The Fellowship of the Focus

The journey from the Shire began yesterday.  

My car was packed once again with everything I need and I pulled out of Monkton with a course set for Raleigh, NC.  It has been raining non stop in Maryland so it was nice when I hit the south side of Richmond, VA yesterday and the sun peaked through the clouds.  The rest of the way into Raleigh was smooth as you like.  I even arrived ahead of schedule and because my friends Courtney and Amanda were off at the liquor store I let myself in their back yard and played with their dogs Reuben and Zoe.  Zoe had some kind of awful ear infection which came complete with a ridiculous odor but she was sweet so we gave her a pass.  I forgot how nice it is to pull up to house and after a sloppy greeting from the dog, grabbing a ball and heading to the yard to play fetch.    

Last night was the perfect way to begin the trip.  I don't know what it's like for other comedians who are on the road but for me it's been a perfect way to reconnect with friends and make some attempt at keeping those friends close as opposed to just another confirmed friend on my Facebook page.  

We had dinner with their friends Phil, Michelle, Hope and Josh as well as an old friend of mine from FSU, Brooke.  Brooke and I lived in dorms that were right next to each other freshman year and since then she has backpacked through central and south america not to mention she spent time in Europe.  She is currently in a Phd program at Chapel Hill and teaching.  

After dinner we went back to the house and played Wii Bowling and Tennis, had a few beers and just enjoyed the company of friends, new and old.

This morning I woke up, had a cup of coffee and hit the road.  Just as I was leaving Raleigh my phone rang and for some reason despite the fact that the number was foreign to me I answered and I was eally glad I did.

In January I will be heading back to Afghanistan and other points in South West Asia for another Armed Forces Tour.  I will be joined by my good friends Johnny Cardinale, Lauren Ashley Bishop and as of today, Robert Schimmel.  When I answered the phone today and the voice on the other end of the line said, "Hey Matt this is Robert Schimmel,"  I was shocked. 

First of all it's an honor to be invited to do an AFE or a USO Tour.  I was very pleased with the original line-up of Lauren, Johnny and I but to add on a name like Robert's is just gravy.    We had a nice talk and hopefully everything will work out on that end.  

Tonight I am in Gainesville, GA with my brother, sister and my three nephews.  When I leave here Wednesday I'm not sure when I'll be back again so it's important to me to see these guys, spend time with them and be a part of their lives growing up.  

Wednesday I head for Nacogdoches, TX and then on to NACA Central in Arlington on Friday.  

Thanks for reading...