I used to longboard quite a bit. I was damn good, if I do say so myself (and you bet your a** that I do).
Over time, my knees became dogsh*t, a result of multiple growth-spurts in rapid succession and a massive knee scrape from longboarding (which I personally believe damaged the knee’s cartilage in addition to the flesh itself, but never bothered confirming with a doctor). Ultimately, I stopped longboarding for pleasure. Now, I only longboard for transportation purposes on occasion.
To this day, when I see a longboarder, I give a little nod of approval to show them, “hey, man—ditto that. You longboard. I do sometimes, too…”
Often times, they give a nod back, as if to say, “yeah, man—longboarding 4 lyfe!”
Today, however, my nod was returned with a glare—an unblinking one, at that.
I gave a little nod to a longboarder, as I always do, but this guy just scowled back at me without blinking.
Fine—I can scowl, too.
I changed my expression from joyful to sour almost instantly. 2 can play at this (dumb and pointless) game.
That was that. We walked past each other and never exchanged any words or gestures. All we did was share a look of angry bewilderment towards each other, instigated by him, though.
What the hell? I’m a nice guy.
If I ever see him again riding his longboard, I’ll feel tempted to toss a handful of pebbles on the ground in front of his wheels.
I won’t. But I’ll feel very tempted.
Until next time,
Michael J. Erickson, CEO & Co-Founder
