The Mike Tyson conference
Damn fireworks woke me up. Happy friggin new year. Well, I’m up, so have some ‘a dis…
From a Facebook bio: “I grew up without a TV, so don’t assume we share any childhood memories.” Oh man, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. I hear ya girl. After all, we grew up in the same fringe religious group.
On February 11, 1990 I found myself at a 1.5 star hotel in Toledo, OH attending a religious conference. That night I watched Buster Douglas defeat Mike Tyson. The next morning Chris Schneider made an important announcement.
While never explicitly stated, we were expected to marry within the group. A closed system. Conferences were an opportune time to examine “possibilities”. On the morning after the Tyson/Douglas hoopla, Chris stood up and carefully scanned the horizon. Unimpressed with the selection, he slumped back down in his chair and announced, “SLIIIIIIIIIM PICKINS!”. Perhaps Chris opted out at that very moment, because that was the last time I ever saw him.
Five years ago I lost my taste for Kool-Aid. I’ve kept just one souvenir from those wacky days…I remain happily married to a girl Chris overlooked in that conference room.
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| T, Chris, and Me, 1990 |
I like that story. Happy New Year.
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I like this story too, maybe it’s cuz I live there, either way its funny!
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What were you? Mormons?
Oh, and Chris is kinda cute (assuming he hasn’t turned into a giant meatball with a mullet). BTW, what was up with the trench coat?
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nah…just an obscure christian group with slight budism overtones…a group rooted in baby boomer 70’s idealism.
if i ever see chris again (it’s been 19 years), and he passes the meatball/mullet test, and he happens to mention that he’s looking for a gay old time, then i will certainly pass along your info.
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I really enjoyed that email dialogue about blogging. There was some great stuff in that. I need to go back and read it again.
This was a great post. I think you highly underestimate yourself. I’ll be posting something about my essay collection soon. I continue to welcome your memoir. Even if it doesn’t mention Madonna, the shuttle disaster or asanine Boomers, it will still be essential Gen X. Please consider!!!
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Mormons stay at 2 star hotels for their conferences.
nah…just an obscure christian group with slight budism overtones…a group rooted in baby boomer 70’s idealism
Buddhist Christianity? This isn’t Watchman Nee’s group, is it? I knew some of those guys and gals at the University of Utah. Sorta weird, but in a harmless way.
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