Bens Chili Bowl

yeah it ends like this

Omega

I know...the sign is vague....so are we. Need to eat.

Be Bar (continued #2)

blurry. i know. fun. hmmph

Be Bar (continued)

So the doorman found each of us in the club and returned our cover charge. Apparently we were on some list and didn't even think to ask when we arrived. We are too gay, but of course he knew our names. Our bartender friend, Brad, said he didn't do it. We might be fabulous (for once in our life...or perhaps this is the thousandth time and we didn't notice).

Magnificent.

Be Bar

Timmy is tired and went home, but we've moved on with Anacani to Be Bar. Having a smoke b4 we go in.

Solly's Tavern

This is where we really are going. All the peeps are here!

Bar Nun

Jusr Kidding...despite our efforts to convince Cici to escort us in (bad idea all around) we didn't go. We had jeans on anyway and there's a dress code. Funny...jeans and cherry pie kept us out.

Pollys U St. Cafe

...and so the party resumes...where it all began in DC.

The Ellington

so it isn't a bar but we had to drop off the purchases. Short distraction (drinks included)

Dinner

I ordered a dinner roll for RJ and I but Sayid insists we have pita. Serves 8. Bee Aye Dee. Shouldn't a "dinner" roll be sufficient. Oh you judge.

Barrel House Liquors

Trying to work a free pack of Red Bull but I evacuated too soon before Randy could work his magic. Enroute back to 1409 where Timmy is holding court.

Titan's Ramrod

The sign outside is hard to photograph without going across the street so we snatched a pic of the mirror sign inside. We intended to have just one, but it is BOGO free just like Payless. We must alert Timmy and the bankers that it could be a moment (or 7) till we return to Playbill.

Dakota Cowgirl

We left the bankers at Playbill and went down the street to the former Hamburger Mary's, now called Dakota Cowgirl. An Absolut Ruby Red is in order here. We passed the Barrel Liquor store. Might have to get some Vodka...it's on clearance says the sign in the winder.

1409 Playbill Cafe

We finally arrived at the Playbill to drink with Timmy and the bankers. our amazing bartender, Eric, is serving up some more Joans. RJ and I pre-arranged a commitment to protect each other from the Patron tonight. We'll see.

Our friend gives us money!

Our friend, Atam, has been giving us money all day for Sinful Saturday. Hope he doesn't run out. Here's RJ getting another handful from Atam.

Stoney's

Timmy is waiting, but we couldn't get down P St. without a pee break. A quick shot at Stoney's and a bathroom break then we are on our way!

JR's

What's a Sinful Saturday without a drink at the JRaaaz? Enough coffee...back to the Rose Kennedys. It is time we meet the bankers for HH, but one here is fine.

Lucky Bar (continued)

...so it is a bit blurry, but so are we. The random stranger must have been further into his grapes than we are. Arcelia is a fantastic bartender. We had two holiday themed coffees and will be on our way shortly!

Lucky Bar

Settling in for a pick me up coffee drink!

Sign of the Whale

Just a quick Joan Kennedy amongst the straights from FL making jokes about their adventures with the DC Cougars

Rumors

We had a fantastic brunch, some bloodies and some shots

Brunch!

Time for brunch with Rita Jean! This pic is from a few weeks ago when we started the day with an innocent lunch. Bloody Mary joined us and the rest was a quagmire. Thankfully he didn't buy those glasses, but they sure made for a pretty picture! Smile RJ

Happy Holidays

Wow - Haven't posted in five months! I am getting ready to stop smoking again and this was quite therapeutic to write on here (to nobody) about it the last time. I figured it would be a great idea to start it back up! I've gotten serious about the tattoo, which coincidentally appears to be the last thing I blogged about. I would like to quit smoking on January 2, to coincide with the DC smoking ban. I am fairly decided that a tattoo would be a great way to commemorate this event and would give me something concrete to focus on. I settled on an artist through a recommendation from my military friend. I met with his guy, Tony, at Jinxproof in Georgetown. He seems really cool and understands what I want. It will be much in the style of my favorite tattoo artist, Stevie Moon, but Tony definitely has his own take on things. I need to schedule a two hour freehand drawing session on half of my back and then he'll make a template to mirror image it. The whole process will take several weeks and numerous visits of 2-4 hours to fill it in. I realize this is quite an ambitious undertaking, but again - will give me something to focus on and is definitely better than smoking! The tattoo could save my life! Of course the BF still says I should go for laser hair removal first. I barely have much to shave - I think I'll bypass the hair removal.

So here's a catch up since the last post.

1. Still Smoking (obviously as mentioned above)
2. Got a stress fracture in the hip - despite my doctor's specific demand to not even travel, I went to VA Beach over Labor Day weekend and collapsed in horrific pain after walking (yes walking) the first mile.
3. The 'surprise' was fantastic, but I ended up traveling for several weeks in a row before the vacation so I ended up revealing the secret about a month in advance. We had an amazing time in Greece. Made many new friends from all over the world! While I didn't live blog from Europe, I did go back and convert my written journal to vacation posts on here.
4. The promotion...nice story there...my boss left and it was never processed. The new director thought it was put in place so I missed it in the fall promo-equity cycle too. Rumor has it I'm actually being recommended for it with the next cycle in a few months - I'm over it.
5. Work is great - growing substantially and getting more responsibility. This means regular trips to NC which I am not looking forward to.
6. Christmas was amazing - spent time in OH & PA with friends and family. Five locations, four nights, fun times!
7. Mom is doing well...still seems depressed since her stroke.
8. Planning the next vacation in March! Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, here we come!
9. Got a new car. The damn mini-hoo haa was in the shop 10 times in 11 months. Went with a little CUV - much better for the road trips and grocery getting. Still take the train to work though!

Funny how I can summarize five months in 9 short lines.

Homeward Bound

I didn't write on Sunday because I was too tired after our last night in Mykonos to recount the day's events. Upon return from Delos, we relaxed by the pool and then took a nap and got up in time to watch the sunset. They KY newlyweds did show, but I didn't notice them until they were leaving. After several glasses of wine we went to meet Adelle at Katerinas then had dinner with her at the Magic Garden. Food was excellent. She threatened to dine and dash or pretend she was allergic to nuts or to pull a Turrets Syndrome scene. We counter-threatened her with her life :-) Had another drink at Katerinas then she went home. We carried on at Porta & Pierros and then finished the night with Jodi and a few of the other regular boys upstairs at Icarus. We couldn't seem to get a buzz on until Gino from Belgium started buying rounds of shots of tequila. We each took a turn then we were finally ready for bed. Tim and I had a nice time by the pool before going to bed.

Sunday we intended to do more shopping, but slept too late having gone to bed after the sun came up. We lunged at the pool bar with Claudia. She apparently found a party to go to and missed her ferry to Santorini. Joel and Lynne simply left her behind when she wasn't in the room at time to leave.

I slept the entire way back to Athens on the ferry...inside after being splashed on the deck by a wave. The sea was rough and we arrived in port late. Not very late, but just late enough to miss the last airport train. We met Elena at Monastraki and took a cab to the hotel. It was quite posh...the nicest (and most ridiculously expensive) thus far. We stayed in. By the time we ate and drank we only had 4 hours of sleep. Our flight this morning was uneventful. We were served breakfast of an omelet and bread and then I fell asleep. The flight from Frankfort to Dulles has been delayed several hours. We are waiting now at the gate and the latest departure time is listed as 1:45 P.M. We're ready to get home at this point.

Double Dare

Last night was an adventure twice over. After dinner we went back to the hotel for the sunset and more drinks. We met some people from the U.S. Michael from Atlanta, GA (originally AL) walked by our table and overheard some other Americans sitting next to us. Sophia, Lynne, and Joel from Miami. We all chatted with Emil, the waiter, and made plans to go out later.

Around 9 P.M., Tim and I went to Katerinas to meed Adelle and her friends who didn't show. We had some drinks then went to Rhapsody for a draft pint of Stella. We ate dinner at Jimmy's Gyros or something like that. While dining, Adelle made a dare that I walk into the Ralph Lauren store and stick my head between the manaquins for a photo. Not only did I do that, but I also somehow got the shop keeper to open the window from the street and she let me climb in with the manequins and she shut the window. Made for a great photo, despite the fact a 50% off sale sign was on the window over my crotch.

It was my turn to dare so I dared Timmy to take a picture with his pants down at the church, a famous (or perhaps infamous) cruising spot in Mykonos. Adelle tried to get him to throw his balls out, but he wouldn't so he dared her to flop out her tits, which she did. The photos are priceless. We then had another at Katrinas and went to Porta. Adelle tried to steal a washline, but we prevented this madness. Later, she produced a pink clothespin that she did get away with...another photo of course.

We met up with Atlanta and Miami crew at Pieros. Had a few pics at Montos then took some crazy pics. Ended the night on the patio of Miami's room then crashed.

We got up at noon, lounged by the pool, then returned the scooter and meandered through town. Purchased a Greek dance CD and had an afternoon drink at Katrinas. Now we're lounging at the pool. Nik (works at Piano bar) and Jodi (works at Katrinas) were with us and now we're setting under the veranda with Michael deciding what to do tonight.

Delos Excursion

We just finished Delos with Claudia and Lynne. It was a bitch getting up at 9 A.M. to make the 10 A.M. ferry. We didn't nap last night because we only intended to have a few beers. Intended...

Michael introduced us to a few people at the hotel. John, David, and Patrick from Atlanta and David from London. Saw David out later. Had a drink at Katrinas then walked around. Went to Porta and had a drink with Miami. We finally found the Magic Garden, which is properly called Kastros Magic Gard. My intention for beer turned into shots and gin with took us back to Porta. We tired of the wealthy English men bitching about their French maid.

Ran into Konstantinos and his hot friend, then went to the drag show at Icarus where we met Jay and (some girl) from KY. They are here on their honeymoon. After introducing us to their Belgian friends (met on the street) they went home, but agreed to meet us at sunset today at the Elysium. Perhaps we'll do dinner. When they left, we drank with Jodi who got off his shift. When he left we danced with a man from some country who lives in Athens and spends many weekends here. Timmy unnecessarily a bit jealous. Despite the fact Timmy puked (funny) it all turned out OK in the end.

We got to bed around 6 A.M., which describes today's physical difficulties!

Of note today: My cat loves cheese, climbed to the top of Delos and made a wish, we are done with ancient things!

Dining

Since we're shopping, I have my bag and my journal. It is an odd time to eat for the Greeks and we're the only people dining at this place. The Ristorante Casa di' Giorgio is quite nice. We're going for a fee drinks at Katarinas after this!

Moving

We have moved to the Elysium. The room is nice and very large compared to many here. We were actually awake in time this morning to take breakfast at the hotel. We slept with the door open and were awakened by violent rain. Fortunately it is now sunny and beautiful again!

I am completely exhausted and need a nap, but we plan to go into the city to do some trinket shopping and to get a crepe. Last night we went to Katrinas and drank with Jody, Adelle, and Todd? from the UK. We then went to the piano bar where a lounge singer from the US was on the piano. She's going to get the words for my vaforite piano bar song, "My Heart Belongs to Daddy," and sing it for me if we go back. The drinks were quite expensive so I doubt we'll go again. It is one of those places where you feel obliged to stay because the exit is right by the entertainment.

After, we went through the standard routine and hit Bar Porta, Pieros, and Icarus. We were bloody pissed as the boys from the UK would say. We even had more shots of the red vodka; whatever that is. We should have eaten, but instead we had crepes at Katrinas. I went with Adelle to get them. They are made fresh and quite delicious. I must stop writing and go eat. The piece of bread, ham, and cheese, that they called breakfast was hardly enough to satisfy my tummy. Perhaps we should not have stayed out so late. After two nights in a row, we should be less religious and get to bed earlier.

Psarou & Platis Gialos

We found that 8 P.M. was too early to go out. We fisited the Ramrod and were one of only a few customers. We had a drink and promptly left. After a drink at Katrinas, we jumped in to the scene. Many drinks later at Porta, we were quite juiced up and took ourselves to Pieros where we watched all the boys. We met a man from London and his boyfriend. We chatted for awhile. The two crazy girls from Austin, TX showed up and took us to the Scandinavian Bar. We stayed awhile then returned to Pieros and Icarus (the bar upstairs). We danced a very long time. Timmy went to pee and a VERY hot man grabbed me and started to dance with me. Timmy wasn't amused at first then realized it was all fun. We made it home around 6:30 A.M. and slept till 2:00 P.M. today.


I went to town and got more money and lunch from the gyro carryout down the hill. We hate and fell back asleep till 4 P.M. We spent two hours riding around. We went to Psarou Beach and then to Platis Gialos Beach. The poor scooter could barely run us up the steep and curvey hill, but at least it made it!

Right now we are sitting at the pool bar hearing about the bartender's boyfriend from LA who wants to take care of him. Long and interesting story. Having a banana rum drink. Twelve Euro is too much (hotel prices) but it is tasty!

We are learning to take things at a Greek pace, which is very slow. We each sipped a beer at the beach then left on the scooter. We learned the hard way that our little two stroke scooter wasn't big enough to handle our fat asses up the hill from Super Paradise. Timmy had to walk. We later found out the other road is much less treacherous and we would have made it. We rode back to the city and meandered up a few streets until we found the Elysium Hotel. It is the renowned gay hotel here in Mykonos. We each had several beers while we watched the sun set. Magnificent!

We rode the scooter back to the Mykonos View and I had a few Irish coffees and Timmy a few beers. He really likes the Mythos beer. It is a Greek Lager, available almost everywhere. We are told Amstel is the most common beer here, but I thought it was from Germany or Amersterdam or somewhere. They, however, call it a local beer. Perhaps something is lost in translation.

We also booked reservations to spend our last three nights at the Elysium. It was filled with the most beautiful men and many were speaking English. It seems to be the common denominator for boys from every country in the world. That leaves us two more nights here. We are about to finish our drinks at the Oneiro, which is the main bar at the hotel. After these, we will prepare for the evening. Funny how when you drink throughout the day at times there is no need for a nap. We''ll be dead if we stay out so late again. Tonight we will do it properly with a coffee (to be seen) and then early beers and then we'll hit Pieros again.

We realized today that a German tour company does Gay cruises to remote islands on Tuesdays. Unfortunately we missed this week's, but that is OK. Can you imagine us drunk on a boat with a bunch of gorgeous gay drunk German men. Dirty.

I am sure there will be more to tell in the morning or whatever time we wake. Most likely we'll wake when the ferry comes in. The manager, Costas, says that the horn of the ferry is the official wake up call for the island. Works for me!! I still haven't mailed the post cards home.

Scooterific Super Paradise Beach

We went to Porta, Pieros, and the bar upstairs laast night. We tried to go to a dance bar on the beach, but it was closed. We sat on the water and had a few more. We were binge drinking and completely wasted by the time we got home at 5:30 AM. We didn't really talk to anyone because the Americans all come on cruise ships and nobody was speaking English. We did chat with a German tourist who was here with her two boys on their honeymoon.

We awoke today at 1 Pm to the sound of the ferry horns coming into port. We were up and out by 2 PM. We had a nice lunch on the beach and then rented a scooter. Many of the shops and restaurants are closed. By mid October, I hear nearly everything is shut down. There are still beautiful men here.

We took our scooter to Super Paradise Beach. It is very under-powered and the roads are very curvey and steep. I have no idea how we will get up out of the beach with both of us on it. We're having a beer here at Super Paradise and then we'll head back. There is no sense in getting drunk, especially since we didn't take helmets. I know...Catrina will bitch since we are drinking and riding and not wearing helmets.

One funny thing is that regardless what you are looking for, the directions are always 'go straight that way and you can't miss it." First of all, there is nothing stratight here except one road that runs parallel to the airport running for a brief moment along a runway. Second, none of the signs match. Some in Greek, some in Latin, some are Greek words written in the Latin alphabet. Many places take down their signs and close the sutters at night so any reference point established during the day is not always there at night. On final funny thing is their equivalent to Fed Ex which is Super Ex or Fast Ex or something like that. It is the smallest "truck" I've ever seen with a giant man crammed into the one person closed cabin.

The beach is kinda dead. It is about hte time people head out and I believe it may have rained this morning while we were sleeping. This could have deterred some people from coming out today. Regardless, it is very relaxing and beautiful.

Mykonos

We arrived in Mykonos at 1 PM on Monday. We wandered the streets and became oriented with the center of town. The view is amazing. It is strange to think it is the same view for the last ~400 years. We ate ate Nikos Tavern and watched the sun set with our pool bartender, Konstantinos. I'll tell you about him later.

We slept from 8 PM to now so it is time to take our well rested bodies to do the city. It is a bit chilly.

Lykavittos

After coffee last night, we went back to the hotel to change shoes. It was a bit cool so Timmy also put on a shirt. We were to meet Panos and were in a hurry so we ate at a Subway restaurant near the hotel. Kind of funny, but it was at least quick. We had short cans of Heineken in respect to Michael and it made the Subway worthwhile. Steve will be pleased to know they serve Lays potato chips, even here in Greece!

We took the train to the Evagelistra Station where Panos & Vasilis met us in the car. We drove up to the parking area at Lykavittos near the theatre and walked up to the Agles Georgio (Church) with a great view of the city. At tht top, of course, was another cafe where we spent a good hour or more having a cup of coffee (Irish for Tim & I). We ran into some friends of Panos and then we dropped Elena off at home. Vasilis, Tim, & I had a few drinks on the roof of our hotel. We were in bed by 11:30. I didn't sleep well and finally checked email at 3 AM. We were up at 5:30 AM and are now on the Blue Star Ithaci enroute to Mykonos.

Coffee

Finished most of the ancient stuff and we are having coffee in Psyrri. We toured the Acropolis, Plaka, Thissio, Aeridis, & Psyrri areas today.

Here's a map that shows all these things!

Happy Birthday Timmy

Good Morning! Elena is on her way with coffee. Thank God. We were invited to Panos' house yesterday for dinner. We ordered in Souvlaki...delicious...had french fries in it. His friend, Vassilis, who they call "Billy" joined us after dinner and went out with us. He's an actor. I'll have to get his full name and google him when we return home. We rode in Panos Peugot to the bar and parked on the sidewalk as everyone does. The club we intended to go to had strange Gay Greek Mafia looking men outside (if there is such as thing) so we went to another club. It was packed wall to wall with hot men. Panos said it was good that the summer was over because it wasn't packed. Strange. They all dance like clones which works for me because I can actually dance in this country. Elena was tired and went home after the first bar. We then returned to the most popular club, Sodad, where it was VERY packed. It was like the busiest day ever in a bar in the states.

Elena just showed up with cheese in filo dough (sp?) and Starbucks. It is time to go see ancient things!

Athens 101

I guess it didn't matter that the Greeks don't serve liquor with breakfast (bloodies/mimosas) because we didn't come alive until 1:30 when Elena showed up. She was so kind to go and purchase the electric converter we needed for this region. She also bough us beautiful bracelets with some sort of black string and aquamarine evil eyes. Mine was too tight so we stopped by Marios' store and he made me a new one. We went for coffee where I had my first frappe. This is really just Nescafe instant coffee whipped up. We then went to Kolonaki where all the fashionable shops are located. We ate at an Italian restaurant, La Pasteria. Unfortunately it rained all day. It is now six PM and we are getting ready to nap. Oh yes, we also went past the Library and the University. Beautiful buildings but I didn't get very good pics due to the rain. We continue to be amazed by the little tiny cars here in Greece. We purchased post cards which I'll write and send tomorrow. Time for a nap.

Raining Men

7 AM, Gin, Raining Men, Called Catrina, Drunk (this is what my journal said - I translate below)

We arrived home at 7 AM. Elena has introduced us to many very wonderful people. We have had an enjoyable time. Last night we went out the Gazi which has several gay bars and clubs. Our friends got tired and bailed at a respectable time. We, however, partied on (shock). At the end of the night a familiar tune came on and the crowd went wild. When the words started coming out I realized they were singing, It's Raining Men, in GREEK. How funny. Tim and I about pissed our pants. Well we about did that anyway because the place was so packed we couldn't hardly get to the bathroom. It took us about an hour to find our way back to the hotel in the rain because we couldn't get a cab. The cab driver said the Monastiraki was too busy to get in and out of. Really...at 6 AM it was! We realized that it was only 11 PM in the US so we called Catrina. We got the voicemail and left a brief message. Unfortunately this cost me $42 on my credit card - oh drunky why no calling cards????

Time for bed!

Welcome to Athens!

We arrived and found Elena outside the gate. No immigration or customs at the airport and you can smoke anywhere! I guess when traveling between the EU countries there is no issue! Funny how limited it was when we landed in Germany. They must hate traveling to our country with all the madness we go through!

We set the camera on the bed and took a picture of us as we arrived at Hotel Attalos. It was a small hotel, but nicely located in the city! It was so great to see Elena again after 8 years!

European Touchdown!

We just landed in Germany and had our recovery cigarette at a Thai Restaurant. We then viewed some amazing boutiques and I found a binary watch that was really cool. At the gate there was a mini model of the Star Alliance Arena? in Munich and a little smoking room with four stand up tables. The built in ashtrays took the butts down and a fan sucked the smoke out from each station. Not a tight closed smoke pit like the few smoking rooms in US airports. I had to go through the regular line to process the luggage tickets, but Timmy was able to go through the auto attendant which works much like inserting a metro card. It took the whole ticket in one side and spit out the stub on the other. We are waiting to depart and will be in Athens in 2:55 hours

German Duck

I awoke to a Donald Duck cartoon playing in German. Apparently either I or the drunk on the other side of Timmy changed my channel to German while I slept. A lovely breakfast snack has just been served and we have about an hour and a half to go :-)

Taking Flight

We are on the flight to Munich. The ass next to Timmy is piss drunk, constantly changing Tim's radio, tv, lights, paging the attendant, etc. Unfortunately he doesn't realize that his controls are on the right...the ones on his left are not his. He paged the flight attendant so many times that she knew to bring a full glass of vodka/rocks every time his light came on. He spilled a glass of cognac after dinner and constantly threw paper, plastic, magazines, and practically everything he could get his hands on at his friends two rows up. Unfortunately he was so drunk that he usually just hit the lady with her two kids in front of us.

While the flight was non-smoking, I found it odd that they came around with a duty free cart selling cigarettes after dinner! Speaking of dinner, the option was barbecue beef or spinach something or another pasta. Pretty good for flight food. I watched Aquila (sp) and the Bee about the South LA girl who beat the odds and then I fell asleep.

I googled inked bald gay

I don't have a tattoo, but would like one. Yesterday I googled inked, bald, gay to get some ideas since the baldy boys are sometimes appealing to me....Not surprised, but I came up with an English Skinhead site...not exactly what I had in mind as a model for a potential tattoo.

Anyway...just a thought for the day. I haven't written in quite some time. A bit of craziness has happened. I 'revealed' some of my weaknesses and secrets to the man. Wasn't easy, but made sense to do.

I am smoking 100% again

I am up to 10 miles in the marathon training

The super secret surprise is still a secret, despite my itching to reveal

Gotta run to work

Later

Hump Day

I'm not doing so well with the non-smoking thing. Yesterday and today I smoked during the day for the first time since April. I've officially fallen off the wagon. I desperately want to get back on it, but the life, family, and work drama are piling up. I am strong and weak at the same time.

There was an interesting comic strip in the paper discussing how one character kept posting and posting to his blog, yet nobody ever responded. I kinda like the fact that all this information is out here and nobody really looks at it. It is therapeutic for me to make my personal thoughts from inside my head out there, but not really public since nobody knows about them.

My daughter's first summer week had to be postponed because I have another work trip. I leave tomorrow for family, then this trip to 2 different locations. I'm stressed about rescheduling family due to work, but if one wants Burberry, one must work hard and long.

A little more personal drama...now I know why I didn't get what I wanted for my birthday - it was saved for someone else. Oh well - Karma has a tendency to bite one in the azz and I deserved it. I guess there are some serious life decisions to make eh?

Nite...time to eat my Campbell's soup that expired in 2004 (it never really goes bad I don't think) and then I'll have a cigarette.

humph

A present for me!

OK - It is a bit excessive, but I had a fun day of shopping. New shoes for running and a new Burberry bag to treat myself to a promotion that hasn't actually happened officially, but indirectly has. Weird I know. Regardless - sometimes one must treat themself to a ridiculous gift.

Senior Citizenship / Promotion

Senior Citizenship-
My grandma has pneumonia - was found a week ago lying on the street by her car. The Fed-Ex driver found her. She was in the hospital all week and was put into a nursing home yesterday to finish her recovery. I was apalled, but apparently it was her idea because she knew she wasn't ready to be on her own. Scary stuff.

Senior Promotion-
I worked in the CA office this week for a meeting. My counterpart let it slip that I was being made a senior manager!!! While I'm not a title whore, I do find it gratifying that they are recognizing the work I do. Hopefully this will mean more $$$ too! The flip-side: I'm getting older. Young people don't get titles that include the word 'senior' in them. Uggh

Week 7

So I look like a fat monster in this pic, but it is sweaty me after today's 7 mile run as we continue to train for the marathon. I felt good after the run and now have gone over half way to the 13.2 total miles for the actual half marathon. I can so easily do this!

Pat Benatar

So this is a sucky pic of the outside of "Rams Head Live" in Baltimore and is being posted a day late. Last night my dreams came true. I got to see Pat in concert. I was no more than 5 feet away from her stage most of the night. This was a very very exciting day. In addition, I purchased three shirts, her anthology, and dog tags. I'm such a faggy fan.

Fun part...I may get to see her in two weeks in Cleveland when I go to get my daughter. Might also get to see her over 4th of July in Columbus.

Life is grand.

Ohio State Graduation Day

Unbelievable!

OSU graduated over 7,000 people in a single ceremony and each person received their actual degree on the field. They individually announced and hooded the Doctors. The Masters and everyone else were announced in groups then all of them filed down in eight rows like little ants working their way to the field. It was quite moving and impressive.

My siblings and I are all educated. My brothers have their undergraduate degrees and my sister in law and I have our masters degrees. Ma n Pa so proud of us! I'm very proud of my brother who just graduated. We all worked our way through and faced our own challenges, but he dropped out of school to help my dad when he was diagnosed with Cancer. Going back wasn't easy with a full time life. Rock on brother!

Today was also my birthday! Happy 33rd birthday to me.

Yesterday was my mom and my daughter's birthdays too so it has been an action packed celebration weekend. Lots of dining out and happy times.

Life is good.

My Hero

I am so excited. This is Pat Benatar on a jukebox, but I will see her LIVE next week.

$14

Fourteen dollars is what I just paid for a cut, wash, and style at the Hair Cuttery. After years of forty dollar haircuts, I feel very cheap and ugly. I might have to go shave my head now. Andrea will not be happy, but I have no time during the day to visit a real salon. The $14 haircut won't kill me I suppose.

On the train towards Joel's going away party at Grillfish. Think they'll know I'm sporting lame azz hair?

Nearly lost belongings

Such a lovely day. I have a manager on vacation which translated into a 12 hour day in which I accomplished little. It is amazing how one can work continuously and diligently yet accomplish nothing on the really important "to do list."

I had fun yesterday at a friend's 35th birthday party. However, I was sitting in the back yard when I got this really strange feeling. I ran to the front of the house just in time to see three nasty teenagers with a cable cutter trying to steal my Vespa. Needless to say I am reminded how I should not leave personal posessions out of site when visiting East Shaw. Perhaps these thoughts of wanting a house will be replaced with the reminder how nice it is to live in a doorman building with a safe and secure garage. Fortunately I scared them off. I felt really butch and really angry. Not sure why I didn't take a pic with my camera phone.

On the train listening to good music - A Lover I Don't Have To Love. The song scares me because I don't believe it yet I feel it move me as a painful truth coming from deep within. I wish I was already in bed. At least I'm back inside the District. I hate working in VA.

Am I grown?

My lungs hurt - I smoked alot last night. I am a grown azz man acting like a college kid. Two of us ended up at Apex for 18/up night. It is frightening to realize that those kids are now about half my age. I'm old

Still at work - trying to be a responsible citizen today! Gotta run in the AM...hopefully my lungs will have cleared out by then.

This weekend is the DC scootergate and they are hanging out at Cue Bar tonight. I shouldn't go out, but I might have to swing by and check out the rides. I may join them tomorrow for their long ride if I'm done running in time.

Dude from Canada that I met in Pittsburgh is coming to town this weekend and wants to hang out. Also got a birthday party to go to on Sunday for a friend. Should be a good weekend.

Smokin'

Best month since I've been at my company....took my boys out to celebrate early from work. I'm smoking. It's all good.

31 Days 5 hours

Well...It is the end of May. I've been a non-smoker for 31 days and 5 hours. Yes, I have cheated. Four times I've cheated. Twice I had a few smokes and the other two times I nearly smoked a pack. Very bad and yet very good.

Today was hectic as I had my teeth cleaned at 7 AM and was at work for 10 hours non-stop after that. Although I have the gym in the AM, I think I'm going to break my Thu/Sat rule and go have a cocktail. The BF was a drunkazz last night and came home (I presume) in the middle of the night after blowing money on a user friend. I don't approve, but can certainly choose to spend some money on myself tonight.

I'm still thinking about my wild thing - What the H is wrong with me?

Memorial Day Weekend

A whole holiday weekend and no post other than the marathon update! I was busy and it was a great weekend. We decided to stay in the city instead of venturing back to see the family or joining the throngs of people headed to the shore. It was nice to be in the quiet city and fortunately lots of our friends made the same decision.

Saturday afternoon started with a late brunch and then a power rock star bar crawl that even included 'liquid ladies night' with a new friend we met from GA at Phase. Wild madness that fortunately ended with a good night's sleep.

Sunday we had a terrific bbq at Michael and Catrina's. So many of our friends showed up. It was nice to see Wild Thing #1, but I was very disappointed with myself for being so jealous of his BF. I don't understand how I let him get so far under my skin and why I can't get him out. I don't want him there and haven't seen him in many months.

Yesterday was a casual day with Tiff looking at neighborhoods. We jumped down to Old Town Alexandria since she had never seen it before. I had forgotten how much of a place it was for rich white people. The age and diversity of the buildings is amazing, but it is the only thing diverse about that area. I so hope she selects the District when her move day comes.

I've been to the gym early and at work for nearly 2 hours already. Time to get back to it!

Training Week 4

Here we are! Erin, Tara, Me, Meg, & Alicyn. Not sure if I'm spelling their names right, but we're ready to take on the world. Our pace group is actually much larger, but I imagine alot of people are out for the holiday weekend. We did 4 miles using a 5/1 ratio in 45:21. We didn't have a pace group leader so I was made one as default since I had the sporty interval watch.

Looking forward to this as these girls are fun!

1 smoke

Bad yes, but better than 2 packs....i snagged a cig and smoked half of it. Felt nice and I don't think it is nearly as bad as being the chain smoker I was for 13 years. I'm good till Sun when I'll cheat again.

Mom lost her job today as expected, but they are keeping her through the end of July when her vacation and sick days run out since she's never taken any is the 6 years she worked there.

Drama

Not Mine

This is Cat's cigarette. I feel weak...very very weak - It looks very tasty

Long Azz Day

14 hours in the office and ate in a lunch meeting. This, my friends, sux. The only nice part is that I just got on the train and have a hottie red head sitting directly in front of me. Nice.

Settled into the world of the i-Pod people...blending in...waiting for my stop.

S T R E S S

I just need to vent. My new boss has been in the office for two days. I love him, but it adds a great deal of stress when you are in constant meetings. I had visitors today from our operations site. I also love them, but they take up time too. In addition, a new training class went live and I have a manager in training at another site. I REALLY want a cigarette, but it is not the right thing to do. Funny thing is that I don't crave one deep inside, I just want one. It is different than before, but still there.

Hmmmm.

I was so tired last night after a long day that I missed my friend's birthday party. I did get up early enough to run for 18 minutes. Not long enough, but better than nothing. Tonight I'm going to crash because I have the gym in the AM at 6:15.

Ok...I've vented...now back to work. Although I have many tasks to do, I am certainly looking forward to the three day holiday weekend.

Monday Morning

I dislike Monday mornings. I stayed up till 11 to watch the Desperate Housewives season finale and subsequently didn't get up at 6:00 to run as I had hoped. I guess this will be a non-running morning since it is almost time to leave for work.

BTW...I have to admit that I had a few cigarettes on Saturday night while we were out celebrating . The day started in the afternoon with a few bottles of wine at the Greek Festival, went on to include dinner and some more drinks for Catrina's birthday, and ultimately ended near closing time at the Townhouse Tavern. Never a good story when it ends at the Townhouse, but I did learn that my favorite bartender, Colin, is moving to Boston. I'll have to go back on Tuesday for his farewell day. I felt no desire to smoke on Sunday and am confident I won't smoke this week. If it is true that the physical addiction breaks after two weeks, I might be able to lick this thing, despite two slips in the first three weeks.

Gotta get to work!

Catrina's Late B-Day dinner

We went out with Michael and Catrina to the Chi Cha Lounge for her belated birthday since she was out of town on the actual day. Friends are plentiful. Good friends who love unconditionally are hard to come by and we are blessed with these two. The pic I'm sure sucks because it is dark up in here at the Fab Lounge and no flash on my camera.

Training Week 3

I'm officially in a pace group. Unfortunately it isn't the pace group that I want to be in with the eye candy, but better to be with an appropriate group for the best training. I went the wrong way up Pennsylvania Ave instead of staying on the North side of the mall so I probably could have gotten into a slightly faster group since I went a few minutes out of the way and then backtracked instead of cheating. Ultimately I ran 3 miles in 30:28 which is just over 10 minutes per mile. I was doing better last fall before taking the exercise hiatus. I'm fine with the group I'm in. Hopefully there will be some nice people to get to know because it is pretty boring running alone. We were supposed to hang out and elect a Pace Group Leader, but I had to get the Mini out for service (yes that damn place didn't fix the A/C the last time.)

I'm trying to pull up a group of people to go to the St. Sophia Greek Festival today, but my friends all seem to be busy, working, or out of town. I might just go myself if nobody else wants to go. Surely someone will come out of the woodwork.

Time for a shower - been in these running clothes far too long.

Super Vespa Nerd

I rode to work today despite the rain and the cool temp. My friends made fun of my new face shield. I am being accused of now being a super nerd, geek, weirdo, freak...I'm not offended. As momma always said, "They are just jealous." If this random blog was promoted anywhere or if anyone actually read it I'd ask for the general consensus of the floor.

Ready for the weekend, but like always have a great deal to do. Saturday will be busy. I bought tickets for the big super secret surprise vacation. Haven't decided if I want to talk about that on here or not. It is quite unlikely that he will ever come across the blog, but ...

Later.

Moving Right Along

Another long day started at the gym at 6 AM and I've just walked in the door from work at 7:30 PM. There were some interesting power plays at work today. I anticipated as much with some movement in the managerial hierarchy. Nothing unusual.

I am now on 17th day as a non-smoker. Things are moving right along despite the aforementioned stumble. I'm proud that I'm still making it! It actually feels sorta strange. I need to start taking some walk breaks or something at work because powering through for 10+ hours without a breather (no pun intended) is going to wear me down. Perhaps I'll try that tomorrow.

No food in the house and I don't feel like cooking so I'm gonna go out, against my better judgment, and grab a bite to eat.

Change

Had a great weekend. Was a super fly rock star on Saturday and relaxed on Sunday.

It was announced this morning that my boss and his boss are transitioning to new roles. What a day of change!

Too tired to expand, but I am excited to go home and watch the two hour Grey's Anatomy season finale. This helps me to lose myself from reality if only for a moment.

So Dirty

So this looks much worse than it really was. She was a bar patron at my friend's place and she said I could take a pic with her for my blog. Yes, she was a little dirty, but it was all innocent. Now later when we picked up the Randster and went to another bar...they were dirty...no pics were taken and we survived SE.

Fun times had by all...

Everytime You Vote Republican...

OK - So this is funny funny funny. I thought of my friends Laura Joe and Catrina. I should so be cleaning the house instead of searching for the end of the interweb, but then I won't find stuff like this.

In case the link is changed...It is an ad for an infant's t-shirt that says, "Everytime You Vote Republican, God Kills a Kitten. Please...won't someone think of the kittens?" There is a precious picture of a big furry kitten on it. Too funny. Too Wrong.

Everytime You Vote Republican Infant T-Shirt > Every Time You Vote Republican... > the Angry Left | CafePress

Training Week 2

I intended to take a picture of all the peoples running, but I forgot. As I stood in the Metro at Waterfront-SEU, I decided that a picture of the inside of the station would at least prove I was there! Today's run was easy. We went two miles and I think I averaged about a 10 minute mile, but I also forgot to time myself exactly. I was doing easy 8 minute miles last fall so I certainly have some work to do. This week we did a random run. Next week we are timed to be placed in pace groups. I started with the first group and was at the head of the pack nearly the entire time. I was trying to keep up with Brian (later met him on the train) and this guy Ricky (his name according to Brian). They were a bit faster than I, but that's the kind of motivation I need to push myself. I really need to make some running buddy friends with them to keep my attitude in the right place. I don't think this is going to be difficult, but I do want to remain focused!

Other Random Stuff:
-Time to clean! Shanon M is coming to visit tonight. This will be her 5th or 6th trip to DC in the last year and a half that I've lived here. I do believe she wins the prize for most visits if there is a competition.
-The air went out again on the Mini - I am so over Mini of Sterling - I don't think they have a freakin' clue.
- The mini got a flat tire ... well it had a nail in it. Thank God for run-flat tires! I will never have regular tires again. It was only $22 to get it fixed.

Winners Circle

So I finally took the time to read the very basic directions and learn how to send picture messages from my phone to my blog. This one is from the winner's circle at the Gold Cup last Saturday!

Gotta go - Time to train for the marathon!

Stumbling vs Starting Over

This morning I didn't know whether to start counting back at day one or to keep going and mark it up as a stumble. I've decided to keep counting. Now I can say I've made it 12 days and I only stumbled once. That decision made it easier today to power through without jumping completely off the wagon. I am very frustrated and disappointed , but overall proud of the accomplishment I have made. Focus on the positive.

Ran into O-53 last night - was fun, but we wasted too much money playing Rock Stars!

I'm about to bust up out of the office. I rode in today so should be able to get home quickly! I need to get some rest because I have the marathon training run in the AM.

$6.00

That is what failure costs. I bought a pack out of a vending machine. I had a smokey treat. It is better than . . . Well you know.

I made it 11 days

Shopping

My work guests from last night had to stay over for more meetings. We had a nice dinner at a little Italian place at Pentagon Row. I took the opportunity to shop since I so rarely am outside the city and I was beside Pentagon City Mall. I have Steve Madden, Coach, Kenneth Cole, Adidas, and American Eagle in my bags....all in 45 mins...POWER SHOPPING. I really wanted to hit Express and a few other places, but the mall was packed with dreadful children.

Off for a cocktail since it is my Thirsty Thursday Drinky Day.

Still no smokey treats...being good!

Time Warp

So this is what happens when your PDA gets too full...The message from last night sent at around 10 PM (I Love Metro) was delivered this morning at 8:30 - My life is sometimes twisted so it is only fitting that my blog would be too.

I love Metro

I worked late and entertained work peope late, but I had ZERO wait time at my first stop and my connection! Rare for a post 9 PM commute.

Sleepy

Box Wine

Oh yeah...Forgot to mention last night. She ordered the White Zin...He kindly and ever so discretely recommended an alternate.

Rumor has it the White Zin may be making an appearance on the scene. Will have to research that one some more.

Off to the gym.

Vegas Baby

I was excited to hear about Randi Miller, the new 'voice of Metro,' but I had no idea she would be accompanied by such clatter. It is bearable, at first, but when some inconsiderate chick blocks the door for her slow walking friends to get off the escalator and the door bing bing bing bings like a Vegas slot machine, I want to curl up in the fetal position and cry. Why must I listen to this madness on the way to work. The intention, I am sure, is to broadcast an annoying sound to stop people from blocking the door. It might occasionally deter a tourist (who is most likely afraid of the door anyway) but seasoned Metro door holding abusers know the noise is just that. The passive paper reading business commuters the only ones really affected.


It was nice to deposit the CarMax check this AM! Only a tinge of guilt for abandoning my baby Benz.

Bye Bye Benz

I went to pick up the Mini from service today and it had been hit in their parking lot. I'm driving a new BMW until they fix it. This is a very long and complicated story, starting at the last time when Mini of Sterling lost my car while it was in for 9 days for an indicator light. I'm not pleased with their service, but have no choice but to go to Sterling or Annapolis for service. With all the Mini's inside the District, why on earth has no dealership been established a little closer? We'll see how long it takes them to fix the damage ... probably not long since I am driving one of their cars!

While out in suburbia, I stopped by CarMax. They offered $4000 more for the Mercedes than I thought they would give so I sold it. I miss that thing already. Long story, but I had to go back with the title and am just now arriving home. This day started at 5 AM when I got up for the gym. I'm exhausted.

The Cowboy

I was watching the Logo channel yesterday. This is MTV's rendition of GLBT television. I met some of the original creators at a leadership conference a few years ago. I am pleasantly surprised how much I like the network. While they have limited content, much of it is great. There is an acceptable mix of classic gay camp and socially significant programming. Not to mention enough Subaru commercials to take over the world. My favorite are their short movies and the ability tob view the ones I like over and over on their website logoonline.com . I digress...So my point...they play videos between shows and yesterday they played Willie Nelson's new (from February) video of his song titled, "Cowboys Are Frequently Secretly (Fond of Each Other)". What a powerful song from the soul of country music. I immediately purchased it from i-Tunes and downloaded to my i-Pod.
It's quite funny to hear good ole Willie say"...when you talk to a cowboy don't treat him like he was a sister. You can't f**k with the lady that's sleeping in each cowboy's head."

And the funniest part is Burt Reynolds trying to get the flaming two-steppers to dance some more at the end of the video. Priceless. I feel like pulling out the big hat and boots and saddling up to the bar at Remington's to watch the cowboys dance. I wonder whatever happened to Cody after he quit working there.

So that whole Willie thing made me smile but the fact I have to wait 6 minutes for the Greenline does not amuse me. I must get home and to bed because I have the gym at 6:15 tomorrow. Was a long day at work.

I only wanted a smokey treat once today and sucessfully resisted! Working on my 9th day now. You think you rock? No, IROC. Smiles

Train is boarding.

Seven Days

This blog should be called how I quit smoking and saved my relationship??? Just wanted to post a quickie to announce the 7 day mark. In a few minutes I will have been smoke free for 7 (YES SEVEN) days and 5 hours. But who is counting.

The relationship part - we'll have to work on that one...

Bourgeois Bois

What a day Saturday was! I ended Cinco de Mayo with internal turmoil (as evidenced by Friday night's drama filled drunky post from the bar), awoke late on Saturday, but made it to Warrenton, VA to meet my friends for the Gold Cup. I was, of course, appropriately attired and bedazzled with my Tiffanys Bling and trendy gianormous sunglasses (which created an equally gianormous raccoon line from the sun). The races were delightful and if I can take a moment to figure it out, I might post a picture of the winning horse as it walked past me out of the paddock. The beauty of attending is the connection through one of my friends. His position allows him to share owner's passes with his friends and we get access to Member's Hill, the fancy-pants places, the rider's tent (complete with delicious treats & beverages) and we watch the finish line front and center along the fence. We freely walk in the paddock, along the pathway with the horses, and stand as close to the winner's circle as anyone can get without actually having the winning horse. It is quite fun and our friend's generosity is much appreciated. In addition, my surrogate Mother and Father come East to visit so it is very fun to see them as well. My friend who invites us, their biological son, is such a great guy. He generously opens his home for friends to come watch the Derby after the Gold Cup and then I zip back to the city. It is about an hour and a half drive without traffic. I should roll out their to see him more often. It would be a lovely Vespa ride on a weekend afternoon.

Had a few cocktails at the P-Rat last night when I got home then immediately crashed. I was exhausted after the long day. O-37 called...we didn't respond.

Why?

So I really want to smoke right now, but I have no tears so it must be better than last night. The song is playing....I gotta have faith....please please please don't go away....damn

Do I love him? YES.

Does he love me? NO.

He loves the very luxurious life pretending to love me provides and occasionally has sex with me because it is the 'right' thing to do.

Is there anyone who will love Me?

Long Days

This might have been the longest week in my entire life.  Every minute stretches to an hour, but somehow I'm not being very efficient in getting things accomplished with this extra time.  I've not fallen behind, but I'm certainly not winning any races either.  I have now made it five days and four+ hours with no smokey treats.  I'm very proud of myself - It assures me that I am the person that I want to be.  I am powerful.  I am confident.  I am strong.  I am in control.  (I am about to break into a Helen Reddy song).

Enough of that.

About two more hours of work to go and then we'll see if anyone interesting is on the Metro tonight.  I wanted to come in on the G-Ride, but it is supposed to rain and Hoo Haa is still in the shop getting her a/c fixed.  I still don't know if it was broken or if it ever worked since she joined the family last winter when cold air wasn't necessary.  Either way, warranty work is free so it doesn't bother me.  She's been done for days, but I haven't gone out to pick her up;  She's probably missing me, but can't be too out of place with all her sisters camping out at the dealership.  Regardless, I took the Metro like a good environmentally conscious commuter.  I think I saw the hot cop this morning too, but was in too much of a hurry to do a drive by to the other side of the platform.  That's so shallow…I'm powerful and shallow in the same post.  Go ahead…judge if you want to.

Happy Fake Five Day Holiday

I'm really impressed with the fact that I successfully was able to go bar hopping without smoking. I sat right next to my smokey friends and was tempted, but was strong. I also feel great this morning. No hacking heaving lungs resulting from a two-pack binge night. I almost think I could go running today, but it is my workout day off.

It is time to get ready for work. I love the fact that I get to sleep in every Friday. It sucks to close the office, but it pays for itself with the lazy Friday mornings.

Today marks the one year anniversary of the going away party for my friend DE. I miss her terribly even though she was not necessarily a close friend. I'll have to fire off an email to her today. It's easy to remember the anniversary because her party was interrupted with the crazy amateurs out for Cinco de Mayo. I really don't understand this holiday because I thought the Mexican independence day was in the fall? How is it in the fall, but this celebration day is in May. Maybe I'm just confusing what the day is for. I must Google that later today.

One more thing...I think he finally realized that I stopped smoking. Of course he didn't say anything to me or be supportive in any way. I overheard him telling my friend Dub that it was my 'second' day (ha) not smoking and that I'd fall off the wagon soon because I always have when I've tried to quit. Well F*** him. What makes it worse? She flat out lied about what he said. I made a joke about the fact he hasn't noticed and she swore up and down that he did mention it to her that I hadn't smoked since Sun. Frankly I don't ask for or need lies to make me feel better. I'm a full grown ass man and can handle the truth. In fact I would expect it from my friends, especially Dub. No sugar coating required. I'm probably just being too sensitive (or perhaps nicotine deprived) but it's my blog and I can say what I want to say.

Time for work!

So it wasn't easy

But I didn't smoke. I bought jumbo slice and gave 63 percent of it to a homeless person and am now at home....ready for bed. I did call the bird lady, but that's just funny.

Temptation

This is my first night out with the new lungs. I'm at a fab new space called Sky Bar chatting with the bar tender. Long story why I'm not with friends or at the going away party for my partner's co-worker. Bottom line is that I want a smoke so bad I have tears in my eyes right now thinking about it and don't really care about the potential drama in my life.

This sucks.

Judgement

There's a pack of Parliament Lights on the counter. The harsh streetlight coming through the blinds illuminates the beautiful blue packaging. I pick up the box and tenderly remove a friend. We sit on the balcony together in the moonlight and ever so gently my lungs are filled with peace. My eyes roll back into my head. This is what smoking cigarettes is all about. I am very happy.

The alarm goes off. I awake this morning and feel the guilt. As I walked into the kitchen, my back up emergency pack of smokey treats was missing from the counter. Did I smoke the whole pack? No...my partner smoked them on Monday. MONDAY; I didn't cheat at all. It was a dream. I was smoking in my dream - virtual cheating that was so good I thought I really did it. I am not a failure and no wretched self-judgement is necessary today!!!

I made it another day. I'm now at about 94 hours! My Mom will enjoy having a two week smoke free son if I can make it to Mother's Day. I still haven't told anyone yet except my temporary trainer who has no vested interest in my life. My regular trainer was off today. Kinda disturbing that my partner hasn't even noticed I am not smoking considering the depth and consistency of our communication and attention to each other.

75 Hours

I haven't had a smoke since about 2 PM on Sunday. I've made it nearly 75 hours. Should I allow myself one every three days? Sure would be great right now.

Today was rough around 10 this AM, but I had a few pretzels and a bunch of coffee and water. I ran 18 minutes this morning so I had that positive thing to focus on. Was so slammed at work this afternoon that I didn't have time to fret about it.

I left early to pick up the g-ride. It needed some adjustments and a fuel line. On the train now. No hot cops at the station today either. Hope I make it in time...

Just a few more stops.

Wild Thing #2

Not sure why I'm thinking about him today. Perhaps it is all the immigration debate in the media. Perhaps it is because I miss him. I'll never forget meeting him standing in the dimly lit smoking courtyard of that questionable dance club. A Brazilian Beauty so hot that I was intimidated to ask for a light. Mine had been confiscated on the plane and in my rush to the hotel and then to the club for a quick drink before last call, I had painfully gone without a cigarette for many hours. The pleasant rush of a cigarette on the mind and the pleasant flutter on my heart (well truthfully first a flutter in my pants) when he told me he'd been staring me down since I had walked in and instantly admitted his intimidation of my looks.

What a line, eh? I would agree if the encounter ended in some passionate crazy and brief encounter, but it didn't. Instead it ended in a weekend of intense conversation and childlike flirting. I haven't seen him or spoken to him since that weekend. A few periodic emails (the last a month ago today) are all I have.

He moved from the West Coast to Boston. I was there on business and was literally in the airport coming home when I got the email that he was there. I almost left the airport to run through the snow covered city to find him, but that would have been foolish. Besides, I'm happy in this current life.

I miss him. One tear.

The day drags on

I was anxious to see if my uniformed protector would be at the train station, but he's not.

It's been horrible trying to live without the cigarettes. Much worse than yesterday and the day seems so long.

Nobody cute or interesting to look at and worse yet, I've just missed both trains resulting in the longest possible commute home. If I get a long wait for the first, I always hope for a short wait at the next to average it out. No luck tonight.

5 more minutes till the train...

Withdrawal

I had one cigarette on Sunday and none yesterday.  I could not sleep last night and today…friend…my head.  I thought perhaps a pack of that stop smoking gum would work, but they don't sell it in individual packs - only in $50 kits.  I expected it to be expensive, but seriously - that much?  And of course it isn't shelved where one can read and evaluate the box.  It is locked up behind the counter.  The angry commuters at the CVS wouldn't be pleased if I waited in line to compare the non smoking gum.  Do I care - not really, but I don't have time for other people's drama.  It looked like there was a store brand that was cheaper, but again, behind the counter.  I tried this type of thing once on a long flight and it made me sick; not sure I want to make a $50 commitment when it may make me puke.

Eating a bag of pretzels.  $1.38.  I worked out hard with the trainer at 6:15 this AM and am starting the marathon training this week - hopefully that will help displace the symptoms of withdrawal and prevent me from becoming a giant cow.

Nobody knows I'm trying to quit.  At least not until my head spins off, falls to the ground, and eats the leather sole off my shoe.  Could happen.

People Watching

This is the true beauty of public transportation. The police officer on duty at L'enfant Plaza just now. Hot. Very Hot. I find it amuzing to stare them down when on the job. They can't really do anything about it and know my thoughts are impure. Uniforms...Yum.

I think I saw O-37's friend. Awkward.

A bearded woman sleeping. Odd.

A fat man in a tiny seat. Challenging.

The mindless i-Pod people. Common

(doors opening left side)

Monday

After a relatively wholesome week and a stay home Friday night, we turned into rock stars on Saturday night.  My random post from the bar reminds me that we were still going strong and acting up.  The phone call after last call from 0-37 turned into a bit of madness.  Fortunately Sunday was a relaxing sleepy lazy day and I was bright and refreshed for work today.

This was supposed to be day 1 for my training routine and I think I was supposed to run 30 mins this morning, but I chose to sleep instead.  I've also thought about not smoking today.  It is such a disgusting habit and expensive too.  I somehow don't think marathoning and smoking go together.  I'm now eating a bag of pretzels because my usual 10 AM first smoke of the day has passed and I'm psychologically (probably more than physically) freaking out.  I'll make it through at least one day.  I do have a brand new pack in my bag just in case.

F the news

He may be "important," but I hate fox news and he aint (good wt grammar) gettin' any of this.

Does he have a submissive brother?

Kick Off

Saw a dude on the metro with a John Deere shirt that said, "Been there, cut that." Not overly insightful or side splitting, but it made me smile.

This whole marathon thing is a bit crazy. I'm not sure why I signed up. The meeting today was supposed to be brief. They handed me a four hour agenda. Sign of things to come? Training starts Monday and fortunately works nicely with my current physical health routine. Perhaps I'll be beautiful some day. Pretty shallow to train for a charity marathon in the endless search for the 22 year old body. It will limit my choices...force me into a certain behavior ( My four month religion?) Probably a good time to stop smoking.

Did you know the President names the metro stops and they change every four or eight years? Tourists - they plague me.

Choices

Friday I spent 20+ minutes deciding whether to drive, ride, or take the train to work. I checked my calendar to see what time I'd be coming home, checked the weather to see if it would rain and how warm it would be, and I thought about how much gas was in each vehicle. In fact I grabbed my helmet and different keys twice. I became very frustrated making this simply irrelevant decision. If I had to rely on one form or another, my life would be simpler.

Choices in life. Religion comes to mind. Why do people surrender their lives to pre-set / pre-planned choices? Is it for salvation? Is it because they don't have to make up their mind and need the roadmap highlighted for them like a pre-Interweb AAA TripTik? Don't do this 'act' because it is a sin and will delay your trip by three hours. Stop at this little triangle to camp and this picnic table to pee. 14 hours and we'll be home.

Is religion a crutch or way to cling on to something of value; an excuse for a miserable existance to explain problems away. Instead of working to make a better life, do people reach out to the teaching of Jesus, Muhammed, or whoever to worship any one or group of gods? This may have an impact, but it really comes down to limiting the confusion of choices; how we want to get from life to death. Have you bought the Nav for your life? It's pretty difficult to remove it if you did / leaves a giant hole in the dashboard. Now try putting one from a Lexus into a Mercedes...

Hmmm.

Uneventful

Worked late and played like good domesticated folks - went to the grocery. Sleepy time.

9:30

OK...so there are only four sinks. My math was off earlier.

Drunk. Again.

9:30

There are lots of people, but M & S are the best.

This is occasionally expressed through the nipple kiss.

9:30

put the gun down, put the gun, put the gun down...

The intent may not be the same, but the words take the day full circle. He did mention $50 bills later. Is that for powder room money?

9:30

I'm fine with the urinal situation - there usually aren't many options when there's a line. I used to be pee shy, but now I can just take a peek at any line; crack, tile, corner, caulk line or whatever. I am very trained. However, when you make your way to the sink and take the last open one of five, why would the next person come past three others to wash their hands at the one next to you? Some privacy when there are options? If you want to flirt with me that's one thing, but if you are there for personal business, give me some space.

The show starts soon. The first act was talented but mediocre.

Pop Pop Pop Pop

The sound of construction in the neighborhood while I was getting ready this morning - so I thought. Apparently 4 idiots shot some dude. He died. Perhaps related to his industry? Drugs? Who can say. They shot him in the back so I guess they weren't man enough to look him in the eye. There will be teddy bears and flowers on the spot for weeks no doubt.

Coming home from work an oversized file cabinet fell of a truck and slid across the road. I was right behind it on the G-ride; I effectively swerved. If I died, would it be blamed on my form of transportation or the truck driver's inability to learn to tie a knot when he was a cub scout? I barely escape the stress of the office, would be a bit ironic if a file cabinet from someone else's did me in. My industry...

I think I'll take the train tomorrow. A martini is in order tonight.

Wild Thing #1

*name removed* was the first wild thing. Perhaps, well certainly not the first, but the first for sure in this life. This life is 98 months and a few days old.

(metrobus 52 smells wretchedly of urine today)

Should I have followed *name removed* and wrecked this life or would that define me as a wild thing too? Do people really belong to people? Why have I spent 15.3 percent of this life debating this question?

(STOP REQUESTED)

C677T

You can't love the wild things.

Genesis

This is my first post on my first blog. I thought you would like to know that so your expectations can be properly aligned with the content. I really don't know why I picked today to start a blog, but it is raining outside and I really want to go out and do something, but can't bring myself to do it. As I sit on the sofa randomly clicking in the neverending search for the end of the interweb I began to think about my thoughts. Frightening. There is so much pounding inside me and it too wants to get out, but fears the rain. I decided to blog. Funny. I don't even read blogs except for the 'best of the blogs' excerpts in the daily paper. I suppose there is some irony to using the oldest printed form of communication and 'news' to read bits and pieces of well written and inspiring blogs. I have no such aspirations of being published and re-published. I merely intend to free up space in my pounding head. I should have named this outside the district to properly identify to this nonsense that it is released and free from my mind. I suppose I truly never want to lose the nonsense, well...not most of it, but it needs to be released to let the memories settle down. This is like buying an external hard drive for my mind as a place to store these things. You will either be shocked and appalled by the madness or think my life is boring. I guess it depends what you know. I know there is enough madness inside this district to go around. Enjoy the truth.