PACKING.

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CHECKPOINTS.

I'm back to bearing it all for you people.

There's something about checkpoints that always make me nervous. I gnaw my fingernails down to the cuticles before a TSA screening (even when Federbear is the most volatile object in my carry on). I pull a three-point turn when I see a sobriety roadblock (even when I'm walking). And just thinking about my annual job review makes me mess myself (not in the good way).

Well, it's time for me to throw on a Depends and break out the baby wipes. The New Year just passed, which means I need to see where I stand with my Birthday Resolutions.

 

Maintain My Blog

STATUS: Ongoing

PROGRESS: Although I kissed my once-a-week oath goodbye during the holidays, I haven't deactivated the URL. That's gotta count for something.

NEXT STEPS: Lay off the Yelping and start delighting the 1 to 5 people who remember this thing exists.

Join the Elites

STATUS: Complete

PROGRESS: I landed one of the mildly sought-after badges just before the New Year, and was awarded the 2012 incarnation after an 8-review saga about my San Francisco vacation. Not to mention my TWO ROTDs. I'd say this one's done and done, except... 

NEXT STEPS: Attend an Elite Event. It's time to overcome my childhood fear of talking to strangers and gain a new life experience.

 Be A Winklevoss

STATUS: Incomplete

PROGRESS: I can indoor row with the best of them, but I can't bring myself to throw on a hoodie and do the real damn thing.

NEXT STEPS: Stop being a pansy and JUST DO IT ALREADY!

  
Expand My Magnet Collection

STATUS: Ongoing

PROGRESS: My former magnets made five new friends as a result of the aforementioned adventure. However, it was to a city I've already conquered twice before.

NEXT STEPS: Land that Manhattan magnet I've been promising myself for four years now.

Get Laid

STATUS: I plead

PROGRESS: the

NEXT STEPS: Fifth (on #5)

Write Something Substantial

STATUS: Ongoing/Incomplete

PROGRESS: I've decided I will forgo a novel for a little while longer and write FOUR contest submittable short stories this year.

NEXT STEPS: Do them; AFTER I read my latest issue of Writer's Digest and find inspiration in the Paris Review Interview Collection my BFF bought me. (The same BFF who will be putting me up in NY?)

Nix the Negativity

STATUS: Ongoing

PROGRESS: I certainly wouldn't say I've mastered The Secret, but I have stopped diagnosing myself with lower back cancer ever since my head-to-toe physical.

NEXT STEPS: Start believing someone is reading this?

  

Marry T-Swift (And so begins the optimism.) 

STATUS: Incomplete

PROGRESS: Exactly where I've left off. She has no idea I exist, and I keep coming up with ideas to change that.

NEXT STEPS: Cross my fingers.

I think it's fair to say I have my hands full for the next eight months (and at the moment). If you think you can help me out with any of the "ongoing" or "incomplete" resolutions, which is essentially all of them, I welcome your suggestions. Until then, I've got some cleaning to do.

SHAME.

There isn't any real significance behind this other than the fact that I really want to see it. 

And the title, obviously.

There's something about shame I can't seem to shake. It feels like every week I'm having to apologize to you people for giving you less than my best literary effort. Unfortunately, I'm about to do it again. BUT WAIT!!! Don't close this window just yet. To repent for my absenteeism, I'm going to unveil the Holy Grail of self-degrading humor. Below, you will find my greatest source of shame; my teen writings. Of all the "cop-outs" and "apologies" I've published to keep my weekly-post promise, this is BY FAR the most painful. 

DISCLAIMER: If you're one of those people who feel horribly uncomfortable reading or seeing shamefully embarrassing things, you may now exit this tab. However, if you find glee in other people's humiliation, prepare for a pathetic dose of Emo Mark.

I Can't Believe I'm Posting This

An Astoundingly Atrocious Anthology

By: This Guy  

 Foreword

If I had access to a time machine, my first objective would be to travel back to the early-mid 2000's and break my typing fingers. This post-breakup poetry is why. Feel free to laugh at me, but please don't hold it against me. I am well aware of the error of my ways.

"Was that real?"

We did love each other, Right?

You didn’t just say that because of the moment?

I mean, On Valentine’s Day, when you told me you love me,

Was that real?

You may have meant it then, but what about a month ago?

What about that time you said it as we lay on my bed,

Tightly wrapped in one another’s arms trying to fall asleep?

What about the next morning when I woke you with a kiss,

And you smiled and recited those magical words?

Was that real?

How could you speak those words the same night you broke my heart?

Where did the love flee?

Or did the love not flee at all?

Is it dead?

Was our love ever real?

"Chameleon"

Remember when you used to be dark?

How deep did the colors run?

Did it reside in your heart?

You are so bright now?

How deep does that coloring go?

Does it reside in your heart?

"When Death Arrives"

When do we die?

Is it when our heart begins to settle, eventually taking a motionless stance?

Do we die when our dreams have become impossible?

After all, what is life but a dream?

If I dreamed of a future with you, am I now dead?

 Epilogue

I figure "When Death Arrives" is a good way to put me out of my misery. Sadly, those three pieces of poetic poo pale in comparison to the worst of them. But NO ONE will see those, until death arrives.

As he should be :(

COP-OUTS.

There's something about cop-outs that can turn your fans against you faster than (insert metaphor). I've decided to put forth the minimal amount of effort required to highlight five of the Biggest Cop-Outs of All Time. 

Significant Others w/ a "Headache"

Women (and men?), if you're going to blame an ailment for your diminished sex drive, try using one that can't be cured by a couple Tylenol. My suggestion; "Not now honey, I'm gassy." I don't know about most guys, but I'd rather sleep with a blow-up doll than a methane-filled mistress.  

Parents

These six meaningless words drive me crazy for two reasons. First, this saying is only pulled out of your parents' argument arsenal for commands you can't stand. "Go to your room!" "Finish your peas!" "Rub Grandma's feet!" Which brings me to my second beef, it's an inarguable justification. The only defense is the "I'm running away" threat, but that standoff either ends in a renewed appreciation for your caretakers or an Amber Alert.

Religious Fundamentalists

The only thing worse than a parent using ONE irrational slogan to end EVERY debate is some prick using a divine being (or beings) as a scapegoat for their shortcomings. "I guess God wanted me to fail that test. After all, I did pray beforehand." If you're reading this outside of the Bible Belt, you probably think I'm exaggerating. As an alumnus of the University of South Carolina, I assure you I'm not. Irresponsible coeds use God(s) to validate everything from bad grades to accidental babies (only works for Mary).  

Matrix Revolutions

NEVER have I been more disappointed in a movie than the third and final installment of the Matrix Trilogy. The Matrix was the first film to teach me the true meaning of "on the edge of your seat." My underage friends and I pulled an Ocean's 11 style caper to see Matrix Reloaded. And from the premier of the teaser trailer to its theatrical release, I begged my dad to take me to see Matrix Revolutions. For what? ANOTHER Christ allegory. If you're going to water down an action movie with religious undertones, don't forget to spike it with the same kick-ass karate we've come to expect from a Matrix movie. 

Me

Sorry, "you people." As the holidays approach, my workload is growing larger than Santa's sack. (The one on his sleigh. (The BACK of his sleigh.)) Trust me, I'd love to craft a procrastination enabling entry of a higher quality, but right now I just don't have that luxury. Unfotunately, this is the best you're going to get until I go on vacation. "Why would you blog on break," you ask? Because I genuinely enjoy this. I hope you do too.

GRATITUDE.

There's something about gratitude that really stuck out to me this Thanksgiving. I guess that's to be expected from (arguably) the best year of one's life. That's right, folks. This time last year I was hopelessly unemployed, mildly heartbroken and holding onto my sanity like the Hang In There Cat. But just like that, life took a turn for the best. I'd like to take some time to reflect on the things I've been most thankful for in the last 365 days. 

(Reader's Note: I said "things" intentionally. Due to my fear of being too sappy and/or accidentally forgetting to thank somebody, this list will not address specific humans.)

Door Number 3

My Savior

So there I was, salting a drumstick with my tears while sitting at the same dining room table I'd been eating at since the day I was born. Despite my mom's attempt to put my dismal life into perspective with her patented, "at least you're alive," speil, I saw little reason to be thankful on Thanksgiving of 2010. All I had to show for two years of advertising portfolio school was 60K in student loans, a failed relationship, an inbox full of rejection e-mails, an outbox full of unrequited inquiries and a Facebook newsfeed informing me that I was the only copywriter from my quarter who remained unemployed. (It didn't literally say that, but I did the math.) 

My job hunt got so bad, I found myself eagerly waiting by the phone to schedule my FOURTH Books A Million interview. I shit you not, it takes FOUR F**KING interviews to restock Twilight novels and place porno mags out of the reach of infants and midgets. A week later I received two employment related phone calls. The first was BAM telling me my criminal background check was a success. (Again, I'm being 100% serious. They are 110% serious.) The second was an advertising agency (who will remain unnamed), offering to fly me out for an interview! FINALLY! But the four-leaf-clover wasn't plucked from my butt just yet. While packing my bags for an undisclosed (to you) city, I received a SECOND invitation from a "boutique" agency called Door Number 3. Which brings me to my next acknowledgment...

The City of Austin, Texas

Two of my four vehicles.

You guessed it. Or, maybe you didn't. Either way, I went with the little guy in the "Everything's Bigger" State. However, a salary wasn't my only reason for relocating to a land where the "weird" and the jackalope play. I've adored this city ever since I attended the 2008 SXSW Film Festival. As a matter of fact, Austin was the ONLY city south of Atlanta on my, "I guess I could live here," list. Reason being, THE HEAT!

But aside from this summer's record-breaking temperatures, which also set a new standard for my testicular condensation, I have loved discovering this city. From the food trailers and coffee shops I frequent enough to become "a regular," to the homeless man who frequently cheers me on when I pass him on my way to work, I really feel like this city has embraced me. A VERY warm embrace.

Speaking of foot-powered transportation...

Bike Tyson

Clear the way when you hear the bell ringing.

What's big, black and sounds kind of effeminate? Mike Tyson, which is why Bike Tyson was the only suitable name for my XL 2011 Specialized Crosstrail Sport with a golden Incredibell attached to the handlebar. Does it sound like I'm describing a car (excluding the bell part)? That's because IT IS my car.

After totaling my family's hand-me-down automobile back in Myrtle Beach and discovering the total amount of my outstanding student loans (two more reasons why I hated life back then), I quickly realized car ownership was not in my cards. Luckily, there were THREE bike shops within a square mile of my new digs. One month of bus riding was all it took to put my ass in gear to get some wheels (two, to be exact). 

As it turns out, the saying, "it's like riding a bike," is a bunch of BS. For me, riding a bike is like cursive handwriting. It took me weeks to regain the skills I first acquired in elementary school. Despite the daily taint stains, the complete lack of sex appeal and one nasty spill that nearly turned me into Christoper Reeves, I have relearned to love this cost-effective means of transportation. It's also the driving force behind my next reason to be appreciative.

Yelp

Can't see? http://okmarkok.yelp.com/

Say what you will about the self-righteous internet critics who stifle your restaurant search with their literary voice, Yelp is the most emotionally rewarding writer's circle I have ever been a part of. I'm well aware that most people probably find my judgmental novellas to be needless wastes of space, but those negative assessments are entirely negated every time I find a compliment in my inbox.

But extracurricular writing isn't the only vice Yelp enables. It also encourages my culinary cartography. Sadly I've tried more restaurants in my eleven car-less months in Austin than I did in two fully-mobile years in Atlanta. If it weren't for the fostering Yelp community, I'd probably spend my weekends eating home-assembled turkey sandwiches while "starting my first novel starts." Not to mention, this blog would probably be nonexistent. What do Yelp and this blog have in common?

You People 

Visual approximation of fan base, not taken to scale.

What do I mean, "you people?" I'm referring to anyone who takes or has taken the time to read one of my rants. Whether it be by accident, intentional support or an irresistible hate, I greatly appreciate every tally you create on my Yelp or blog analytics. A bigger man would write in spite of his audience. I write to delight my audience. So thanks, you people. If it weren't for you, this downtime would have been spent on Hulu or another handy form of streaming video.


Yes, I was alluding to porn. 

TURKEY.

Was it the wine, turkey or Zoloft?

There's something about turkey that makes people lazy. To prove my point, I'm going to forego my usual verbose post and leave you with something I co-made back in my Circus days. Shout out to Feathers, who I'd refer to by his real name if I were certain he wants to claim these festive videos. BEHOLD, the Thanksgiving classic you can resist. 

The Adventure of Feathers & Gobbles

EPISODE I: On A Hand

EPISODE II: Gobbles Gives Up

EPISODE III: Sneaky Feathers

EPISODE IV: Fowl Play

EPISODE V: Gobbles Is A Goner

EPISODE VI: T-Day

FIN.

Happy Thanksgiving to all (of you who made it through the videos), and to all an early night. 

PAIN.

There’s something about pain that’s like nuclear fallout. The initial devastation may disappear within a year, but the lingering effects can remain for decades. Fortunately, I've led a pretty pain-free life (knock on wood). I've never broken a bone (knock on wood), suffered the loss of someone I love (knock on wood) or caught my significant other straddling another dude (knock on wood), or woman (rub magic lamp). Although I just established that I have no reason to complain, I'm going recall a particularly memorable encounter with pain.

They're all gonna laugh at you!

Tears for Years

By: Mark Killian

Once upon a time, my stomach was as round as Peter Griffin's. That time was elementary school, and although I was only eight years old, my appreciation for the opposite sex was accelerated by the Playboy centerfold puzzles I had been assembling since the age of five. (That's a story for another post.) My advanced knowledge of the female anatomy made me leap frog the "cooties" phase and move right on to crushes. I couldn't say the same for my classmates.

One day while climbing the play dome during recess, I decided to strike up a controversial conversation with a fellow classmate. I, being the revolutionary thinker that I was (am?), made the bold assertion that girls do not, in fact, have cooties. I referenced my crush at the time to strengthen my argument. (Her name has been omitted form this story for fear of legal and emotional ramifications.)

No sooner did I mention her, my "friend" dropped through the center of the jungle gym and dashed towards the lady of my desires. His departure was far too fast and unexpected for me to chase after him. Instead, I continued to sit at the top of the steel dome and watch the scene unfold. Although my heart was ambushed by fear, a shred of optimism survived. 

"What if she likes me back?" I naively thought.

That little flicker of hope flatlined once I saw her cringe in disgust from 100 yards away. I watched in horror as my classmates sequentially reared back with laughter like fans doing the wave at a hockey game. I could feel my face radiating with embarrassment by the time the torturous game of Telephone returned to my perch. 

I quickly began descending the dome in hopes of avoiding the shame I'd face once my "friend" returned. Unfortunately, I couldn't outrun the tears lubricating the bars below. One slippery step sent my husky body plummeting towards the Earth. My fall was broken by a rusty bar that caught me right between the legs. After a painful pause, I began rotating like the second hand of a clock, slamming my forehead against the same rod that was responsible for my tumble. The impact ripped me from the rail and sent me into a double backflip before swan diving into the sandbox below.

"She said you're TOO FAT," my "friend" screamed as I struggled to breathe.

Once my lungs re-inflated, I noticed a heart-shaped blood splatter in the area where my head had landed. My "friend" (un)intentionally trampled the crimson spot while helping me to my feet. As I stood up I met eyes with the only person on the playground who wasn't basking in my misery, my teacher.

"What happened!?" she screamed as my "friend" "chivalrously" dragged me to her.

"I don't know, Ms. (Confidential)," he responded. "He just fell."

The teacher took me by the hand and led me to the classroom. My "friend" followed suit, continuing to feed on my dismay. When we reached the building my teacher made me go into the bathroom and assess my "situation." My "pee-pee" was unscathed, or so I thought. Several days later I pulled down my Batman undies to find a bruise as dark as the Dark Knight eclipsing my under-developed scrotum, but I'm derailing. Let's get back on track. 

I returned from the restroom to find my teacher readying a bandage for my forehead while my "friend" embarked on the Oregon Trail. After attending to my flesh wound, the teacher went outside to wrangle the rest of my classmates. I figured my horrific fall would garner some pity points and put an end to the antagonizing, but I grossly underestimated the cruelty of children.

"Mark likes (Mystery Girl)!" the class chanted in unison down the hall.

The first student to enter the room was my crushed crush. Even with her head buried in her hands, I could tell she'd been bawling from the tear streaks running down her forearms.

"Mark likes (Mystery Girl)!" my "friend" joined in from across the room.

"STOP IT!" my teacher screamed at a volume that's guaranteed to quiet a classroom.

The entire class went silent for the first time since recess (aside from my crush's incessant whimpering), and remained that way until the bell rang.

The following morning I found comfort in the fact that I'm usually the first kid in class. "Usually," being the keyword. On this particular AM I found the classroom door suspiciously closed. I opened it anyways, assuming it was some kind of fluke.

"Hold on, Mark," my teacher called out from her desk. "You can come in in a second."

As I put my not-so-tiny body into reverse, I caught a glimpse of my crush and two opposite-gendered adults sitting in front of my teacher's desk. I could tell by their shared facial features that an impromptu parent-teacher conference was underway. Shortly after my awkward exit, the door swung open and two irritated parents emerged. The father stopped to glare at me like Clint Eastwood before they made their way down the hall.

"You can come in now, Mark," the teacher informed me.

I grabbed my book bag and headed towards my seat. Which, coincidentally enough, was right next to my cold-hearted crush.

"Actually, Mark, your seat has been changed. You'll be sitting over there now." She said, pointing to the opposite side of the room. 

I took the eviction notice to heart and walked to my new desk like Charlie Brown. Once there, I crossed my arms and wept into the sleeves of my Pittsburgh Steelers jacket until it was time for the morning announcements.

"Quiet down, class," my teacher began. "There's something I need to say before we start our lesson for the day. One of your fellow students was really upset by your teasing yesterday."

Finally!?

"I think we all owe her a big apology."

HER!?

"We're sorry (Mystery Girl)!" repeated the lemmings.

The teacher carried on as if the situation was under control, but every little brother knows that a forced apology is only valid while an adult is in the room. Once recess rolled around, my peers were ROFLing all over the playground. Although the physical pain from my Humpty Dumpty fall had subsided in a matter of days, the emotional effects of that catastrophe continue to linger.

Fast forward to fifth-grade Valentine's Day. I found myself stuck in a bigger version of the same-old class (crush included). When the time came to exchange candy and cards, everyone received a treat from (Mystery Lady) BUT ME! And to make matters worse, she came from the kind of wealth that afforded full-sized candy bars for the entire class. The entire class EXCEPT ME!

Fast forward to Junior Prom, when I nearly suffered a stroke while asking my date to the dance even though I was told by several reliable sources that she was guaranteed to say yes.

And fast forward to now, when I continue to fear romantic rejection like girls in need of attention fear clowns.

By my calculations, the fallout from that dreadful day should be undetectable by my mid-forties.