E-Double

Recent Dreams

2008-10-27T14:48:00.000-07:00

Earlier this month, a couple members of the A-Team appeared in my dream. A-Lib was visiting the old mothership's North San Jose office (which does not exist) with his daughter. I tried to convince A-Lib to drive two miles from the office to meet me at a new fancy Thai restaurant in a run-down strip mall. In the dream, A-Lib's daughter was older, seven-years-old, and insisted on sitting in a high chair while she ate her noodles with impeccable manners.

Over the weekend, I dreamed that I was running in a log jungle gym the size of a city block that hovered over the ocean At the final destination at the opposite corner, there was an entry to a dorm building. I walked around two of the floors; and that is all I remember.

Dream update

2008-06-19T17:53:00.000-07:00

Since I'm logged in, I may as well post...

This week has been a particularly odd week with dreams. And unfortunately the only highlight I can recall is I was dating a chick I worked with in the mid-90s.

Damn - I know I had a few very bizarre dreams...

I need to regularly post again, and determine any pattern for the dreams that I've been having as of late.

Anonymous

2008-06-19T17:25:00.000-07:00

Apparently I have an online stalker - someone (possibly from Houston, Texas) who has too much free time to visit my outdated blog, and send comments, informing me that I'm an idiot and that my postings illustrate the hollow shell that I encapsulate. All of this is fine with me, really.

I'm elated to have affected their life to the degree of sending four comments, and return visits to my blog. Actually, it's been the most traffic my outdated blog has received in months.

While I should update my blog more regularly -- especially with endeavours aside from the shallow experiences I blogged about -- I have decided not to for no particular reason. It's my blog, and I post as frequently (or not) as I choose about whatever topic.

But what I ask of the anonymous commenter (because that is what they are - a commenter at most), is if they would like to engage with me in a discussion about anything -- especially why they cravenly send drive-by comments -- then please send another comment with contact information.

Otherwise, their ass can kiss my boot from this blog.

Knock, Knock

2008-03-14T17:40:00.000-07:00

Who's there?

So it's 5:45 p.m., and I'm wrapping up the work week -- trying to clean my email inbox before the weekend, as well as schedule an interview for one of my execs -- when I heard a knock at the door.

I opened the door, and an exhausted early 60-something man practically begged me to take his flier. Damn. I thought it was UPS with a nifty package in hand. Boo. At any rate, I felt cheated because the knocker did not put too much effort into selling me on attending his church on March 22 and April 6. He essentially said, "Please come to our church... The information... Is all here." I said thanks, and then he turned and walked down the stairs. Maybe he knew that I was not interested, but he felt that he still needed to complete the transaction. I do not know.

This is all very timely you see... Last weekend, the artist formerly known as ThumbSucker and I visited a friend's boyfriend's Napa weekend retreat. And one of the other guests was raised by his mother who was or is a Jehovah's Witness. He made a documentary on the practice of knocking. Look it up. Or if you want, come over, and we can watch it.

Regardless, it has been some time since I was knocked up.

NyQuil vs. TheraFlu

2007-10-18T09:20:00.000-07:00

I’ve been taking both NyQuil and TheraFlu the past couple nights, and decided that I prefer TheraFlu. It tastes better - seriously, it does not taste like medicine. Also, I do not feel as groggy the following morning. What else could you want?

Fever and other things

2007-10-16T22:50:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I started feeling weak, then it hit when I returned from the office... Fever! I can take a pimple or a headache here and there, but a fever just knocks me and I can't think or do anything. I felt immobilized. ThumbSucker and I ate the same thing so I don’t think it was food poisoning. Besides, my stomach didn’t feel odd.

At any rate, I slept in this morning after sending a few text messages to handle a couple work-related things. In the afternoon, I popped a few vitamin C pills, drank green tea, and ate three cans of Campbell's cream of chicken soup. I’m sure my sodium levels are up. Regardless, I feel better.

I plan to start blogging again for several reasons. I have been having the most absurd and bizarre dreams. Last night's dream being a fine example, but I guess that is because I had a fever, and I was borderline delusional. Secondly, I really need to archive some of my thoughts and experiences, especially as it relates to ThumbSucker. A lot has happened since my last post in March. And trust me; I’ll do a great big catch up post. Hopefully I’ll capture everything.

As for my dream last night, I remember my last girlfriend and me hooking up on my mother's street, in broad daylight. I know it's bizarre. Then, I remember her asking me if I was gay, bi or straight since we just shagged. I told her that I didn't know, but she was an excellent shag and that was it. That segment of my dream ended with me hopping on a BMX bike and riding down the street.

F'ing odd!

mobilicity

2007-03-05T15:41:00.000-08:00

Too bad mobilicity.com is taken. I was thinking of something along the lines of mobile publicity...

Got it? Good.

2007-03-04T14:23:00.000-08:00

For Christmas, Meta04 gave me a subscription to Good Magazine. Reading Good Magazine is like reading what WIRED was ten years ago - fresh, new ideas for living, except Good Magazine has an environmental-, political- and human-conscious bent to it. Transparency in reporting is a focus. And there is relatively little advertising. Joy.

It's good.

Subscribe to the magazine for $20 a year, and receive six issues. What is even better is that the entire $20 will go to an organization of your choice. You are given 12 organizations to choose from, including World Wildlife Fund (climate change), Witness (human rights), Unicef (children's health), Teach for America (needed teachers), Creative Commons (technology and sharing), Millennium Promise (poverty alleviation).

Odd dream

2007-03-04T13:46:00.000-08:00

Last week, I had another odd dream.

Ferrah, my last girlfriend's cousin and one of Ant's high school girlfriends, had blond hair. She's not blond in real life as she is half Filipino and English. At any rate, in my dream, we met by coincidence at a casual dining-type restaurant. Maybe it was a Marie Calendar's? (Goodness, I have not been to a Marie Calendar's since high school.) In the dream, my friend from Chicago said she looks like she is from Schaumburg, Illinois. Even though Ferrah was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, she changed her look. Ferrah said she moved because she has 62 cousins in Schaumburg.

Another segment of my dream was about the house in the LC. I dreamt that frogs, lizards and bear cubs broke into the house, and roamed madly. When I arrived, and entered the house, the lizards and bear cubs chased me around the house, trying to bite my legs. The next morning, I purchased the local paper, and read the break-in at my house was listed in the police blotter section.

Very odd.

Limp-wristed

2007-03-04T13:29:00.000-08:00

Two Saturdays ago, I boarded the American Airlines plane, walked down the left aisle with my travel bag strapped to my left shoulder that hung on my right side. I lifted the strap off my shoulder, and that is when it happened - an acute pain from spraining my wrist. Damn! G'dammit! I didn't say anything, but winced, and continued, carrying my laptop side bag, garment bag and travel (duffel-like) bag to my seat.

I pushed my two larger bags into the overhead storage compartment with my left, while guiding them with my right hand. Damn that hurt.

At the last hour of the flight, I asked a flight attendant if I could have a bag of ice, to slow the swelling. It worked.

Fast forward to today. I continue to wear a wrist brace, which makes me feel gimpy. The pain is slight, but still present. Typing feels odd as I need to keep my wrist at a certain angle. Gear shifting while driving is manageable.

I want the healing done. Here is a link on what to do if you sprain your wrist. http://orthopedics.about.com/cs/sprainsstrains/a/wristsprain_2.htm

Until full healing, I am trying my ambidextrous skills.

Hey Leonardo

2007-02-23T12:36:00.000-08:00

I am at the Mothership this week, and today I went to Starbucks with a couple work buds... On the way back, we heard "Hey Leonardo (She Likes Me for Me)" by Blessid Union of Souls on the radio. This is the best line: "...she's phat like Cindy Crawford."

Goodness, this song brought nostalgic feelings of #2.

She don't care about my car
She don't care about my money
And that's real good because I don't got alot to spend
But if I did it wouldn't mean nothin'

She likes me for me
Not because I look like Tyson Beckford
With the charm of Robert Redford
Oozing out my ears
But what she sees
Are my faults and indecisions
My insecure conditions
And the tears upon the pillow that I shed

She don't care about my big screen
Or my collection of DVD's
Things like that just never mattered much to her
Plus she don't watch to much t.v.

And she don't care that I can fly her
To places she ain't never been
But if she really wants to go
I think deep down she knows that
All she has to say is when

She likes me for me
Not because I hang with Leonardo
Or that guy who played in "Fargo"
I think his name is Steve
She's the one for me
And I just can't live without her
My arms belong around her
And I'm so glad I found her once again

And I'm so glad I found her once again
And I'm so glad I found her once again
Gazing at the ceiling
as we entertain our feelings in the dark
The things that we're afraid of are gonna show us
what we're made of in the end

She likes me for me
Not because I sing like Pavarotti
Or because I am such a hottie
I like her for her
Not because she's phat like Cindy Crawford
She has got so much to offer
Why does she waste all her time with me
There must be something there that I don't see

She likes me for me
Not because I'm tough like Dirty Hairy
Make her laugh just like Jim Carrey
Unlike the Cable Guy
But what she sees
Is that I can't live without her
My arms belong around her
And I'm so glad I found her once again
Found her once again
I'm so glad I found her once again
On again

(G'damn) SM PD

2007-02-11T01:52:00.000-08:00

So...

Sooo!!

So, tonight, I went to McGoo's farewell/b'day party at Kingfish in San Mateo. I arrived late because I did not receive the evite, but rather the text last week from McGoo that said, "come to the house on saturday at 7." Whatever, tonight, I drove past the now vacant house at around 9:00 p.m., and all the lights were off. So, I headed up to the city.

At around 10:15 p.m., McGoo calls. "Dude, where are you? Come to Kingfish in San Mateo. We have the entire bottom floor. Sujai and Anthony are here." Me: "Dude, I rolled past the house in B'game. All the lights were off. OK, I'll head over."

I arrive at Kingfish at around 10:45 p.m., and head downstairs to the "private event." I see AP, Bartolo and a few others. After chatting with a few peeps, McGoo introduced me to John Grosfeld, a guy I used to talk with when I was back at the Edelclan. He sells speaking opportunities for vendor executives to speak their mind at certain industry events. Good guy.

At any rate, I had a glass of cab. After a few minutes...

I had another glass of cab. And after a few more minutes...

I had another glass of cab. And after a few more minutes...

Yeah, I had another glass of cab.

At around 12:15 a.m., we exited the restaurant. We said our goodbyes, and I got into my car. I felt fine, despite the rain.

No more than driving three blocks, I see the Po Po lights. Mutherfukka!

I handed my license and registration as asked. I got out of my car as asked.

And then the battery of "are you a drunk muthafukka" test...

"Have you had anything to drink tonight"? (I answered "yes," two big glasses of wine.)

"What did you have to eat today"? (A Cliffbar for breakfast, soup and noodles of lunch, and a fairly big dinner.)

"What time did you start drinking"? (8:00 p.m.)

I aced the test of following the officer's pen... Left, right, center, away, close.

I aced the test of bringing my feet together, hands at my side, eyes closed, looking up, and reciting the ABCs from A to Z at a healthy clip.

I aced the test of balancing on one foot, with my right foot extended forward, looking at my right foot, with hands at my side, and reciting the ABCs from A to Z at a healthy clip.

I aced the walking test - walking eight heal-to-top steps forward, turn around, and walk six heal-to-toe steps.

I aced the writing test - writing the first half of the English alphabet on the top half of an index card, and the second half of the English alphabet on the bottom half, with my signature and date at the very bottom. I remember the officer's question: "Do you know the English alphabet"? I bit my tongue, and decided to not be a smart ass. Being a smart ass in this situation really meant being a dumb ass.

After the writing test, another cruiser pulled up with a breathalyzer test. I was giving the option to forgo the test, but if I passed on the test, then the officer would make his decision based on my performance on the battery of tests. (Again, I aced them.) I didn't want to risk that.

Feeling confident, I took the breathalyzer test. I came in just below the legal limit.

"Without looking at your watch, can you tell me what time is it"? (Officer, I do not wear a watch, but I'd say it is approximately 12:45 a.m.)

"Can you tell me today's date"? (Technically, it is Sunday, February 11.)

I told the officer (who I swear wanted to find some reason to book me) that I'd park my car, and walk to Jack in the Box for food. He said that is a good idea, and that I was legal to drive, but I'm on the border.

That's right, muthafukka. Don't fuk with E-Double!

To this day, I have not had a positive experience with a cops. (I've been profiled, stopped for racial issues, etc.) I imagine the day will come when I hook up with one, but until then, I do not care for cops.

Training Ride #3

2007-02-08T19:53:00.000-08:00

Last weekend, Meta04 and I rode what was our longest training ride to date. Known as the Presidio to Fairfax ride, we rode nearly 40 miles with approximately 20 other riders who are riding in AIDS/LifeCycle 6.

The morning started bad. When we arrived at Sports Basement in The Presidio, we stretched, and pumped air in our tires. I pumped air, using my mini pump, when a recent transplant from Montana asked, "Hey, do you want to use a real pump." I said, "No - I'm grand, but thanks." 30 seconds later, he walked to us with his pump.

Screw it, I'll use his pump. And I did. And I pumped too much air into my front tire that it popped. That is what happens when you attempt to pump more than the stated maximum PSI (112 PSI). Our ears rang for a couple minutes.

I walked to Sports Basement to purchase a replacement tube, as well as a couple extra just in case. After changing the tube, we were in great shape to start the ride. We met the other riders at the store entrance, and set off for Fairfax.

On our ride from Fairfax back to San Francisco, all was well until we saw some riders from our group pulled over on the side of the road. I was riding in the last position in a group of six cyclists. I turned my head for no more than two seconds to view the casualty of the riders on the side of the road when I turned to look forward and quickly realized that I was about to become a casualty.

"OH SHIT!!!" I yelled as I slammed into Meta04. It hurt. Damn, it hurt. My right foot was caught in the spokes of Meta04's rear wheel. My right shin was hurtin' for certain. My nuts slammed into my handlebar. I cut some skin on my right elbow and knee. I hurt. I lied there for 30 seconds after the impact, laughing, and wanting to recoup from the accident.

Many riders immediately came to both Meta04 and me, and offered help. One rider asked, "Aside from your pride, is there anything that hurts?" I said, "Screw it, F pride ride now. I have no shame. I'm fine. I just want to lay here for a sec."

The people riding in front of our six-person group apologized for stopping abruptly and not calling out her intention to stop. Oh well. It's not a ride unless someone bails hardcore.

The remainder of the ride back to San Francisco was fine. I can climb hills easier now that I take a spinning class once or twice a week. And once you make it to the top of a hill, down is the only way you can go. I love downhill cruising. It make the climb oh so worth it.

LOG
Distance: 40 miles
Locations: Presidio, Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito, Almonte, Corte Madera, Larkspur, Greenbrae, Kentfield, Ross, San Anselmo, Fairfax

Lipstick and Pepsi Cans (sung to the tune of "Incense and Peppermint")

2007-02-05T07:08:00.000-08:00

I remember two segments from my dreams earlier this week:

Dream #1. I helped my sister get ready for a party by applying lipstick on her lips. In real life, my sister, 17, does not wear lipstick. And over the years, I have watched enough women apply lipstick, so I'd like to say that I know what I was doing, even if it was in my dream. At any rate, in my dream, I saw my sister walk into the kitchen, and her lipstick job looked somewhat crooked and sloppy. I wiped the lipstick; applied an outline around her lips, and filled the rest in. Then I said she should blot it so it does not look to shiny.

Yeah, this was bizarre.

Dream #2. AMarc and I stood in a wheat field, where randomly or strategically, a pipe emerged from the ground. From his coat pocket, he produced a can of Pepsi with a threaded top. He said, "This is the future of including soda in the diet of the American people. Since soda was found to not be a healthy drink option, the manufacturers need a way to infuse their product into the American people's diet."

I forget what my reaction to his statement was in the dream. And I can not say what my reaction would be in real-life since the situation is too bizarre.

Continued string of odd dreams

2007-01-25T16:39:00.000-08:00

Last night, I dreamt I was in a meeting with approximately 20 people. RHils, a former no-good slacker, Edelclan work bud, turned legitimate analyst relations professional, lead the meeting.

Out of the blue, he pointed at me, and asked if I had a productive day, insinuating that I slacked off in the morning. I arose from a very comfortable Herman Miller office chair, and said, "How dare you question my output. At least I didn't camp out in the office library at night, watch porn on the company computer, make thousands of dollars worth of international long distance calls, and have employees complain to HR that you were creeping them out." (all true by the way)

He gulped, sat down, and cried.

Others in the meeting got out of their seat, patted RHils' head, then exited the conference room and said, "That was the best meeting..." What was odd is the room was decorated and arranged similar to a kindergarten classroom.

I left the room without saying another word.

I left the building, and found a random dude on a scooter. I told him that I need to get out of here, quickly. He said he needed "to jet" because the pigs were after him. I did not know the guy, but I held him tightly for fear that I would fall off his scooter as he ran red lights and leaned excessively while taking turns.

In my dream, I awoke, and my teeth felt like they were loose. Then my alarm clock buzzed. I woke up, grabbed my teeth, and felt them, firmly rooted in my gums. *cheesy smile*

Can you explain this dream?

Why did the E-Double cross the road?

2007-01-24T13:40:00.000-08:00

Last night, I dreamt that I had dinner with C-Love and my second bf (who, going forward, I will call "#2"). It was a summer early-evening, and we sat at a restaurant's outside seating area, across the street from the restaurant. I thought it was odd to offer seating across the street. At any rate, I asked C-Love and #2 if they wanted a drink. They said yes, so instead of waiting for our waiter, I departed for the restaurant, across the street, Frogger-style. (I know some of you are feeling all nostalgic right now.)

Pastry partnership

2007-01-21T11:49:00.000-08:00

Last Friday, I had a very bizarre dream. AMarc and I were at a tradeshow/conference with others from the marketing team, and he insisted that he wear a bright orange, wool v-neck sweater for the entire five days of the conference. What was more bizarre is he said Duncan' Donuts plans to acquire Hostess, and he would be the new marketing chief. Odd.

Last night, I dreamt I was at a conference with an intoxicated SPriz, and I drove us to the hotel where we were staying at so he could go to the bar. Once at the bar, others from the mothership were participating in a science demonstration, in which the light would be harnessed to create energy for the company. Throughout the demonstration, SPriz laughed at the participants, and asked the bartender to serve him more drinks. Very random.

It's all good in the hood

2007-01-04T16:29:00.000-08:00

Heard today: "The time you need to worry about me is if you hear me say, 'Yo, buy my router, bitch!'"

Training Ride #2

2007-01-03T22:43:00.000-08:00

For my second training ride, last weekend, Meta04, Bro-ooo-ooo and I rode from Tiburon to Corte Madera and back. We started early, with Bro-ooo-ooo coming to Meta04 place at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday. We packed Meta04's car, drove to Tiburon, rode, rode and rode. We did not encounter too many cars, making Tiburon Loop a great trail to ride. Meta04 ate it (read: fell off his bike) twice. I ate it once, trying to make a U-turn, and not being able to clip-out of my pedals.

Speaking of pedals, Bro-ooo-ooo, gave me a Speedplay Zero Pedal System for Christmas. The Speedplay Zero come with the pedals and cleats that mount to cycling shoes. Now, I just need to install, and give them a ride. But that will need to wait until after my Chicago trip next week.

As background, Bro-ooo-ooo and I attended the same high school, an all-boys Catholic (Jesuit, really) high school. I must say it kept me out of trouble. At any rate, Bro-ooo-ooo is the first person I came out to. Goodness, that was a scary time.

LOG
Distance: 20 miles
Locations: Tiburon, Corte Madera

I'll have your ribs, please

2006-12-16T19:05:00.000-08:00

Last week, I attended a surprise birthday party for, Baby (the main person featured on Herman's blog). Nearly 20 of Baby’s friends converged at Baby and Herman’s cute apartment located in New York’s Hells Kitchen, or Hellsea as some call it as it is the new Chelsea. I could not stop admiring the pillow shams Baby sewed. I repeated how I must commission him to make some for my place in the LC.

At around 11:00 p.m., we walked up to West 52nd Street to a bar called Therapy Bar. With nearly 20 strong, we immediately took over the back of the upstairs bar area. By this time, everyone was inebriated or on the way to becoming. At 2:00 a.m., Herman left, leaving, only Baby, Herman’s sister and me from the original pack. Can I just tell you I love Herman’s sister? There definitely is a family resemblance, but she is just the cutest thing. She dragged me up to the stage a few times to dance when no one else danced. Apparently this is a law in New York – no dancing at bars. Pfft! Whatever, come to San Francisco, then.

At any rate, Herman’s sister, said, “You grind like a straight guy.” I have a tendency to do that with “fag hags” or “fruit flies” because I know that they know that I’m harmless.

It was also around this time when Baby, Herman’s sister and I met “the two from New Jersey.” One guy was 5’8”, not bad looking, and obviously not out. Also, he was a Sigma Chi at school. (Note: I’ve never had a good experience with Sigma Chi guys. Never.) He was very “straight-acting,” reserved, and hitting on Herman’s sister and Baby simultaneous. Oh these bi guys… Make up your mind already.

The other half of “the two from New Jersey” was a 6’3”, 210-pound giant. He was not bad looking, but not my type physically. Unfortunately, I attracted him for whatever reason, and we would not let me be. He started with a harmless pass, trying to kiss me, then became immediately aggressive when I refused his advances. He then said he was attending an Ivy League school, studying to become a lawyer so he can take over his family’s business. I was not impressed. What came soon afterwards was hilarious. In addition to his aggressive pursuit of my person, he said that he would take me home to meet his parents, and that I’d be a prized boyfriend of a Jewish family. I was like, “What? Uh, OK.” That was so out of left field.

It must have been 3:30 a.m. now when the ultimate faux pa happened. Giant dude continued to assault my face with his lips and tongue, when he pushed me back, and fell on me! Let me repeat this. Dude fell on me!

I didn’t realize it until the next morning when my right ribs hurt, and I wondered why they did. Then I remembered. Goodness, I should have kicked his ass. My ribs and back still hurt one week later.

The case for going vegetarian

2006-12-16T18:52:00.000-08:00

I am seriously considering becoming a vegetarian. Why? So last night, I cooked a sausage pasta dish, which didn’t agree with my stomach. At around 11:00 p.m., my stomach started growling and hurt acutely. I decided that I could sleep it off. All was well until 1:00 a.m. or so when I woke up with the urge to vomit. This continued every half hour until 7:00 a.m. Every time I would vomit, I thought, “ha, that will be the last. I’m done!” Wrong. It continued, and continued. Drinking water did not help as it fueled the gurgling feeling in my belly. However, I thought that if I drank more water, I’d flush out everything bad in my stomach. Eventually, I did. At 8:00 a.m. or so, my stomach settled, and I felt like I got my ass kicked, hard. I curled into bed, and slept until 10:30 a.m. when a guy I was supposed to meet called. I had to break the news that I could not met him, and why. He was not thrilled.

Every hour or so, I woke up to drink cranberry juice. I needed calories for energy, and the juice did the trick. I continued to sleep until 5:00 p.m. today, when I awoke with a fever and profuse sweating. I had to admit, it felt good. I knew the end would be near.

It’s 7:00 p.m. now, and I’m feeling better. Still weak, but better. I drank soy milk for protein, but my taste buds are shot that the milk tasted gnarly. I’m back to drinking water and cranberry juice.

And I’m seriously considering becoming a vegetarian. I may continue to eat fish, which I rarely do, but I’m going to give up meat. I’ll update you on my progress.

You say what?

2006-12-10T23:49:00.000-08:00

Overheard at a furniture store in Manhattan over the weekend: "So, you know I'm a born again Christian, right?" His female friend did not respond.

So where's your shiny glass pipe?

2006-12-08T10:23:00.000-08:00

Heard today: "These devices are like crack to them. And you know about crack... Once you're on crack, you can't get off."

The professor and colleagues (sung to the tune of the "Gilligan's Island" theme song)

2006-11-26T21:54:00.000-08:00

Last night I hung out with a bud I had not seen in nearly four years - Briz, 35, originally from Houston, Texas. We met at a bar in the Castro, and caught up over a few drinks. By midnight, we decided to go to his place and hang out. I passed out at his place and had the most bizarre dream in some time.

In my dream, Briz, was a professor at a university in Marin, California. The odd thing is that this university does not exist in reality. I remember a bird's eye view of the campus at sunset, a golden hue covered the campus' lush green trees. At any rate, I also remember that I was Briz's teacher admin and the gatekeeper of who could use his office restroom. Well, a woman grad student barged into the office, demanding that she be allowed to use the restroom. When she did not come out after ten minutes, I opened the door, and saw the student on top of a urinal, trying to remove it from the wall. Odd.

McGoo and AB also made a cameo in the dream. In the Whole Foods-like cafeteria, I heard a voice that sounded like McGoo's. The person talked about access points, so I knew it was McGoo. What was shocking is when I saw him. He had shoulder-length hair, almost hippie-styled and a bike handle bar mustache. When I asked McGoo about the mustache he said that he no longer could grow facial hair, and the "stache is a press on, but don't tell anyone." Odd. AB's role in my dream was minimal. Briz was chasing AB down stairs for ten floors, and finally caught up to him at the bottom floor, when he convinced to sit. What came next was hilarious. Briz started gnawing on AB's shoulder! And AB laughed as if he enjoyed it! So very odd.

Fight the Power!

2006-11-21T22:58:00.000-08:00

I learned that Public Enemy and X-Clan are performing in San Francisco Wednesday, December 13. I'm there, like swimwear! I can't wait to do the Flavor Flav (formerly Flava Flav) spaz/pee-pee dance with a few buddies from high school.

Word! *fist up*

Training Ride #1

2006-11-12T23:20:00.000-08:00

Today, Meta04 (formerly SaigonSizzle) and I set off on our first bike ride for training for the Aids/LifeCycle ride. We started at the east end of Golden Gate Park; rode down to Fulton and 35th Avenue; cut across to the Sea Cliff neighborhood (very, very nice area in San Francisco), then Baker Beach and the Presidio (where I lived a few years ago), then across the Golden Gate Bridge. On the way back, we rode down 25th Avenue, then on Anza till we hit 3rd Avenue to re-enter the park.

All in all, it was a great ride. Although we rode approximately 13 miles, I think we were slightly ambitious in that rarely was the terrain flat. We pedalled up some damn steep hills! I need to consider adding a third, small gear to my front sprocket for riding up hill.

Regardless, after our ride today, I'm excited to take more rides, preferably in less congested areas. Also, before the weather becomes cold, I'd like to increase our riding distance to at least a 30-mile ride.

LOG
Distance: 13 miles
Locations: San Francisco - Golden Gate Park, Outer Richmond, Sea Cliff, Presidio, Golden Gate Bridge

Tonight was a good night

2006-11-09T21:08:00.000-08:00

Tonight, I met with the old FT crew. That's Firetide, the wireless mesh networking company with the infamous devil duck mascot, not Full Throttle, the old street racing club I hung out with in the mid-90s.

At any rate, it was good to see and catch up with Babs, Marissa and Frederick. Tasty appetizers and drink aside, the conversation was great. Babs is taking a writing class at Stanford, and writing a murder mystery book with Silicon Valley as the setting. Marissa and Frederick are signing distributors and VARs for SkyPilot in Europe and Russia. Goodness, I miss them. It had been too long since I last saw them. We promised that it would not be long before we got together again next, and I hope that is a keeper. Hopefully, next time Sunil and D-Sheezy can join.

In addition to catching up, we celebrated the Dems taking majority control of the Senate and Congress houses. *sigh of relief* Already I feel much better.

In other news, a couple weeks ago, Meta04 and I signed up for Aids/LifeCycle 6. That's right, come June 2007, for seven days, we're cycling 550 miles, from San Francisco to Los Angeles. I learned a few weeks ago that a good friend is HIV-positive. So he is my primary reason for riding. There will be more to come on this, I promise.

The Canuck chats again

2006-10-05T15:11:00.000-07:00

A recent IM convo with may favorite Canadian, CanuckBE.

CanuckBE: ever been to a Linux show?
CanuckBE: bare foot attendees. dog chains. ankle shackles.
me: *shudder* i could only imagine.
canuckBE: nothing can compete
me: i hear def con is similar. a lot of geek-types. hackers, et al.

CanuckBE doesn't know about me. And I was not about to tell him that my first bf attended a Def Con event in 1995.

CanuckBE: nothing comes close to Linux Users Group.
me: i could see you at a star trek convention, CanuckBE.
CanuckBE: not with a face like that [shows his picture on the IM client]... pretty boy gay face [LAST NAME]!
me: that's right. actually, you look like one of my gay friends.
CanuckBE: hook me up...
CanuckBE: or should I stay intra company with you or McGoo.
me: he's taken. besides, that would be too incestual.
CanuckBE: good point.

me: are you going to [event 1]?
CanuckBE: i can't go anywhere.
CanuckBE: just got pulled from [event 2].
me: yeah. try to get there [event 2].
me: i have a few drinks with your name on them. unless you're mormon.
CanuckBE: dude .. I invented triples
CanuckBE: love the mormoms... mutliple wives and opportunities without moral dilemna.

As background, CanuckBE has five kids. Five! Jellin, another guy in our office, also has five kids. Crazy.

Cold days

2006-10-05T14:54:00.000-07:00

This week I've been nursing a cold, and I want to get over it like yesterday. Before I went to bed last night, a fever kicked in. I took a double shot of NyQuil and a couple pumps of Zicam, which the product manufacturer claims: "actually shortens the cold!" We'll see. After all, I'm on day three. I do not want to still be sick three days from now.

At any rate, last night I kept waking up approximately every two hours. And I remember most of my two-hour-long dream segments.

Dream 1: Tattoo from Fantasy Island mocking me, pointing and hissing, saying: "The phlegm. The phlegm."

Dream 2: I moved to a four level townhouse in San Francisco's Mission district with two old friends - GaryV and TinaC. I met Gary my freshman year at Bellarmine, and he is also the first person I came out to. I met Tina (and her brothers) in the mid-80s as we carpooled to St. John Vianney.

Dream 3: Something about a Makita or DeWalt circular saw. *shrugs*

At this point, I woke up, sweating from my fever. Thank goodness! I think the end is near!

More from my favorite Canuck

2006-09-26T12:06:00.000-07:00

I know I need to update my blog... Several people have kindly reminded me of this. Perhaps I will write a summary post on my flight back to San Francisco later this week. We'll see.

For now, I need to share something from my favorite Canuck.

me: you calling in?
CanuckBE: if you ask politely.
me: pretty please, with a beeyotch slap on top?
CanuckBE: :)
CanuckBE: pissed!
CanuckBE: [customer] has architected the network himself. he has done the site survey.
me: grand.
CanuckBE: i suck cock and bullshit like the best of them.
me: that was brilliant.
me: you're my hero.
me: what did you think of the call? for this customer, we should [insert fabulous strategy here].
CanuckBE: beauteous. tanku!
me: how the hell do you sleep when you have five kids?
CanuckBE: midol for children.
me: talk with jellin... he's in same boat.
me: give them nips of baileys.
CanuckBE: and I don't sleep. . . I need to make money to support all those mouths.
CanuckBE: nope. . . baileys is for daddy's coffee in the morning.
CanuckBE: natural whitener and sweetener in one convenient bottle.
me: that's the truth. ok, need to get going... McGoo is blowing up my phone.

Recent dreams

2006-08-16T16:55:00.000-07:00

A few nights ago, I dreamt I was on a plane with McGoo (a new father as of last Thursday) and two other public relation-type people. Aside from the four of us, the cabin was empty. We flew from San Francisco to Dallas, but here is where the dream turns bizzaro... We had a 50-yard launch strip. I remember the force from the take-off embedded me with my seat, and the pilot was successful in getting the plane in the sky in very little time. After six minutes, we landed in Dallas! Crazy I tell you. If you have any idea what this dream mean, please let me know.

Last night, I dreamt I hung out with some wanna-be rasta chick, her family and some of her friends. While her friends watched TV, I played some ethnic game with him. What was odd is this took place in Atherton, a fairly affluent town in California. I wish I wrote more details about the dream when I awoke this morning, because it was a very lucid dream.

More from my favorite Canuck

2006-08-15T14:35:00.000-07:00

So I completed a document for a work buddy, and he sent the below.

outfuckingstanding work, Mr. [my last name]
Love you in a macho business manner
CanuckBE

Where else could I get this type of love? Seriously, I couldn't make this stuff up. Reading this made me want to sing songs by the Village People... Because they were macho. "Macho, macho man..."

Fuzzy wuzzy was a tongue

2006-07-27T11:38:00.000-07:00

As I feared, I now have another side effect from taking penicillin - "hairy tongue." My tongue is not so much physically hairy, but there is more a feeling of hairy. It's quite an odd feeling.

Spot on tongue update: 2mm x 2mm spot is still present. And just to clarify, the spot is not black, but rather more dark grey.

The blacker the tongue, the sweeter the berry?

2006-07-26T13:15:00.000-07:00

Penicillin VK side effects may include: blah, blah, blah, black, hairy tongue, blah, blah, blah.

So I'm taking penicillin for strep throat. The good news is I'm on my way to recovery - gone are the days of fever and fatigue. However, the lump in my throat continues to linger.

The bad news is I have a 2mm by 2mm black spot on the tip of my tongue. As with my strep, I hope the spot will disappear soon.

(I feel bad because C-Love was in town, and I slacked off on being a proper host because I felt gnarly. Sorry, C-Love.)

Good times and butt rape - separate stories

2006-06-28T19:08:00.000-07:00

Since I am in Strong Island this week, I had dinner with the A-Team - A-Lib, A-Nej and A-Mas - at Jackson's, a tasty America-Asian-Comfort fusion restaurant. Although I do not seek out seafood, I had the salmon tonight. It was pretty damn tasty. A-Nej had the steak and fries; A-Lib had the yellow tail; and little 11-month old A-Mas had chicken strips and fries.

Also, we had a Chardonay from Long Island that redeemed the awful Cab ThumbSucker and I had a few months ago at a Manhattan restaurant.

For dessert, we shared a chocolate lava cake and key lime pie. A-Lib is into sweet and fruity-tasting foods.

Note: A-Mas is perhaps THE cutest baby you'll ever meet. When A-Mas is not making cutesy faces, she sucks her thumb. It's cute seeing a baby suck their thumb. I know it relaxes them. but it relaxes me just watching them. I repeat - it's cute to watch a BABY suck its thumb...

I really like the A-Team. More and more, they make me think what if I married my last girlfriend, and had a family... Who can say.

I look forward to the next time I travel to Strong Island, and can see my work buds at the Mothership. I told A-Nej and A-Lib that I miss the interaction of 30-40 PR peeps in one area. Till next time...

So tonight, after dinner, I go to the mini convenience store in the hotel lobby. The lady in front of me purchased a few toiletry items. Travel-sized toothbrush - $3.00. Travel-sized toothpaste - $2.50. Deodorant - $7.00. Small bottle of hairspray - $10. Saying, "I want to talk with your manager... You don't have the right to rape hotel guests...You can't rape us..." - priceless.

Seriously, the shop wanted to charge me $5 for a small bottle of water. I said screw it. So, so lame.

I gots yo' back, brotha

2006-06-27T17:57:00.000-07:00

D-Sheezie is having hosting her 25th-birthday party at Butter, with the theme "Euro Trash." And as I always look out for my buds, naturally, I asked DannyGT if he wants to go.

me: Straight chicks are going to this... Let me know if you're up for going.
DannyGT: You almost had yourself a date. I like it though. 1 - women, 2 - close to my house, 3 - trashy, 4 - far enough out that usually I could plan for it. Unfortunately, I'm going to the Bloc Party concert at Berkeley's Greek Theater. Let's grab dinner sometime soon though...

The last themed party I attended was "Golf Pros and Tennis Hoes," hosted by my old intern - a closeted homo who thought he was in the closet. (This guy hosted a party without ice for the drinks. And the only food served was Triscuts?!?!)

I'm not a golf pro, nor a tennis ho. I'm a tennis pimp, see the pictures below.

So you had a bad week... You were broadsided... You fell down the stairs... So you had a bad week.

2006-06-27T17:26:00.000-07:00

I am in Long Island this week, visiting the Mothership, so ThumbSucker sent me a picture of Fionnbharr.

TEXT MESSAGE
The Biting Thing on the stairs.

In other news... No this is not my car. It's 2Pay's. Or, it was 2Pay's. He purchased the nearly identical car one week after I got mine two years ago.

Today, ThumbSucker sent me a picture message from his Treo 700P (Sprint network). 2Pay was in a car accident.

TEXT MESSAGE
ThumbSucker: 2Pay just got hit at Guerrero and 15th by a guy who ran a red light. His client who was in the car got rushed to hospital. What a week.

Not only that, but ThumbSucker's other friend -- who we'll call BellyDancer (because she can belly dance) -- fell down a flight of stairs, and broke her back. ThumbSucker brought her to SF General Hospital, then to Kaiser. There, doctors implanted an epidural IV... Into her back. Goodness. She is in an incredible amount of pain, the doctors setup a morphine drip. Every six minutes, BellyDancer presses a button, and the good stuff is released into her system.

That song, "So You Had a Bad Day" doesn't come close to ThumbSucker's week, or year for that matter.

A Canuck said the darnest thing, part deux

2006-06-20T12:02:00.000-07:00

So I talked with CanuckBE earlier today, and without disappointment, he said one of his isms.

"Yeah, this is a big boner project for them..."

I couldn't make this stuff up if I wanted to. Well, maybe I could have five or six years ago when I had a sailor mouth.

"Fire" Island

2006-06-19T23:09:00.000-07:00

Try to explain this one...

Last night I dreamt about "Fire Island." This is not New York's fabulous Fire Island, a favorite summertime vacation destination, but rather an island formerly called Angel Island, which suffered an earthquake and fires that burnt the four mile by four mile plot of land home to 4,000 people. Hence, the name was changed to "Fire Island."

I do not recall where the island was located, but it is not San Francisco, where there is an Angel Island. Are you confused yet?

What was bizarre about this dream is Fi (old work buddy from the 650 Edel-clan), Charlie's Angel (work buddy in New York), a few others and I toured the burnt island to survey the damage for clean-up work. From initial TV news reports from a helicopter, no one survived. We didn't expect to see anyone...

We rode a boat to the "Fire Island" marina. From the marina, we rode on the back of a large pickup truck -- through ash and debris -- passing what once was a Target store and a strip mall... But stopped when we found survivors.

We found them on a ferris wheel, and they looked pretty beat. When we offered them food, and help to leave the island, they looked at us strangely and approached us as if they would not allow us to depart the island.

I remember our team ran back to the truck, and tried to escape, but the debris and hot ash punctured and melted the tires. We had no choice but to run back to the boat.

I do not recall anything about the dream after that. Bizarre.

Interesting conspiracy theory

2006-06-13T17:52:00.000-07:00

www.loosechange911.com

Be warned - the video is one hour and twenty minutes long. You can watch the video on Google Video here: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8260059923762628848.

This sure puts some doubt out there, and raises more questions about what happened.

Adding to the handful of pills

2006-06-13T17:20:00.000-07:00

This sounds promising...

IM CONVO
ThumbSucker: so I am being given a new prescription that will make me not feel so sick and have more energy :)
me: cool. what is it?
ThumbSucker: pro something
me: cool. whatever it is, it can't be bad, right? what are the side effects?
me: insomnia? profuse sweating? bad breath? bigboy appetite? hives?
ThumbSucker: : )
ThumbSucker: it should make me less tired, and not have these temperature swings that I have had. also should help stop the vomiting and dizzy spells.
ThumbSucker: I have to take iron tablets also
me: small price to pay to feel better... maybe it contains meth. kidding.

I realized I crack too many jokes about meth. Is this bad? Granted meth is a serious problem... And perhaps I should not be too light-hearted about it.

This reminds me of 1997 to 2000, when I used to own the website/domain name www.smokingcrack.com... Once, I received an email from a lady who took care of babies of crack cocaine-dependent "parents." She ripped into me, bigtime, stating that my choice of domain name reflects my lack of sensitivity to a problem I obviously did not comprehend.

She was correct that I didn't understand the problem crack cocaine brought to a city. But she was wrong about me being insensitive... I just liked the domain name. And at this time, I invite you to visit www.virtualcrack.com, to virtually send someone a baggie of your favorite flavored rock.

If my references to meth offends you, then let me know. I'll probably tell you to deal with it.

Driving these days

2006-06-07T07:25:00.000-07:00

For the past two weeks, I've been driving much slower. 70 to 75 mph versus 90 to 95 mph on the freeway, and no more than 5 to 10 mph over the speed limit on city streets. Why? Because I no longer want to be in a hurry.

Granted I like speed (velocity, not meth). I get a rush from zipping around... I become excited. But as of late, my nearly sedate driving style allows me to watch everyone zip past. On the freeway, I hang with other right-lane and second to the right-lane drivers. And it's OK. It's OK. I didn't realize how fast I used to drive... 90 to 100 mph on highway 280 feels comfortable.

The new commuter
The other week, I purchased a 1987 Porsche 944 Turbo from my mechanic (late-50s Italian guy named Al). It was a great deal - a nearly 20 year-old car with less than 82,000 miles. You do the math.

Unfortunately, the previous owner of the car, which has been with one family since the original purchase, has a wife who no longer wanted him to drive the car after the cost of the recent work performed - new clutch, front and rear brakes, master brake cylinder, new water pump and a few other items. So I purchased the car for the amount of the parts and labor.

The best part of the 944 is that it uses regular 87-octane fuel (and it has nearly 100 more horses than the 190E), because 91-octane, premium fuel -- at $2.55 to $2.75 a gallon -- for the C230 is killing me. (I drive 130-miles round-trip to and from the office.) I was filling the tank after 2.5 trips.

Now I need to sell the old 190E commuter. It's been fun. Gutless, but fun.

But I find it odd that driving a (20 year-old) 2-door sports car is the reason I changed my driving style. Granted my one-way commute to and from the office now takes an additional 10 minutes, but I do not mind. It's OK. Really.

MACSD - mothers against crack-smoking and driving
On my drive back to the loft yesterday, I saw an eradic driver in an old burnt orange-color Saab. He was swerving within his lane and at times crossing over the lane divider. He was not speeding, but was obviously cracked-out on something. I slowed down to 55 mph because I knew very soon he would hit someone. And I didn't want to be nearby. Approximately three minutes passed, and traffic came to a brake-screeching halt. After crawling in traffic for half a mile, I drove past the burnt-orange Saab. The driver was just exiting his vehicle. He was fine, but the front end of his car was *totaled*. He hit a full size truck that received significant damage to the rear quarter panel. Goodness... Don't smoke crack and drive.

Babs

2006-06-07T07:20:00.000-07:00

Last night I dreamt Babs and I attended a party at a house, and were the last to leave. She walked using a walker. I walked her to a pimped-out Volkswagen Eurovan, then she talked about all the engine and suspension performance modifications she made.

I miss Babs.

What can I do?

2006-06-06T23:07:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend, ThumbSucker and I completed watching Sex in the City. In just more than one month, we watched all six seasons of the show on DVD. In the sixth season, Samantha learned that she had breast cancer, and it was almost painful for ThumbSucker to watch.

What's painful to watch is ThumbSucker when he's not feeling or looking well. He's on a handful of meds that supposedly help him, but from what I can see, he is tired and fatigued, yacking, has headaches, and sometimes does not want to get out of bed. But he forces himself to be productive. And I'll force him to keep as busy as possible. But what else should I do? I do not have a clue as to what I should do, and I feel like an asshole because I push him to not slow down as I fear he will not return to some state of normal.

IM CONVO
ThumbSucker: One other thing I didn't tell you that I probably should have.
me: and that is?
ThumbSucker: So my father died of a rare degenerative brain cancer - my biggest fear through all of this has been that this is somewhat related. They don't know if there is any link or not. That's partly why this has been really hard, I saw my dad have a very slow, very painful, very sad illness and death. He wasn't aware for the last six months what was going on etc.
me: but he was much older.
me: so what is the latest? do you have lymphoma, or not?
ThumbSucker: in theory I don't know - chemo has taken care of that, but I still have something wrong with my brain, maybe a small tumor that they can't see. The issue with the brain is that there seems to be limited things they can diagnose while you are still alive. For example, my father's true condition was determined when they did analysis of his brain after he died.
me: and what did they learn? and more importantly, what did you and your family learn?
ThumbSucker: just that it was a rare degenerative cancer but from what I understand from them there is no easy test for it. there is no direct link that the doctors here can make based on what I told them so it may not be related but they don't have access to his medical records.
me: why do they not have access to the records?
ThumbSucker: Different jurisdictions, Irish medical records are sealed.
ThumbSucker: there is some gene-based testing that will be available within the next couple of years that can tell if you have the gene that makes you a higher risk for having it.
me: so what is your doc's recommendation?
ThumbSucker: continue to evaluate blood tests and take MRIs to see if any other indications develop as well as additional testing that will be available in the future
ThumbSucker: as well as continue on certain drugs to reduce risk of strokes or seizures.
ThumbSucker: I guess the kind of headaches I get put me at higher risk for early stroke.
me: ugh. goodness.
ThumbSucker: anyway, sorry to unload this all on you but I thought I should tell you this also.
me: thanks. it's late, but thanks.
ThumbSucker: to be honest, in all of this my fear isn't of dying. my fear is that I would end up like my father not knowing for months what was going on and having no control.
me: but that would be years from now. And when you're in, then you're in it... and you do not have control.
ThumbSucker: the sad thing though is you have some lucid periods. I think there were days when my dad would have some idea because he would cry.
me: ugh. sad.
me: what would you want to do at that period? again, keep in mind that you're years away from this.
ThumbSucker: if I knew I would get it I would want out on my own terms - that whole decline is too much to put yourself through as well as those around you.
me: i'm the same way. i'd fight it for as long as i could. but if things took a quick dive... then i'd say laters.
ThumbSucker: I also can't tell the whole picture to my family because it would be pointless stress that they couldn't do anything about.
ThumbSucker: part of it is that it's a cycle - they worry about it stressing me and they think the stress is the main cause of the increased headaches.
ThumbSucker: they only reason I mentioned I might be sick to my brother was that I didn't want them to be completely stunned if it turned bad quickly and something happened to me.

Dreams

2006-06-03T08:41:00.000-07:00

Last night I had a very, very odd three-part dream.

Part one
ThumbSucker and I owned a Victorian house in San Francisco, and we were interested in purchasing a condo unit next door. The tenant of the unit was a very odd mid-20s Japanese student. As he would continue to rent the unit after we purchased it, I want to determine how he maintained the living area. For some reason, I brought my step-mother and my father's sister with me. Upon entering the living area, I saw large, bowling ball-size, flying creatures - some organic and amoeba-looking, others more insect-like. I guess they were his pets?

Part two
I was in a community college classroom, which was located on a beach. The tide was high, and the waves came into the parking lot. Was this due to global warming? I was frustrated with the class for some reason, and I went outside to throw softball-size lemons into the classroom to "freshen it up." What frustrated me was sitting between two teenage girls who talked to no end about boy bands.

Part three
I participated in a radio interview about social values. On the panel was a conservative pundit, a NPR reporter, a 60-something mother of eight, and me. I remember talking about the spread of conservative right-wing values in society, starting in schools, in the workplace, the movie theaters, TV programming, billboard signs, and fast food restaurants, among other venues. It was odd. I prepared a diagram that showed a timeline of how long it takes to push a message takes to the receiver at each venue. The mother called my presentation a conspiracy. The conservative pundit didn't have a response; and the NPR reporter just sat there and looked pretty... Pretty bored.

The interview took place on an unoccupied beach, with the exception of a two dancing elephants on an elevator. Both elephants were dressed, and swishing their bums. It was very odd, and distracting. At that time, the conservative pundit lashed out with a rebuttal. I was caught off guard.

ThumbSucker's dream
Fionnbharr danced on his two hind legs, and the San Francisco Chronicle came to the loft to photograph him. Odd.

Other odd dreams
As of late, I had several dreams of one of my ex-bfs. One dream was naughty, while another one was in a social setting. WTF?

Rain, rain go away...

2006-05-21T23:11:00.000-07:00

It's f'ing May. Late last week, yesterday and today, it rained in San Francisco. What the F.

The past few days

2006-05-21T22:29:00.000-07:00

Thursday, May 18
I met with V-Dub for dinner in the Castro, then we had one drink at The Bar on Castro. We caught up on life (in the fall, he plans to apply for business school on the east coast). I caught him up on ThumbSucker. I agree with V-Dub... I'm practically married.

He asked if we plan to have a ceremony. Actually, McGoo the other days asked the same thing. I don't know. Heck, I still do not know if I'm ready to commit.

If we get hitched, I'll make sure to spread the word.

Friday, May 19
Fionnbharr knocked my contact lens case, which opened the right side and dried my right contact lens. Grr. I'm already on my spare lens pair as my remaining lenses are at the LC. Maybe next year I'll have Lasix done. We'll see.

Tonight, we stayed in; cooked dinner; and completed season three of Sex in the City on DVD. That's right, for the last two weeks, ThumbSucker and I have been watching each season of Sex in the City. How and why did I not get into this show, I really do not know. Perhaps because my Sex in the (SF) City days ended three years ago? 'Eh.

I can identify with each of the main characters - Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte. Each either represents an outlook, way of life, or a period in my life.

One thing is for sure. The show is addicting. In watching the show, I look at my relationship with ThumbSucker with a new perspective. Another thing is for sure. ThumbSucker is definitely not as high maintenance as Carrie in the show.

Saturday, May 20
We had dim sum at Ocean Restaurant in the Richmond. What usually is a five minute wait for a table took 20 minutes. ThumbSucker and I were ready to eat our arms. After dim sum, we went to the SF MOMA, then walked along the Embarcadero. Later in the afternoon, I took ThumbSucker to the hospital for his MRI. *sigh* He has had so many tests. He has one each week...

Tonight, we started season four of Sex in the City.

Sunday, May 21
Happy birthday, BankerJ.

In episode eight of season four of Sex in the City, Carrie's laptop crashed. Boy do I know how she felt.

After watching Sex in the City, I realized that I lost my close support group of friends. I miss the brunches. I miss the road trips. I miss going to the gym with the guys. I miss clubbing. I miss guy watching with the guys.

We all were a group of single guys, but in the past couple years found our respective better-halves. And in looking back, today I am what I once feared - I'm hitched, and I'm a homebody. I used to give some of the guys (yeah you, Murphy!) crap for not coming out to a bar, or club, or dinner. But today, I do the same thing.

My dinner with V-Dub was a first step in reconnecting with some of the guys. We'll see how successful I am at this. Visiting the Castro after three years, I felt like a fish out of water. The scene is different. And I do not care for it... Then again, perhaps it's because I rarely booze these days. Aside from drinking too much with McGoo in January in New York, it has been years since I guzzled. (I can count on a three-finger hand how many years it has been...)

Yes, men are confusing (and odd, and needy, and high-maintenance) and just bizzare

2006-05-19T15:28:00.000-07:00

IM CONVO
me: what are you up to this weekend?
Happyrock: supposed to go rollerblading but with this weather... and supposed to play scrabble with this guy
[Editor's note: The San Francisco Bay Area is experiencing dramatic weather changes. One weekend it's blazing hot, and the following week it's cold and raining.]
me: scrabble?
Happyrock: yes, lol
me: interesting. why scrabble?
Happyrock: but it probably won't happen because he only plays outdoors...it's quite bizarre
me: outdoor scrabble?
Happyrock: yeah don't ask me
Happyrock: yeah in his yard
me: maybe it's code for something?
Happyrock: no, it's scrabble
Happyrock: men are confusing
me: yes, men are confusing.
Happyrock: very
me: man, scrabble... so very odd.
Happyrock: it's wholesome
Happyrock: I figured it' be something fun I don't normally do
Happyrock: it's just one of his interests
me: good. at least he's literate.
Happyrock: well...his msgs are a mess so I hope he's better at the game than his correspondence
me: but outdoor scrabble?
Happyrock: yeah that was the most bizarre. I said, "so when are we going to play" and he said 'when the weather gets good'

F!!!

2006-05-17T21:13:00.000-07:00

Mother-F'er!!! The hard drive in my personal laptop crashed! F!!! F!!! And my sorry ass didn't back it up. F!!!

Screw it, I guess I'm in the market for a new laptop, and I'm F'ed with iTunes. G'dammit!

Current Fionnbharr

2006-05-16T23:27:00.000-07:00

Current day Fionnbharr lounging on the stairs.

More Fionnbharr

2006-05-16T23:23:00.000-07:00

November 2005: Picture of Fionnbharr after the vet sliced his stomach open because the shagger ate a thick shoelace.

More Fionnbharr

2006-05-16T23:21:00.000-07:00

Fionnbharr and ThumbSucker, circa Spring 2005.

Fionnbharr, again

2006-05-16T23:19:00.000-07:00

Fionnbharr at three months old.

Fionnbharr

2006-05-16T23:15:00.000-07:00

This month, Fionnbharr is two years old. Below is a picture of the little shagger when he was two months old, and fresh from the pound. Happy birthday, Fionnbharr, The Metro Cat.

Broke (very) bad Look

2006-05-16T22:46:00.000-07:00

Last week, at Tower Records in the Castro, ThumbSucker and I saw two guys dressed as cowboys. Goodness, this Brokeback Mountain thing has gone too far... It was bad enough Madonna inspired gay guys to wear cowboys hats when she debuted her CD "Music" in 2000. But seeing these two dudes... I found it difficult to not laugh.

Are gay guys really that trendy, and not able to develop their own timeless style? Boo on Hollywood! They make lemmings out of all of us.

Celebrate good times, c'mon

2006-05-16T22:13:00.000-07:00

Three Years (and I'm still alive)
So tomorrow marks three years since ThumbSucker and I met in person... Before meeting my step-mum for dinner, I stopped by Crate and Barrel, and picked up three glass items as glass or crystal is the appropriate modern day gift for a three year anniversary. See, I'm thoughtful like that. I also made dinner reservations for us at Kokkari, a Mediterranean/California/Greek restaurant located in San Francisco's Financial District. It's damn tasty. Last time I was there was five years ago when Chef and I dated. I really do not know what I'm doing here... Part of me wants to commit, part of me wants to run away. Far, far away.

Step-Mum's Day
Tonight, I had dinner with my step-mum. I rescheduled dinner because yesterday I was feeling absolutely crappy, horrible, out-of-commission. I do not know what hit me. At any rate, it was good to see my step-mum, and hear her plans for retirement, which will start in the coming year or two. I offered to brainstorm ideas, and help her with a business plan. I'm glad my parents decided to stay in the Bay Area, instead of moving out of state to live on some golf course.

Mother's Day
Sunday night, ThumbSucker and I went to my mother's for a mother's day dinner. We didn't go out for dinner as my sister was sick (maybe that's how I got sick?) and my mother felt like BBQing. I'm glad she felt like BBQing as well... She grilled steak, salmon, corn and asparagus. All very, very tasty. And it was perfect BBQ weather - warm, balmy.

Later in the evening, the temperature rose. Inside the house was bordering uncomfortably hot. The heat made it difficult for ThumbSucker and I to fall asleep. One - we had to share a twin-size day bed. (Goodness, I felt as if I was in high school!) Two - it was damn hot, and I do not do well in heat. (I'll take cold any day over hot, hot heat. And unfortunately, my mother's house is not equipped with air condition.) Three - my asthma and allergies kicked-in bigtime! This did not add up to be a good equation.

I felt I could not fall asleep, and ThumbSucker kept nudging me, telling me to stop snoring! I said, "Huh? I'm not asleep, how could I be snoring?" He argued, "You were snoring!" I must have dozed again, because after a couple minutes ThumbSucker nudged me, and yelled, "Stop snoring!" I insisted that I was awake, and that he was smoking crack. Seriously, I thought the heat made him delusional. But again, he nudged a third time... I guess I have a snoring problem.

Celebrate Sleep
So yesterday I felt like I got my assed kicked... I felt weak. Struggling to not sneeze, cough and ache and pass out at work, I decided to head back to the loft. I was dozing on the drive up. But I finally made it back to San Francisco; chugged half a handful of vitamin B and C, and passed out almost immediately. It was still warm, but at least there are multiple fans in the loft to cool me. I awoke later in the evening when ThumbSucker came home. I felt better. Not 100 percent, but much better. It is amazing what sleeping can do for you.

Bizarro Dream
Last night, I had an odd dream. I dreamt I was in bed with two buddies - ManCandy and MarcusD. ManCandy was spooning me, and I was making funny faces at MarcusD. We stayed at a deserted vacation rental apartment complex located nearby a train station. Very, very odd.

Stop snoring

2006-05-14T15:00:00.000-07:00

Recent Dreams
1. ThumbSucker and I are in an karaoke bar with Taggart (scroll down to "Friday, April 14" for Taggart's introduction). ThumbSucker wanted Taggart to sing a few Public Enemy songs. This is funny because Public Enemy is the last music group ThumbSucker would listen to.

I do not remember if -- in the dream -- Taggart belted out anything from Chuck D or Flava Flav. But now that I'm awake, I'm trying to imagine Taggart rapping, "Fight the Power." Goodness, that song is so Freshman year high school.

2. Happyrock and I attended a conference in a shady San Francisco hotel. I do not remember the focus of the conference, nor do I remember the hotel. However, I remember that we both wore a suit and tie, and I remember standing against a rail on the mezzanine floor.

3. I attended college with my last girlfriend. This is odd as she graduated from a Seventh Day Adventist university.

Last Night or Early this Morning in the LC
At an ungodly hour early this morning -- perhaps at 5:00 or 6:00 a.m. -- ThumbSucker told me to "stop snoring." I asked, "What?" He repeated, "stop snoring!" Unsure, I asked, "huh?" "Stop snoring," he yelled. "Oh F you! How do I know to not snore if I'm asleep," I said half-asleep.

When we both were coherent, I asked ThumbSucker about his insisting that I stop snoring early this morning. He didn't remember telling me to stop snoring. "Usually, I just tell you roll onto your side, and then you stop."

Settling

2006-05-11T22:26:00.000-07:00

Should one marry or commit to another person they are not crazy about? The other person is a "good person," but there are things lacking...

It just seems like settling...

Nails, glorious toenails

2006-05-10T16:45:00.000-07:00

Goodness, I have not posted in a long time!

I noted some of the recent endeavors, including A-Lib's trip to the Sucka Free (SF, San Francisco) and my trip to Las Vegas, so I will catch up soon with a monster-sized posting.

In the meantime, I have to post about my dream last night. All I remember is I was in a classroom setting - rows of table and chairs. Apparently I was getting a manicure and pedicure (which I have not had) and I could not see my toes or the machine working on my toes, but I could see OPT (other people's toes).

I do not recall who else was in the room. But I remember trying to hunch over the table to try and see my toes, and was scolded by someone for not remaining in my seat.

Odd.

I'm sure I dreamt of other things last night, but I can not recall them.

A Buzz

2006-04-24T22:28:00.000-07:00

After visiting Palm Springs two weekends ago, ThumbSucker has the modern house buying buzz. 2Pay just returned from Palm Springs tonight, and brought brochures with him. Tonight, ThumbSucker is in love with the idea of buying a place down there. But to buy a place down there, he would need to sell the loft.

I reminded him of something he told me and several of his colleagues who sold their homes in San Francisco. "Once you sell, you can't move back, or it's very difficult to move back."

ThumbSucker and I also got into an excited conversation about laundry. The conversation was excited in that we both were passionate, but we were not yelling. My issue is that I do not want ThumbSucker to do my laundry. He's shrunk, discolored and misplaced too many items, and it frustrates me because I've told him on numerous occasions to not do my laundry. I understand and appreciate his good intentions. But why can he not listen and just not do my laundry? I just don't get it.

Also, I have to fight for alone time. He will not let me be by myself. Sometimes I want to lock myself into a room that he can not get into just so I could have time by myself... But his insecurities won't allow this.

...

I'm tired. I'm beat. The fact is that ThumbSucker did a lot of things early on in the relationship that he has not recovered from, and this continually taxes our relationship.

Killah

2006-04-24T21:42:00.000-07:00

Last night, I dreamt I was a counselor for a teen who murdered a classmate. The teen was hiding at home when the cops came looking for him. WTF.

Part 2 of last weekend

2006-04-22T15:51:00.000-07:00

Saturday, April 15
Happy birthday, DannyGT.

ThumbSucker and I awoke, got ready, and headed directly to Disneyland, arriving at around Noon. After waiting in line for a security search and for park admission tickets, we stepped foot into the park at 1:00 p.m. Waiting in line would be the theme for our adventure at Disneyland.

Because we didn’t have too much time remaining in the day, we plotted our course, aiming to visit and ride five attractions. We went to the Indiana Jones ride, but saw the wait would be at least 80 minutes. Screw that, we said. We decided to use Disneyland’s Flash Pass system that allows visitors to come back at a later time in the day with little or no waiting. Our designated return time was scheduled for 5:50 p.m.

By 1:30, we were hungry, and opted to gouging stop number one. After a brief bite to eat, we went to Splash Mountain. We waited in line for 90 minutes. The ride lasted a total of just more than seven minutes. Regardless, we were in better spirits after the ride. Then we went to Tomorrowland, and got in line for Space Mountain, my favorite Disneyland ride. Again, after a nearly 90-minute wait, we enjoyed a five-minute ride.

Adding to the sad and long wait was smelly and rude people. Prior to this trip, the last time I came to Disneyland was in 1994 with seven high school buds. I did not remember the park attracting trashy and rude people, not to mention “larger than life.” It really is sad. A few people could not close the protective bar that restrains you into the ride as their thighs were too big.

Our spirits were replenished once again after riding Space Mountain. However, we agreed that we would leave Disneyland after the Indiana Jones ride. We grabbed another bite to eat at the second gouging spot.

We arrived at the Indian Jones ride at 5:40 p.m., and already people were pushing and showing lack of manners while in line. Overall, it was the rudeness that ruined our experience. A close second was having to wait in line. Disney really does not have an incentive to get you into rides faster. Once they collected you money for the entrance ticket, they do not have an obligation to ensure you have a good time. Instead, visitors are bombarded with over-priced junk families will eventually throw away. It’s irresponsible.

After the Indiana Jones ride, we left the “happiest place on Earth,” vowing never to return unless there was a special circumstance. After waiting in line for nearly five hours, we enjoyed a total of 22 minutes on rides. Regardless, my mission was accomplished. Never again would I hear ThumbSucker ask, “Will you take me to see Mickey Mouse?”

We drove back to Long Beach, napped, then showered, and headed out to Santa Monica. We walked along the pier and came across Pacific Park, a small amusement park on the Santa Monica pier. We purchased tickets for a few rides, and were immediately of the short-looking lines. Five minutes, max, we thought. We rode Sea Dragon, a suspended boat ride that swings you 270-degrees; West Coaster, a very modest, yet surprisingly fun roller coaster, which is the only steel West Coast roller coaster located on a pier; and then we rode the Pacific Wheel, the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel. Once again, our spirits were lifted. Even more so than from the Disneyland rides because we didn’t pay butt rape prices to wait hours for a ride. After the rides, we went to the arcade, and played two games of table hockey. This was ThumbSucker’s first time, and I felt like I was back in high school. I won the first game, and ThumbSucker barely won the second game.

We left the pier feeling good. “A weekend of amusement, a weekend of amusement” I said. ThumbSucker agreed, and thanked me for the trip.

Sunday, April 16
We woke up, got ready, packed, checked out, and headed for Tustin. I wanted to take ThumbSucker to Tommy’s Sushi. However, when we arrived, it learned it was closed. G’dammit, I should have called first to check.

We decided to drive west, to the coast, to Newport Beach in search of lunch. Goodness, it was nice. Everything looked manicured. Cars were shiny. People were blinging. I had not seen so many Bentleys, Ferraris or Lamborghinis on the road at one time. The town was packed! We drove south, passing through Corona del Mar, Laguna Beach, South Laguna, and finally stopping at Dana Point. We grabbed lunch, then headed to the beach. I vegged on the sand, while ThumbSucker got his feet wet.

After Dana Point, we headed north past Newport Beach to Huntington Beach. We walked through the downtown strip and on the pier, then decided that we need to return the car and head to the airport.

Thank goodness for T-Mobile Wi-Fi. Without it I would feel disconnected. But I love (x3) Sprint’s EV-DO network. It fast compared to their older 1xRTT network. Web pages load relatively quick on my UTStarcomm 6700.

I’ve decided that I like the smartphone, but I definitely do not love it. The camera is legit with plenty of options. I like the WAN/LAN/PAN connectivity – cell when I’m outside the office or home, and fast Wi-Fi if I use it indoors. I still have not configured my Bluetooth headset as I’m decently happy with the wired two-bud headset. However, I’m not digging the speakerphone. Damn thing has given me problems toggling on-and-off. Also, I still have mixed feelings about Windows Mobile 5.0. Compared to my Treo 600, more steps are required to look up a contact, and make a call. Also, with the slick sliding keyboard I get a larger screen, which blows away the Treo 600. However, with the slide-out keyboard, I no longer can easily text message while driving or stuck in traffic. Another thing I need to figure out is sending a text message to an email address. With Windows Mobile Messaging, I can only send a text message to another mobile phone. With the Treo 600 I could send messages to both mobile and email address. Grr. But overall I’m happy with the phone. We’ll see what I’ll switch to in two years. I’m sure there will be something better than the Motorola Q by then.

What I really want is a slick, Apple-designed smartphone with durability features found with the rugged, industrial-grade mobile computers from Symbol Technologies, and a refined version on Microsoft Windows Mobile. Oh, and a faster cell network with ubiquitous coverage would be great as well.

I can’t wait for the day when I can download a Starbucks menu onto my phone, and beam/send my order directly to the barista to help ensure my drink is mad perfectly. I would create several drink profiles to order according to what strikes my fancy at the moment.

Getting back to Los Angeles, we boarded the United Airlines airplane, and were treated to the same narrow seats. However, this time we sat in Economy Plus, which gave us an extra five inches of legroom. This is noticeable, and greatly appreciated.

After a delay getting to the terminal gate, waiting for our baggage, and taking a cab back to the loft, we were brushing our teeth by 11:30 p.m.

Overall, I say the trip was a success. We drove nearly 700 miles in four days, saw a lot things and people, rode a few rides, had some tasty meals, saw the sun, and felt the So Cal heat.

Part 1 of last weekend

2006-04-21T23:50:00.000-07:00

It’s been some time since I last wrote, and I do not want more time to pass before I forget anything that happened recently.

Thursday, April 13
ThumbSucker turned 32... Happy birthday. We started the day extremely early, waking up at 3:15 a.m. Why? Because our flight would depart at 6:05 a.m., and Super Shuttle would pick us up at 3:55 a.m. We could have taken a cab, but they are unreliable early in the morning. And a car service would cost nearly $100 for a 10-mile drive. Super Shuttle was a deal at $30 for the two of us. And prompt it was. At the strike of 3:55 a.m., the blue van with yellow letters arrived in front of the loft building.

United Airlines customer service peeps were not helpful in the least. Then again, we didn’t expect them to be chipper at 4:30 a.m. Who would be?

At any rate, after finally checking-in, and getting through security, we waited at the terminal gate until 5:35 a.m. to board the plane. I forget the plane we flew, but it was cramped! The entire flight, both ThumbSucker and I felt like sardines. I’d say I’m not grossly overweight, but I sure wonder about larger people and how they manage to contain themselves in their seat without offending others.

At 7:20 a.m. we landed at LAX. Goodness, Los Angeles was all day compared to San Francisco’s all night weather. It was eye-piercing sunny, and mid-70s. It beat the rain we had for last three week. Nearly everyone I knew caught a cold of some sort.

At any rate, everyone, EVERYONE was chipper. Almost disturbingly chipper. I immediately remembered that we were now in entertainment industry land, not Silicon Valley.

The bus we rode to the car rental station was immaculately clean! V-Dub once told me you are expected to drive a clean car in Southern California. “You have no excuse to not clean your car,” said another friend. It’s a So Cal thing I guess. “Your car is an extension of who you are,” yet another friend once told me.

By 7:45 a.m., we had the keys to a new shiny dark blue Chevrolet Malibu MAXX, the five-door lift back model. It’s not a bad drive, but it is too slushy for my taste.

We had to kill time, so we drove north to Manhattan Beach for breakfast. ThumbSucker had a ham/onion/mushroom ommie. I had a shrimp ommie. Both were tasty.

At 9:00 a.m., I had my first of two meetings for the day. One down, one more to go.

We drove south on the 405, then south on 710 to downtown Long Beach. At 10:30 a.m., we checked into the hotel. In the parking garage, I noticed at least 20 cars with an Alpha Kappa Alpha license plate frame. I was excited, and hoped to see stepping routines. Alas, it was an old alumni gathering. No stepping would be seen.

Once we got to the room, we passed out. We were beat, so we napped for nearly an hour. At Noon, I had my second meeting. 15 minutes later, I was done. We napped longer, and woke up at around 3:00 p.m. We got ready, and went to see the Queen Mary. Damn it is a huge ship. Afterwards, we drove to Melrose Avenue. But en route we were caught in nasty, nasty traffic. Among other reasons, this is the primary reason I could not live in Los Angeles. However, I must say that at least 90 percent of LA drivers use their signal lights to indicate a lane change. I’d say the San Francisco Bay Area comes in at less than 50 percent.

We parked far from where we needed to go on Melrose Avenue, but the walking was good. We past a lot of home design and furniture shops. Goodness, San Francisco has nothing compare to selection. Heck, San Francisco doesn’t compare to New York. Does that mean we suck? Hell no. New York and Los Angeles are two extremes, neither of which I could live in. However, I could see myself living in New York before I could Los Angeles. I’m not down with fake and an entertainment reality.

So after some window shopping (because most of the stores were closed), we walked back to the car, and drove east to West Hollywood, the gay side of town. Another reason I could not live in So Cal is the gay guys have way too much ‘tude. It’s really not very becoming. It’s not just ‘tude, but super ‘tude. I can explain it. But it’s not attractive. It takes SF diva ‘tude, and blows it out of the water. So after absorbing more local ‘tude, we had dinner. I wanted to take ThumbSucker to some place nice, but everything was closed, or you had to dress swanky, or you had to make reservations months in advance. At 9:30 p.m. we were starved, and ready to eat dinnerware. We came across a snooty restaurant where everyone looked as if they recently left the spa. Incredible. We both ordered cheeseburgers and Diet Cokes. Damn, the burger was tasty. After dinner, we drove back to the hotel, and called it a night.

Friday, April 14
Today we were supposed to go to Disneyland, but because it started to rain, we drove east to Palm Springs. Palm Springs is beautiful, but hot, dry and everyone looks as if they are retired. ThumbSucker loves Palm Springs. He loves the desert. I’ll pass. I definitely could not live out here. ThumbSucker immediately tried to sell me on buying a place out there. Hell no!

We walked along the downtown strip, and came across the Prudential California Realty office. And surprise, surprise. ThumbSucker’s old work bud who moved to Palm Springs two years ago from San Francisco was there. We have the same name, and the same initials. Goodness, he bought his house in Palm Springs in 2000 for $390K, and according to 47-year-old Taggart (who doesn’t look a day past 42), it recently appraised at just more than $900K. Insane! Then again, ThumbSucker bought a 900-square foot loft for $415K in 2004, and exactly two years later it’s going for $650K. Goodness.

At any rate, we promised to meet Taggart for drinks later in the evening. We decided to stay the night as Palm Springs was dry, and we didn’t want to drink and drive all the way back to Long Beach, a.k.a. the LBC. After securing toiletries at the local Rite-Aid and a room at Howard Johnson, we were set. We got ready, and drove to Taggert’s home. I dig his place. Modern, manageable, impeccably clean and organized. Goodness, his closets are perfectly arranged. Taggart is the a priori of anal retentive. I love it! Everything is modern and Feng Shui-compliant.

Also at Taggart’s place was his buddy Paul. Taggart is pretty well connected in Palm Springs. He’s sold and bought homes on behalf of many peeps in town. At any rate, Taggart grew up in Mastic Beach/Shirley in Long Island, New York. Harriet the Spy told me about them Mastic Beach peeps, so ‘nuff said. However, Taggart is all refined. His friend Paul grew up in Manhasset. Paul and his partner split their time between homes in Palm Springs, San Francisco and Guerneville. After working at BofA in IT for years, he retired three years ago. So they travel up and down California, wherever the weather is most favorable and conducive to relaxing.

After a few drinks, ThumbSucker and I were ready to see Palm Spring’s gay scene. Keep in mind that this weekend just happened to be White Party Spring Break. But also keep in mind that ThumbSucker and Taggart are far from circuit boys, and my circuit boy clubbing days are long gone…

First, we went to Wang’s, the place to go and be seen on Friday nights. By the time we arrived, everyone left, and it was just a dinner crowd. After a couple beers at Wang’s, we left for some karaoke joint. Oh man, this was crazy. ThumbSucker and I were the youngest at 30 and 32, and had everyone beat by 25 to 35 years, easy. But as I mentioned earlier, nearly every Palm Springs resident is retired. And Taggart knows a lot of them. We met a guy who is heir to the Kellogg cereal family. Nice as ever. However, one of his friends groped me. *shudder* I felt gross, but didn’t feel like kicking his ass as I knew he was harmless. I just made a funny face to ThumbSucker to indicate that I was not digging the place. Happyrock would dig Palm Springs… He likes late-30s to 40s, muscle guys.

After that place, we walked across the street to another karaoke joint. Hey, what else are you going to do when you retire? Taggert got on the mic a few times. Damn he was good. He sang Elton John’s “Candle in the Wind” and “Rocket Man,” my favorite Elton song. But he tore it up when he sang Neil Diamond’s “September Morn.” Think William Shatner, but damn good. He had the crowd going! This turned out to be an entertaining night beyond expectation. So after a few more beers, we decided to call it quits. When you’re all beered-up, there is only one thing left to do. Be responsible. That’s right, it’s time to hit Jack in the Box to make sure you have food in your stomach to absorb the alcohol. After dropping off Taggart, we headed back to the Howard Johnson.

This post is too long. I’ll continue with Saturday, April 15 and Sunday, April 16 in another post in the next coming days. Look forward to Disneyland and Newport Beach and Dana Point.

The Beetles

2006-04-10T23:11:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend I dreamt of two beetles. They both were black, but one looked similar to an Bat Ray (Myliobatis californica) and had pinchers at the front of its head. I do not recall anything else about the dream, except that they crawled around happily in search of running shoes.

Uh, sure, it's a hybrid

2006-04-10T22:51:00.000-07:00

So yesterday I brought The Commuter for an oil change at Jiffy Lube. I'd change it myself, but I was lazy this time. At any rate, I heard the most funny thing in some time.

Jiffy Lube service person: 2002 Suburban!
Customer: Yes. *walks up to the counter*
Jiffy Lube service person: The 2002 Suburban is yours?
Customer: Yes.
Jiffy Lube service person: Is that the hybrid model?
Customer: No.

Umm no is right. Goodness. ThumbSucker and I barely controlled breaking into hysterical laughter.

Did you know?

2006-04-07T17:16:00.000-07:00

"Did you know you can lead a cow upstairs, but now downstairs?" That was the text message I received at 4:00 a.m. PT this morning.

Whoever you are 408-768-6432, expect a text message in the wee hours as a friendly wake-up call. Perhaps I'll ask you, "Did you know that our presidential administration is a run by a group of 'tards?"

A Canuck said the darnest thing

2006-04-07T16:30:00.000-07:00

Today, I talked with a Canadian work buddy about the benefits of issuing a press release to more countries for broader coverage. He completely understands why we want to do what we want to do, and shared with me his outlook on the influence of ice skating-related activities. It's quite funny, really.

me: the benefit is broader exposure... so why is he cock-blocking?
CanuckBE: LOL
CanuckBE: that was great for a much needed smile on my face today
CanuckBE: have to rush to dress rehearsal for my son's ice show
CanuckBE: he's 5...
CanuckBE: don't think he is gay yet...
CanuckBE: next year is hockey...
CanuckBE: not that being gay is wrong...
CanuckBE: ciao dude

Earlier in the week, other work buds and I met with a vendor (non-Canadian). From them, I learned that one of the Google search results for WNG is for a group for gay men to meet other homos for outdoor activities... Such as hiking, biking and camping, not for idle waiting in a park in hopes of meeting momentary companionship. Sickos!

At any rate, we had a good laugh. Also, the vendor guys are not gay, at least not that I could tell by their wedding rings...

Where am I going with this? Well, I'm just glad that someone is doing a Google search before naming a product, because last year, C-Love (who I'm calling Squeeze going forward) busted us out for our line of chastity belts.

What did I say last year, Squeeze? "Cock balls! Cock balls!"

The weekend

2006-04-02T22:10:00.000-07:00

Friday, March 31
Today I had nearly back-to-back meetings, which was good because they each meeting is prep for the following week. At 8:00 p.m., I was mellow, and excited to veg for the weekend. Since I had not seen ThumbSucker in a few days, I "allowed" him to come up to the LC. For dinner, I cooked spaghetti (his overall favorite food) and broccoli.

Saturday, April 1
After lunch, we watched a matinee showing of Spike Lee's Inside Man at the Lakeport Cinema, the closest theater to Kelseyville, CA. Now that I'm more familiar with New York City, I'm excited to watch movies filmed in any of the five burroughs or Long Island. "Oh we walked past that..." "Oh do you remember that?" After the movie, we went back to the house, and cleaned up the place. I managed to pack and discard a few lingering items in the garage.

But then dinner rolled around. Neither ThumbSucker or I had not eaten pizza in some time, and I was not up for cooking. So we ordered a pizza from Pogo's Pizza. It's pretty legit. I would go nuts if there was not a decent pizza joint in the area. Pogo's is similar to something like I'd want to own when I retire. That's right... When I'm good and ready, I want to open a pizza joint. It's something that I've thought about since I was in high school. I dig the idea of locals coming to hang out, drink their pitchers of beer and consume slice after slice of damn tasty pizza. I'd offer cornmeal crust, New York-style, Chicago-style... And crazy topping... Crazy topping I say! I've not yet decided on a theme for the pizza names as I always change my mind on this. However, I will apply what I've experienced at other pizza joints. And don't think that technology would not be involved. That's right - think IT meets old-school pizzeria! So hang tight for this one.

After we picked up the pizza, we watch Cowboys & Angels, The Warriors and Beat Street. It's weird to watch The Warriors and Beat Street in that the movies were released in 1979 and 1984 respectively, and New York looked so different then. If you have not watched either move, YOU MUST watch them soon.

Sunday, April 2
After the movie marathon last night, I was beat. With the time change adding to the matter, I slept-in until 11:00 a.m. Goodness! Also, I talked in my sleep again. "Where's the tractor? Where is the tractor?" I do not recall what I dreamt last night, but obviously it must have involved a tractor of some sort. Very odd.

We packed-up, secured the house, and drove back to San Francisco, stopping off in Vallejo for lunch, and Corte Madera at the West Elm store.

In San Francisco, we went to Costco and Trader Joe's to stock up on foodage for the week, which I am so ready for! Also, I booked air, hotel and a rental car for our trip next week to Southern California. I hope I'm not making a mistake by bringing ThumbSucker to Disneyland. *sigh* He has not been to the "happiest place on Earth," and asked that I take him to see Mickey Mouse. I do not care for Disneyland, and I'm ready to kick Mickey's ass. But hey, I'm taking ThumbSucker for his birthday, and it's been 12 years since I last went.

During dinner, ThumbSucker's friend 2Pay called. 2Pay is in Vancouver for holiday, and loves it. Heck, I love Vancouver. I used to visit every Summer, but the tradition stopped the Summer I met ThumbSucker.

At any rate, ThumbSucker wants for us to move to Vancouver. "Housing is cheaper there, and you can marry me!" Uh, no. Granted Vancouver is beautiful, but I'm not interested in leaving the U.S. (eventhough I can't stand the current presidential administration). "Canada probably does not have as many crazy Evangelical Christians, and it wouldn't be culture shock for you... It's still in North America, and there are other Asians... And you can marry me. Huh, I could change hyphenate my last name. It has a nice ring to it." Uh, this is so not going to happen.

Yeah, this is not happening. But ThumbSucker is going crazy, looking for houses. *sigh*

In other exciting news... Tomorrow after my last meeting (with a partner), I am going to the Sprint store. I've had my (piece of s***) Treo 600 for two years, and it's time to ditch it! After talking with a few people from work, I am getting the Sprint PPC-6700 (link to Engadget's initial write-up from CTIA 2005). It works with Sprint's built-out EV-DO in San Francisco. It has a slick slide-out keyboard. The screen is big! It runs Microsoft Mobile 5.0... I can view Microsoft Office documents - PowerPoint, Excel, Word. It has Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi for quick as F file sharing and Web surfing. So what's not to like? Nothing really... For now at least. One thing I will do is look at other plans. Every month, roaming charges rip me a new hole. Sprint lists a business plan on their website that includes roaming, so I'll ask more about this tomorrow. I'm excited.

It's raining hard in San Francisco... And it's time to hit the sack. G'night.

Now I'm confused

2006-03-30T23:48:00.000-08:00

Tonight, I IMed with ThumbSucker. Per his coordinating doctor’s recommendation, he needs to retain an attorney to draft a will in the event he “cannot decide some stuff in the future.”
Additionally, he may need to think about selling the loft depending how sick he becomes from the next round of C treatment. If he becomes so sick, he cannot work.

IM CONVO (with notes)
ThumbSucker: I am not on the new stuff yet....if my tests keep coming back like they have, then it will be full on chemo.
ThumbSucker: I just really need to stop being distracted by it and work as hard as I can while am ok
ThumbSucker: also need to figure out how the treatment differs in europe and how i would transition if I am bad when I lose the insurance

(So ThumbSucker’s ex is a doctor at Kaiser, and legally they still have domestic partner status.)

ThumbSucker: well it's like this.... as soon as the domestic partnership is dissolved, I am not eligible anymore
me: so when will it be dissolved?
ThumbSucker: depends what the attorney has to say, I also think [ThumbSucker’s ex bf’s name] has got pretty tight with the guy he is seeing - they are moving in together etc...
me: wow
ThumbSucker: they are going to China and Thailand next week for a month

(So ThumbSucker’s ex is dating a doctor. Ha! “Is there a doctor in the house?”)

ThumbSucker: the Dr. is a contractor and has no insurance coverage right now also
me: oh wow. that’s just sounds odd.
ThumbSucker: yeah, I thought so too
me: a doc without insurance. at least he can diagnose himself.
ThumbSucker: true : )
ThumbSucker: if/when it happens, i will deal with it - just have to do the research up front
ThumbSucker: big downside of the US.... insurance

(I have Kaiser, but it’s not the titanium platinum diamond-encrusted plan that ThumbSucker currently has through his ex. So I asked if his treatment would be covered with my plan.)

me: i have the blue card.
ThumbSucker: it would cover it. but we would have to be in a place at that time where that made sense.

(OK, so I may no longer be a practicing Catholic, but I feel crappy – major guilt for some reason. Heck, all I have is asthma, eczema and I break out when I’m stressed or don’t sleep... But at the same time, I’m glad that he thought and said what he did.)

ThumbSucker: I would want to be on your insurance at the point where you were happy with me and not out of obligation
me: yep, i agree.
ThumbSucker: I didn’t mean to say so much tonight... I know you have a lot on your plate

(Uh, not as much as what’s on his.)

me: when is your next treatment?
ThumbSucker: Tuesday
ThumbSucker: Talk to you later, love u

-----
OK, I’ve always said that ThumbSucker is a good guy, but he’s just high-maintenance and needy... And he drives me insane with the crap he does. But now he’s in trouble. I’m confused.

We talked on the phone as well. Goodness, he sounds mellow. It must be the Valium one of the doctors prescribed him. He’s actually been pleasant that past couple days. “What a difference… A pill makes...”

Current iPod Playlist

2006-03-30T01:25:00.000-08:00

Playlist created March 14, 2006

Let me know if you'd like a burned CD to enjoy privately.

1. Busta Rhymes – Touch It (Vocal Up)
2. Busta Rhymes & Flipmode Squad – Angel (Chillout Mix)
3. Chris Joss – You’ve Been Spiked
4. Ursula 1000 – Savoir Faire (Thievery Corporation Mix)
5. Mylo – Valley of the Dolls
6. Mylo – Emotion 98-6
7. Thunderball – Road to Benares
8. Abakus - That Much Closer...
9. Depeche Mode - Precious
10. Elton John - Levon
11. Goo Goo Dolls – Better Days (Acoustic Version)
12. The Pussycat Dolls - Stickwitu
13. Rank 1 – Airwave (ATB Remix)
14. Run-DMC – Beats to the Rhyme
15. Run-DMC – Rock Box

The Sprinkler

2006-03-30T00:33:00.000-08:00

A-Lib will be in house late-April. (BTW, this guy is semi-notorous for his Sprinkler Dance. If you are not familiar with The Sprinkler Dance, go here for a video example. Note, A-Lib is not the asian dude.)

At any rate, I’m excited. I’m always game to hang out with peeps from the East Coast – East Coast or WestSIDE, it doesn’t matter. Biggie... 2Pac... It doesn't matter. As they say in New York, "Fugeddaboutit.”

What’s on the agenda? Mets vs. Giants game for sure! I do not yet know what seats we’ll get, but there is nothing like bleacher seats... As part of DannyGT’s (ex bf’s fraternity brother) birthday outing at Giants games, we’d yell at Bonds since he played left outfield. Nothing like talking smack about Bonds’ granny, how he’s a wash-up or how his pants made it look like he needed to “drop a deuce”… It’s all part of the experience, just like the seventh inning stretch and the cable car race on the big screen. And there is something about spending your kid’s college tuition for garlic fries, nachos, hot dogs and Miller Lite... You just do it. And despite whatever image New Yakers have of San Francisco peeps, we *do not* sip merlot and snack on brie at games!

IM CONVO
A-Lib: so that means the baseball game at SBC is definitely Tuesday or Wednesday
A-Lib: and you better get your Mets groove on since you dance
A-Lib: i don't dance...only the sprinkler on occasion
me: HAHHAHAHAH
me: i'm dying over here. you DID NOT just say the sprinkler.
A-Lib: oh hells yeah. you do the Sprinkler to Clarence Carter's Strokin
A-Lib: the key is to do the sprinkler to the rhythm

I’ll make sure to request “Strokin’” so A-Lib can get his sprinkler on. Psssh, psssh, psssh. Ta-ta-ta-ta-ta-ta-ta-ta! Psssh, psssh, psssh. Ta-ta-ta-ta-ta-ta-ta-ta!

What else is on the agenda? Sushi galore. Tasty dim sum. Spicy food. Oh it's on, baby. We're going crazy with this one. No representing Weight Watchers here!

Madness

2006-03-30T00:21:00.000-08:00

ThumbSucker saw a neurologist today who said he may not have adult ADD as some of the symptoms he experiences are due to migraines. When he has migranes he can’t remember his phone number or the floor number of the loft.

The doctor prescribed a beta-blocker to improve blood flow to the brain. What’s crazy is ThumbSucker can not consume anything citrus-based as that will case a severe allergic reaction – major swelling of his throat. So although the neurologist said ThumbSucker may not have adult ADD, he’s not ruling it out.

Unfortunately, doctors can not properly and accurately diagnose ThumbSucker with an MRI because he has a metal plate in his face from when he was carjacked and beaten. Because ThumbSucker will begin to see more doctors for diagnosis and treatment, a coordinating doctor was assigned to help ensure that information is communicated across all doctors and that the medicine prescribed will not negatively react to or counter one another.

I had to get away, so I headed up to the LC. Tonight, while working on a PR plan, we had an IM conversation. Seems the meds (or valium) he started taking is mellowing him. We can actually have a conversation without heated emotions.

IM CONVO
me: you just need to be good and listen. so that means you need to encourage the doctors you meet with to find a solution.
ThumbSucker: yep. even though the news wasn’t that good today regarding the C issue, i feel much stronger mentally than I did.
me: good.
ThumbSucker: if the news remains not so great I might tell my mother slowly just in case anything was to happen so it wouldn’t come out of left field to her.
me: true. good idea.
ThumbSucker: you know, I love you more than maybe you realize - if it starts to look like this is going to be a big deal that is going to be tough to beat I would want you to move on with your life and find someone who would be around in the long run. I wouldn’t want you to feel tied to me because of anything - even if I lost [ex bf’s name] coverage I could always go home to Universal Health Care.
me: ok. but trust me, i'm not leaving you because of this. i'm leaving because of the madness i've experienced. seriously, i'm in a worse-off position mentally. i feel so drained. i think you do not know how i've felt for the last 2.5 years. because of you, i stopped hanging out with a lot of friends. that was important to me...
me: within that amount of time, you've sucked my life and will. i no longer have the energy and ambition i once had. i can probably say that i'm depressed.
me: you don't have to respond to any of this.
me: i just thought i'd repeat some of things i've tried to repeatedly communicate to you.
ThumbSucker: I understand - I do realize at this point, oddly I feel calm enough to take that in.
me: compared to three years ago, i'm a much more angry, yet sad person. you've driven me to insanity.
me: you took a lot away from me. just because you're going through something doesn't mean i will not repeat all these things.
me: i want to remind you as often as possible of the impact you've had on me.
ThumbSucker: I don’t mind if you go repeat them - I think you should.
ThumbSucker: I can’t undo anything and I understand that whether on purpose or not all that happened took a toll on you. Today was strange because they told me some bad things but I had clarity for the first time in a long while that I could look at things matter of factly. My one wish that you get to see who I am on the inside through this clarity - maybe I can actually project who I am once this haze of whatever has lifted.
me: we'll see.
ThumbSucker: i think I can make you proud of me one day if I get past the C stuff
me: as i've mentioned numerous times, you do not have any equity with me. the thing is prior to knowing about the C stuff, you were still hellish.
ThumbSucker: I understand that and I understand that nothing changes that but I hope to show you one day if I get the chance that isn’t whom I am me: ok. but understand that i will be hard pressed to believe.
ThumbSucker: I know that but that's something I can build again with you if I have the chance.
ThumbSucker: I dont want to sound like some freak but I feel really different, it's almost like I have some answers that wern’t there before.
me: ok. so we'll see. hey, i need to get back to this PR plan.
...
...
...
ThumbSucker: I am very proud of you - you are a good thing on multiple levels
me: i try. i expect great things of people i know on a personal and professional level.
ThumbSucker: that's why I want to be with you - you challenge me, you are my sounding board, you give me ideas and a different way of looking at things.
me: i know life is not always fair, but i become upset if there are obstacles in the way that i can not manipulate. ThumbSucker: that's what makes you you... that's why you are different from most people, in the gay world at least.
ThumbSucker: despite of all the noise and static we have something special, I love our time puttering around shops, going to movies, taking bart, laying on your chest, smelling your skin, holding your warm hands, listening to your playlists. you are so many things to me. you give my life its colour.
me: interesting. i feel the inverse of what you think.
ThumbSucker: well that's what you are to me. if someone asked me what the perfect moment is it would be holding your warm hand on a cold day
ThumbSucker: how's the pr plan coming along?
me: it looks like new york in the night from the sky - all lit up with tracked changes!
ThumbSucker: : (
ThumbSucker: So let's not fight anymore, I love you, I want to grow old with you.
me: well, as i've stated numerous times, i need to see a change.
me: because the last 2.5 years does not make me want to spend any time with you.
ThumbSucker: you will see changes with me - I promise you.
me: i've heard that numerous times.
ThumbSucker: I want to make you proud of me one day.
me: ok, but so far, you've made me depressed, sad and angry... and irritated.
ThumbSucker: Finbar misses you - he is sitting on your seat
ThumbSucker: another kp/doctor session tomorrow
ThumbSucker: I am gonna sleep now..... miss you, sleep well
ThumbSucker: night good thing :)
me: g'night.

Me so crazy

2006-03-29T00:00:00.000-08:00

Later in the night after the flat tire incident things went from bad to worse. I really just want out with ThumbSucker. I’m going crazy!

However, this morning, he told me last week the doctor diagnosed him as having adult ADD. “Oh great! So for the last two and a half years I thought I was going insane!” After all this time some doc tells ThumbSucker there is a problem. Heck, for the last two and a half years I thought I was going mad! I was ready to check myself into the funny farm. Seriously, ThumbSucker’s doc said adult ADD generally leads to divorce. If not divorce, then the affected person’s significant other is generally extremely frustrated. Seriously, I could have diagnosed ThumbSucker two years ago... Because I was going insane then.

I’m sure glad it took one person (not close at all to) ThumbSucker to tell him he can’t focus and that will f-up his relationship. Great, just great. Now I’m pissed.

So what will happen? Well, ThumbSucker may begin popping meds to treat his condition. Supposedly they should have a dramatic effect almost instantly. I can’t wait really. Actually, I’m excited to see if there is any difference. Is this f’ed up?

At any rate, if the meds work, then 1) I’ll change ThumbSucker’s name to PillPopper; and 2) I’ll be a positive customer reference for the drug manufacturer. But we’ll see. If things change for the better, then that means I’ll reevaluate things with ThumbSucker. Because I really can’t go on. I really am close to checking myself in, because I've already checked out.

I must watch the movie Thumbsucker again. The lead character had ADD and took meds to treat it. Once he took the meds he became extremely focused and was productive. This is why I’m excited to see what effect the meds will have on ThumbSucker.

What’s odd is ThumbSucker manages just fine in his professional life. He gets shit done. It’s his personal life (especially me) that suffers. Anxiety and stress cause the ADD to kick in big time. But he’ll procrastinate on things, and that causes the stress and anxiety. For the past week, ThumbSucker has been prepping for the 2005 tax season, which is stressing him out. This also explains the whole flat tire incident the other night… He was not able to focus on getting his task done at the office, and because of the flat tire, he went bizzerk. Lucky me, I know.

So we’ll wait and see. You know how some spouses go away for a couple weeks to attend some spa or hippy spiritual trip to rejuvenate and lose weight, and then they return home a new person? Well, I told ThumbSucker I want to go away for a couple weeks, and return to see if he changed dramatically. Heh.

Supposedly if he takes the meds he will no longer require me to hold him in bed. Seriously, the only way he’ll fall asleep is if I spoon him and hold him with both arms. What usually happens is the blood circulation stops in my left arm, so I wake up in the middle of the night or in the morning with a sore arm. Again, I can’t wait to see if the meds work. But I really hope he'll stop sucking his thumb if he begins popping. Huh, maybe I'll call him Mary Poppins. Ha!

Of anyone I’ve met and interacted with in my life, ThumbSucker takes the cake for having the greatest impact. Having been with him, I can honestly say I am nowhere near the same person. Seriously, I hope I can regain my sanity.

Please, to the higher being somewhere, wherever... Spare me, please.

What a Weekend

2006-03-26T23:52:00.000-08:00

Friday, March 24
ThumbSucker wanted to watch Shadow Crossing, a play that begs provocative questions about where you stand on immigration and human rights. I was thoroughly impressed and pleasantly surprised by the acting, but more impressed at how I felt after the play - alive. Until tonight, I had forgotten how much I miss going to plays. With so many – (IMHO) non-wholesome and non-thought provoking – movie choices provided by Hollywood that glamorize boobs, cleavage, sex, senseless killing, wasteful behavior, Shadow Crossing is a breath of fresh air.

Don’t get me wrong, Goonies is still my favorite movie... Maybe I’m upset that most movies produced as of late are crap. Idle movies, I’ll call them.

Tonight, we decided to take municipal transportation as I didn’t feel like driving to Berkeley, which meant we would take a bus to the Embarcadero Center, and then take BART to Berkeley. On the bus ride to the Embarcadero Center along Third Street, just south of AT&T Park (formerly SBC Park and Pac Bell Park), we noticed a large number of people walking to the ball park. I thought they were going to watch a Giants game, but ThumbSucker noticed that they didn’t look like the baseball game going type.

Turns out the more than 25,000 teens were going to the Battle Cry gathering, a two-day event put on by right-wing Christian fundamentalists. “Battle cry for a Generation” gathering aims to guide young people away from a popular culture that the organizers say glamorizes drugs, violence and sex, and “reclaims the values that made this nation great.”

Link to The Chronicle’s coverage of pre-day-one festivities.
Link to The Chronicle’s coverage of the concert.

It was pretty scary seeing the sea of attendees. (G'damn sheep.) ThumbSucker instantly was depressed, saying that this country is going south, fast. I agree. He also said that the event should not be held in San Francisco. I disagreed with him. As much as I do not care for the religious-right, they have every right to organize at AT&T Park. They paid for the event, and they have the freedom of speech. But it is very, very scary what is being taught to our kids. This country is comprised of extremes, and I wish there could be a middle ground.

I told ThumbSucker that in some ways I agree with what the Battle Cry movement is working against – the violence, sex, drug use, etc. But I think we should not use “God” as the answer, nor should our politicians make decisions based on faith. Our country has made way too many mistakes using that method. Also, remember when people were burned at the stake?

My friend Abs continues to have arguments with her boyfriend as she wants to raise kids Catholic, and the boyfriend wants to raise kids without religion. Just a little background on Abs… She was raised Catholic, and attended Notre Dame High School, the sister school to the Jesuit (all-boys) high school I attended. I was raised Catholic, but no longer practice – I do not attend mass on Sundays, nor receive Communion, etc. I think I got out of it what I need – The Golden Rule, “do on to others as you wish them do onto you.” Here is an example of how I apply it in everyday life: cut me off on the highway, and I’ll return the favor. I’m kidding(!!)… Well, partially.

At any rate, Abs wants to have kids, and raise them Catholic until they are 18-years-old. This means Catholic schooling and church on Sundays. The boyfriend’s reason for raising kids without religion is religion is mind control. Abs is an English and writing teacher at a South Bay high school. The overall student body is conservative and homophobic, Abs told me. “Fundies,” Abs calls them. Over dinner a few weeks ago, I told her that I completely understand why her boyfriend, a civil and marriage attorney, does not want religion around the kids. “Abs, the Catholic church is the same thing – mind control. It’s just not as extreme or obnoxious as the Evangelicals.” Abs asked, “So what should I do? I want to raised my kids Catholic. It’s important to me.” “Well Abs, it’s important to Dennis that [if you marry] both of you not raise kids with religion. This is fundamental shit here. This would be the source of future arguments. You now this. There really is no middle ground on this one. Unless either of you give in, you may as well end things sooner rather than later.”

I know a few people who were raised without religion, and they turned out to be fine, well-adjusted, productive and contributing members of society.

All this forces me to take my 16-year-old sister out for ice cream, and have a talk with her about how she needs to seek out what she believes. She attends mass with my mother every week. (Poor thing, I know what that was like.) And I want my sister to make her own, educated choices. By this, I mean she would expose herself to many different religions and learn about atheism too. She’s a smart girl, and I don’t want people to decide what she should believe in. *Ahem* Granted, I talk with her about how our current president is an absolute idiot, as well as how the Dems are idiots too for not getting the muthafukka out of office and present us with legit candidates. But, I always encourage her to find out for herself. Heh, I’ll point her to this site.

In a future posting, I’ll write about my last girlfriend, a Seventh Day Adventist… Oh man. Stay tuned for this one.

Sorry to digress. So Shadow Crossing is a great play...

ThumbSucker and I didn’t eat dinner tonight. So after returning to San Francisco, we went to the Equinox, a revolving rooftop restaurant. I had a Guinness. ThumbSucker had a Mojito. And we shared an order of buffalo chicken quesadillas.

At Midnight, we were beat. We took the number 15 bus from Second and Market to 26th and Third, and then walked a few blocks to the loft. No signs of Battle Cry.

Saturday, March 25
At Noon, we walked to Starbucks, then to Room & Board, then to the San Francisco MOMA, and then to the downtown area to look at a few shops. We didn’t buy anything, so today was a window-shopping day.

At 5:30 p.m., we ate dinner at Chevy’s. At 6:30 p.m., we watched Thank You for Smoking. Goodness this is a hilarious movie. Go see it! For anyone who works in PR, this movie glamorizes some of what we do. (No, we do not reveal secret corporate information while banging reporters.) But watch this movie – you’ll crack up.

After the movie, we walked to Second and Market to take the bus back to the loft. The bus was packed! Until tonight, I’ve not been on a packed bus. It was crazy! To add to the uncomfortable situation - that is smelly peeps surrounding you - we were stuck in traffic. Why? Battle Cry day deux.

Buses and SUVs, transporting God-loving teens clogged the streets. What an inconvenience, I said. But hey, it’s the same deal if the Giants were playing. They have the right. Tolerance never seems to be a two-way street.

My feet were blistered by the end of the night from all the walking. I need to figure this out. Is it my shoes or my socks? Either way, I hate blisters.

After the Battle Cry fiasco, ThumbSucker is depressed, and wants for us to move to Ireland or London. “Maybe you could work out of the London office...” Uh, no. I can’t. More like, I won’t. I’d rather continue to fight till some end, then leave if that was the last resort.

Sunday, March 26
We had dim sum at Ocean Restaurant. This is damn tasty dim sum on the cheap! Seriously, the seafood is always fresh. And g’dammit the cilantro prawn dumplings are just so f’ing tasty. Seriously. Check it out some time.

After dim sum, we drove to the Cliff House, and walked along what used to be the Sutro Baths. ThumbSucker picked flowers for a bouquet. He told me when he was a kid he made perfume from flowers. “Oh really? How’d it turn out?” “It gave my sister a skin irritation,” answered ThumbSucker. “I guess that cut that prospect then and there. You sure nipped it in the bud.”

We both cut the afternoon short as we both needed to work.

In the evening, ThumbSucker had to go to the office, but had a flat tire after only driving two blocks. I told him to use my car to go to the office, and we’ll change the flat tire for the spare when he returns. But he no longer wanted to go to the office, but rather wanted to “deal with this now,” pointing to the flat tire.

Because ThumbSucker can’t change a flat tire, it was assumed I would do it. Heck, I used to always rotate my tires every 5,000 miles back in the rice rocket days. But I didn’t feel like changing the tire “right now.” So we got into an argument. ThumbSucker said he didn’t expect me to change his tire (BULLSHIT!), and what he meant was he wanted to deal with the “situation” now. Whatever. I was pissed. The guy pointed to his tire, and said “I want to deal with this right now…” What else am I to think? He won’t change a tire. So this means he wanted me to.

I think my frustration lies with Thumbersucker being a man-child. For crying out loud, he can’t change a f’ing tire? Goodness.

This is what I mean by having my “right hand guy.” ThumbSucker is not that guy. It’s so f’ing frustrating. He calls me homophobic. I don’t think I am. It’s just that I need certain things from the person I want to spend the rest of my life with. Being able to change a tire is one of them.

Also, in order for him to sleep, I must hold him. “I must be held. I must be held.” So just imagine if I want to stay up. Goodness, I get so much grief.

I need to get out of this. Seriously.

Since this posting is so long, I may as well keep it going. I IMed with my buddy “DownOver” in Australia (Get it? Instead of Down Under, it’s DownOver. Har har.), and vented some of my frustrations regarding ThumbSucker.

Hey, DownOver: I know we all were teased as kids about our names, but, just be glad your first name isn’t Bend. ;-)

IM Convo
DownOver: still working?
me: no
DownOver: how’s the bf?
me: he's a pain.
DownOver: how so?
me: he can't change a spare tire.
me: so i'm frustrated with him.
DownOver: that’s very gay
me: what is?
DownOver: i've never understood the whole "i like dudes, but i'm a chick" thing
me: yeah.
me: it's so frustrating.
DownOver: have you seen little britain?
me: no
DownOver: there's a character called daffyth who's "the only gay in the village" (i.e., a total drama queen)
DownOver: there's one sketch where the dialogue is "Carry this! I'm a gay you see... we can't lift heavy objects" (in a welsh accent)
DownOver: (as he makes a woman carry his suitcase)
me: gah!
DownOver: too familiar?
me: yes! that hits too close to home.
DownOver: yeah helplessness pisses me off. i don't mind if people don't know how to do something. but if they don't know and show no interest in learning (or watching you do it) it REALLY gets to me. anyway dig up little britain if you ever get the chance
DownOver: its insane but very funny
me: ha. will do.
DownOver: isohunt.com has it if you can be bothered downloading
me: hmm, i've not tried downloading a movie.
DownOver: grab azureus and go nuts :-)
me: that sounds like trouble.
DownOver: most tv shows and a lot of movies available from isohunt
DownOver: its all very illegal and all :-)
DownOver: how’s life otherwise
me: grand. i do not have to be in detroit, michigan this week...
DownOver: hey is detroit as nasty has the movies make it out to be?
me: from what my work buddies tell me, detroit is still pretty ghetto.
me: but ThumbSucker said some of the suburbs are nice.
DownOver: sounds like a lot of cities - the closer you to to MLK, the nastier they are. out in the nice republican suburbs, life is beautiful.
me: it's so depressing. ThumbSucker wants to move back to ireland. and he wants me to come with.
me: i can't. more like, i won't.
DownOver: that’s a big ask
DownOver: how long you been together?
DownOver: [i kinda got the same situation at the end of the year... I'll get offered a job in the US, US immigration won't do squat for the bf, so I gotta hope they're cool with letting me work remotely and come to the US for a couple of months a year]
me: nearly three years.
DownOver: the only real problem is US being run by troglodytes. he's happy to move. but no way he'd get a visa. canada would give us both visas. anywhere in europe would
DownOver: (hell i've got UK citizenship)
DownOver: at least our country was founded by convicts, not puritans
me: ha!
DownOver: Australia's weird... the govt refuses to move on gay marriage, I think our PM fears teh ghey, but the vast majority of the benefits exist already under laws for defacto partnerships (where were quietly extended to same sex aaaaages ago), including immigration
DownOver: but all is good.
DownOver: i'm very domesticated and boring these days
me: ha.
DownOver: though thankfully not sufficiently domesticated to join the sunday brunch crowd
me: no to little drama is always a good thing.
me: haahhahaa. tea time, muthafukkas!
DownOver: haha
DownOver: i think i'm turning into a psudo-homophobic gay guy... i feel like a straight guy who likes dudes, and am COMPLETELY unable to identify with anything gay. even more so since i have a bf who's much the same as me
me: ThumbSucker calls me homophobic.
me: i really want out.
DownOver: him moving is a good excuse... if you can tolerate it until then
DownOver: just gotta hope he takes "don't stay for me" seriously
me: he won't leave unless i leave.
DownOver: oh god
me: yeah.
me: welcome to my catch22.
DownOver: ugh.. .so you gotta be the bad guy :-(
me: yep.

Transamerica

2006-03-23T21:59:00.000-08:00

Tonight, we watched Transamerica, a surprisingly good movie about a Los Angeles-based pre-operation transgender man-to-turn-woman who learns he has a 17-year-old son in New York. They both head west, enduring random adventure all the while learning about the other and themselves. Perhaps more than each bargained for.

iTunes has the soundtrack, which is surprising good too.

Give me some filaggrin and Ziploc skin

2006-03-20T19:33:00.000-08:00

Scientists at the University of Dundee claim they identified the gene that creates the protein filaggrin, which is important to ensure your skin forms a barrier to keep water in and foreign organisms out. Sounds like Ziploc to me.

So why do I care about this? Because I have asthma and eczemas.

I'll be following this one for developments...

O’Goodness

2006-03-19T20:49:00.000-08:00

ThumbSucker, Happyrock, V-Dub and I had breakfast on the upstairs deck as it was nice out. Scrambled eggs, turkey bacon, toast, grapes, apples and bananas. Fairly healthy I’d say… Again, V-Dub had more good stories to tell. I got an update on some of the guys I used to hang out with on a regular basis. Man, there is some drama going on. Aside from my issues with ThumbSucker, I am without drama in my life. This is a good thing, right?

We departed back for San Francisco at 12:15 p.m., and it took more than three hours to get back! Goodness, traffic everywhere! Usually it takes two hours, fifteen minutes. Fionnbharr slept on the rear deck for the entire trip. I hope he’s OK. He seemed slightly out of it.

When we got back to the loft, we cleaned-up, and headed to Marion and Cheryl’s house for the annual St. Patty’s Day party. Goodness, Irish peeps everywhere - 40 or 50 of them. Thank goodness I can understand them. Thanks to ThumbSucker, I know a few Irish words, and can translate for myself... Craic, shagger, fekkin', drink, tAnks, lout, grand, etc.

Nearly everyone is a parent with kids from three months to three years old. Too bad AMarc and EKil no longer live in San Francisco… I know Ekil would have loved this party – all the Irish peeps, mothers and kids…

In Ireland, Marion studied at the Cathal Brugha College of Catering. The food was very tasty – Irish sausage, corned beef hash, cottage/Sheppard’s pie, soda bread, quiche, an assortment of baked desserts and tons of drink. I had my fill of wine, Guinness and Irish coffee.

I saw Liz, her three-year-old kid, Finton and three-month-old, Theodora. Finton has grown so much since I last saw him. And Theodora is just too cute. She has peach-fuzz brownish hair and ocean blue eyes. I met so many other parents and their kids… One mother was sporting a sling-like baby carrier, by New Native. It’s cool. The kid looked so snug.

I swear, everyone I know is having kids, and I’m glad that there are some good parents out there. For some time, I was concerned that parenting was just a novel thing to some people.

OK, I’m dehydrated. I’m going to chug water, and then pass out. G’night.

Catching-up with V-Dub and Happyrock

2006-03-19T20:46:00.000-08:00

Friday, March 17
Happy St. Patty’s Day. Today, I wore green boxers so as not to get pinched by anyone. Not that I saw anyone except ThumbSucker as I worked from home at the LC today, and didn’t go out in the evening, and pooped out at 8:00 p.m. I guess my body is still adjusting between Eastern Time and Pacific Time. Goodness, am I getting old to where I no longer can pull all-nighters?

I did however dig a one-foot hole to install a four-foot 4”x4” post to install a new mailbox since a few weeks ago someone careened into our bank of mailboxes.

Also, I spoke with a former colleague who now works for a competitor, and wants me to come over. I said no. I told him what I tell everyone with an offer. “There is still a lot I want to do here, and I would not feel complete until I’ve accomplished them.” But it was good to talk with him. We plan to meet up next week for chow and to catch-up.

Saturday, March 18
I woke up at 4:00 a.m., and got a glass of water, then went back to bed. I awoke at 9:00 a.m. It has been quiet some time since I slept so long, but I guess it’s my body’s way of telling me, “Dude, Ed get some sleep already!”

At 10:00 a.m., ThumbSucker and I began cleaning the house as Happyrock and V-Dub were coming to visit. If you remember, V-Dub was jumped a few weeks ago. And Happyrock turned 26 earlier in the week.

I’m always excited to have visitors. At Noon, we took a break; drove to downtown Kelseyville to have lunch at Studebaker’s and read the San Francisco Chronicle. Afterwards, we drove up to the Safeway in Lakeport for dinner items. On the way back, we stopped at the Kmart in Lakeport. Goodness, this place is G-H-E-T-T-O! I fear for the children born in this town who do not find a way out. It’s really very sad and depressing.

We continued cleaning when we returned to the house, and began prepping for dinner as Happyrock and V-Dob would arrive in a couple hours or so.

At 8:00 p.m., they arrived, after getting lost in the dark. This is why I always advise people to drive to the LC during the day. Listen, people!

So we had dinner and a few bottles of wine, and chatted until 1:00 a.m. It was good to catch-up on things. V-Dub has some interesting stories, and it is he who shares without regard. I’ve become more filtered over the years. I rarely hear anyone tell me, “TMI! TMI!”

Dreaming in Dutch?

2006-03-17T09:51:00.000-08:00

Last night, I dreamt someone at the mothership asked me and a few others if we'd move to Amsterdam to open an office so we could establish a presence. "We need one person from sales, marketing, PR, engineering and tech support to launch the office. You need to let us know by tomorrow if you accept this position."

Goodness, I have not been to Amsterdam.

Blast from the past

2006-03-15T12:42:00.000-08:00

On my drive back to the office from lunch at Quiznos, I saw the car Gimpy (my first bf) and I bought together, a dark blue 1998 Acura Integra GS-R 4-door. We called it Blueberry. It looks the same as the day when Gimpy and I broke up - clean and dumped.

Oh the street racing days... I remember teaching Gimpy how to drive stick, and Gimpy crashing the car on highway 17, and the all the after-market crap we added to the car (stereo, suspension, bolt-on engine gear).

Catching up

2006-03-15T09:19:00.000-08:00

I didn’t want to let too much time pass without posting.

Friday, March 10
I drove from the mothership to west midtown Manhattan, encountering pockets of traffic along the way. In the end, it took 2.5 hours from point A to point B, and this is the commute “against traffic.” As I crawled at 10-15 MPH, I looked at traffic heading east bound, and shuddered. I do not know how people do this commute.

Once I entered the city at the Queens-Midtown Bridge, another 30 minutes past just to get to the Hertz located on 55th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues. ThumbSucker met me there as the hotel is located only a few blocks around the corner. After ridding the car, we walk back to the hotel, dropped off our luggage, and headed out for dinner. We passed a restaurant called Osteria del Circo. It was cheesy, but we were starved. The food wasn’t bad, but definitely overpriced, and the wine was barely drinkable. “You know the wine is bad if I can’t even finish the bottle,” said ThumbSucker.

After dinner, we took the subway to Greenwich Village, to see where Stonewall took place. To be honest, it was anti-climatic, and both ThumbSucker and I felt bad for thinking the same thing. “OK, this is it?” We walked around, before stopping at the local Starbucks for a pick-me-up latte. After walking around for a few more minutes, we decided to call it a night. We both were beat.

On the subway ride to the hotel, I wanted to walk around Columbus Circle even if it the area was closed for the night at 11:00 p.m. ThumbSucker - cranky and all, didn’t want to. His argument is that we should go during the day when the shops are open so there is more to see. I didn’t care to go to the shops. I just wanted to walk around the circle. The visit would add no more than 15 minutes to the evening. His childhood tendencies kicked-in, and I was not having it. “Hey, while I was in the office this week, you were sight-seeing. You went to museums, shops and tourist areas. Tonight, I drove nearly three hours in traffic, and all I want to do is walk around the friggin’ circle.” The remainder of the night was not pretty. *sigh* I was not going to give up this one. But after one hour, I said screw it. I wanted to go to sleep, and to be left alone.

Actually, I wanted to go for a drive, by myself, with the windows rolled down, the heater cranked up, and the 15 tracks of Journey’s Greatest Hits cranked up as well. I wanted to be in the LC – quiet, warm, comfortable.

Saturday, March 11
We woke up, had breakfast in the room then headed out to the Bronx! That’s right, the Bronx. We took the number 2 subway to the Bronx, and walked to the Bronx Zoo. “Tigers, monkeys and mice… How nice.” We also saw leopards, red-tailed pandas and other rodents. Two hours later, our feet were blistered.

We took the number 2 subway back to Central Park, and walked the entire length of park on the east side. Once back at the hotel, we showered, and then headed out for dinner. We headed to Gramercy Park – which seems like a neighborhood on the up and up – to dine at Kitchen 22. I am becoming a fan of the pre fixe dinner. For $25 each, we had the Italian Wedding soup, the pork chops (ThumbSucker) and the chicken wrapped in procicuto (me), as well as the chocolate mousse. The wine was pretty tasty too. Hands down, this was our best dining experience on this trip.

Sunday, March 12
We woke up, got ready, packed, checked-out of the room, and checked-in our luggage with the bell guy.

So ThumbSucker’s has a friend who I will call 2Pay (a lá 2Pac as in Tupac Shakur) because he wears a toupee. 2Pay told ThumbSucker about a store called Century 21. “It’s like a Marshalls, but they sell Prada, Versace, D&G and other designers. We don’t have anything like it in California.” Even though I’m not of the Prada-wearing variety, I was intrigued. We had to check it out.

I saw mayhem when we entered. It looked like Christmas at a department store for goodness sake. ThumbSucker went to town, collecting two baskets of clothes to try on. I found one shirt and a few packs of socks. In the end, ThumbSucker got socks and a shirt for 2-Pay since he cat-sat Fionnbharr.

I purchased a shirt (which I later learned from Mcgoo that he has the same exact one) and a pair of gray and orange Playboy logo socks – happy socks, they are called. MarcusD introduced me to the concept of happy socks – wearing fun and funky looking socks for during the day if you’re feeling sad or down, you look at them and can’t help but to be happy. It’s one way to help take away any seriousness, especially at work. Happy socks… Try them out for yourself. I remember a friend many years ago wore black socks with green frogs on them, and she was always happy.

After Century 21, we went back to Lombardi’s in SOHO for some of that damn tasty pizza. This was like our “last supper” before we head back to San Francisco. Mmm. New York-style pizza… I will dream of it. After the late lunch, we high-tailed it to the hotel, collected our luggage, and took a car to JFK.

See my recent SMS messages for what happen once we boarded the plane. Goodness that was a nightmare. I, along with a few others around me, thought we’d die because of the idiot American Airlines’ “customer representative.” Essentially, our plane had maintenance and mechanical issues. Seriously.

2006-03-13T01:17:00.000-08:00

SMS: JUST GOT HOME! I'M BEAT. G'night.

2006-03-13T00:26:00.000-08:00

SMS: We're alive. We just landed.

2006-03-12T17:36:00.000-08:00

SMS:Something doesn't feel right. If I die. Someone sue AA's ass. Seriously! Don't know what going on, & AA rep is a f'ing ASSHOLE.

2006-03-12T17:33:00.000-08:00

SMS: 1st prob was generator warning light. 2nd prob was w/ engine. What will 3rd prob B? If we deboad plane, our luggage continues 2 SFO w/o us.

2006-03-12T17:30:00.000-08:00

SMS: AA customer rep is RUDE. Total asshole. I'm writing ltr 2 AA. This is a poor Xperience. Again, don't feel safe. We've not been told NEthing.

2006-03-12T17:27:00.000-08:00

SMS: FYI - my flight number is American Airlines 177, JFK 2 SFO... That was supposed 2 leave @ 6:00 PM ET. It's 8:26 PM ET now.

2006-03-12T17:24:00.000-08:00

SMS: We're going 2 try this 4 the 3rd time. Just got thumbs up from engineer. Wish us luck. (Pilot hasn't done good job to make us feel safe.)

2006-03-12T17:20:00.000-08:00

SMS: I've been in this seat 4 2.5 hrs, & we're still @ the gate. Crazy. So may stay in NYC tonight if American Airlines can't figure this out.

2006-03-12T17:09:00.000-08:00

SMS: 2nd attempt Fter 1.5 hrs. Pilot: "It's not working!" I think we're stuck in NY 4 the night. We'll see. Stay tuned. Least I won't die in air.

2006-03-12T15:49:00.000-08:00

SMS: Plane was about 2 take off, but the generator warning light came on. Back 2 the gate 4 a tech check. If I die 2night, I love U all. E-Double

2006-03-10T14:38:00.000-08:00

SMS: Stuck in traffic on LIE westbound at exit 47. It's 74 degrees. Feels good. :)

2006-03-10T14:30:00.000-08:00

SMS: Driving westbound on the LIE heading into the city. Amazing sunset. 61 degrees.

Pizzelle

2006-03-10T06:21:00.000-08:00

I just ate a pizzelle, an Italian waffle cookie. I love it!

It's a far more fancy cookie than what you'll discover in a Pepperidge Farms bag because of the design forged by a pizzelle maker. What's better is you can shape a semi-warm pizzelle into a cone for an ice cream snack, or press ice cream between two flat pizzelles for an ice cream sandwich. Either way, you can't lose. Well, you certainly won't lose inches along the waist line because they are so damn tasty, you'll keep eating them. Practice moderation on these babies.

Thanks, but no thanks

2006-03-09T18:01:00.000-08:00

Recruiters have been calling a lot as of late for some reason. Today, I received the best offer ever from a recruiter for a legit security networking solutions company located in the Bay Area's Peninsula. (Internal process: hmm, cut commute down to 25 from 65 minutes.) "You would report directly to the VP of marketing, and the compensation package is very attractive." "Oh really," I asked? (Internal process: goodness, it would be a 90 to 100 percent increase.) "And options since the company is pre-IPO. And bonus based on BMO." (Internal process: OK, so we're up to 120 percent.)

"Great," I answered.
Recruiter: So are you interested?
me: You know, I am extremely happy with [mothership name].
Recruiter: Actually, I used to work at [mothership name] as an account manager, but left a not even a year ago.
me: Oh really?

We talked about people he used to work with, as well as some of the products he sold. He retained knowledge of some of the product names, which impressed me.

Recruiter: What areas do you work in at [mothership name]?
I told him, along with my client names.
Recruiter: Oh yes, they came out a couple times to help me on deals. So, are sure you're not interested?
me: Yes, but I tell you what... Shoot me an email, and I'll forward it to some friends and colleagues.
Recruiter: I believe you worked at Edel..., right?
me: Yes.
Recruiter: Would you send it to them?
me: Yes, and a few other pals at other PR firms and vendor companies.
Recruiter: Also, I give iPod for referrals.
me: Splendid!

120 percent increase is incredible, but money is not my M.O. I'm happy where I'm at. There are challenges I first need to win over before I would even consider moving on.

That said, let me know if YOU are interested in the position. I'd love a new iPod. ;)

Stomach

2006-03-09T12:40:00.000-08:00

My stomach is wrecked from the Indian food last night. I'm not feeling too hot. I'm eating chicken soup and salad for a couple weeks.

2006-03-09T07:56:00.000-08:00

SMS: I take back what I said abt the Indian restaurant. My stomach is killing me 2day! The search 4 another restaurant begins next visit.

Spicy

2006-03-08T19:05:00.000-08:00

I left the office at 8:00 p.m. ET and picked-up ThumbSucker from the Ronkonkoma train station at 8:12 p.m. Perfect timing.

Both of us were hungry, but we didn't want burgers, pizza or pasta. We wanted spicy food! I drove east on the LIE, exited on 61, and headed north. I made a left at one of the lights, and drove until we found it. "It" is House of India, located at 2811 Middle Country Road in Lake Grove, NY. Thank goodness we found you.

We had the saag paneer, chicken tikka masala, two orders of garlic naan and two mango lasis. "Mild, medium or hot," asked the waiter. "Hot!" That's right. Indian is damn good food for cold nights, which was tonight - cold. High-30s-cold.

At any rate, we ate, and made our way back to the LIE.

I need to hit the sack soon. I'm STILL on PT.

G'night.

Dreams, resolution and Dehtwah

2006-03-08T06:30:00.000-08:00

I don't remember too much from my dream last night, expect that I was running barefoot up San Francisco streets. I slept better last night, but my body still tells me that it's 3:30 a.m. PT when I wake up at 6:30 a.m. in New York.

Today, I will not drink coffee. This decision has nothing to do with recent findings that indicate coffee may increase the risk of a heart attack. I merely want to revert to drinking six to eight cups of green tea each day.

Speaking of coffee and heart attacks, you wonder if Starbucks and other coffee vendors will print a warning label on their coffee-based products. See the surgeon general's report (pdf file) on reducing tobacco use. Perhaps for coffee we'll see, "WARNING: Drinking coffee may stain teeth, contribute to bad breath, possibly dehydrate you and turn your pee yellow among other things." Or perhaps, "WARNING: Coffee is not a safe alternative for bottled water."

Coffee ($3.75 a cup), cigarettes ($4.75 a pack), what's the difference when you're paying for health aches? Who cares, vices are damn fun! Inject meth while at work to kick up the interesting-factor... Be a career home wrecker... It's all good in the hood.

Speaking of the hood, I told Chip I will travel to Detroit at the end of the month. (For a couple of my colleagues, that's Detroit pronounced "Dehtwah" a la "Tarjet," not TARget.)

Chip is from Indiana, and currently lives in Chicago. Although it would be great for Chip to visit while I'm representing 415/408 in the 313, he politely declined. "[my name], I love you, but I don't love you that much to go to Detroit. You need to make sure you don't look like you have anything. If you do not get mugged by the time you return to San Francisco, you'll thank me. It's filthy! It makes Oakland look like Bel Air. It is the f'ing hood. Remember that commercial when a man disguises his car to look like an old beat up Chevy Chevelle or something, but actually it's a Hyundai underneath? That's Detroit! It's the armpit of the midwest. Actually, it's the worst of the armpits of the midwest."

"But I'm going to a professional conference," I said.
Chip: "Your colleagues should do the same - dress as if you do not have anything. If they've been, then they already know."
me: "I've watched 8 Mile."
Chip: "Exactly. Detroit's city motto should be pimps up, hoes down!"

More Tales of New York

2006-03-07T20:10:00.000-08:00

Monday, March 6
After work, I took the train to Manhattan.

On the train, a man did not have enough money for a train ride from Ronkonkoma to Farmingdale. To the ticket collector: “Sorry, I only have a dollar. Will you take that?” He paid with four quarters. I was about to offer to pay, but quickly thought that it would not be necessary, and would only make the matter into a situation. Ticket collector: “Yes, sir - no problem. Thank you.” People always tell me that New Yorkers are rude. This may be true, and in the past couple days, I definitely witnessed and experienced behavior to validate this. However, I’ve also seen amazing acts of respect and humanity among New Yorkers. This gives me faith in our human race.

To the man who sat across from me, I hope you reach your destination safely.

Today was the first time to experience rush hour in Manhattan. I’m used to traveling the opposite of traffic. However, this time I was not in my car on Highway 280 or 85. This time, I was not behind the steering wheel. This time, I felt like a salmon, swimming against the rushing current of people wanting to be at their homes. I saw trains and subway car packed to the stretch with commuters. I could only imagine what dead sardines feel. This is the time when you hope your deodorant doesn’t fail you. But more importantly, this is when you hope others’ deodorants do not fail. “Summer, summer, summer time…”

I met ThumbSucker at 34th Street and 7th Avenue. We went into Macy’s, but left shortly after as we both were hungry, and I needed to get back at a decent hour; so our time in the city was limited. We took one of the green line subway cars to Spring Street in SoHo. We knew our purpose – we came to eat at Lombardi’s. I take back what I said when I had that slice of pizza at Penn Station two months ago. This time I truly had f’ing amazing pizza. Toppings: pepperoni, handmade meatballs, wild mushrooms and extra mozzarella cheese. Incredibly delicious! Incredibly tasty! After dinner, we walked to Canal Street and 6th Avenue to catch the 1 subway uptown to Penn Station. We barely made the train back to Ronkonkoma. “Looks like we made it.”

Late in the evening, we got back to the hotel. I got online and on email to catch up on a few things.

I called the front desk to schedule my 6:30 a.m. ET wake up call, and found out that one of the two shuttle vans will be in the shop for repair and maintenance for THE NEXT THREE DAYS! Goodness. Because the hotel has a contract to shuttle employees of the company located across the street, my priority level dropped like cement shoes in the Hudson River. The earliest I could get a ride into the office is 9:30 a.m. 9:30! That means I would not be in the office, and on email until 9:50 or 10:00 a.m.!

A taxi ride each way costs approximately $25, so I decided to reserve a rental car. This is when things go from bad to worse...

Tuesday, March 7
The least expensive car I could get is a white Toyota Corolla from Hertz at the Islip Long Island MacArthur Airport at the rate of $83 per day! Sorry, but WTF? A Corolla for $83 a day? I guess the rules of supply and demand apply here, and Hertz has me by my family jewels. Goodness. Goodness! To date, this is the shaft of the year!

Next time I come out to Long Island… If I come out again; I will rent a car from a car rental service at JFK. Screw that! $83 a day for a Corolla…

After work I picked-up ThumbSucker from the Ronkonkoma train station. That’s right. I decided to make the most of the Corolla while I have it. Immediately we departed for Southampton. We took the LIE east to exit 62S, which is highway 97 southbound. Then we took highway 27 east; to 24 south; to 8 east. 45 minutes later, we were in the downtown area of Southampton.

Southampton was not busy. We drove around, and finally parked in front of the Theory store. We walked across the street to the corner, and entered Le Chef, a small yet charming yet trapped in the 80s preppy pastel restaurant, which offers a $24.95 pre fixe dinner. I had a glass of pinot noir, their caesar salad, shrimp scampi ravioli and cappuccino mousse. ThumbSucker had a few glasses of the cab, their pea zucchini soup, shrimp scampi ravioli and cheese cake. OMG, dinner was tasty. I was beyond content.

50 minutes later, we were back in Hauppauge. I’m beat.

G’night.