I just packed my first box to move out.
I know that doesn't sound like much, but it's the first step of moving my belongings from the basement that I've called my own for the past 17 years and a home I've stunk up for the past quarter century.
I remember my first nights down here, wondering what the hell the sounds were coming from the laundry room. Not sure if they were imagined or real to this day.
As I grew older, I remember having my first beer down here, a can of Miller Lite that looked to be many many years old (it didn't taste that bad, given it was many many years old and that it was Miller Lite). I remember all of the Monday Night Raws I would host with friends coming over to watch the teenage male soap opera before it went all PG and started to suck.
And who amongst my friends of 10+ years doesn't love remembering the days of Toilet Toss, which required a person to throw a tennis ball from the couch aligned with the bathroom into the toilet. Surprisingly (or maybe not), the shooting percentages of me and the friends were not very high. But it wasn't so much making it in the toilet that made us enjoy the game, but rather my dad getting pissed off at the sound of a ball hitting off the bathroom wall. At least we didn't paint a backboard on the wall (think positive, Dad).
I don't remember where I heard this one, but sometime during my college run from 2001-2005, I believe my brother was supposed to move down here to end my reign as King of the Basement (no, unfortunately, I don't have a crown for this). However, my folks were hesitant to let him have a room/area to himself that would be hard to supervise him and his g/f. They didn't have much faith in my ability to get a girlfriend at the time (can't say I blame them - I'm far removed from my days as a nerd that was uncomfortable talking to girls).
The last of rituals that was established downstairs were the poker games, usually on Wednesdays, that would last until 1 or 2am. The side tables would create the most fun though, with random card games being played for four or five times more than the hold'em tourney about to finish off. All the while, some beers were consumed, even by Buddy, who would often be jonesing for a beer whenever a game was going on
I think it's fitting to tell these stories as it represents the immature side of my life. That may never change though. However, taking the next step, moving into a place with Jen and being responsible for a lot more now, it makes me reflect on all the times spent in the basement/garage over the years and realize how much I've grown.
While I have many more boxes to pack before moving out in three weeks, I figured I'd reminisce a little about all the good memories I've had in the basement down here. I haven't given much thought to what I'm leaving behind until now. I must say, I'll miss some aspects of this place.
But it's time to move on, become a responsible adult, and start the next chapter of my life with my great girlfriend. Time to become a Chicagoan, soaking in the sights and sounds that the city has to offer - including a great view of Lake Michigan from our complex's rooftop.
In the meantime...to my friends of yesteryear, anyone up for a game of Toilet Toss before I leave the suburbs?
