bro & sis

fun times

bros in the city

having fun at Be Bar

Family in the city

My baby bro and my sis came to the city for some urban random fun. Perhaps not as fun as rescuing goats in OH. Sounds odd, but check out HOTTBEEF for the goat rescue photos. Hurry because they'll take 'em down soon.

Pancakes!

The only thing I ate yesterday was a few spoons of butternut squash soup from Trader Joe's. Their boxed soups, by the way, are quite delicious, inexpensive, and I love how you just pour out the amount you want at any given time and refrigerate the rest for up to 10 days! I woke up this morning with a craving for pancakes. Odd since I never eat them, but I figured acceptable since I've been unable to swallow and eating little this week. What I'd like to know is how we have a box of Jiffy baking mix that was best if used by 12/05. That's over a year ago. Have we not used it, or even looked at the box to think about using it in such a long time?

I was hungry. I made a half batch (so as not to waste 1/2 cup of milk if it tasted awful) and it was perfectly fine. It didn't taste old or odd or anything. I did, however, throw away the rest so as not to accidentally serve expired food to a guest. This also motivated me to look through the cabinets. We had six types of chocolate powder, the oldest of which expired in 2002. It was in a cute tin so we probably didn't really check the date, but please. Fortunately we rarely drink or use powdered chocolate and they each looked like we may had taken a teaspoon out in their early years. I purged the cupboards and threw away a few dozen cans and packages of various food related items. Had to be done.

T is at work and will be leaving for Ohio when he's done. He took Monday off to meet with the developer of the condo there. Mold has infested the exterior walls and he is negotiating either a repurchase or reconstruction of the unit. What a freakin' mess. I'd love to help, but I don't have time. He needs to be responsible for something other than the laundry and his beer drinking anyway. That was mean, but didn't someone once say it wasn't mean if it was true? And this is happiness. Nearly nine years of happiness.

JT Satisfaction

Yeah I know...no cameras. This is clearly an amateur camera phone shot. It cracks me up how the glow of the camera phones in any concert audience these days will almost trump the spotlight.

The show is satisfying, but not a 10. Cat is giving it a 5...I say 6. Tiff says too little dancing and I say too many clothes. He's cute and all in a shirt, vest, and jacket, but can't we get a little of that Justin body? There doesn't seem to be much diversity in the choreography, which surprises the hell out of me. He does, however, have a fantastic mix of ethnicities and body types in his dancers (both male and female.) Yes, the 'thick' ones aren't as prominent as the itty bitty waists, but they are there.

I like how a center stage puts the action closer to more people and I'm sure they like how it can increase the ticket prices, but I'm not such a fan of him performing 'behind the curtain' for so much of this show. He is, as you can see, digitally superimposed via the video broadcast onto the curtain, but it psychologically separates me from my JT. I want nothing but air between us as he performs. You judge my claim of ownership? The $114 ticket gives me the right to claim anything I want for this brief moment of time. He sells himself to each of us to do with as we like in our heads. The more we pay, the closer we get to our fantasies. I am doing dirty things, very dirty things. (Don't tell my boyfriend.)

JT Anticipation

It has been a long week. I ended up with icky Strep and have been trying to quarantine myself. Dr. M said I should be able to attend the concert tonight without being contagious. I did offer to wear a veil as an alternative method to attend if he said I couldn't go. He laughed.

I did need some rest so we missed the opening act (Pink.) We have decent seats in Section 102, Row K at the Verizon Center (which I can't stop calling the MCI Center btw.) Perfect view if you ask me with the center stage layout. I guzzled a half a glass of wine at RFD with the girls and am feeling a little loopy on my medication and an empty stomach. Perhaps I am merely quivering with anticipation for JT.

Nah...even I'm not that gay. I might ordinarily say nobody is that gay, but all I have to do is look around. Holy gayness in the nation's capital. It is all the gays, some chubby teenage girls, and a bunch of early 20's Hollywood wannabes with fake Gucci bags who've had far too much liquor that they can't handle. Ridiculous

I'm sitting by a Latin tattooed hottie. Yummy delicious. Perhaps his girlfriend will go to the bathroom and he'll want to cuddle up with me. Not a chance.

Trader Joe's and Short Hair

I took the car in for its first oil change, which was free. I thought that was nice. Of course Mazda is nothing like Mercedes where they are all free to 50,000 miles. Work was crazy today as usual, but I didn't work very many hours. Since I dropped the car off and had a Dr. appt mid day, I called it a 'sick' day. I did work constantly via PDA even when I wasn't there, but don't want the man to think I'm taking advantage of my situation. I guess that's what differentiates my work ethics from some of the others.

Lisa did hit bad snow last night driving home, but she made it safely. Timmy is in the air right now returning from Seatle and I have to pick him up at BWI at 10:45. Tomorrow everything will be back to normal. Last night when I couldn't find anyone to hang out with me for Sunday Funday, I realized how lonely it can be without him. I did end up grabbing Eric after his shift for a few drinks and then Tish, Tara, and Vera joined me for a few. We went to Helix and then Grillfish. I was out for about four hours. I did get my head buzzed off too. I so wanted to grow the curly hair out again until it got cold and hats made my head a frizzball.

I shopped at Trader Joe's tonight on my way home from work. I do love that store. I bought a few meals worth of food and a case of wine. It was time to restock the wine cellar.

Time for a little nap. I should leave work at 5 every day! Funny how I called it a sick day to be able to do that.

Lazy Day

T is still in Seatle visiting our friends with a new baby. My sis just left to drive home after a fantastic weekend that included fun dining, shopping, touristing, and just hanging out. The weather kinda sucks so I hope she drives safely and it doesn't take her too long.

Everyone is having a lazy day so I'm just vegging out with the tv and doing the same.

Funny thing - Forever 21 now sells boy clothes. I bought a shirt there - I am much too old to be shopping at such a store. Funny.

Brunch!

Lisa ends a fabu weekend with brunch at Playbill! Will add more later.

The Washington Auto Show

There will always be a place in my heart for a VW. Having fun at the Washington Auto Show withT. We are having a car show date before he leaves for Seattle to see our friends and their new baby for the weekend!

She might kill me

She might kill me but I took a photo as she nestled in front of the fire. We essentially stayed in all weekend until this evening. Had a few glasses of wine at Pollys and Sollys and now settling in by the fire with spaghetti nite with friends. This one is done!

Three times the PAIN

I mentioned yesterday that the Military Challenge class I took at Vida Fitness kicked my ass. Well I am very sore today. Antwoin makes it miserable to fail - for example - After completing lets say 3,000 squats, he makes the class hold it in down position. The first person to collapse has to do 100 more in front of the class. Brutal. I love it. My goal is to be able to breeze through his class, but I'll spend many more weeks struggling through it and embarrassing myself first I'm sure.

I purchased an exercise ball at Target to work on my core early in the week, but I'll have to rest before the Saturday Military Challenge class. I've decided to take Matt's class on Tuesday and use Thursday for working my upper body. It is strong enough to recover by Saturday for the Military Challenge class where my core is not.

R and I had lunch at Freddie's Beach Bar in Crystal City. Their menu is hysterical. I ate a "Girlfriend" and he had a "Mermaid. What a riot. Beyond the food, it was rather strange to be able to light up a cigarette after eating. It has only been a few weeks in DC, but I am completely comfortable with going outside to smoke; I embrace the DC Smoking Ban. It tempers my smoking and I can wear my couture to the bars. I smoked like a chimney at Freddies, not because I wanted to, but because I could. I hate VA smoking laws - yet another reason to avoid crossing over to the other side.

No major plans for today. It was great to be exhausted last night. I had a tiny bowl of homemade chili with M/C and fell fast asleep on their sofa before 10 P.M. Around midnight I crawled home and nestled into my own bed for a fantastic night of rest. I've been up since 7:30 and am ready to face the day!

Three times!

So I'm not doing so well with the smoking, but I did eat healthy ALL week. I only went out for drinks on Thursday (work event) and only had a few. In addition, I went to the gym Tue/Thu/Today this week and took hour long classes (That's three times - my target). Holy crap. I'm sore. The military style class I took today kicked my ars, but I'm going to shed some pounds and get in better shape before Costa Rica if it is the last thing I do.

Running to Target for some household crap and then helping Tisha move this afternoon. Should be fun...that is if I can lift my arms by then.

New Beginnings

Well I fell of the wagon on the smoking recovery with the holiday weekend. With the visitors and the going out and such, I didn't even make an effort. I'm up early this a.m. and about to head to the gym for a class. Perhaps I can make it through today without a smoky treat and will get back on that very shaky wagon.

Have a great Tuesday world -

Dottie's at Eastern Market

Look...It is Michael and his gays! We had brunch at the Banana Cafe where 18.95 will get you a buffet of delicious food and as many mimosas as you can drink. We were here a few weeks ago and the shaved head guy (don't know his name) was a much better server. This time, we had another guy and the champers didn't flow as freely. We took the visitors to Eastern Market and had to pose in front of "Dottie's" store.

We had a fantastic time last night...too much to write about, but it did include convincing a cabbie to put 10 people (yes TEN) into his car and making a pit stop at the host hotel for MAL weekend. Jack was having a good time, but Anthony and I were a bit out of place. Anyhoo, many others will join us throughout the day as we chill in Capital Hill. Tonight a giant group of us will invade the Phase for Sarah's last hurrah. Very sad to see her go...very sad.

Visitors from Ohio!

Yeah! It is a long weekend and my friends Jack and Dottie are here from Columbus. We went out last night and I am on my way to work this AM (unfortunately.) They will be here until Monday when I don't have to work for MLK day. It is fantastic to see them and I am very glad they came.

Last night we did the U St. / 14th St. Bars and zipped over to Halo on P. Jack loved that place and I do too. I only wished it was early enough for half price happy hour. $37 for a martini, two beers, and a mixed drink is a bit excessive, even for DC. Tonight we will do Be Bar and 17th Street. Timmy hates Be Bar, but it is becoming one of my favorites!

Lord knows what we'll get involved in tonight. Fun Times!

Sunday Funday

What's this? Could Laura and Iris be displaying nurturing motherly instincts? Lissa, Milian, Baby Flora, Tim, and I met them for brunch at the Beacon Bar and Grill. Was great to get everyone together, and as you can see, the girls were fascinated.

The brunch - AMAZING. Including tip it was around $30 per person and this includes obnoxious unlimited amounts of Bloody Mary's and Mimosas. The waitress just set the bottle of Champers on our table at one point. Fantastic! The food was superb in selection and quality.

...there's always a story with the DMV

I waited in line barely long enough to snap the photo and mobile blog it. The cruise director motioned me on to lane 5. Not surprisingly this was the handicapped / senior citizen line, but I didn't care because I was motioned around the 1 car in front of me. The inspector came up and asked me to 'beep the horn,' which I did. Then he told me I passed and that I should drive around to the front and park in the exit to lane 5. No break light check, no turn signal check, no tire check, nothing. Just beep the horn and pass. Welcome to DC.

Normally I'd park off to the side, but lane 5 is by the door and there was a car parked between 4/5 so I did as I was told and parked in the exit. Another man came up and started screaming at me. I told him I'd already been inspected and that I was to park at the exit. He says not in the lane, "..if somebody hits you I have to fill out a report, and it's near the end of my shift and I have no time for paperwork." I asked where I should park and he directed me to the sidewalk. Now I thought perhaps I should park legally at the DMV, and I thought I was following instructions, but no. I was wrong.

After receiving my horn check sticker, I mean inspection sticker, I went inside to renew my tags. Now they did expire in July, and I thought perhaps they'd question me, but they did not. He asked if I wanted one year or two. Last time I checked you could only renew motorcycles for one year at a time and I believe my inspection sticker is for one year. I figured if he offered, I'd take it, so I said, "two." I paid him the $129 and he hands me a receipt. He then fiddled around in the drawers and said he was out of stickers so he'd just give me a windshield sticker. Now I realize that some motorcycles have windshields, but WTF? I advised that I had no windshield and he said they didn't have 2009 stickers for motorcycle plates yet (of course they don't because they only renew for one year at a time) and that I'd have to go to the C St. location and request one. I told him I didn't have time and asked if he had a 2008 sticker I could use until then. He did.

So I left the DMV with a 1 year inspection, a 2 year registration expiring in '09, a windshield sticker (which I can't display) and a license plate sticker showing '08. LBJ - and that's all I'm gonna say about that.

Oh ... one more thing ... Fenty has his pic up on the website already - he should be so proud of this city. Did I mention he's really hot? I don't know why, but it feels dirty to say that; as if he's related to me or something. Just because he's the mayor shouldn't make it dirty to lust after him...should it?

I went to Eastern Market to get Lisa the other half of her typewriter earrings and some hot sauce for Todd. That place has some sauce with serious kick and flavor. The sample dude in the store remembered me from a few weeks ago when I bought some for Steve. I'll have Timmy mail that off to Chicago next week. Time to work. Yes...I'm working today. Uggh.

DC vehicle inspection

Yes. Even the Vespa has to be inspected. Here I am waiting in line. This must be a great time to go because there is only 1 car in front of me.

failure

it was to be expected....

cheating

We both tried to have a smoke and Jake stopped us by crashing our lit cigs to the floor. After a great deal of arguing, Jake gave us each a hit of his Marlboro Red and we demanded a picture. Here it is.

trump

My friend Scotty manages at a fantastic restaurant (Grillfish) and he brought a brownie with a sparkler. It trumps the sheetcake and 25 friends singing happy birthday (out of tune)

Happy Birthday Tisha

Celebrating Tisha's birthday (belated because she was out of town for the holiday) at Polly's Cafe. Surprisingly, it doesn't smell like dead rat, despite the smoking ban. I haven't smoked yet. Yet.

Going home

...just waiting for it to blink! I need my tubular chariot to arrive and inject me back into to the city where I belong. It was a more reasonable day (perhaps 10 hours) but I'm ready to be home.

Duffys Irish Pub

Yummy delicious dinner; very strange. I ate a vegetarian Irish Burrito. Never heard of that before. Essentially potatoes, onions, cheese, and mustard sauce in a tortilla. Also comes non-vegetarian with corned beef. I'm still craving a smoke, but it is measurably easier with the DC Smoking Ban keeping the bars and restaurants smoke free. It may not be popular with my social circle, but I am embracing the ban!

Dinner, two beers, and now off to bed. It is better to sleep than smoke!

I'm still standing

No I didn't have a Wild Wednesday or anything like that. Just another long stressful 12+ hour day with a 5 minute lunch at my desk. I'm still standing because I have not had any smokey treats. This is just the end of day two I realize, but you have to start somewhere.

There's nobody on the train...not sure what I'm doing for dinner.

I will survive

I didn't leave the office all day...not even to eat. I was there for nearly 11 hours of non--stop action. The craving to smoke grew quite strong and I am pretty much dying on the train.

I plan to go have some food and then to bed. We're skipping trivia night at Stetsons for a variety of reasons, including some football game LW has to watch. We didn't study anyway! A few weeks ago we won the "Participation Award," which was a lovely ribbon for us to proudly display! We might not win, but we positively have fun trying!

Not sure if I'm going straight home to eat frozen food or if I'll buy something out. This is the first night I might be able to catch the Yellow line all the way to U Street. Very exciting! Perhaps today's excuse to dine out???

No Smoking

Well here it is. The first non-smoking day again! I don't usually have one until mid morning so I shouldn't even notice for awhile. Psychologically it is killing me. I can't even focus on my Express paper today on te train! I'll be at work shortly and that should take my mind off of it.

The train is dead because the Federal Government is closed for a day of mourning. They are having the service for President Ford today at the National Cathedral.

My 2007 smoking picture

Happy New Year

Having fun with friends at Michael & Catrina's house. We are ringing in the new year with a Mexican theme party and an Ab Fab Marathon! Fun times!

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.