a post dedicated to my brother

this post is dedicated to aaron ostensen.
i have to say, for all the years that aaron has been my brother -- and by definition, that includes all the years of my life -- he has been quite the character.
aaron is a performer. and a competitive one at that. heck, the kid sells cars for a living. i swear, he could sell you your own pants.
i remember, when i was in high school, he would always come bumming money off me. and everytime, he'd show up at my door, same sheepish look on his face. and the conversation would start off nice enough. He'd usually open with something like, "hey kris, how's it going?" and of course, i'd reply, with just a wee touch of anticipating skepticism, "fine. what's up?"
then he'd move in for the kill.
"well, i don't know. could be better. hey, how about you lend me, like, five bucks?"
damn you. i'd be thinking.
"why?" as if i didn't already know.
"kris, i'm really nicking out. Like, I haven't had a cigarette all day."
boo hoo. i'd be thinking.
"i don't have five bucks." i lied
"yeah you do. I saw it on your dresser." damn. the kid had done his homework.
"i need that money for ____". Insert any excuse.
"please kris" (oh no here it comes :: b.s. alert) "I'll pay you back."
if i didn't give in at this point, he'd persist until i did.

damn kid. i'll give him that. he sure was persistent.

i don't think he ever paid me back. nope. I can't think of one time.
but honestly, in the end, none of that really matters.
aaron - no matter what, i love you. you are a great brother, despite your slick skills.
i wouldn't mind seeing some of that money, though....