Friday, 06 July 2001 | Bowling

Last night I went bowling with some friends and it turns out I did remember something from my college bowling course, besides what to do when you forget to wear socks to the bowling alley (which is, of course, wrap your feet in toilet paper). I think my good game was a result of not thinking much about it; whenever I concentrate on my game, I end up choking. The alley where we bowled is an artifact; there is no electronic scoring, just pencils and a card, the balls are chipped and bruised, and the shoes look like they've been in use since the 50s. Just behind the lanes there's a diner that sells grease and cheap beer amidst a congregation of mismatched furniture and wall art. There's a pronounced streak worn into the diner's countertop from PBRs being slid down its length, into the cupped hand of a patron. The alley is usually pretty vacant despite its old world charms.