Mr. Intense

I have a friend here who is from Pakistan. It was his birthday yesterday and he had a birthday party at the local Indian restaurant. There were a lot of people I didn't know, and a lot of people I hadn't seen since I began dating my ex-girlfriend. So it was good to catch up with the people I knew and meet those I didn't. I also met the most intense guy in Korea. Or perhaps psychotic is a better word for him.

Everyone was hanging out, talking, and having a good time. Then one voice became so loud that it made everyone quiet down to listen. Mr. Intense had begun talking about the bird flu and how we were all going to die if it mutates. Mass death is always a good birthday conversation topic.

Later in the dinner I was talking to a guy I had just met named Jamie. Here's the dialog:
"When does your contract finish?" I asked.
Jamie replied, "In five months."
"Do you think you'll stay another year?"
"Well, I've been applying for schools for September. I'll see how that goes."
"Wow! You have found schools that hire that far in advance. I only see schools that are looking for teachers immediately."
Mr. Intense said angrily, "He said schools. Real schools. What are you thinking?"
"Eh,wa-wa, uhh?" I asked dumbfoundedly.
"I mean graduate schools," said Jamie.

Mr. Intense left before the food arrived. I was happy to see him go.