Notes On Being Classy
Thursday, April 2, 2009 In my life thus far, becoming a dad has pretty much represented the pinnacle of my existence. And I'm pretty sure there's nothing I can do from this point on to top it. I've carved the beginnings of another generation of person (hopefully people by the time all is said and done) to take what I've brought to the table, improve upon it in their own way and do something grand.
In other words, I deserve a break.
And that's just what I got last weekend (as in more than a week ago, as opposed to yesterday, because I never update this blog anymore. Sorry...), thanks to a most excellent Christmas present from d wife. I got to spend one weekend, by myself, in San Francisco and drink all the fine Scotch I could handle for an entire evening at the Whiskies of the World Expo. Yup, the good stuff. Yup, as much as I wanted. Yup, I'm now inclined to believe that Santa and the Tooth Fairy also exist. For two days I got to shed my dad hat, and swap it out for something a little on the dusty side but still salvageable after almost 7 years in the proverbial garage of all that is me: my classy dude hat.
It's been a long time since I've done something to recharge the guy behind the guy behind the guy, so I was all too excited. So excited that I left my Blackberry on the roof of my car at the airport Park n Ride. Which brings me to my first note on being classy.
Say Thank You
"Sir, is that your Volvo?" said the man.
"Yes..." I replied.
"I think you left some--"
"OH MY GOD! Thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou!!! My phone!!"
[After leaping out of the bus, sprinting to my car, sprinting back and sitting back down...]
"Thankyouthankyouthankyou... I can't live without my phone. I don't know what I would have done. Thank you. Really. Thank you so much."
"You're very welcome!"
"That was so close. Thanks again."
[Turns to his wife and kids] "See? They'll make you crazy. That's why I leave mine OFF on weekends."
Fly Virgin Airlines
After our nightmare on United Airlines, I had pretty much lost all confidence in the flying biz. But wow, nice airlines do still exist. If you want to be classy, you need to feel classy first. And you don't need to shell out for first class to accomplish that. You don't even have to pay more than you would at United Airlines. Just fly an airline where you can buy a ticket and actually get a seat on that plane (I didn't say my standards were high, just realistic). So the nightclub-style cabin lighting, leather seats (in coach! nice touch), individual touchscreen TVs and flight attendants with British accents helped too. A little wee bit.
Don't Yell. At Your GPS. Like I do.
The GPS on my Blackberry is either really stupid, or likes to amuse itself at my expense. This is the GPS that sends me off an exit to re-route around traffic, then sends me right back onto the freeway. Then off again at the next exit, then back on. Then off. Then on. For five exits. So I was kind of hesitant to use it when I got off the BART (SF's subway system) at Embarcadero station because the hotel I was staying at was only three blocks from the station, according to its website, and I figured simply wandering around would do the trick. As generations of men have discovered and re-discovered, wandering around isn't really an effective navigation strategy, so I eventually I resorted to firing up the ol' GPS.
With luggage in tow, a laptop bag and far too many layers of clothing on for this unusually warm San Francisco Saturday, my journey began. Turn right here, turn left there, go straight 500 feet, turn left here, "recalculating route" (what? why?? I followed your damn directions to the T!) go straight, turn left... for a good 15 minutes, I faithfully followed every instruction my GPS barked at me. And eventually we made it. Right back to the exact spot from which we started. If I wasn't dripping with sweat, chaffed from luggage straps and cursing the waste of taxpayer dollars we call satellites, it would have been quite amusing. But it wasn't like I was going to ask anyone for directions, right? So I punched in the address and started over.
Off to a good start. I actually found the street it told me to find. Go straight? Yes, I can handle that as well.
"You are not on a street."
"What?"
"Recalculating route."
"I'm ON the $%%#^& street!! LOOK!!" (This is where I run into the middle of the street and hold the phone above my head, because without that extra 2 ft., the satellite hundreds of miles above earth's surface simply cannot see me. Waving it also helps to get its attention.)
"Recalculating route."
"I hate youuuu!!!!"
Amidst this conversation I was enjoying with my GPS, I happened to catch a glimpse of a street sign. Not anything that my GPS was asking me to find, but an important one all the same. The street that the hotel was on: Battery St.
"Ok, GPS, I'm giving you one more chance. At least let me know which direction on Battery I need to go."
"Turn left. On Clay St."
"Shut the #$%@ up."
I eventually found it. This picture on the right is the GPS, still recalculating.
Ten minutes later...
"You have arrived at your destination."
"Really? Thank you, I wasn't sure if I was intruding on someone else's hotel shower."
Listen to the Bagpipes
If you do what it takes to take care of what you've got to take care of, then allow yourself to indulge in what makes you happy every once in a while. In my case, it's a fine distilled spirit. Saturday's Whiskies of the World Expo was one of those evenings you just can't forget, unless you sampled over 20 different Scotches, bourbons, rums, vodkas and gins. In which case you're glad that you brought your camera, and can piece together your Twitter updates to figure out what Scotch to buy the next time you hit BevMo.
Some highlights of the evening:
The event was held on the San Francisco Belle, a really big boat. It was docked, but you could still feel it rocking on the water. But I guess after a few drams, who can tell the difference?
All three floors of the boat were reserved for this event. The first floor was the food. I shared a table with two other guys who told me I had to "check out the 31 yr. old" on the top floor. Not totally in Scotch drinking mode yet, I must admit the first thing that popped in my head wasn't a bottle of alcohol. But it kicked in a second later (before I said something stupid) and off I went.
I went straight to the Tomintoul table on the third floor. The 31 yr. old Reserve is the first drink that touched my lips that night, and the last thing that left my mind. It was one of those rare Scotch moments where you recall it more as breathing it in than drinking it. And when you have these guys marching by you during all of this, well damn, you can almost feel the breeze over the glen, kicking up your kilt.
Then the guy tells you that this bottle retails for $450. And you realize that this is not going to be your daily drinker. In fact, you better have another sample and remember it well. Cause you ain't ever drinking it again. (By the way, the Tomintoul 16 yr. old retails for around $50 and is excellent - my recommendation if you want a nice, sweet-ish, not-too-peaty, smooth Scotch). Since they won my "Best in Show" award, even after a night of sampling the best the world has to offer for getting your buzz on, I returned to their table at the end of the night and said to them "can I take a picture with you for my blog?"
Have a Cigar, Sir
Ok, so they stink up a room, and linger for days. But something that's still made pretty much the same way it was generations ago, and whose individual character reflects the artist who nurtured its leaves and the craftsman who rolled it, is classy. In an old school, guy's guy kind of way. And no one will ever change my mind about that.
Don't Harass Celebrity Crushes
I don't have a great record with this, but I'm trying. So the next morning, as I am strolling along the Embarcadero, I have a random conversation with myself.
"Wouldn't it be funny if I ran into Veronica Belmont here? I mean she does live in San Francisco."
"Yeah, good luck. You know how big this city is?"
"Well I'm just saying, if I did it would be cool."
"Ok, let's say you did. So what would you do, ask for her autograph?"
"No, I'd ask her to follow me back on Twitter."
"How nerdy."
Not an hour after this conversation, as I am walking back to my hotel, guess who I see walking my direction? She is with a male companion and looking like she's enjoying the conversation in which they are immersed. I refrain from my earlier plan of action and just keep walking (after a double take and near-trip). Cause I'm (chicken) classy like that (chicken).
Defer to the Experts
I know, I know. Classy is 90% attitude. But really, who doesn't want to hear "youu loook maaahvelous" every once in a while? That is why when the publishers of Esquire's Handbook of Style contacted me a few months back to review their book, I said "yes. please? please? like right now?"
I love this book. It's one of those books that I will always keep within reach of my closet because it answers ALL the questions that men have about style. And it's done with simple charts, pictures, rules and lists. I don't like to read. I want my information in individual ready-to-eat servings. And this book delivers.
Written for the everyday dude, the Handbook of Style uses profiles of style icons like Fred Astaire, Robert DeNiro, Andre 3000 and even Albert Einstein (rock the V-neck, baby!) to illustrate men's style themes, paradigms and trends, so that you not only know the how, but also the why.
And the book is hilarious to boot. Example? The Denim Flow Chart. Are your jeans blue? No. Are they white? Yes. Are you George Michael? No. --> Take them off. Are they black? Yes. Are you Joey Ramone? No. --> Take them off.
This is a picture of my copy (which usually lives on my nightstand, unless I'm trying to simultaneously shoot a classy picture of it and come up with an excuse to pour some of the "good stuff").
But if you would like your own copy, I've got one more. And I am giving it away. Just indicate in your comment that you would like to be entered in the drawing and I'll do the rest. Because I am nice. And nice is classy.
Reader Comments (32)
FIRST!!!!
You can thank me by getting me that Ford Flex. Hahahaha! Yeah, I'm still not over it.
whiskey/whisky and cigars go hand in hand. amen.
I can't believe you chickened out. Again. Too bad it wasn't the night you were drunk. No, no wait. Then you might have ended up in jail.
And I've seen that book! It's freakin' hilarious. Every guy should own a copy. Socks with sandles would be a thing of the past.
Just checked my jeans. Yup, they're blue. Whew. I'd like an entry please. I could use a good dose of style.
That was awesome!
Don't tell me what the Esquire book says about the muscle shirt and parachute pants that I'm wearing.
You are clearly in your comfort groove with this post. Like buttah! And don't bother entering me for the Handbook of Style. Mr. O thinks the fine boys at Canadian Mist hung the whisky moon.
I know you won't get this reference, but if there are fellow geeks out there - I picture you as a dorky busydad gollum hahahah! The fact you're bald makes it funnier. Picture smeagol on his journey cooing about his precious as it walks away...and gollum repliying about being cool and chicken, or about to strangle a GPS. hahahah. btw, you know there are such things as printed maps.
Can I be put into the drawing and try to win it for my husband?
Ahhh... the perks of being a grownup. I don't talk back to my GSP, but I have had many cross words with my Bluetooth... lying b'otch.
ooohhhh ooohhhh!!! My boyfriend soooo needs this book!!! Please, please, please! Yes, it's THAT bad!
Does it have a section that reminds guys that not EVERY piece of clothing they own must have their Alma Mater embroidered across the nipple??? I mean Penn State rocks and all, but dude, that was like 15 years ago...
and HAHA on your GPS! That was paybacks for leaving the Crackberry on the car roof...I am surprised its not imbeded in your palm...I know mine is!!!
When your GPS was all 'left, right, um, recalculating' did you not think for a second that you might be smarter than the machine? I did.
Say, what's a girl gotta do to get you to start loading some of your awesome pics on Flickr? Like that cigar aficionado one, it's worth a fave in my book.
I am so incredibly jealous! That sounds like such a fun night.
You know I love my Jack - would have loved to sample that $450/bottle of Tomintoul. Make a deal with you - if either of us wins the lottery, we will meet with our families in Aruba and share a bottle & some really good cuban cigars :)
Oh, and my husband could use that Style Handbook - please enter us in your giveaway.
Awesome post on being "Classy." The gf is always telling me that I need to be more classy....especially when I burp, fart, and scratch myself all at the same time. I also hate my Garmin GPS with a passion at times.... the piece of crap will tell you to merge on to a freeway and won't tell whether its east, west, north, or south till its too damn late and you've wasted 15 minutes going around in circles.
-B
P.S. For kicks please add me to the drawing! *scratches ass*
I can always use a book on being "Classy."
I can't think of a dad who deserves a break more than you! So glad you had a great trip, and yet still managed to make us laugh at you. (or with you. Whatev.)
Dammit, I was going to say something else, and now I can't remember what it was.
Sounds like an awesome trip, man! I didn't even know Scotch events existed...now I need to go to one, even if I throw it myself, in my house, alone.
I had a fight with my GPS, too and we eventually ended up breaking up over it. She just wasn't listening to me and really didn't GET me, you know? After a while I felt like she was just trying to make me look stupid in front of my friends.
Way to stay Classy. And bonus points for going with the 16 year old. Affordable & Tasty! As long as you're still talking about the alcohol.
I don't want the book, but I wouldn't mind seeing you in a kilt. Just sayin'.
Also, THANK YOU for reminding me why I didn't buy the navigation package for my Blackberry.
Bawk bawk bawk.
Your line about intruding on someone else's hotel shower cracked me up. That would be classy, especially on a whiskies of the world expo trip.
Love, love, love the post! I know that I should do something like this for my dh and I'm taking your advice on the scotch for his father's day gift - thanks!
Also, please enter my husband for the book! Alas, my DH is an engineer. Does that explain it? Well, I'll be more specific...he's a geotechnical engineer...painting a clear picture here? Let me add a little special sauce to that....he's a geotechnical engineer, in Portland, OR, who just turned 30 but thinks he's still in college and has a 7 MO baby...he neeeeds some style help! Desperately!
Always wanted to visit SF! Almost made the long drive up there last month while I was out visiting L.A., but alas - not yet. Looks like fun!
United Airlines sucks.
That's all.
When I was in SF for our show in Feb what really helped me find where Tito Nick was was GOOGLE MAPS. Yup, I don't get nav on my Verizon Windows Mobile Smartphone so I got GOOGLE MAPS. THAT works!
I'm still pouting because you couldn't bring any back, even though I offered to split the cost 50/50 with you. Those bastards at the conference didn't know what they were missing out on, revenue wise ;)
i'm glad that you had a good time!
Sounds like you had a blast... I'd love for my hubby to take a retreat trip off by himself!
Would love to win the book! It looks like a great read!!
Thanks,
Sallie
Sounds like a great experience to treat yourself. My wife is gracious enough to allow me a weekend at the local blues festival every year. It's a great way to recharge.
I'd like to be entered into the drawing for the style book, please. My sense of "style" has been blue jeans and golf shirts for longer than I care to remember. I can certainly use some direction.
Please include this Cretin in the drawing for the book! I wonder if George Michael has a copy? :)
I'm one of those neurotic sumbiches that has to have my printed google map BEFORE I leave HOME, let alone the airport. The trick to asking directions is asking the right (classy) person. Don't ask the guy on the street, ask the bellman at the nearby hotel. (and then tipping allows you to keep your man card) "Thank you good sir."
You are the only person I know with 19 jobs that gets a vacation all the time. Does this mean that I need 19 more jobs?
You are listed on the blog list of Angie at Keep Believing. You know that she lost her husband to cancer on March 17. Angie and Brian would have celebrated their 12th wedding anniversary on April 19. I am hoping that I can get everyone in her blog list to post on their blogs at 12:00 am on April 19 a post with the title “Keep Believing” so that when she opens her blog, her blog list is filled with recent posts all titled “Keep Believing”. I don’t know how else to arrange this other than commenting on blogs, so forgive my off-topic comment. I would ask that you keep the post up for 24 hours in case she doesn’t look right away, and you don’t have to publish anything with it, just the title will do. I am using the scheduled post feature provided by blogger so I don’t forget. Thanks so much. Heather.
Looks like you had a great classy time. And you ditched United Airlines for another. Yes, that's the way to fly. LOL!
Awesome recap. You made me very homesick. Next time you get lost in the city, just call me. I may not live there anymore, but I can close my eyes and picture those streets in my sleep (and often do).
What an awesome post.
GPS? Google maps always get me to the wrong place.
And OMG, I NEED that handbook. For my husband, who I just recently got out of pleated dockers ... well, maybe not that recently, but he'll be the first to admit he needs help in the style department.
I'm now 19 and experiencing being a dad. I must say although it feels good it's still hard. I knew it wouldn't be easy but to be honest, the hard part is having to balance time. My daughter is great and makes managing her never dreadful. -Teen dad