Battlin' a bit of insomnia, so I figured I'd type and bit and hope the PC screen tires the eyes some.
Quite an eventful day for myself and others, which ended with an apologetic post in a thread characterized by over-reactions, brought on by a good post asking "what's your deal?" The apologetic post was more for those who share beliefs with me (namely Christians, and to a lesser degree Libertarians), so they would not be lumped in the same group with the loudmouth.
I realize I jumped in here (this forum) with both feet hitting the ground at a full sprint and never introduced myself. So, this post is more of a selfish, entertainment nature, so those interested can see "what my deal is" and where I come from. If you're not curious save yourself the boredom and click "back" on your browser now.
You all have seen me and my friends before. Maybe not the exact same people, but the same type. I come from a competitive athletic background, and more recently a strength training background, which both share many of the same cultural attributes ... rough language, sarcastic comments, loud tones, and plenty of posing violence. It was a natural transition for me, as many folks involved in St were former college athletes.
You've also seen my "debates" ... or at least reasonable imitations in real life or movies. Think, Bull Durham (or better yet, White Men Can't Jump) for quick reference. "You wanna step outside?" "Yeah, I'll step outside". That kind of stuff that people tolerate in athletes, where many lose it shortly after puberty.
While argueing about really important stuff ... I mean really important stuff like the best cereal, boobs vs. butt, how great Favre would be with good receivers ... y'know stuff the world hinges on, there is certain banter that occurs. Phrases such as "you are so full of s---" and "what a whiny p---- you are" yelled at high tones followed by "you want me to come over there and put my foot ..." are common, interpreted for what they really mean, and are generally accepted. To an outsider this might look like a fight is breaking out, but to those involved it's par for the course.
In the course of the arguement, the best infromation is almost secondary to who comes up with the best insults, gets the most laughs, and makes the funniest personal threats. Sure, a punch may be launched at an arm or a chest, and even a slap here and there, but it's all received as part of the arguement (primitive, huh?). As long as there is not generous amounts of alcohol involved, all is taken in stride, and personal feelings are never trampled on regardless of what comments are said. The locker room mentality is certainly different than real-life. In the end after testosterone levels have normalized to that of a grizzly bear, it all ends the same way "See ya tomorrow bro'", and the cycle repeats.
When I first came here, I started lurking in the "hero: Jessica Lynch" thread, as well as the Iraq War threads, in between finding some really useful training info. I recognized the banter as being something I was familiar with. Strong opinions, loud tones, etc ... and I jumped right in.
Metaphorically, I was the guy that walks into a party, joins a conversation, and starts right in without a "Hey, how are ya?", "What's Up? I'm Ryan ...." or anything like that. People are looking around going "Who's this dude?" ... or more literally "What's this guy's problem". So, any confusion or whatever the proper term for it would be is my fault for not first introducing myself and explaining where I'm coming from.
As I said before, I'm writing this for selfish reasons. To my buddies, triathloning is "You mean cardio stuff?" and I must say right now, I feel like the proverbial fish out of water. As I told jaylew in a private message, I feel like the guy who's been told he has a booger showing AFTER he's talked to all the pretty girls. I'm making an attempt to fit into a new crowd, for which I want membership for decades to come.
So, to get right down to it, I gotta ask, can anyone relate to anything I've said in this post? Obviously my background isn't going to mesh with all types, but I certainly don't wanna be the guy that "doesn't play well with others". I'll make the necessary adjustments to my manner of speaking in an informal setting, and folks (after reading this) hopefully won't take everything I say literally. Obviously, I'm not going to apologize for who/what I am, but I can certainly make modifications that make it/me more tolerable. *wink*
Sorry for the length (once again), but I'm trying not to burn very many bridges, b/c as I mentioned before, I'm going to be leaning on you guys for valuable racing/training info as that time approaches ... and truth be told, I enjoy the conversation. This post is about as sincere as I can get.
Later. RyanB.
=======================
-- Every morning brings opportunity;
Each evening offers judgement. --
Quite an eventful day for myself and others, which ended with an apologetic post in a thread characterized by over-reactions, brought on by a good post asking "what's your deal?" The apologetic post was more for those who share beliefs with me (namely Christians, and to a lesser degree Libertarians), so they would not be lumped in the same group with the loudmouth.
I realize I jumped in here (this forum) with both feet hitting the ground at a full sprint and never introduced myself. So, this post is more of a selfish, entertainment nature, so those interested can see "what my deal is" and where I come from. If you're not curious save yourself the boredom and click "back" on your browser now.
You all have seen me and my friends before. Maybe not the exact same people, but the same type. I come from a competitive athletic background, and more recently a strength training background, which both share many of the same cultural attributes ... rough language, sarcastic comments, loud tones, and plenty of posing violence. It was a natural transition for me, as many folks involved in St were former college athletes.
You've also seen my "debates" ... or at least reasonable imitations in real life or movies. Think, Bull Durham (or better yet, White Men Can't Jump) for quick reference. "You wanna step outside?" "Yeah, I'll step outside". That kind of stuff that people tolerate in athletes, where many lose it shortly after puberty.
While argueing about really important stuff ... I mean really important stuff like the best cereal, boobs vs. butt, how great Favre would be with good receivers ... y'know stuff the world hinges on, there is certain banter that occurs. Phrases such as "you are so full of s---" and "what a whiny p---- you are" yelled at high tones followed by "you want me to come over there and put my foot ..." are common, interpreted for what they really mean, and are generally accepted. To an outsider this might look like a fight is breaking out, but to those involved it's par for the course.
In the course of the arguement, the best infromation is almost secondary to who comes up with the best insults, gets the most laughs, and makes the funniest personal threats. Sure, a punch may be launched at an arm or a chest, and even a slap here and there, but it's all received as part of the arguement (primitive, huh?). As long as there is not generous amounts of alcohol involved, all is taken in stride, and personal feelings are never trampled on regardless of what comments are said. The locker room mentality is certainly different than real-life. In the end after testosterone levels have normalized to that of a grizzly bear, it all ends the same way "See ya tomorrow bro'", and the cycle repeats.
When I first came here, I started lurking in the "hero: Jessica Lynch" thread, as well as the Iraq War threads, in between finding some really useful training info. I recognized the banter as being something I was familiar with. Strong opinions, loud tones, etc ... and I jumped right in.
Metaphorically, I was the guy that walks into a party, joins a conversation, and starts right in without a "Hey, how are ya?", "What's Up? I'm Ryan ...." or anything like that. People are looking around going "Who's this dude?" ... or more literally "What's this guy's problem". So, any confusion or whatever the proper term for it would be is my fault for not first introducing myself and explaining where I'm coming from.
As I said before, I'm writing this for selfish reasons. To my buddies, triathloning is "You mean cardio stuff?" and I must say right now, I feel like the proverbial fish out of water. As I told jaylew in a private message, I feel like the guy who's been told he has a booger showing AFTER he's talked to all the pretty girls. I'm making an attempt to fit into a new crowd, for which I want membership for decades to come.
So, to get right down to it, I gotta ask, can anyone relate to anything I've said in this post? Obviously my background isn't going to mesh with all types, but I certainly don't wanna be the guy that "doesn't play well with others". I'll make the necessary adjustments to my manner of speaking in an informal setting, and folks (after reading this) hopefully won't take everything I say literally. Obviously, I'm not going to apologize for who/what I am, but I can certainly make modifications that make it/me more tolerable. *wink*
Sorry for the length (once again), but I'm trying not to burn very many bridges, b/c as I mentioned before, I'm going to be leaning on you guys for valuable racing/training info as that time approaches ... and truth be told, I enjoy the conversation. This post is about as sincere as I can get.
Later. RyanB.
=======================
-- Every morning brings opportunity;
Each evening offers judgement. --