree and get all sad for Mother Nature, she still loves you, even though you are ruining her with your Escalades and Hummers. (Am I trying to make you feel bad? Of course I am, I would like to know when you last took your overpriced truck off-road---using 4 wheel drive to cross your ditch into your subdivision does not count.) Go to the local Chinese restaurant and get some oil for me. The plus side, you will be hungry all the time with the slight smell of fried foods when you ride with me, so you may crave egg rolls ALL the time. Your mission starts in 5....4....3.....2.....1.......HELLO, hurry up, where is my car? n