THIRD PLACE RANKING BEHIND HOME, WORK

Third place in sports is hard to celebrate, while third place in what passes for normal life is something to cheer for.

At least that’s the idea. I celebrate third place in sports, the bronze medal, because only two others took things further.

A third place in public life needs gold certification if you decide to return after one visit. And if you do return, it’s a place that will identify you. Make a of habit of stopping at the same place and you’re ‘one of those people.’

Where are the best third places? I’ll start a list in no particular order, besides the gym.

Library Third Place

If you want to be identified by a place, a library is a great place. Who ever complains about anyone spending too much time in a library?

Why not make libraries a normal stop in travel? If people travel to Tigard Oregon, stop by the library. It’s a touchstone when you find yourself in a new place.

Before you decide if where you are is too funky, visit the nearest library. You might find hidden feelings you’ve been missing.

Church Third Place

Whether attending once a week, or an every day habit, churches give a library feel for the soul. Problems? Take them to church. No problems? Take them to church and help others with the problems they carry.

But which church is usually the question. My third place search included these:

Easter Service in a medium sized church that preached the Bible, had a band, and a video that looked like out takes from Passion Of The Christ.

I saw the same movie.

After the service the minister greeted me with a big gripped handshake and turned my hand until his was on top. At least he tried to ‘top dog’ me. As a former wrestler I’m accustomed to aggressive handshakes, just not in church. I held firm.

II

One Sunday I attended a regular service at a mega church with friends of the wife. Lot’s of arms up in the air, hands waving, heads bowed.

Once the minister saw enough group participation he asked anyone who needed to be saved right then to stand up. The lady in front of me fell off her chair. I noticed others on the ground.

As a former Boy Scout, Army Medic, and caregiver, the first thing in my mind wasn’t saving, but the A B C’s of Airway, Breathing, Cardio.

I stood up to check the lady on the floor in front of me and the minister pointed me out from the pulpit, told me to come forward and receive the salvation my soul needed since I stood. I declined. It was awkward.

The looks I noticed from those in my pew seemed to need assurance I wasn’t secretly worshipping satan. Doubt it would have mattered.

III

One Christmas Eve I went to midnight mass in the local cathedral. It wasn’t packed that night.

I followed my wife in since she’s a veteran of Catholic services.

She chose a pew in front of two old ladies sitting side by side.

Apparently Catholics know to watch for a low kneeling bar that wasn’t lifted back in place after the last cause to kneel.

My wife stepped into the aisle between benches like a ballet dancer, all grace and poise. I tripped on the wooden kneeling bar and took a header straight for my wife. I needed to do something to avoid tackling her to keep my balance.

Instead, I launched my body sideways, bounced off the pew back on one side, and crashed into the bench on the other, all without my wife knowing.

She sat down and turned to see me scrambling to get upright. She gave me a ‘what the hell’ look, while the two old ladies behind me giggled.

Tap House Third Place

Quick review of places:

Home is first place, work is second place, and third place can be random.

I like random, but I also like habit. If I’m out of town it’s all random and fun.

Since I’m a small town guy, I like my local haunts to carry character.

My current top Third Place? Tapphoria Tap House. My regular readers probably guess this one instead of the library and church.

What makes Tapphoria special? Besides the beer, the staff, and the distance from my house? It’s a third place that feels like a one or a two.

For example, I bought a guitar and broke it in three days. I stopped into Tapphoria after I dropped it off for repair. My dark cloud had some carry over.

One of the regulars saw me come in, walked over, gripped my arm in one hand and said, “Whatever it is man, get a beer and shake it off,” before giving me the sort of smack that says ‘get in the game and do something.’

Who doesn’t like an out of the blue pep talk. No wrist wrestling handshake, no tripping. More like a library with beer and goodwill toward fellow man.

What more would you want from the best THIRD PLACE? Do I need to ask?

It’s even better since they’ve added live music. The subject of music came up during my last visit. Someone didn’t ‘t know they started regular live music.

“It’s some guy who comes in with a guitar for a couple of hours every two weeks,” I said.

“Why that sounds great,” the other guy said.

“Yeah, I’ve heard they’ve got a good show,” I said.

“So who is it? Someone you’ve heard of?” they asked.

“Yes, it’s me, and I’m playing this Saturday, May 11th from 8 pm to 10.”

“You?”

“Me.”

“Get the f …”

“See you Saturday night?”