South Carolina 2012 with Matt

This guy's basement was outstanding. There was a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and living room down here. Had I brought a change of clothes I would have asked to move in. Rent-free of course. This guy didn't seem to need supplemental income. I loved this mural on the wall and the colors in this room. It was very tropical and I hung out down here with this old couple. They were pretty hyped and I was figuring out a way to blend in with these Southern folks. They must have been drunk. Lord knows that I was.

I'm pretty sure the dude in the middle with the tie was the guy who owned the house, hosted the party and paid the bills. He stood up to address the crowd and I semi listened. But I also used this opportunity to grab another drink and stuff my face with bacon wrapped chestnuts. What the hell. It was free!

Melissa was invited to this Christmas party hosted by the band leader of the University of South Carolina. My understanding as to why is because the Columbia Police force Captain is good friends with him and they provide security at the Football games. While that may not be entirely accurate I did know that I was told to bring some nice clothes and mingle with randoms at this party. Upon entry I grabbed a name tag, a social lubricant (an alcoholic beverage) and several hors d'oeuvres. Then I just mostly hung out with Matt, James and Melissa because I didn't know anyone else there. I decided that since everything was free, I might as well stock up on the booze. I felt like I was frequenting the bar too often and being a mooch so I was happy when I found a private stash in the basement. Bottoms up pal!

I could tell that this guy had some money when we drove through the neighborhood and pulled up to the house. I even made a joke in a Rodney Dangerfield voice while tugging at my tie saying, "This is a real classy joint. The last time I was at a place this nice I was out front parking cars." I get no respect. When I went out back I couldn't help by admire that he had a sweet pool and a hot tub. He seemed to have it all. Or at least all that I really want in life. Well that and a smokin' hot wife. Is that too much to ask for?

I'm pretty sure that this pooch in the middle with the Christmas tree skirt was the dog who lived in the house, was the life of the party and ate all the floor scraps. I tried to interview this little creature for journalistic reasons but he was too busy thinking really hard or sleeping standing up. I can't really be certain.

We were outside and I heard people singing indoors. I decided to go in and join them. We rocked out for a while and somehow I became the life of the party. It was fun jamming with this randoms but good things must end and we left the party.

We were hanging outside on the deck because even though it was December 1st it was beautiful out. That's one of the perks of Southern living. We decided to get a family picture because we were looking so darn cute in our party clothes. Don't ya think?

I realize now that I didn't do a very good job of summing up this random party with these pictures and captions. It started off being very awkward and I said and did some really weird things like proposing to this old dude that we play the "jelly bean in a jar" guessing game to see how many people can fit in the house, rubbing elbows with South Carolina Congressman Joe Wilson, drinking cocktails with the help hired to cater and serve the party, getting cut off by the piano player while singing Stairway to Heaven (no Stairway? Denied...) and being told by a random that I just met that night "it was great to see you again Scott" and he gave me a hug and wished me luck until next year's party. This ended up being an incredible night and just goes to show what happens when you roll with it and be a random too.