quarter life crisis of a bald guy

Exciting news!

2009-01-12T20:04:00.000-08:00

I think I found a new direction during my time to myself. Firstly, I think I will cut way down on my drinking. It's gotten out of hand too many times to count, and I've needed to do something about it for a while. I think the problem was that I was just floating around in my life. I am comfortable with my job, but I need a little more stimulation. I have set two goals (oh my God, he has goals now!)

The first is a Physical Goal. I want to commit two months to a boxing class. Now, I know this really isn't wise for a guy just coming off of a fractured jaw. I took classes a couple of years ago at KnuckleUp Fitness and you'd be surprised how NONcontact it was. You only fight (or spar) each other if you're an amateur boxer or if you have progressed a while through the class. I did not fight anybody. One thing I disliked about the class were the little 21yr old punks there to fight each other and show off, and not workout. I've found this Philly-style boxing gym, the Decatur Boxing Club, just around the corner. I like it because it takes an old school approach to boxing. It seems like they appreciate the sport more, than the mixed martial arts chain for UFC wannabes. Seeing how I'm coming off the milkshake diet gives me a foundation to build more muscle. If you haven't seen me lately, I'm down to 205lbs from 2225lbs before I broke my jaw. That's a little too thin for my liking. The boxing gym will add a little stress relief to my schedule.

My second goal is a Mental Goal. I've signed up for an information session later this month for business school at Georgia State. Seeing how the economy is in a slump presents a great time to build my resume. I have great managerial experience with my five years at The Flying Biscuit, and I need to know what else is out there- whether it is in the restaurant field or elsewhere. I plan on doing this while keeping my job, however. I tried this once my senior year in college when I worked a full time shift manager schedule at Buffalo's Cafe and I was a full time Emory undergrad. That year was actually my best academic year of the four! It seems as if I am better at managing a full schedule than one that affords me lots of time to goof around and get into trouble. This business school thing does have me a little scared. It's been awhile since I've been immersed in Academia. I think the degree I'm gunning for is the Professional Master of Business Administration (PMBA). The courses meet every other Thursday (5pm-9pm) and Saturday (all day) and takes two years. The cost however, will double my already accumulated college debt. I guess I'll go two steps foward then one step back.

Just thinking about my two weeks of hell

2009-01-12T19:40:00.000-08:00

Yeah, I got a little sad tonight knowing the two most painful weeks of my life will be over tomorrow at noon. The first week was spent fighting the pain from my jaw, and the second was fighting the tension headaches that resulted from my jaw being clenched. The whole time I dreamt about fast food. And I couldn't talk, or yawn, or work out, or drink. Spending so much time alone, you can't help but get a little contemplative. First of all, I'd like to say thank you to Ensure and Boost for the milkshake diet- but not grainy, horrible Fortify Vanilla (this reminded me of the first protein powders I tried back in high school. And believe me, Beefcake Nutrition Science has come a LONG way.). I was happy to find Ensure Butter Pecan flavor, because I was getting way jaded by all things Vanilla, Strawberry, and Chocolate. I'm not a kid anymore, so stop feeding me neopolitan ice cream flavors!!

Thanks also to P, who I've mentioned in an earlier post, for taking care of me. He insisted that he accompany me to the oral surgeon, and quite frankly I was a little scared. The doctors let him go into the debriefing room where I learned my fate. On one visit, one of the nurse attendants noticed me without P (who was parking. Gotta love curbside service) and asked where he was. Looking back, I think they thought we were a couple. In any case, he was able to get me a stronger prescription so it pays off to have a friend nearby in the medical field!

Thank you to my parents for taking me back in for those first horrible few days. Mom even sent me home with enough goodies for a week! I never really got a chance to use the bendy straws, so I might return them. Mom likes her bendy straws.

I also realized how wonderful my staff is at work. They really made me proud. On my sickest day at home, they got a secret shopper who scored their dining expereince that day a 100%. It was a score not yet attained by any Flying Biscuit in the company! Also, in the very same week we made Midtown's highest weekly sales ever at over $40K! That little Biscuit struggles with anything over $35K with its limited space. I knew they worked hard because of the many overtime hours they accumulated! To put it in perspective, that's even busier than Gay Pride/4th of July Week. They were also genuinely caring about my condition. For as nitpicky as I can be at work, these two weeks made me really proud to be their GM. I have a small surprise for them this Sunday...

All too reflective post

2009-01-01T12:34:00.000-08:00

With 2008 gone, the easiest blog to write is one which reflects about my last year...

1. I got a promotion at work

After four and a half years at the Biscuit, they sent me to train at new stores (which was way fun) and finally let me become the general manager of the Midtown store at 10th & Piedmont. Eight months in, I realize my job isn't the easiest- economic times are extra burdoning on retail and restaurants. We've made due, however without too many losses. I'm very excited about 2009, because now that we've worked out a couple of kinks

at the store, we can keep making more money!

2. My nearly 2 year relationship with Carmen ended

Yup, Carmina's gone. We moved in a little too soon in our relationship, and found out we weren't ideal roomies. The realtionship changed too much. Starting out, she was applying to paramedic schools and had all the time in the world for me. That soon ended with a rigorous

Grady EMS schedule AND going through paramedic school. Our lack of time together made me ultra needy with the few moments we did share. Unfortunately, all she wanted to do was sleep. I

didn't help situations when I frequently went out and partied a little too hard and left her to pick up the pieces. The end came when she left me a message that she had packed up my stuff after we had an argument at 5AM. I was at work when I got the message and felt so disposable. All I wanted was a little space away from Carmen, but I knew the realtionship was over. Since then, my sister kindly accepted me into her home while I figure things and myself out.

3. I lived in Decatur, Inman Park, Virginia Highlands, and East Atlanta

I went from living with Regis, to Win, to Carmen, and now my sister and her three roomies. I'd have to say, probably the unhappiest I've been was in the Virginia Highlands. One might say you are a product of your surroundings, but that was one place I could never feel comfortable living in.

4. P moved back to town

Being fresh out of a relationship, I realize I put my close friends on the back burner. P oived back into town almost as quickly as Carmen and I separated. He really helped me with the transition. He has helped me through a pretty bad time in my life, but stood by me nevertheless. Sometimes I forget to thank him, but he deserves a world of gratitude from me.

5. I broke my face

This one almost made it onto the 2009 year in review, but Monday, December 29th I had an "accident" and fell and fractured my jaw in two places. As a result my jaw is wired shut for two weeks (hopefully). The doctor said it was one of the strangest breaks he's seen in 26 years, stating there was no outer abrasions or bruising. He said I got very lucky, because if I had taken the same trauma from the back of my head, I would be paralyzed or die.

This is one of those events that humbled me to a point where I need to change my life. What better time than New Year's right? I need to get serious about my career, friends, family, and my life in 2009. I feel I've been floating for a while now- not knowing what direction to take my life, but I will change. I have bad habits and addictions I need to drop and postive goals to attain. I guess it does take hitting a rock bottom to snap someone back into reality.

RIP Mr. Clean

2008-10-02T20:43:00.000-07:00

Bald guys all over of the world mourn "Mr. Clean" House Peters, Jr. at age 92. Peters died from pneumonia. According form CNN.com...

" Peters' most memorable role came as Mr. Clean -- a muscular man with a bald head, a hoop earring and a no-nonsense attitude toward dirt and grime. From the late 1950s and into the early 1960s, Peters Jr. helped advertise the famous household cleaner with the trademark jingle, "Mr. Clean, Mr. Clean."

"He always played the heavy," Jon Peters said, referring to his father's customary roles as a villain or brawny character. "Even though he wasn't happy about being cast in those roles, he worked really hard at it."

You will be missed.

ATTENTION!! NEW BALD GUY TECHNOLOGY!!

2008-09-15T17:55:00.000-07:00

I recently switched to the Gillette Fusion Razor with a new five blade shaving "system." I've only been shaving my head for a little over two years, but I've had difficulty finding the right razor that is sturdy enough to use every other day, yet delicate enough not to butcher my face.

I started with the traditional Bic disposable blade. Cheap razor, cheap shave. I went through two of these per head shaving.

Next I stumbled upon the HeadBlade. It's a razor made especially for bald guys that contours itself to two fingers "gently" gliding across your head. By "gently" I mean "roughly;" and by "roughly" I mean my head look like a crime scene after I finished shaving.

Next. I tried Carmen's razor. Now hear me out- I've always heard guys saying they've gotten the best shave from women's razors. They are more gentle than their masculine Harley-looking counterparts. Just don't tell her. We are making progress in our journey.

Finally, the Mach 3 Fusion. This monster was feared to be too gimmicky. I mean, how many blades can one razor hold? We saw the introduction of the two-bladed razor, then three, then the Quattro with FOUR! The Fusion boasts five incredible, yet safe, blades in one vibrating follicle repelling masterpiece. Skeptical at first, I gave it a try and I fell in love. I didn't need the yellow CAUTION tape left over from my days with the HeadBlade. I encourage any shaver of heads, or faces, for that matter to invest in this miracle gadget. Now for a little proof...

Biggest Week Ever. (Well, in a while)

2008-08-04T19:33:00.000-07:00

The lineup so far...

Monday- Inventory Day, Spin Class, Watch Wrasslin

Tuesday- Day off, Going to Phillips Arena to see live WWE wrestling courtesy of new Biscuit manager and Pro Wrestler Jimmy Wang Yang.

He's an Asian redneck with free tix. Gonna see the Game vs Edge! Unfortunately Ric Flair was recently released. You can catch me on TV Tuesday at 10pm and Friday at 8pm.

Wed- "Day off," Human Rights Campaign Fundraiser Dinner at Cook's Warehouse. Delia wants to preview this Friday's Beer Dinner at the event. I'm the beer guy so I gotta come up with a script.

Thurs- Work in the AM. It's going well. I like the responsibility. Our corporate parents are starting to spend more money on us! We're getting a warmer and an expensive microwave this week! (I'm nerding out)

Friday- Work in the AM, host the Sweetwater Beer Dinner at night. I was asked my the boss guy to do another Beer Dinner, since customers keep asking about it and we've struggled to keep up with those monster sales nights recently. I've tried to integrate Midtown staff and customers more with this dinner. I'm curious to see how it turns out. Apparently we paid too much for the short ribs in the entree, so if you wanna a great value beer dinner, email me!

Saturday- Work brunch. I think Carmen (the crazy love of my life) has free tix to go see Lisa Lampanelli at the Tabernacle. I'll go if it's free.

Sunday- Work Brunch. Marcy Darcy came in last week.

Sorry about all the videos, I was too lazy to get pics to work.

Birthday Weekend and more

2008-04-27T13:57:00.000-07:00

Just to catch you up on things....

- This is my second week over at the Midtown Biscuit and everything is GREAT! The staff is wonderful, though we need to work on a few things. The customers love me. I met a trapeze duo.

- My car failed its emissions test and will cost me $650 to get out of the shop.

All this aside, it's my birthday weekend! Carmen had a great weekend planned until her dad and brother dropped in to stay with her. I invited them to the Biscuit on Saturday morning to meet them for the first time. They were very friendly (probably because I softened them up with mimosas). Really, her family really seems like cool folks.

Later on they wanted to grab dinner at Houston's. I thought about it and reccommended that we go to the 5 Seasons Brewery on Roswell Rd. After getting a little lost on a "tour" we had a great dinner. Great beer, great food, and my gf's wonderful family. They really made me feel very welcome.

The next day we all grabbed lunch a Johnny's Pizza then walked dow to the Inman Park Festival, one of the biggest festivals and artist's makets in Atlanta. We walked all over my neighborhood admiring the houses and arts & crafts. The guys seemed to be having a little fun. Every so often someone would tap me on the shoulder and remind me of all the people I've encountered in this city over the years. I had a really great birthday meeting Carmen's folks, even though we had other plans. I was a little nervous about meeting her family, but they were so accepting of me.

my vacation in philly

2008-04-10T19:35:00.000-07:00

This is day three in philly. I've been here once before, only briefly in high school. I've already had two cheesesteaks- Rick's in Reading Terminal and at the Fourth Street Deli. I've seen Rocky, been to the Art Museum, walked up the Rocky steps, eaten in Chinatown, strolled through the Italian Market, and chilled at Fairmont Park.

Philly's a cool place and all, but the weather is always overcast. The people seem beaten down and lack southern hospitality. I will say, however, the food is GREAT! We've walked around the city to get INCREDIBLE pizza and cheesesteaks all over the city. All the neighborhood bars are so inviting and full of history. It's been a great trip so far, and I'm very glad to see my buddy Justin.

my wonderful day or why carmen should stay in this house and rock my world

2008-04-07T18:17:00.000-07:00

I had a great day today. I wanted to spend the day with Carmen before I went off to Philly the next morning. Finding a gap in her crazy schedule, I wanted to make the most of it. It all started when I went to Carmen's this morning after she got off of work at 5AM. We lounged around for a bit and got some lunch at Taqueria Del Sol on Cheshire Bridge.

I never really understood why people waited so long in line for this place but it was AMAZING! The margarita was good, and the tacos were excellent!

After that, we went to Phipps to see Stop-Loss with Ryan Phillipe. I liked it, but Carmen was blah about it. Next we had treats at Zestos. Carmen grabbed a nap before her 8pm overnight shift and I headed to the gym for spin and abs class with a bunch of overweight people. Soon thereafter it was rum at Little Five Package (where I saw Rachael Sopo) and then to the house to shave my head and watch wrasslin.

I had an awesome day with my girlfriend. I told her I could not wait to move in with her so we can be closer with each other. If this were Brett Michael's VH1 reality show "Rock of Love" (one of our favorite shows), I'd definately give her a VIP Pass to stay in my life and Rock My World.

Last Day at Candler Park

2008-04-06T19:56:00.000-07:00

This was my last shift as assistant GM of the Candler Park Biscuit. I expected it to affect me more, since I had already cried in front of my staff at the last server meeting. It was a normal busy brunch. Nothing really special. I gave out hugs to people I would miss, and made them promise to visit me. If it is one thing that I can contribute to my new GM of Midtown gig it's forming a stronger relationship between the two original "corporate" stores.

Still, however, I remembered my first day; my interview on the patio with Calvin (the GM at the time) and founder, Delia Champion. I was 22 and right out of college. I played up the whole child of the neighborhood role since I was born in Candler Park and raised in Decatur. They took a chance on me, and I think they won a great employee. I met so many great customers and staff that I have problems recalling all of them when I bump into them around town. I watched the Biscuit grow from a disorganized little Cafe in the neighborhood to a little less disorganized breakfast chain.

I sat tonight in the same seat at the counter when I ate my first (free) Flying Biscuit meal- three huge organic oatmeal pancakes with peach compote- after my interview.

Four and a half years later I was sitting in the same place, but I had grown so much.

some of my favorite things (part 1): Krystals

2008-04-03T22:19:00.000-07:00

Yeah. Fresh Hot Small Square. Love it any time of day. My only bad experience was one morning at 4AM and they were closed, yes the 24 hour Krystals was closed. That doesn't stop me from going, however.

awesome.

2008-04-03T00:23:00.001-07:00

Arcade fire - Wake up
Uploaded by jeff

ahhh. I hate Kanye.

2008-04-03T00:09:00.000-07:00

What's old is new again. Who sings the original song?

yo Philly!

2008-04-02T23:41:00.000-07:00

I'm really looking foward to my vacation next week. I've probably missed three vacations in the past three years just due to working so much. It's like you turn around and another year has passed. This year I plan to visit my best bud Justin up in Philadephia. He moved up there last year and I've always wanted to go up to see him. Also, it's great timing because I can clear my head before leaping into my new promotion as GM of the Midtown Biscuit.

I told Justin I want to visit some cool spots like the Rocky steps (supposedly a mile away from his apartment), Pat's King Of Steaks, and probably a Phillies game. It'll be fun; and it's no coincidence I'm visiting in the Spring. I hate cold weather.

out with the old, in with the new

2008-04-01T23:10:00.000-07:00

i spent the day with jackson in midtown today. it was my day off. i enjoyed getting to know the cooks, the servers (greg is my evil unfunny twin), and the customers. One girl travelled for the pancakes. i hope i can be an inspirational boss. ps yeah, i met the mayor of gay atl today at the gym. hopefully we can mash ideas.

History, for me at least

2008-03-29T22:34:00.000-07:00

Woooo. I watched Ric Flair get inducted by Triple H to the Wrestling Hall of Fame tonight. I know I'm a dork. But I've grown up watching him; live and on TV. When I was training up in Charlotte (Ric Flair country for sure) I was soo close to getting him to come to the VIP party for the NC Biscuit. Our contact, however, had a death in the family and could not make it. Lucky for us, because the turnout for the VIP party was not so great. Tomorrow is Wrestlemania, and sadly I am working the evening shift. I'll just watch it Monday night for free on the internet. Flair wrestles Shawn Michaels in what could be his retirement match. Don't judge me.

The culture of Midtown

2008-03-28T22:42:00.000-07:00

Now, it seems lately I've blogged a lot about my job, but things are exciting now at work. I'm getting a promotion and it's a change of scenery. I've been doing the same thing for 4.5 years now and I've been wanting a change for a while.

So, one of my first goals as GM of Midtown is to establish its identity. Since it opened, MT has always been cast in the shadow of its bigger Candler Park brother. I'm accomplishing this through branding. The Midtown store is so different that Candler Park, that it deserves more branded attention. I asked our graphics dept to come up with something more "in the city" than "in the neighborhood" and she came up with this...

The Messenger is the monthly email i'll be sending out hyping wine tastings, beer events, and champagne brunches. I want the regular Midtown logos to reflect this one.

Final Beer Dinner

2008-03-28T22:33:00.000-07:00

Tongiht was my last beer dinner at Candler Park. It was pretty sad for me, but all my folks came through for me to make it happen.

Dewberry baked 7 red velvet cakes at home

Jason (or Jerry) spent his cameo at CP devoted to prep for the dinner.

Sarr came in on his day off to help execute the dinner

Nicole and Blake didn't complain when we had a few reservations no-show

Tommy DELIVERED on the main course that i was so scared for

I am very grateful to work with such loyal and devoted people. Also, Wendy almost cried when I told her i was tranferring to Midtown. My parents and gf were there, too. I will miss my Candler Park.

Want some cheese with that?

2008-03-27T06:44:00.000-07:00

This afternoon I'm going to Atlantic Station for the High Museum's trade tasting before their annual Wine Auction. There'll be 100s of wineries there from everywhere on the planet. Hopefully I can meet up with Marty, one of the other managers at Midtown, and "research" cool wines we can feature at the store this Summer. Great weather, lots of free wine. I hate my job!

http://www.atlanta-wineauction.org/

A word (or a few) about my girlfriend.

2008-03-26T21:35:00.000-07:00

My favorite bartender at TacoMac invited me to a party at her boyfriend's house where I met Carmen.

I was a total jerk. She said we talked a little, but I made an ass out of myself. Carmen's nonthreatening best friend manhandled me (I have quite a few punds of muscle and good looks on him). Yes, there are pictures.

Later that week, Carmen shows up at work. I forget her name and make small talk with her. She pretends not to be interested as she listens to her iPod while studying. I give her a free dessert- something in a Martini glass. She leaves.

Carmen gets my phone number from the TacoMac bartender and we start our friendship. Our first date was at a Zombie Porno Pary at my old Decatur house. Weird start. The next week I invited her to Gay Pride. We were in the parade.

Nine months later, she has molded me from my jerky old single ways to a considerate and (more) responsible boyfriend. We are very happy together and are looking for a house or apt together this Spring. I am lucky to have been pursued by such a beautiful, smart, and focused girl.

The more things change, the more they stay the same

2008-03-26T21:25:00.000-07:00

Last week I was offered the General Manager position at the Midtown location of the Flying Biscuit. Raving Brands could have easily asked a more qualified corporate guy to sweep in and change the beloved Midtown Biscuit, but they asked me- a near five year veteran of all things fluffy and flyin'. Very flattering. I took the job.

It's bittersweet. I am really looking foward to a new staff and trying out new ideas, but I will miss my Candler Park. It was home for nearly five years. Delia, the founder, took a chance on me after an interview on the patio. I mentioned I was a child of the neighborhood that had gone full circle: raised in a house down the street from the store, graduated from Chamblee HS, further down the street at Emory U (where I received high marks in my Student Debt major). There is a server meeting next Monday night which will be my last. I made a photo album to present to them. I arranged the pictures from earliest to latest to the best of my knowledge. I flipped through and saw all the faces of my past. Kinda made me reflect a little. I wish I started blogging then to relive those days. But I noticed one thing- thought my little cafe had changed so much over the past five years through corporate ownership, the faces looked the same as they did when I first started; happy.

Hello, my name is...

2008-03-26T21:16:00.000-07:00

I'm new here. I thought it would be cool to start a blog. I've always wanted to keep a journal and look back a couple years later and relive what I was going through.

I'll get interesting later.

A little about me: My name is Spencer. I was raised in Decatur, GA. I went and finished Emory University (in four years, no less) in 2003. My major was Student Debt. I'm still at my first job out of college- Assistant General Manager of The Flying Biscuit Cafe in quaint little Candler Park, Georgia. It's been a wonderful job where I've met tons of fascinating people. They started out as a fun and funky breakfast joint in 1993 and since then "partnered" with Raving Brands in 2007 to franchise new stores in Georgia and across the Southeast. They asked me to join the first training team and we opened stores in Marietta, Buckhead, and one in Charlotte, NC. I enjoyed training and travelling to new areas with the company. But now I am back home in my home store, until....