Never heard of him? I know you Star Trek fans remember the reference - you know, the episode where Doctor Daystrom and the M-5 computer replaced Captain Kirk at the helm of the Enterprise. You got to know that one. Anyway, for those who have not seen every episode of the original Star Trek series about 186 times apiece, let me fill you in. "Captain Dunsel" is a midshipman's term for a part which no longer serves a useful purpose. Think a politician whose newer and younger party members have party excluded him, a committee chair whose members have tuned her out. And of course, our good Captain Kirk, who was left to watch as a cardboard computer ran his beloved Enterprise.
I have thought much of Capain Dunsel over the last couple of weeks. Much like the ship captain, I was once at the helm of my own vessel right here in the Bulitt home. My crew was made up of little people, all scampering around looking to me for food, for fun, for love - for life. For piggybacks and "speed boat". For "chase me" and "cuss time". A tiring job, a challenging position, that is for certain, but one which I think I grew into and more comfortable as my time in the Captain's chair went by. I didn't think much about it then, but now I do. My days as Captain, my time as the center of my children's lives, it has most certainly passed. Today, my ship largely runs itself, my crew more often than not, much happier to be on their own, making their own way, walking their own paths.
I am Captain Dunsel. Or am I?
Does my oldest still call me every day from college, pretty much without fail? She does. Does my high school senior still rely upon me to help her with getting ready for her next steps in life - beyond high school? She does. And my 15 year old - doesn't she need me now more than ever to help her reach beyond and around her array of issues to be the best she can be? I think she does. And what about my baby? My 12 year old who looks and wants you to think she is really 18. Doesn't she need me to remind her that its okay to be a kid for awhile longer? I know she does.
Do all of my girls still laugh at my jokes? They do. Do they want to tell me about their successes, and sometimes even their failures? Yes.Yes. I believe they do.
Maybe I dont need to be the center of my children's lives to continue to be important to their lives. I think I can still make a difference without having to be the only difference.
Its amazing how a little glass of oaky anejo can give you clarity.
Captain Dunsel? Oh no. Not me. Not now. Not ever.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Key West, FL
Well, it has been far too long since yours truly (TQB South) has posted anything to our blog. Plenty of life getting in the way of posting, but hopefully I'm back in gear now.
Several weeks ago the TQBs got together for a road trip to Key West. It has become a favorite party spot for the boys. I've been heading down to Key West since college Spring Break days and I've always loved the town. It remains a highly recommended destination for all Tequila Boys - young & old.
Things I like about Key West:
* It feels a lot like New Orleans to me (another TQB favorite), but with better weather. It doesn't have the same unbelievable music scene, but the mentality of the folks in Key West is "party-time!" all of the time.
* One of the Key West traditions that leads to that party mentality (and reminds me of New Orleans) is the Go-Cup. Is there anything better than being able to take your cocktails to the street in-between stops?
* There really is a mile-marker "ZERO" at the beginning of Route 1. I don't know why I think being at the southern most tip of the US is so cool, but I do.
* The beautiful Julia and Big Red in their scanty swim suits. I'm sorry all of you can't experience this on your Key West trips. What can we say? We're lucky guys.
* Scootering around town is a blast. It is a great way to see Key West. Although, watch out for elderly Cuban men in the crosswalks.
* The drive down from Miami. I know a lot of people that hate the drive, but I find it part of the magic. The second we hit the outer Keys I'm on "Keys Time" and I truly love the whole drive down. The beautiful blue/green water on either side of the road, the funky old-school bars/restaurants along the way, 7-mile bridge, etc. I just love it all.
* Key West's ability to bring out crazy costumes and body painting. Yeah, there are some women that shouldn't do the body painting, but there are still plenty that should. The only exception for me are the really B-I-G drag queens. People that know me, understand that I have no problems with alternative life styles. But some of these big queens scare me like angry clowns and carneys.
* Reading in the local papers that the "The Man Painted Silver" is seeking a ruling that will force "The Man Who Tells Dirty Jokes" to stand a minimum of 20 yards for him at the Sunsets - only in Key West. Oh yeah, nice sunsets too.
* There is an actual rope swing in my favorite restaurant on the island - Blue Heaven. BTW, if you visit make sure you order the Sauteed Yellowtail Snapper with Citrus Beurre Blanc Sauce. Food doesn't get much better.
* Live music in almost every bar - 'nuff said.
One thing I don't love so much about Key West:
* Key West is actually not a great tequila town. Yeah, every bar has a "top-shelf" of Patron (has any tequila even come close to a better job of marketing and placement??), but beyond that the pickins' are a bit thin. On this trip we discovered that Cowboy Bill's has one of the better selections (although we we forced to endure the tool bartender that was trying to do his best Tom Cruise in "Cocktail" impression). The bar is a bit off the beaten path on the northern end of Duval, but worth the walk - especially on sexy bull-riding night - yowza!
The good news is that we brought our own bottles of Dos Lunas Anejo and Corralejo Reposado for the trip - two TQB favorites. At the least, we always knew we had tasty nightcaps back at the rooms. What a great weekend with some really great friends.
Ahhh, now Sunday night is ahead - time to spend a few hours with Sookie Stackhouse, Vince/Ari & the Entourage and of course, Mr. Don Draper.
Several weeks ago the TQBs got together for a road trip to Key West. It has become a favorite party spot for the boys. I've been heading down to Key West since college Spring Break days and I've always loved the town. It remains a highly recommended destination for all Tequila Boys - young & old.
Things I like about Key West:
* It feels a lot like New Orleans to me (another TQB favorite), but with better weather. It doesn't have the same unbelievable music scene, but the mentality of the folks in Key West is "party-time!" all of the time.
* One of the Key West traditions that leads to that party mentality (and reminds me of New Orleans) is the Go-Cup. Is there anything better than being able to take your cocktails to the street in-between stops?
* There really is a mile-marker "ZERO" at the beginning of Route 1. I don't know why I think being at the southern most tip of the US is so cool, but I do.
* The beautiful Julia and Big Red in their scanty swim suits. I'm sorry all of you can't experience this on your Key West trips. What can we say? We're lucky guys.
* Scootering around town is a blast. It is a great way to see Key West. Although, watch out for elderly Cuban men in the crosswalks.
* The drive down from Miami. I know a lot of people that hate the drive, but I find it part of the magic. The second we hit the outer Keys I'm on "Keys Time" and I truly love the whole drive down. The beautiful blue/green water on either side of the road, the funky old-school bars/restaurants along the way, 7-mile bridge, etc. I just love it all.
* Key West's ability to bring out crazy costumes and body painting. Yeah, there are some women that shouldn't do the body painting, but there are still plenty that should. The only exception for me are the really B-I-G drag queens. People that know me, understand that I have no problems with alternative life styles. But some of these big queens scare me like angry clowns and carneys.
* Reading in the local papers that the "The Man Painted Silver" is seeking a ruling that will force "The Man Who Tells Dirty Jokes" to stand a minimum of 20 yards for him at the Sunsets - only in Key West. Oh yeah, nice sunsets too.
* There is an actual rope swing in my favorite restaurant on the island - Blue Heaven. BTW, if you visit make sure you order the Sauteed Yellowtail Snapper with Citrus Beurre Blanc Sauce. Food doesn't get much better.
* Live music in almost every bar - 'nuff said.
One thing I don't love so much about Key West:
* Key West is actually not a great tequila town. Yeah, every bar has a "top-shelf" of Patron (has any tequila even come close to a better job of marketing and placement??), but beyond that the pickins' are a bit thin. On this trip we discovered that Cowboy Bill's has one of the better selections (although we we forced to endure the tool bartender that was trying to do his best Tom Cruise in "Cocktail" impression). The bar is a bit off the beaten path on the northern end of Duval, but worth the walk - especially on sexy bull-riding night - yowza!
The good news is that we brought our own bottles of Dos Lunas Anejo and Corralejo Reposado for the trip - two TQB favorites. At the least, we always knew we had tasty nightcaps back at the rooms. What a great weekend with some really great friends.
Ahhh, now Sunday night is ahead - time to spend a few hours with Sookie Stackhouse, Vince/Ari & the Entourage and of course, Mr. Don Draper.
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