STEPH DEROSA: GIVE ME A HUG >>>

Simply walking into Upper Crust Bistro on North 21st Street in Tacoma gives me the feeling of comfort. Owners and employees alike greet me with warm, welcoming attitudes and suddenly I feel right at home. The people, the smells, and the atmosphers¬" it all wraps me up in a huge calming hug.

I make my way to the potty, feeling myself relax. My shoulders un-tense, I shake my hands to release the stress and roll my head to break out the kinks. It's sometimes good to check myself and reconnect with the positive things in life while letting go of the stresses and worries.

Lately I've run into some bullies. I had only met one before in my life, and that was in fifth grade. Nowadays I feel as though I run into mean people more often. I usually just go away while practicing avoidance, always feeling as though there has to be some kind of reason they are acting out. A bad morning, a fight with loved one, money problems¬" who really knows? I do know that I can surely sometimes show some aggressiveness, and I usually have a damn good reason. The latest stressful situation in my life has included a local YMCA summer camp, a 5-year-old bully, my daughter, and some immature, gossipy, teenage, orange from too much self-tanners YMCA camp counselors. Yes, I acted out with assertiveness, and yes the situation still pisses me off. 

Thankfully I got most of my $500 back.

It had me so upset that I actually lost sleep over it for many nights. Even my girl KAke was ready to throw down on my behalf. Nobody fucks with my kid. Mothers all around hear me loud and clear, I know you do.

While in the Upper Crust bathroom, and while releasing tension via neck rolls and shoulder shrugs¬" I felt as though all I needed was a good warm bear hug. I didn't care who it came from. Hugs solve everything¬" really, they do. Ever been in a disagreement and then hugged? It makes you not want to punch them in the face quite as much. Even when you were a child it was the hug of your mommy that made everything feel better. I don't care who you are¬" you know I'm right. Think about it - even Ari Gold agrees when he says, Hug it out, bitch!

After feeling all that stupid tension from that stupid YMCA debacle, and feeling the need for hugs, I remembered the Free Hugs Campaign. There's a local branch of this random act of kindness.  I also remember the free hug I scored at this year's First Night.

Then I remembered a friend of a friend in Colorado put this Free Hugs video together.

(Note to my editor: Stop rolling your eyes and making a gagging sound as you read this mushy Free Hugs word trail.)

Free stuff kicks ass. Right, Matt Driscoll? Free hugs also kick ass. Ever run into me on the street¬" feel free ask me for a free hug. I'd be happy to lend one out. Unless you're a pompous asshole, then all you get is a swift kick in the balls. But I only can think of three of you here in the Tacoma area, so the rest of you are pretty much safe from a ball-kicking of any sort.

HUGS!

LINK: Toilet Tales archive