The Mis-Adventures of the Glow-Go-Boy

Halloween Headache (but worth it)

2009-10-22T12:54:00.005-04:00

So this year I'm doing a re-vamp of my successful 2002 costume of "Tron". I'm taking my queues from the upcoming sequel to "Tron" called "Tron: Legacy" which looks very promising!

I started with an Xelement bikers vest:

Add about 60 feet of red EL Wire:

And copious amounts of martinis in order to sew the EL Wire onto the vest:

After two weeks of periodic work, the vest is now finished!

Life, Love, and Sappiness

2009-04-24T15:48:00.002-04:00

Summer. OH MY GOSH I AM SO fracking glad! I was about OVER all the winter wonderland weather (freezing my ass off). Today it is supposed to be 80-degrees and I can NOT be happier.

Lots has gone since I've been bad about blog updates! Let's start off with the more "interesting" things.

Well for starters, we had our house burglarized. We were out at dinner and cocktails with a few friends when we got a call from the Alarm company. Sean dashed home (as I stayed and paid the bill). Our friends dropped me off at the house and I find the front door kicked in, my Nintendo Wii on the floor and our new-ish 42" Westinghouse LCD TV GONE! *gasp* How am I supposed to watch Battlestar Galactica and Lost? Grrrr...add to that Sean's laptop with some *cough* very personal videos on it. I guess I can't run for senator now...:)

*sigh* We found out last week that they at least caught one of the guys. Thankfully we weren't home because this gang of thugs already had killed one guy. All I can say to that is, "Get your own toys, bitches!"

Softball season has started and MAN is it wierd. First of all, my team has moved up divisions to play in the C Division. We are 1:1 so far and held our own against another newly moved C team. It'll be really interesting when we play the more senior C teams.

Sean is playing this year :) Yay for my man! I think I enjoy watching him run back and forth between the dugout and the outfield way too much. There's been a little drama for him, but I think it may get sorted out. We'll see.

I took a big step in our relationship when I moved my computer rig into Sean's house. I mean, what's the point of having a quad-core, 4GB, kick ass gaming rig that you never get to use because it's at your other house? It's nice to have :) Been playing some "Left 4 Dead" while Sean plays a few games I bought him on the PS3. He's getting pretty good at a few of them. He's turning into a casual gamer (which is one of the most promising gaming markets right now).

This weekend, we are going to attend the 2009 Inman Park Festival and I hope to have some pictures (yes, I will be updating this blog soon) with some funny stories perhaps.

Ah, well. Gotta get back to work and finish a few things so I can get the frack out of here!

What's going on ya'll???

2009-01-20T15:40:00.008-05:00

OK OK! I know I have been lazy. Yes lazy. But for those of you that know me, that shouldn't come as a big surprise, eh?

What was the BIG reveal?

Did I get my hair did?

Not quite! Although I do I wish I had hair to get "did" :)

I was invited to compete in the 2008 NAGAAA Softball World Series in Seattle, WA as part of the Atlanta Muddawgs. Now...I know...I work at Georgia Tech and anything with the word "dawg" is kind of a scratch on the blackboard...but I just HAD to go!!!

I was invited to be a pick-up player and participate in the capacity of the "utility player" since I can play outfield, shortstop, and catcher (again...stop with the snickering from the peanut gallery ;). This would be my FOURTH world series, the first three being as a player with the Woofs Wackers.

I had never been to Seattle before so this was going to be a great experience. And as luck would have it, my other half, Sean, was able to come up and see me play and help out keeping things in line (namely me!).

Some of the most memorable moments of our trip were:

Oswalt dancing with a little person nicknamed "Happy Meal" at the opening party.
Visiting Fisherman's Wharf and all the fantastic flowers
Visiting the first Starbucks.
Ron voting for himself because he wanted the trophy so bad.
Going to Vancouver afterwards to visit my friend Jason whom I had only known on the Internet but have known him for YEARS.

For your enjoyment, here is my Picasa album of the trip!

2008 NAGAAA Softball World Series

And for your information...after a hard long fight...and a protest...we got SECOND PLACE. :)

After spending weeks practicing and a whole week with these guys in Seattle...they offered me a place on their 2009 roster! And I took it! :)

I'll miss my previous team the Woofs Wackers greatly, but it's time for a change.

The First Rule of Picking up Girls

2008-09-15T13:46:00.002-04:00

Posted by "zappepcs" on slashdot.org:

"The first rule of picking up girls: No matter how hot she is, wait for her to speak. If you don't want to hear that at breakfast, toss her to the curb.Me? I'm certain I don't want to hear Sarah Palin over breakfast... unless she is congratulating someone else on winning the election instead of her."

I had to post this...I laughed my ASS off when I read this...

Interlude before the big reveal...

2008-08-15T11:53:00.002-04:00

I got Marie Digby's album the other week and it's a great piece of sound. I think these candid videos of her singing are just fantastic. There's a lot going on right now in my little world (both good and bad) so I'm going to take a break. This song is kind of how I feel right now.

More updates coming as soon as I have the time and energy!

Long time, no see

2008-08-12T20:48:00.005-04:00

OK! So. Here we are again, staring each other in the face after the longest time. Your eyes are open wide with antici...PATION. HA! (For those of you born AFTER 1980, that is a reference to "Rocky Horror Picture Show").

Lots and lots has been going on! When I posted last, it was just before the Hotlanta Softball tournament where I played for the first time with a new team, the Atlanta Muddawgs. Turned out to be A LOT of fun. I played mostly catcher (don't snicker) and definitely played some good game. I remember at one point overhearing these two guys behind the place (I don't think they thought I was listening since I was warming up on the field with my pitcher) but he said, "See that guy, the catcher right there? Man...he's just one big bundle of testosterone!" *LAUGH* I thought (having been diagnosed with low-T) that was pretty damn funny!

It was a really great time but unfortunately, we didn't place in the tournament. I did get to meet a new team and have lots and lots of fun!

BUT, my softball whoring around was far from finished as I was invited to tag along with the Roosters to fantastic Toronto, CA! And boy, howdy, was that an exciting trip. Sean came along with me and we went to Niagara Falls for a half-day for some sightseeing.

The trip was great and having never seen Niagara Falls, it was an interesting experience. The falls aren't actually that big. I was kind of disappointed after all the imagery from television and movies. They were, however, definitely a force of nature that you do NOT play around with. The force of the water when we were on the deck near the Bridal Veil Falls was pretty freaking strong. And COOOOOLD! Holy cow I think I lost my penis up my sternum!

But we had a train to catch to Toronto and a softball tournament to win! For a train ride, it was actually quite roomy and very smooth. It was nice to have some time to talk with Sean and laugh. We snoozed a bit, but we the excitement of travelling made that kind of hard.

This was my third time to Toronto and Sean's first. The hotel we were staying at was right 2 blocks from the gay area and unlike Atlanta, everything is mostly in the same area. The weather was perfect for softball. 80 degrees and clear skies!

We played well, but after all was said and done, no trophy. However, I did get to meet up with an old country western dance buddy, Tony. I have always had a soft spot for Tony and he is once of the nicest people I have ever met. It was nice to be able to introduce Sean to him and for him to see my new teeth! :) He pointed out to Sean that he knew me when I was (and he squeezed his fingers together) "this big". And he did. He met me first in 1999 which was my first competition for country-western line dance ever.

Our return trip was uneventful, but Sean made me promise that next trip, we would go early or stay late to have some time for "just us". I knew that it would be "softball overload" having seen other "softball wives" tire of the whole circus that is a softball event.

But...the biggest surprise was just around the corner...who knew?

The Big Show

2008-05-05T10:09:00.002-04:00

Ladies and Gentlemen! Presenting for your entertainment purposes for one day only...a BLOG UPDATE! *gasp*

Yes, yes, I know. I have got to be more consistent with these things! But I have been running around like a chicken with his head cut off trying to help Mr. Sean with his new house. Important things like arguing over drapes, building a concrete platform for the air conditioner, and going on more trips to Home Depot than to a bar.

I have to admit, I have said before "If being in a relationship were easy, everyone would be in one." and mine is no exception. It's not really hard, I have a great guy who puts up with all MY crap, but it seems you have twice the amount of stuff to do sometimes! :) Thank the Universe, I LOVE being busy!

We had Sean's house warming party about three weeks ago and let me tell you, that boy is CRAZY! I remember coming in one evening and he's standing with a bucket in the sink filling it up with water. I raise an eyebrow and hesitantly asked, "Umm...what are you doing?" to which he happily replied, "I'm going to mop the floor." I loudly said, "Dude...you do NOT mop a hard wood floor with Polmolive!" I'll never forget his response...

"But soap is soap is soap! Why not?!?! What the heck am I supposed to use?"

Thank the Universe he is so cute!

But the biggest "discussion" and I use that term lightly, was about getting some draperies hung in the livingroom. There were a variety of reasons why I really wanted to get some. Home security for people NOT to see what he has on the inside and decide to rob it...having some privacy when he decides to paint naked at 2AM in the morning ;) It was more playful than arguing about whether or not we needed them, but finally I found some that were within his price range. As most of you know, draperies are NOT cheap. I found some amazing red embroidered panels on closeout from Pier 1.

[ picture here ]

We even had to ask his parents and my sister to look for a panel at the Pier 1's around them! After a total of 5 stores and 3 states, we have a full set for the livingroom/diningroom and I have been told at the housewarming that they are fantastic!

Now...the housewarming is a completely different story...

The funniest thing was the day before the party, we were going over a checklist of things that had to get done on our last day.

"Vodka?"
"Check!"
"Plastic Cups?"
"Check!"
"Munchies?"
"I got that covered."

Knowing this man of mine like I do, I peered at him and asked, "Let's see what you got?" and he proudly went to the cabinet and pulled out two bags of Tostitos and some salsa.

That's it.

I turned away, picked up a notepad and asked, "What's my budget for food? I mean...these queens may not eat the food, but it's social suicide if you don't have any there!"

Hahahahah!

This past weekend we were the backup dancers for my new roommate in the 2008 Miss Hotlanta Softball Pageant. Since I spend a good number of days at Sean's house I figured that I could give up my spare bedroom and rent it out to a buddy of mine who I trust and who needed a place to live. He basically has this place to himself on the weekends and it will help me pay off my teeth! But the show was pretty good! I mean, for only practicing maybe 4 hours and having to get some help from one of Sean's friends at the last minute...we had a blast and got a good laugh! We did kind of a "western theater" to Miley Cyrus' "See You Again" that Sean turned me on to a couple of weeks ago.

This weekend is really really packed what with his parents coming into town and he has a friend from up north in visiting. I decided at the last minute to play in the softball tournament this weekend so I'll be running around doing that.

I'll try and take some pictures as I can throughout the weekend!

I get the hint!

2008-03-26T11:38:00.004-04:00

So I got an e-mail from one of my readers that said:

"No update in a month... that must mean u and Sean are back together."

Even Sean commented that we need to break up every so often so I can keep up. Do please pardon my lack of updates but things have been HECTIC. After my wisdom teeth came out, it took me a good month to recover. I was on hydrocodone yet again for about three weeks.

But yes, things are going well with Sean and I. There have been a couple of minor speedbumps, but as I've said before, "If relationships were easy, everyone would be in one!" I think the month off did both of us good.

Sean is closing on a new house next Monday and I am trying to keep him sane. He's such a worry wart that he isn't getting any sleep. :( We have been shopping for furniture on Craigs List and THAT has been fun. I bought him a dresser that I will be refinishing for him as a house warming. Should be fun. I have never refinished anything before so it will be something new to learn.

We were looked at a couch for Sean late one afternoon and after we saw it, we had to go get cash out of an ATM. While in the car I was asking things like "Well...will it fit? Is it the color you had in mind? So...the thing makes an 'L' like this *hand gesture*, is that how you wanted the layout of the room to go?" Yes...I am a Design Fag. I think I've watched too many shows on HGTV and TLC. All of a sudden Sean's face got really flushed and he starts yelling at me:

"WHY ARE YOU ASKING ME THIS NOW? I DON'T KNOW! I JUST WANT A COUCH! I LIKE THE COUCH! AND I AM NOT MEANING TO YELL AT YOU! I AM NOT MAD! I AM JUST SO FU*KING HUNGRY I CAN'T STAND IT!"

I got really quiet for a minute and said, "Ok."

He sighs and apologizes and says, "I'm sorry, I just need something to eat. It's not you, these are all good questions and I really need for you to ask them...oh look, there's a Chic-Fil-et" and steers the car to the right hand lane to turn in.

I close my eyes, brace myself, and say placing my hand gently on his knee, "Babes...it's Sunday."
...

...
He screams and just had to laugh at the irony of it all.

Thankfully, with all this house/furniture stuff going on, we got to get out of town and forget things for awhile. This past weekend we went with my softball team, the Woofs Wackers, to Birmingham, AL to compete in a softball tournament. I played catcher for the tournament and I got two good plays at home and almost tagged this guy out (in the process practically bending my arm backwards like a Gumby doll).

Sean didn't get to play, but my Coach added him to the roster just in case we needed a runner. I'm hoping to train him up a bit as I think he'd enjoy playing. Right now he's having a really good time with Flag Football. Unfortunately, my softball practice is often during his games so I may have to skip out on practice a couple of times since I want to support him as much as he supports me and my (softball) addiction.

Whole lotta shakin going on!

2008-02-26T10:42:00.002-05:00

So I am totally in love with the Playstation 3 games "Rock Band" and "Guitar Hero III". Enjoying the heck out of playing lead guitar while Sean busts it out on the drum set.

So my friend David in Orlando has been screaming for a new picture of the teeth. I had about 1/4 inches of gum removed from my teeth and now I feel like a chipmunk! LOL :)

Not the best picture, but everyone says it is a HUGE difference in my appearance. I am excited that things have been healing so well because I get to have a consult for veneers to REALLY straighten things out in 3 weeks. I can't wait!

I am in pain today though since I just had my wisdom teeth out this past Friday. Today is rainy so I think its causing me some difficulty. I even had to ice my mouth last night.

One of the (many) things I love about Sean...

2008-02-21T14:04:00.002-05:00

One of the things I love most about Sean is that his grasp of the English language is sometimes...suspect? :) Most times, I just let it go in one ear and get reprocessed into whatever it is I think he's saying (or is that what I WANT him to be saying? HA!) But it's definitely one of the things that makes me smile :)

(01:53:52 PM) Neon: tee hee, I like Rick Astley
(01:54:08 PM) Sean: * eye roll *
(01:54:21 PM) Neon: HEY
(01:54:29 PM) Neon: don't make fun of my diva
(01:54:34 PM) Neon: hahahhaa
(01:55:43 PM) Neon: http://www.yougotrickrolled.com/
(01:57:12 PM) Sean: He is soo day
(01:57:13 PM) Sean: gay
(01:57:37 PM) Neon: well NOW...but back in the 80s...he's actually one of the few billionaire's left from that musical era
(01:58:30 PM) Sean: All the information I need
(01:58:53 PM) Neon: but I have even MORE facts about the fabu Rick Astley I need to share!
(01:59:44 PM) Sean: Save it for later..
(01:59:51 PM) Neon: gym conversation tonite
(02:00:05 PM) Neon: You will be ENTHRALLED with my knowledge!
(02:01:02 PM) Sean: I wait with Baby's breath
(02:01:22 PM) Neon: sometimes...your usage of the English language scares me :)
(02:01:35 PM) Sean: "boo"
(02:01:37 PM) Neon: Baby's breath is like a flower...
(02:01:50 PM) Neon: used as accents most often in bridal bouquets
(02:01:54 PM) Sean: Baited breath
(02:01:58 PM) Neon: baited ;)
(02:02:04 PM) Sean: That was a typo
(02:02:10 PM) Neon: I AM LAUGHING SO Fing HARD
(02:02:11 PM) Sean: ;_0

Kind of makes you wonder...

2008-02-05T10:44:00.000-05:00

So. I just found out one of my coworkers died this past weekend. After I found out, I saw that he was still logged into instant messenger...

"I'm not here right now" kind of sticks out doesn't it? He was a good man and very good to me, both professionally and personally. Always asked about my dog, laughed with me over my gay jokes. Always had a smile on his face.

He was young too...early 30's. Don't really know what happened. Teared up a little bit because I know I'll miss him. When I decided to turn my thoughts to work to forget about it for awhile, I turned on my internet radio and the VERY first song (and it had JUST started) was Madonna's "Like a Prayer". I looked upwards and said out loud, "Very funny, Justin.", and chuckled briefly. Maybe coincidence...maybe one last smile for me from him.

Mouth Surgery

2008-02-01T23:00:00.000-05:00

So, I've been afflicted with what is commonly referred to as a "gummy smile" and have always been self conscious about it. Once, someone even referred to me as "gummy bear" which (admittedly was kind of funny) hurt my feelings a little bit.

Well...I finally found a dentist that I am confident and comfortable with who is helping me improve my look. And I couldn't be happier. Unfortunately...this does involve some major oral surgery and I am one week after being sliced and diced for four hours. I am VERY happy with the results, but it's going to be quite a long road to complete recovery.

Once things get a little more healed up, I will post some pictures :)

TOO fracking funny!

2008-01-18T21:58:00.000-05:00

I saw this on a guy's online profile and just HAD to reprint it here for your enjoyment!

"I don't care what you look like, how much you weigh, how big your arms are, how long your dick is or whether you want to show face or not. Just be nice and I will be nice back. Eventually, we will ALL look like Barbara Bush. Nice people will still have people who love them. The rest of you will be alone."

Fan-freaking-tastic!

2nd try...170g of Protein

2008-01-11T10:48:00.001-05:00

Talked with a trainer lady (I may hire her for a few sessions if she's available) about nutrition and working out while waiting for a smoothie the other day.

Apparently I am wasting my time if I don't get about 8 glasses of water before I come into the gym and I have got to double my protein intake if I expect to gain any mass. I think I have an athletic body, but I would love to have a bit more mass on me before softball season starts.

And thus (though I have known this information before) I once again am going to see how things can work out for the month of January attempting to eat this crazy amount of protein!

Already, I think I am tired of protein shakes. :)

And, for those of you that have been paying attention to my life, don't read into this song I found. Its just something I really liked and though I should share!

The weather this month is in total flux. It was actually 70 degrees. I keep going from heat to air conditioner, sometimes switching twice a day! I can't WAIT until spring/summer. I miss feeling the hot sun on my body and working in the backyard and getting all sweaty and sawdusted.

I am going to take some pictures of my master bathroom as I may begin demolition of it this weekend. Sean is away attending his grandmother's funeral so its a nice time while he's out of the way :) LOL :) Just turn on the music and swing that hammer!

Spring in Winter

2008-01-07T18:59:00.000-05:00

My goodness! Today was a FANTASTIC day. The weather was about 70 degrees around the time I jaunted up to the gym for a workout with Nick (my gym partner). The college boys were out (too cool for shirtless yet, darnit) but the shorts and flip-flops were everywhere you turn. Too bad it won't last! Its still the middle of winter here, BUT it was a nice break from the crazy cold weather we have had!

For those of you that weren't aware, Gabby, the Super-Pug had a burst eyeball (that's right...read that again). It is, however, healing nicely!

She's growing fast and is a nice lap dog. She does well sitting on your lap and just watching TV. Unfortunately...now is the time I have to try to house train her. UGH! It's been 10 years since I've had to do that! I had to Google for it :)

So Sean and I are talking. Its really tentative and delicate, and too soon to say anything either way. Just have to get through the fear I think :) Either way, I would always doubt if we didn't try it again. It's worth the risks I believe. I hope that we both give it a chance because I think what we have is good and worth being open to. We're taking it slow, which is good. I want him to have some space so that he can miss me ;)

I do have to admit, though. It feels a bit quiet around the house. I got really used to having someone to joke around with all the time. Today, I am spending time cleaning my spare room (it totally needs some help) and have some good 80s tunes blaring, filling me with some good energy.

HAHAHAH! I'm hearing...RED

2008-01-06T00:22:00.000-05:00

What a freaking idiot I am! So I moved my spare 32" Sony WEGA TV into the bedroom to watch TV at night (I need distractions nowadays) and I kept hearing this static. What was odd was that it got worse when there was something red on the screen.

So I figure there is some kind of interference in the speaker and the tube was causing it to static. I went to Best Buy and to Target to look for a set of speakers. What I found was an RCA adapter to hook up to my computer speakers and to use those.

When I went to install this new cable, I found I had plugged the RCA audio cables (white and red) into side by side slots. The white one on the L and the red one...IN THE RGB (component - red) out! Both of the outputs are red...but I just had to laugh at myself (out loud even!).

So in the end, when the video red would activate, it would sent a signal to the speakers! The more red...the more static!

So I made myself visit this web page. [Link]

Have a Little Faith

2008-01-05T18:48:00.001-05:00

I was discussing my situation with an online buddy the other day and he gave me some serious words of wisdom. He told me that he and his partner had gone through the exact same thing early on in their relationship...and they've been together for 8 years now!

He told me that I am an amazing person and that he'll come around. Just let things go for awhile. In order to miss someone, you do have to be away from them. :) Its hard, because I want to knock him over the head and say "Wake up" because I don't think a relationship with me is really THAT scary!

But, I shouldn't have to convince anyone to be with me. Makes me feel like I have no confidence. So I'll invest my confidence in the facts:

I don't hit, I don't smoke, I don't cheat, I try to never be mean, I have my own job and car, and DAMNIT I think I'm a sexy man. Add to that a fun personality and a very caring heart, and I'm almost perfect *hiding as lightning flashes outside* :)

So I hold onto a little faith. When he's ready, all he has to do, is cry for help and I'll be there.

New Years Eve 2007

2007-12-31T08:18:00.000-05:00

It's the end of one year and the beginning of another. Time to look back at where we have been as well as forward to where we want to go.

Went out on Saturday to Wild Mustang and what sucks the most is that I keep seeing people that I haven't seen in awhile and they always ask where my boyfriend is. Its like my heart breaking all over again and I have to explain that he broke up with me. When they inevitably ask "Why?" I just shrug and force a smile and say that he felt he needed something else. I do take console in the fact that they always say, "Well he's stupid" :) I just shake my head, wink, and say, "No...just confused."

Went on a date last night with a really nice, cute guy. But yet again, I am forcing myself somewhere I am not ready for. Its wrong to be with someone and wish they were someone else. I did tell him I was in a "weird place" and he said he understood and wouldn't force anything.

After my date, my best friend from college, Kyle, called and we had a LONG conversation about how I'm feeling and where I am at. He has a lot of wisdom...much of it just really hard to swallow LOL :) Basically Kyle told me that things would work out one way or another and to just give it time. Um...hello! Mr. Impatient here! :) I'm trying though.

This morning, As I drove up to take the dog to the eye vet, the world around me was thickly covered in fog. That's exactly how I feel right now. I can't see beyond maybe five feet in front of my face. This song came on the radio and it pretty much expresses how I feel.

I'm hoping for better days.

The message of this song really strikes a chord in me. I think it will be my theme song for 2008.

May all of you find "Better Days" this year! Each one is a gift and we are all here together. Try to find something you can do each day to make a "Better Day" for someone else, whether it be a small act or a big one, whether you know this person or not. Sometimes the smallest acts of kindness, have the most profound effects.

Have I mentioned...

2007-12-30T13:48:00.000-05:00

...that breaking up is the BEST appetite suppressant EVER? :)

Thought this was too pretty not to share...

2007-12-28T21:55:00.000-05:00

This song is set to scenes of one of the BEST game series ever, "Kingdom Hearts". If you haven't heard of it...it IS one of the pinnacles of storytelling (and I would be in the know).

And that song inspired me to get the heck out of the house and get my dance on to bring up my spirits:

Later that night...

So I went to "Wild Mustang" at around 10:30 and it was not busy at all but had enough people that I did dance all night. The director of dance, Lee Fox, from IAGLCWDC was there whom I hadn't seen in quite some time. He told me I should "come back to the fold" as it were and attend more conventions again. I do miss that crowd as they were always very welcoming and friendly. For quite some time they were almost like family...but then I moved on to softball and that was pretty much it for me for the country-western circuit.

I tried this new whiskey called...dammit I can't remember! I guess I'll have to write it down. Anyway, an old dancing buddy, Channing and I commiserated the loss of our boyfriends over a good drink and a few two-steps. His, after four years, so I imagine its harder than my situation. On my way out I saw the guy who kind of precipitated Sean's and my breakup so I did the hardest thing I think I have done and went over to thank him for looking out for me. He said he was sorry and didn't want to cause drama and I told him it was fine and smiled and gave him a big hug.

I left the bar about 12:30, not heading over to the Heretic (a dance bar) for fear of seeing the ex :) (am I a wussy or what?) and the nicest thing happened. This handsome guy, Greg, who I had danced with once earlier in the night followed me out and complimented me on my dancing. I smiled big and we chatted for a minute and then he told me that he thought I had a fantastic physique and told me to save him a dance again. He was the fourth guy that night to tell me that (and on a day when I was feeling a bit "blah")...and that just put a smile in my heart for a bit.

Still foolishly hoping for Sean to wake up. Unfortunately, I heard some stuff through the grapevine so that's probably about the stupidest thing to hope for.

And the horoscope appears right...AGAIN

2007-12-27T00:27:00.000-05:00

"Trust your instincts today when it comes to doing what makes the most sense, even if it is counter to your logical process. You are receiving instructions from deep within your psyche. It's not important that you understand the reasons for your current actions. For now, just follow your hunches and then talk about it tomorrow."

How funny is it that I come home from an evening with friends at Blake's (a bar) thinking "I am just not ready for this" to see the above horoscope?

I think I am trying to rush the pain of this past breakup away and its just not working like I wish it would.

I feel like I should take a break for awhile. Hermit myself away and do some of the things I have been promising myself I would do, like fixing the attic entry board, studying Japanese, and doing more sit ups and push ups. :)

I'm really tired and a bit drunk, which always seems to lead me to melancholy.

Happy Festivus, Everyone

2007-12-25T13:00:00.001-05:00

I swear I think I've listened to this song about 1,000 times.

Dreaming with a Broken Heart

2007-12-21T15:44:00.000-05:00

Well, after accepting that Sean and I weren't getting back together, I decided to call and get his answer as he was "thinking things over". He hadn't called or txt'd or anything so that was a good indication and prepared me for the worst.

So, in the end of it, he's not ready to be in a serious relationship. I did make him promise, however, that when he "gets his shit together" to call me. For now, I can only really hope that someday, he will.

I guess I really was the "rebound boy" that I always was afraid I would be.

Right guy...wrong time...

My Pisces Horoscope for Dec 17th, 2007

2007-12-17T14:39:00.000-05:00

You are being pulled backward into the past, while simultaneously being drawn into your future. Weird energies floating around you now can add stress, but the excitement is at a high level. Don't try to avoid the tension. The best chance you have to resolve a problem is to move directly toward its center.

How's THAT for scary accurate?

Berlin: Folsom Festival

2007-12-16T21:54:00.000-05:00

So. First off, I would like to thank those of you who have sent me wishes for better times and sharing your stories and your strength, both those who are in my life as well as those of you whom I have never met. I'm far from OK, but...well...just thanks. Its funny how I go from sad to angry and back again. I wish I could push my feelings away, but they're still there...hoping. And then I look in the mirror and ask myself: "How stupid are you?" and shake my head and push those Piscean dreams away.

BUT, onto more pleasant memories.

So I promised a few stories from Folsom Europe. I remember going to the street festival on Saturday morning. The sun was out, but my gosh it was cold. And of course, Sean was the first one to take his shirt off (him being the attention whore that he is...but I have no room to talk huh? LOL)

As we weaved through the crowd, I definitely took a number of great photos. We met "Mr. World Leather", Mufausa:

And there were a number of other interesting things to see...

as the day wore on. I did learn that the HARD CORE leather scene...well...its not MY scene. But we did have a very enjoyable day and we met a couple of guys, Sandy and Tony, whom I am still in contact with today and I hope will remain good friends.

If you like, you can see the full gallery:

Folsom Europe 2007

I think the gallery will speak more to THAT adventure than meager words. But the next great adventure, Prague, was right around the corner...

Before I continue my recollections...

2007-12-14T07:47:00.000-05:00

I guess I should go ahead and get this post over with. Sean broke up with me last Saturday.

Its easy to say that I'm pretty much devastated. As I write this, I don't think I've ever felt so broken in my entire life. And funny enough, in my case, broken is more like numb.

I don't want to go into details as to the how or why but I think that saying "they always think the grass is greener" should suffice as an explanation.

I've been avoiding this post because if I put it down in words, it makes it more real than I want it to be. I have daydreamed that I'll come home and we'd have a movie moment and get back together, but that's probably about the most laughable thing right now.

I don't think I could trust him to know himself right now anyway.

I remember the night it happened, staring at my neon clock (literally) for hours and one phrase kind of rolled around my head the whole time, "Silence is the sound of my heart breaking".

I hear rumors that "Time heals all wounds". I am pretty sure in this case, I'm going to have one hell of a scar running across mine.

But don't fret. I haven't told all of my misadventures in Europe yet so give me a little time and I will have a number of good memories to share!

Europe 2007 (Part I)

2007-12-10T18:22:00.000-05:00

Before I go into recent events, I figured it might help me to go through a number stories from Sean and my trip to Europe.

"Picture it, Sicily, 1955"...no wait, that's Estelle Getty's character's lines! But what a good place to start! "Picture it...Berlin, 2007"...

...and I arrive to meet Sean's friend Ulrike (whom I had never met except for a few messages over AIM). Thankfully, after a seriously long flight (in which I was actually able to huddle by myself in two seats and doze most of the way), we had time before Sean landed and I took a much needed flop onto the bed for an hour nap.

We scoot back to the airport in time to wave frantically at Sean as he exited the area where you debark from the plane. Unfortunately...we had been waving him to STOP...but alas...he just thought we were happy to see him (which was also true). You see...the baggage claim is right when you land...you don't have to travel 14 miles like you do at airports in the U.S. So...we had to wait until it cleared customs (once you exit that area...you don't get back in) and ended up in a shack just outside the terminal (which took about an hour).

Once all that hullaballo was over, we went back to Ulrike's and had a beer at her brothers pub (which was conveniently located across the street from her apartment). As you might can see from this picture, there is a model train on the ceiling!

The next day we were schedule to go on a tour with other guys who were attending a Leather and Fetish festival called "Folsom Europe". Berlin is a walking/public transit system so once we got off the tram, we had a small hike to find the hotel where the tour bus was departing from. I asked "so...how will we know where we get on this bus?" and as I emerged from the leaves of the trees planted in the median we had to pass through, I heard him say, "Oh...we'll know" and he started laughing.

Across the street, loading into a tour bus, was about 100 guys fully decked out in leather regalia whereas Sean and I...well, we were wearing something apparently, a little less normal for this crowd (which means jeans and a polo LOL).

The tour went quite well and we were carted all over Berlin and learned and saw many interesting points of its history that we, later, were to revisit again (like "Checkpoint Charlie").

Our next big trip was to see the German Parliament house which has an incredible architectural feature, the domed mirror. After queuing for about 30 minutes (that's what they say over the big sea..."queue") we made our way inside to one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen...

What it represents is that when you are down in the parliament house and you look up...the mirrors show you exactly who you are working FOR. I think we need one of these in our Senate and House since what I know of politicians...they mostly just work for themselves.

We did manage to get to a few bars in Berlin and see (really...just seeing is enough) what goes on in those backrooms...

And then...we were off to the actual "Folsom Europe 2007" event...and I'll talk about that on my next update!

Update soon, I promise

2007-12-09T09:54:00.000-05:00

I had things sorted out (I thought) but right now just isn't the time for me to write anything new. I do have some exciting memories and adventures to share so stay tuned (if people are still reading this).

Anxiety and Faith

2007-10-23T16:40:00.000-04:00

So I am going to put this post into a "storage tank" and post it later because I don't want Sean to see it at this point in time, but I think its important enough to write down something.

So Sean and I have been living together for about like 2 months now. Having come back from a dinner with his ex, he proceeds to lay everything on the line...and most of it wasn't good.

I mean...when someone starts having an emotional moment, telling you that "I feel that I have no choice in this relationship since I am living with you. " and "you have been so good to me." punctuated with "I'm afraid to be alone." and that "I'm sorry."

...that's pretty much break-up language.

One of my friends who recently met him said that he does seem to want "to play". That's not where I am at right now. I've been there, done that. It's fun, but at the end of the day, I want something more. I guess that what I had originally feared about getting involved with Sean is coming to pass.

No matter which way I look at it...I am the "rebound boy".

Its not the fact that he wants to move out...its everything else that came out of his mouth that is bothering me. Part of me understands completely, but the other half is like, "umm...isn't this a step back?" and I view it as simply a delay in the choice that he doesn't want a relationship right now. He wants to play.

His having been in a somewhat oppressive relationship I can hardly blame him.

So I feel closed off. I feel like I am living in a limbo state. I can't move into this relationship further because I have extreme doubt. I want someone to want to be with me...not feel guilty because they don't want it. That will only end up hurting both of us in the long run.

Songs have always said that if you love someone, you should set them free. If they come back...then that's what was supposed to happen. But I think at this point...if I let go...there's no going back because I will have closed that door because the choice was made...you can't unmake a decision like that.

And now I know he is moving out. He just called looking at a place. I guess the decision has really been made. Now its up to me to see how I can deal with it...

A Brief Interlude

2007-09-26T10:52:00.001-04:00

I have been CRAZY busy with additional contract web work as well as remodeling my kitchen:

I built all the drawer covers and cabinet doors myself...just have to finish painting now.

BUT, before I recount Sean and my misadventures in Europe (and yes...there are quite a few), I would like to tell a much simpler story...a very true story.

So imagine yourself in a meeting...a very LARGE meeting at a prominent Internet company. You are in a lecture hall at the podium giving a presentation on something or another and a little instant message comes across the screen from a friend that says: "Look at my new husband....SMOKIN!" and then you friend includes this image (that pretty much fills the entire projected screen):

All this...in front of a couple of hundred people in their suits and ties trying desperately to glean the content from your PowerPoint slides.

Oh yes...the Glow-Go-Boy was the entertainment of the hour during that particular PowerPoint presentation. And who perpetrated this humorous little incident? You get one guess! That's right...my (sexy) gremlin of a boyfriend, Sean. I think he's still laughing about it even 24 hours later!

Let that be a lesson to you ladies and gentlemen...when giving a presentation...turn off your AIM client...you never can predict what you might get! ROTFL!

Crazy Times and another Home Depot Incident (what is it with this place?)

2007-08-07T15:54:00.000-04:00

Gosh I am tired! Two weekends ago we had three softball games: 8AM, 11AM, and 1PM. The sun was high in a sky devoid of clouds. As the sun speared me with its intense heat and the sweat poured off of me, I feebly attempted to concentrate on not getting killed. I swear, in the last game, I just wanted to drop to my knees and be rolled off the field into the shade. I know afterwards all I wanted to do was crawl up on an iceberg and go to sleep!

So my latest endeavor should be titled, "Adventures in Dentistry" as yours truly has been trying to get his choppers into shape again. I haven't been in, like, a year and had to be doubly cleaned. Thankfully the staff and doctor are really nice and though I have to pay a large chunk-o-change up front (2k so far), I'm praying for the day that my insurance kicks in.

Sean took me to the Justin Timberlake concert where I discovered just how much of a "cracker" Sean is. After two glasses of wine, it became evident that the boy has no rhythm. I thought, however, that it was adorably hilarious and, of course, only engendered him to me even more. I mean, how can you not like (times seven) a guy who isn't afraid of having a great time? However, it could be said that he literally was marching to the beat of his own drum.

And then there is another "Home Depot Incident". Long time readers will remember that once, the help tried to get me to meet him in the bathroom (see previous blog entry). This one began with an innocuous enough call from Sean...

"Hey....meet me at Target. I need some laundry detergent." to which I readily agreed (because everyone knows I can't turn a trip to Target down) plus I needed to go to Home Depot to pick up some materials to experiment with building cabinet doors.

So I arrive and Sean is waaay down the lane near the power tools aisle (how appropriate) where I needed to pick up some 80-grit sandpaper to strip my cabinets. Well I walk up and he like, butts my chest with his like we were in football camp or something. I just waved that off as one of his many (loveable) oddities.

Then he started fondling me in the middle of Home Depot (which I am certain isn't a new scene for this particular Midtown location) and grabbed me and kissed me deeply (to which, of course, I melted...because he's damn good at it!).

I drew back and I swear...I think "I" got drunk from the fumes coming out of this boy. I thenI asked..."Errr...Sean...just how many HAVE you HAD?" (because as I think I have mentioned before...the boy is a lightweight!) Sean was tore UP after going drinking with the boss, trying to hang with the big boys :) I honestly don't care if people drink, but it chapped my ass that he drove and boy was I MAD. But its hard to stay mad and he now knows how much that bothers me.

So, dragging my intoxicated boyfriend through Home Depot on a quest for building materials for my cabinet doors. He decides that, "No...you are not making these doors, I am going to BUY you new cabinets...I'll just put it on my credit card!" to which I respond (in a very Destiny's Child way), "Oh no. I can buy my own house and I can certainly buy my own doors. Hun, if I get you two more beers do I get a new car?" and I chuckled and rolled my eyes.

I mean, I like to make my own things in my house! I made the fireplace, several pieces of art, and refinished my staircase (which all look great by the way).

That was the best story of this period! But the best part? Tomorrow, we head for our "honeymoon" (HAHA, Sean!) to Berlin and Prague! Don't worry, faithful readers! All of you will get the play by play action and LOTS and LOTS of pictures!

Pray for me though...I am trying to limit myself to ONE SUITCASE! OMG the stress of what to bring and what not to bring!!!!

Gracefully? Not if I have anything to say about it!

2007-07-12T23:42:00.000-04:00

Time. It moves like a river...sometimes slow...sometimes like the rapids at the bottom of the Grand Canyon (no allusions to my butt intended). But as some people say, "Its better than the alternative!"

The obsession with youth is pretty much at the core with most gay men. "Peter Pan Syndrome" most of us have...hopefully though, I am a grown-up when it counts, a wide-eyed little gremlin the rest of the time. I still am a big kid. I love fantasy movies and I still watch cartoons (mostly super hero ones) as well as *embarrassed cough* Power Rangers. *ducks head* I know I know...but the stories all have pretty good character development and evolution. I hope someday to write, maybe some teen fiction, and I'm going to call it "research" for now :)

So tonight I got a little bit dirty:

No...that's not mud...its "Just for Men" hair coloring! ROTFL! I am going to "wash that grey right outta my hair" you know? The growing forest of grey that is my head and chest needs a make over. I mean, seriously, I'm only 33 years old! Why do I look like Kenny Rogers already? I have had grey hairs since I was 25! I'll either look stupid...or better (I'm hoping for the latter) but either way...it'll be interesting!

Watch out Captain Hook! There's a new sheriff in Neverland!

Jeepers Creepers, Mister!

2007-07-10T13:46:00.000-04:00

My neighbor across the way, Lee, moved on to greener pastures (some boy in Florida swept her off her feet!) and my new neighbors are a soon to be married younger couple. Well Sean and I were heading to the gym and I noticed a new car parked in the driveway over there and I figured I should go ahead and introduce myself and offer welcome.

Well this very cute and petite girl answers the door with a broomstick in hand and I explain I am her neighbor and she's like "Great! I have to turn off the breakers in order for the power company to connect the house...but there are these crickets in there and I am scared because they jump all over and are freaking me out! I swear...I am normally not this girly!" and we laugh and I offer my butch self to go in there and brave the big bads.

Well...I was expecting something like this:

But it ended up being more like this:

So I went in, saw the tiny tiny innocent crickets on the wall (there were two of them), flipped the switches off and smilingly said "There you go!". Sean and I left out of the house to continue our day and when we got into the car, burst out laughing.

It is pretty cool dating another geek however we have some religious differences...hence this IM conversation regarding Microsoft vs. Open Source:

Sean: U and Open Source
Neon: LOL :) Someday your eyes will open! I will convert you!
Sean: people want a brand they can trust not a bunch of geeks running their life
Sean: HA
Neon: Maybe the sheep
Sean: I want to be pluged into the Borg
Sean: Resistance is futile. Hee hee!
Neon: Well you can have Mr. Gates babes :)
Neon: I'll sit pretty on an OS that actually WON'T get hacked within 5 seconds after installation
Sean: I will say that the Open Source community really does the leg work for Microsoft by developing the cutting edge stuff
Sean: Microsoft just makes it easier to the masses to use
Neon: LOL, and then the don't follow standards
Sean: People like glitz
Neon: I think I have plenty of glitz on my desktop
Sean: I guess I have to know my audience when I debate this issue
Sean: U are a techno head
Sean: when the computer goes bee-beep-bo (like R2-D2)
Sean: you go.... OH I understand that
Neon: beep beep bo bo?
Sean: I will just write a kewl script to solve that problem
Sean: But other are get frightened and they want a light fluffy little dog or paper clip to dance on the screen to tell them what to do next
Neon: bo beep bo bo zap-zap?
Sean: or to fix the problem
Sean: BO DEEP BEEP BLEP
Sean: Understand now?
Neon: Whirr! Pew-pew!

:)

Oh where, oh where, has my Nano gone?

2007-07-05T21:53:00.000-04:00

Ugh. I was going to go workout (cardio) after my nap this evening, but I cannot find my iPod Nano. I pretty much rely upon it for workout music when I am doing step-aerobics (I even make my own mixes hehehe!). But alas...I have searched the car, my room, the entire downstairs three times, but I think I may have left it in my office. Crap. (Well...at least I HOPE I left it in the office ;)

At any rate, this past weekend, Sean was up in one of the Carolinas at some work/Nascar thing while I was left home slaving away *sniff sniff* Hardly. :) I actually got called on Friday from my softball coach reminding me I had door duty at our host bar, Woofs. It just involves checking ID's and saying "Hello" and "Goodbye! Drive safe!"

I hadn't heard from Sean the whole weekend but I figured that boy had left his phone charger in his car (that he put in the shop). I was almost right as he had left the ENTIRE PHONE in his car (that was behind locked gates with a big dog guarding it as the shop had closed for the weekend).

When he finally did get in town, he used someone else's phone and asked me to drop by and pick him up to go get his rental car. We ventured down south to the airport and picked up a nice...NICE fire engine red Ford Mustang convertible. And now...well...now Sean has NCF (New Car Fever) and is just bouncing off the walls. :)

Since my existing digital camera is a freaking BRICK from the 90's (it was kind of embarrassing to a technogeek like myself...I mean...I do have a rep to think about), I finally purchased a new one, a Sony DSC-S650. The reviews on it weren't astounding, but to me, it's a definite upgrade and I got it on sale (my favorite word!).

The 4th of July was a pretty great day! We had gone to sleep early and woke up...playful...but had plenty of time to catch an early show of the most amazing movie I have seen in awhile...TRANSFORMERS!

It was freaking amazing! I almost cried it was so good. Sometimes, when its like everything I dream of is escaping the confines of imagination, it just opens like a floodgate of emotion akin to having back all the wonder that kind of escapes you as you grow up. Sean told me that he had more fun watching me than watching the movie. I am sure I looked like a seven year old being taken to Disney World for the very first time. Now THAT is going to be a zero day DVD purchase!

After the movie, we went over to my friend Danny's house and sat around the pool, had a few drinks, had a couple of burgers. Very low key fun kind of time. :)

That night, Sean invited me to the rooftop of his condo to watch the fireworks. When we got up there, it seemed like everyone else had invited all of their friends as well, but we had a really good spot to watch the show from. It was kind of funny as this one guy, Sean told me, kept staring me down. He unfolded his hand like Freddy Kruger and said "snikt!" LOL :) Its sweet that he still gets a little jealous :) It was kind of awkward when a couple of his neighbors asked me where his ex was (they not being in the know yet) but I think I deflected their queries well enough (since its Sean's business to say something or not and I will respect that).

But overall, the 4th was just a great day. Definitely in my Top 10.

Geeking Out in San Diego

2007-06-24T14:04:00.000-04:00

I arrived in San Diego on Friday night, leaving boyfriend to enjoy Atlanta Pride by himself :( I had a conference to attend at University California San Diego! This is the first PRIDE I have missed in the 9 years I have been in Atlanta. :( At least this would give me time to recover from the black eye (and 7 stitches) I got from a bad softball hop the week earlier! (Sean did, however, think it made me freaking HOTT!)

UCSD has a freaking huge campus! Because I had an early morning conference class on Saturday, I got to get out there on Friday. After arriving, we met up with some friends from last year's conference and had some food at the cafe around the corner and wandered the campus for a bit. They have this incredible library that looks like a spaceship!

With the sun still high in the air, Mike from UNLV, Steven, and I went to the nearby beach cliffs to watch the paragliders. After that, I was pretty much beat after having endured a four hour flight in...so I crashed.

I woke up at the crack-of-butt dawn, a whole hour before I really had to get up for breakfast so I went running/aerobic exercising. Then I went to my first class (which was pretty good) and had the rest of the afternoon off. I decided to head down to the beach. The closest one happens to be "Blacks Beach" which is well known for it being the "nudie beach" where I definitely saw my share of penis (most of which I would have rather NOT, but there was this one guy that made the whole trip worthwhile!)

After the beach I went over and worked out at the campus gym. Later that evening, we had our big opening dinner and then afterward I grabbed a cab (after having an argument with the taxi company who didn't know where I was, and was trying to get me, to explain...well...where I was!) Fortunately another nice lady had previously called a cab (which was already in front of me) offered to share a taxi ride!

I went to Urban Mo's where I kind of hovered alone for awhile being a wallflower, just watching people and seeing who might be interested in a spin on the dance floor. Finally got some guts and asked this one kid to dance (he was a bit tipsy so it wasn't that enjoyable) but after doing a set of line dances, this chocolate cowboy (great lead) twirled me around like a tornado! I got a little sore from pulled groin so sat by myself at a table. Started talking with a group of women celebrating a birthday and then guys started coming over and introducing themselves.

One of them was this older thin guy recently moved in from Texas (not cute) who was a bit drunk. He was going commando and he landed his nuts on my leg and started basically fucking my knee. Of course I was utterly shocked by this behaviour (riiiight, huh?) But you could definitely tell through his pants that they really DO make them bigger in Texas. I did my best to be sociable, but couldn't get him away from me fast enough.

Met two of the bartenders, Mike and Brandon, at Urban Mo's. They each bought me a shot :) I thought Brandon was really cute in a bear cub kind of way. He had a chin piercing that was pretty sexy (I've always wanted one but I figure I have enough metal in my body!).

I met this bisexual girl named Briann (like bree ann) who was out with two of her straight girlfriends, Olivia and Renee, just hanging out. We started chatting and she said she was having girlfriend issues and asked if I would provide kind of an "outsiders" view. To make a long story short, the answer I told her is as follows:

"No. Not just no, but hell no. If 'yes' had two letters, you could say that, but it doesn't, so you say 'NO'. You are an attractive, obviously smart, very funny, woman and you deserve better than that!"

Her girlfriends were in full agreement with me!

After my stint playing "Dr. Phil" we just spent time laughing and they were asking stuff about my boyfriend Sean (I showed them his picture I had on my phone :) We also were asking Briann about lesbian sex and found out a few interesting tidbits about "how things work".

After awhile, another group of guys came over to chat, this REALLY hot blond guy Kris and his boyfriend, and this kind of strange Argentenian who boasted he was also the owner of a huge unit in his pants (10x7). I was like, "Are those AOL inches?" and he responded by forcing my hand down his pants. I groped around for a second and was like "oh......OH. Well you weren't kidding.".

So Briann lived a block away from UCSD so she offered to drop me off (sweet...no $50 cab ride!). As we and her friends walked to the car, this strange french guy followed us out and kept walking with us, just spouting off about something or another. I turned to him and laughingly said, "Dude...you do realize we are only understanding maybe every third word your accent is so bad." and Briann laughed and said, "We have been wanting to tell him that all night!"

Whos the Wiiner?

2007-06-19T16:26:00.000-04:00

As Ricky Martin would say, I have been "livin la vida loca", peeps. Let me give you the scoop as I know some of you have been waiting with baited breath.

Things are still going great with Sean :) It's been 8 weeks now and we are still in that honeymoon stage (you know...googley eyes...sex all the time...LOL).

Let me tell you about something he did that pretty much won my little heart over. Sean has been really trying to get involved in various aspects of my life. He's already a well liked "Wacker Wife" by the guys on my softball team, the Woofs Wackers. He event went so far as to be a backup dancer with me for the 2007 Miss HSL Pageant! Its nice that he acknowledges how important softball is to me, but another aspect he's (hopefully) been enjoying are with video games!

One day he was talking smack that he could beat me, the master, and challenged me to a competition playing Nintendo Wii Sports. Of course, this is like having my manhood challenged so I wrote something snarky back and we proceeded to rip each other on who is the best (which he should have known better than to challenge my joystick manipulating ability by then LOL :).

So he comes over and gets out of the car and has facepaint on that says "WIIN" to which I thought that was the cutest thing. Even wore it to Publix as we went to get dinner fixings. Well after dinner, we stopped at my gaybors house, Sal and James, and they kind of looked at him curiously and asked "Why does Sean have "New" on his face?" to which I took a BETTER look at his face and he apparently had put his facepaint on IN FRONT OF A MIRROR! So what he thought was "WIIN" was actually "NIIW". I think I had just transposed it in my head because my coworkers and I use lazy instant messaging (like "what r u doing 2day?") so you learn to read the message not the transport.

I don't think I have laughed so hard or so long in my entire life!

Where's my T?

2007-05-23T11:40:00.000-04:00

So...interesting things have been afoot with the Glow-Go-Boy. Many MANY small misadventures.

Our softball season has started and yours truly is my team's starting shortstop again :) I'm not the greatest, but I think if I train a little bit, I'll be darn good. I think I have a better feel of what I want to work on.

I have been going out with this new guy Sean for about six weeks now :) He's awesome :) He is in the process of getting out of a lengthy (in years) relationship and we both agree he needs some "sew the wild oats" time so we're not tying on the wedding ring in the immediate future. We do, however, use the "B" word which makes me smile :)

We DO have a great time together...its very natural and there is quite honestly no pressure to go one way or the other and whether or not it works out eventually, we agreed that we will still have to be friends. I'm hoping for a happy ending, but I've always tried to believe, the fun part is just seeing where the road travels.

So here we are at my latest adventure...my first 2007 Public Service Announcement. So, for those of you that have seen my pictures, you wouldn't think that I would be a sufferer of low testosterone. That's right...the reason I have been all calm and zen is because my testosterone is about half of what it should be. I am not all that surprised.

How did I know to ask? Well...embarrassing enough, my sex drive hasn't been what it used to be. Add to that some serious energy pitfalls after my gym sessions and not as much muscle gain as I would expect with the level of my regimen. I timidly talked to my doctor about it who offered to test my testosterone levels and lo and behold mine was at like 180 when it should be around 300+.

So I've been taking testosterone gel for about 2 weeks now. I definitely have MUCH more energy and my workouts haven't produced the energy k-holes like they used to. As far as the rest...well...its getting there. :)

Let's see..what else? I got a Playstation 3 and I absolutely love it! I haven't played my Nintendo Wii since I got it. I haven't had that much time!

What else has the Glow-Go-Boy been doing? (besides his new boyfriend?) Well the the 14th Annual Convention of the IAGLCWDC was this past Memorial Day weekend and I kicked up my heels all weekend (not in the literal sense you dirty scamps!) I hadn't been on the "Cowboy Circuit" for like 4 years and it was AWESOME to see so many of my old friends. I took Sean on the final night (I told him to stay away until the last day because if you take a non-dancer to a dance event...they end up BORED) and he had a good time! Even did a little two-step and did very well for his first time. We then went out to the Eagle so we could do a little bootie-shake with a new friend from New York, Andrew, who wanted to get out and see the town.

The Memorial Day Monday we went over to my best friend Danny's house for some D&F@P (That's "Drink and Food" at the "Pool" for you laypeeps). Sean is such a lightweight I love it ;) While I am downing pure bourbon, he's getting loopy off his first beer. He took a nap on the deck chair while we sat around the table and gossiped about his endowments. :)

The week flew by and it was time for Sean to run off to GayDays while I stayed at home with my softball commitments. I will say, he missed a couple of amazing games! I got a home run the first game and two AMAZING (audience gasping) catches. I even had a little fan club cheering me on at the 3rd baseline. :)

But now we're back in the sack (literally and figuratively). He did buy me this really neat pendant of an "N" for "Neon" :) I am wearing it right now as I type this. Funny thing was that before we talked, I had just bought him a T-shirt with a big "PP" imprinted on it with a tiny caption under it "I see you've noticed my big PP". I thought that was freaking hilarious (and very appropriate *wink wink nudge nudge*)

I should have some more interesting mis-adventures soon as well as some new pictures so stay tuned!

Southern Shootout 2007

2007-04-11T00:05:00.001-04:00

What a great time this past Easter weekend was. Went with my team, the "Woofs Wackers" to Birmingham, AL to compete in the "Southern Shootout" softball tournament. This is our first tournament after having our team reform with a good few new members.

We left the ATL on Friday, I had taken off of work and decided to go pick up a few supplies and purchase some luggage (I discovered Thursday night that I had thrown all of mine away) that morning at Target. Then I went and got a tan and I had never gotten a manicure (I bite my nails too much but I had curbed that habit for the week) so I went and got one. I think everyone should get one. It's pretty relaxing. After that, I finally got my emissions for my car done...a month late. Ordered my car tag online, then finished packing and then went out the door to my teammate Hildebrant's house.

Once on the road, we swung by and got Larry from his house, and FINALLY were truly on the road. Hilde's driving was scaring the absolute SHIT out of me though :) He's a very aggressive driver and we were in a big car so it's not like anyone can get in his way! After a few gasps of breath and a definitive need for some tranquilizers, things calmed down and we spent the time discussing fantasy/sci-fi stuff we were both interested in while Larry zoned out in the back.

Friday night's party was kind of a let down. Usually its a very lively party but for some reason I just wasn't into it. We were hungry anyway and ended up at Surin (a thai restaurant I hadn't previously been fond of, but have a new appreciation for). I (admittedly) had a bit too much to drink (darn that Hildebrant and bringing vodka) so my friend Danny had to tell me to use my "inside voice"! HAHAHAH :) Surprising enough, this guy I had been chatting with online (woof) was there with his parents, but I was COMPLETELY oblivious to that fact (until he said something online the next week!)...I MUST have been trippin!

Well we turned in that evening early since we had 9AM games. We won one and lost one in round robin (not too bad) and then...frack it...we lost our first tournament game. It's double elim in tourneys so we were done for the night (since everyone plays on Sunday).

Attempted to orchestrate a nice dinner that night (while texting this young hot stud I had met in the lobby who was after my cookies) failed miserably, so we went to Mellow Mushroom (about 1/2 the team came) and we had a nice time sitting around, having some pizza pie, and chatty kathy.

Funny enough, hot young stud attempted to call me at MIDNIGHT (wanting my cookies) but, not having a room of my own (and NOT willing to subject my friends to that) I had to take a raincheck (and kick myself repeatedly).

Sunday rolled around with a 7AM (fracking 7AM) game that...well...we lost (although I was in the ZONE). Done. Finito. Ugly. Uuuuugly.

*sigh*

So we were done, packed up the car, hit the road and was back in town by noon. I picked up my dog, then proceeded to sit on my ass and play video games.

All in all, we had a great time...getting to spend some time with my new teammates was definitely the highlight of the event. Softball is definitely like a fraternity to me. This weekend...it's going to be GAME ON, mofos!

Limnoleum

2007-04-01T20:19:00.002-04:00

So Molly was GREAT (in Sweet Charity)! The seat location had a wee little to be desired (I would have rather had a more center seat, but I was on the second row) and was able to see one of my favorites up close and personal.

Yesterday after softball practice, I decided to go shopping (can you say "pay-day"? haha) and proceeded on a whirlwind tour of the greater Northlake area shopping facilities. I started off at Sports Authority where I got some new soccer shorts and some shin guards (for softball actually) and I purchased a Speedo to wear in the backyard when I get the opportunity to tan. It's going to be my "motivation" to trim down the small love handles I have (I'm my own worst critic I know) and quit eating fatty foods :) It's hard for me to find a balance between what I need to eat (to maintain my muscle mass) and what I need to eat to obtain the trim figure I want. A friend of mine has a nutritionist she sees and recommended that I give her a try and discuss my own eating habits. I may just do that.

Aaaanyway...back to shopping. So after that, I went to a couple of shoe stores in my quest for a new pair of Merril sandals (no luck) and found two jeans of the size I LOVE in Levi 527 (boot cut, low rise...33/30 is a BITCH to find, peeps). Then went to Target and got two shirts and two pair of basketball shorts. I don't play basketball, but those things are darn comfortable to wear.

I have had my bathroom in pieces for about two weeks and I finally got around today to finishing it up :) It was about a 6 hour job from start (purchasing the supplies at Lowe's) to finish (exhausted and needing a fraking break!).

We have the before (well...after I had already tore up the original limnoleum):

And the after (6 hours of hard, sweaty, breakbacking work!):

But I hope it stays nice and lasts awhile. It's linoleum that looks very much like hardwood flooring (very similar to what I have installed downstairs). I even got new baseboards that mimic the same oak pattern and the quarter-round detail where appropriate really gives it that "real hardwood" look (at least until you step on it :)

Last night we went to this party called "Megawoof" which is some London leather/bear party they wanted to bring to Atlanta. I only went because a good number of my softball mates were going. I just wasn't a big fan of the music they spun (tribal isn't really my style) so after a couple of hours (dancing is an amazing ab workout for me) I walked the .81 miles from the venue to my house :)

This upcoming weekend will be the 2007 "Southern Shootout" in Birmingham, AL where my team, the "Woofs Wackers", will be competing for the best dressed team (aside from attempting to win a top three trophy). Don't know how we'll do as we lost a good number from our roster from last year so we have to "gel" again. But the new folks are fun and are turning out to be valuable friends already. Win or lose, it is definitely going to be a good time to be with my friends.

I can't wait for some Sweet Charity!

2007-03-21T00:14:00.001-04:00

While offering a suggestion to a fellow MySpacer about what night life in Atlanta has to offer, I suggested maybe a show at the Fabulous Fox Theatre (which I love) and lo and behold...the incredibly amazing Molly Ringwald (one of my personal favorites) will be playing in Sweet Charity this week! I purchased the best ticket I could get (if I'm going to see a show...I'm going to SEE a show!) for Thursday night and I can't wait!

I'm 4% Stupid and my 33rd Birthday Update

2007-03-06T11:21:00.001-05:00

Hahaha! How funny is that? :) Took that test on a whim and well...it turned out to be pretty accurate! (shameless self aggrandizement)

So my 33rd birthday has come and gone. I had a little party for about 50 of my friends :) I needed to surround myself with some positive energy (makes me feel like a leech) but it was exactly what the doctor ordered! I asked all my attendees to wear red because it was just a fun and simple theme. Ordered 200 red glow bracelets for the party (of which I still have 100 LOL) and spend a small wad on catering. Funny thing is they didn't quite "get" the reason for the red. Here's the logo and then I'll explain.

OK...how I came up with the color was this: So I knew I had to incorporate 33 into there (it wasn't enough that the date of the party was 3/3 haha!) so if you look, the bottom half of the first three is the top half of the R and the bottom half of the second three is the D in RED). I had to explain that to a few people...apparently I didn't do a good job on the design...maybe next year, huh? LOL :) (I personally thought it was pretty damn clever!)

Here is a picture of me wearing a couple of my glow sticks :) I "am" an angel after all:

At the time of this writing, my birthday was last week. I was going to go out on Friday but my friends called and said that Hoedowns is starting to charge cover. I told them "have a nice time" and stayed in and played video games and had a glass of Makers from my personal stash. Thought about going out on Saturday...but then I was like "F that...$5 cover isn't worth it" since the crowd will definitely be thinner and made other plans.

Had to wake up early on Sunday morning (after only 4 hours of sleep...don't ask O:) for the 4th Annual HSL Softball Skills Clinic (for which I am the HBIC ... Head Bitch In Charge LOL) and it went really well. We had about 40 attendees and even a couple of people from last year that came. It's the biggest compliment when you have a repeat customer (on many facets of life ROTFL).

Thankfully, the weather was perfect and I finally got some "real" sun yesterday while working the clinic. It was nice to get reaquainted with the softball people I know as well as introduce myself to a number of new people. Gotta do that social networking you know :)

Looking forward to this week now that Daylight Savings Time is here again. We had to scramble to patch all of our machines at work this year (Thanks GW.). But if I get some more daylight...I'm alllll about that!

Oh well, off to the gym! Cardio today I am thinking. Ya'll behave!

Another Year

2007-03-02T18:20:00.002-05:00

So.

I am taking a breather and looking back on the past year since today is my "true" 33rd birthday. Boy. What a ride. I kind of find myself smiling though...but that shouldn't surprise many of you. Sometimes I think I am the Joker with a plastered on smile. ;)

Thankfully...I am blessed today with a calmness and serenity that I haven't felt in awhile. It's a new year for me and I need to make this another new beginning.

(I shake my head and laugh) My...how many of those have I had? Changes and renewals are definitely part of the Pisces "lore". And I am listening to the song, "Wasted" by Carrie Underwood and I don't want to spend my life jaded and wasted. I closed off a part of myself after the "David Debacle".

It's time to move on. And though I have said I have before, I don't think I believed it. I felt kind of "demonized" by him at the end of things. Some self-doubt creeped in but after a funny conversation with my friend Larry...I kind of realized something.

So I have always believed that you can tell a lot about a person from his friends. I wanted to have a big party again so I set things up, got the venue, and the caterer. Of course, I do throw good parties ;) But I am very happy with the number of people showing up to wish me well :) If the reward for getting older is having the number of people in your life grow...then bring it on :)

Thankfully I have been gifted with a youthful face (the other day I was told I didn't look a day over 26...they need to look closer at the laugh lines ;) and I do definitely try to keep myself in shape.

The things I have learned this year I think will be some lessons that will hopefully shape my future:

Sometimes loving myself means letting go of someone else
Never loan money out. Things get...tainted.
The best friends are those that know I am doing something stupid, but support me anyway, especially after I get burned.
I take a compliment when I get one, but I don't need one to be feel good about myself

So...I'm going to go eat. My old old college friend, JohnJohn, and I are going to go out. But tomorrow...tomorrow is the night to paint the town RED. :) Stories and pictures forthcoming!

Life Goes On

2007-02-21T09:07:00.001-05:00

On the cusp of my 33rd birthday in 2 weeks (am I really getting that old? LOL) and having put some interesting (for lack of a better word) times behind me, I find myself a little melancholic for the "good old days". I guess that is why I am so excited to have two of the most important people from my college days in town for this upcoming birthday. My first "real" boyfriend, John John, and my best friend Kyle. As mentioned before, we haven't been in the same room together in over 12 years. I heard a song on the radio today and smiled because its very true...

Although, I must say...I am either giving off pheromones or the boys are coming into heat with the spring approaching. When I've been dancing at Hoedowns, the local country bar, guys who I only admired from a shy distance are actually making a point to talk to me. I personally think they are attracted to the "dancing" and not the guy because after 9 years of dancing...I've got it going on *laugh*.

Had a couple of really nice dates, getting back into that saddle, just definitely not at a gallop! Got a little tipsy at this last one (hopefully that didn't frell up my first impression!) because the bartender kept buying us drinks.

The aftermath of drinking on a Monday night tho is still with me. It doesn't help that the weather is changing and that always makes me sick. I am excited that it's going to be 70 degrees here tomorrow! And softball is starting *yyyeeeeehaw*

But once that starts...there go my Friday nights out ('cause of early practice) and my Saturday nights out. That just means...more gym and video games! YAAAAAY!

I am working on planning a birthday party somewhere. Working on the details today and this week. I want another big one like I had for my 30th birthday. Already got the theme..."R3D" (which is "red" for you non-133t speakers). I will post the logo once it is completed for your enjoyment :)

OUCH...damn that hurt.

2007-02-11T08:50:00.000-05:00

And we're not talking about another broken heart folks. I have been wanting a new tattoo for awhile so I finally went out and got it :) After about an hour and a half of pain (this one hurt more than the other two combined) I am now the owner of a Celtic water dragon tattoo on my chest:

and a closer look:

I did have to shave my chest as they would have had to shave that segment anyway. I just didn't want a lopsided chest LOL :) I actually kind of like it. I may keep it shaved for awhile...it definitely shows off more definition. It's a bit sore right now, to be expected though.

This past Friday I had a little surprise birthday party for one of my best friends, Danny. I had secretly invited our softball team and a couple of other friends of his to my house for drinks and cake before we headed out to Hoedowns (where he wanted to go).

So I moved the sofa back and had them all play with my Nintendo Wii and they had a blast an a half. They liked the bowling, tennis, and surprisingly most of all, the golf (can we say "you are getting old when..."?). After a couple of hours (and about 3 drinks for me to wash down the 2 pieces of cake), the party dissolved and I drove Danny out so he could drink if he wanted to.

Apparently I do need to rename "alcohol" as "courage" because I was on FIRE that night. It really brought out my confident flirty side. I even (this is not normally the case) asked for a guy's number...he's a cutie too. I also danced with this other guy who I thought was the bees knees (and I proceeded to tell him so LOL) ...I sure do hope I have the opportunity to see him again.

Today I'm a bit sore, but I need to get into the gym at least for some cardio...we'll see.

But last night I went to a little party at my lesbians' house. I showed them the new tat and was able to fill my friend Betty in on all the drama with the ex. She was really concerned that I was going to shut myself off from finding love again and get cynical (as I had done in the past when I first had met her...it was just easier not worrying about it ;). I told her that it was sweet of her to worry, but if anything, I believe I am MORE open to being with someone after having that experience. Sure...the last one was not what I needed, but there were a few good times in there I have fond memories of.

Well I am going to go do a runabout and have some breakfast.

Final Payment: Beetle is MINE!

2007-02-09T09:04:00.000-05:00

So I sent it off today. My final...CAR PAYMENT!IT IS MINE YOU BITCHES! Muwhawhawhahwa!

But seriously...I am SO looking forward to NOT having a car payment for awhile (even though I am dreaming of a nice BMW Z4 in my future). I have to get my life together, pay off some debt that isn't really mine, and then (once that is complete) do a little traveling.

Got all my tax refunds in already, now I just have to find which places I should concentrate the money on. I believe the strategy is to pay off the high APRs first.

I am totally in like with the new "Da Buzz" album "Last Goodbye". Some good toe tappers and some really fun "drag numbers in my head". I totally would love to produce/choreograph someone else ;) I look awful as a girl, but I sure can be a backup dancer! LOL :)

I am going to try and get off my butt and get my new tattoo done. I am going to have to shave my chest (which I am NOT looking forward to). But I know what I want. I just have to decide the scale and go and make the appointment. I'll probably go to the place where I got the others done at "Timeless Tattoo". We'll see ;)

I should have some pictures up soon in my next blog post. OH OH, before I forget, let me tell ya'll how ditzy I can be :)

So yesterday I'm cleaning the house, even going so far as to scrub out the toilets. Well...I noticed that the sink in my half-bath downstairs was icky so I put the stopper in, put some orange Pine Sol in it, and turned on the faucet. Went into the kitchend was mucking around doing laundry and I hear this noise...like someone left the shower on...I was like "WTF is tha...OH MY GOD!!!!" In the span of about 60 seconds I had forgotten I turned on that sink faucet (tells you how much I was trying to NOT think about my chores) and the floor was 1/4 inch deep with water! I grabbed some dirty towels and started mopping it up. It even went into the crawl space under the stairs. I just left the door open to air it out. This morning it was all dry. But the floor did get a nice clean and polish in the bathroom.

Duh.

Anger Flashes

2007-02-08T13:36:00.002-05:00

So sometimes while driving I get to thinking about my last BF and how he basically stole from me and used me and then proceeded to GLOAT about it by sending me the ABBA video "The Winner Takes It All" (I sh*t you not.) I get this hyper-flare of anger (which once I said to myself, "Thank goodness I'm not on steroids or I'd go try and lift a car").

I like angry music. It really calms me somehow...that and it's really good sex music. I would love to put a set of earphones on, blare this stuff in my ears, and go to town.

Issues? Not really. Resentment? Definitely.

It's like an emotion zombie...those feelings stay buried for awhile, but then they rise from the dead unexpectedly and eat my brain!

Maybe its all the extra testosterone from going back to working out so much. I'll get over it. Don't have much of a choice do I?

Dammit what an IDIOT I was. Maybe THAT'S what I'm really angry about.

And the Beat Goes On...da-da da dee da

2007-01-29T20:56:00.001-05:00

It's kind of funny that I think about current events...its like there are a lot of things going on...but at the same time...not a lot going on.

Recently, Larry took me to one of his friend's house for "Game Night" and boy howdy was that fun. We played this game called like ... "Catchphrase" or "Passphrase" (the electronic version) and I turned out to be pretty good at it. It was funny when they started calling me "Rain Man" because I was able to translate obscure things into the required phrase/word. LOL :) Everyone wanted me on their team *giggle*. Larry and I decided we have GOT to get some games and host a game night ourselves.

Had our first softball team meeting of the season (Pizza and drinks) and introduced a couple of new faces. We have a new "team baby" who is YOUNG at 22. All the rest of us are at least in our 30s. Should be an exciting year. I'm looking forward to being with my "brothers" again now that the "team bitch" is gone. Lordy I was hearing that song from the Wizard of OZ when he announced he was leaving...you know the one, sounds like "Ding Dong, the witch is dead...da da da da-da da da". :)

I did end up finishing work on my staircase that I had torn apart FINALLY after 3 years of it needing maintenance. I really didn't have all the right tools at the time, but I finished it:

Took a couple of days to do because of all of the staining and stuff, but I am quite proud of the end result!

And...the big news? The VERY big news? I did it. I got...a Wii! That's right you bitches...I finally got my hands on one :)

I also was pretty adventurous and got a new *cough* piece of jewelry. I've always wanted one...so I splurged. It came in a nice box and their website is nicely designed.

It's getting late but I'll leave you with this comment from my friend CJ:

"Sorry, but that innocent look just doesn't work! Its like putting a mustache on the Mona Lisa"

OK OK...I'm updating this damn thing!

2007-01-18T22:21:00.000-05:00

*laugh* So I have had two separate "You need to update your blog!" e-mails from people who apparently keep up with things going on in my life. How flattering is that? :)

First off, the reason for the quietness is that I recently tried to rekindle my relationship with David. Third times the charm right? Turns out third strike and you're out. Admittedly, I initially was excited but wary about things. Although I think as days went by I became more apathetic toward the whole thing and just couldn't find that spark again. Some of the issues we had resurfaced and many of the things I just didn't like about his core personality became less tolerable as time went on. In our final discourse, well...let's just say I found out what type of man he really is and I know I am better off. There is some residual financial damage that I'm going to have to deal with, but I have a recovery plan that hopefully doesn't impact things too much. (For those of you vultures that apparently only read my blog to find out if David is "free" or not...he's all yours.)

Work, on the other hand, has been going GREAT. I finally have a set of (newly hired) people around me that are of a like mind. One of the new guys keeps commenting that we think a lot alike which is nice. I have been having to learn how to be a project facilitator and planner. I am not that good at it yet, though. I haven't quite wrapped my brain around deliverables and dates, timelines and workload.

I'm feeling very Zen about my life right now. I have to laugh because that really infuriated David who deemed that as me being "plastic". But as I think about things now, perhaps Zen isn't the best description...I feel very...closed off. I think I closed off pieces of myself as a form of protection. I know I've done that before. I learned how to do that when I was younger and having to deal with my father. Unhealthy, but I'm 32...that's what my psyche learned to do. I now just have to wait for it to open back up again.

I am excited that I am FINALLY getting around to finishing up my staircase repairs. I purchased the last piece of trim today and stained it. Gotta put a second coat on it tomorrow morning and when I get home from work put on the first coat of poly sealant. THEN I have to figure out how to cut it with my new miter saw! :) I may have to grab Larry to help me as I only want to have to do this once you know ;)

I do have some funny news of a sort. My old college boyfriend (who is partnered up now) is coming into town for a conference and it happens to be my birthday weekend. I called up one of my best friends in the whole Universe, Kyle (who also used to date him before me), to come down (from VA) so we can all be in the same room for the first time in about 10 years. Talk about nostalgic! It should be really interesting to see how we interact with each other. We're all very different people than we were. And don't worry...you all will definitely get the full report!

I'm so over painting...

2006-12-29T16:00:00.001-05:00

I am SO...OVER...PAINTING.

So over that I have decided to say "Frell THAT" and take two days off. So instead I went out and about shopping. I bought a sweet red shirt with a bull head (like the Longhorn logo) and the words "Branded" on it (awesome for a night at Hoedowns!) and...A BOWLING BALL! Check it:

AND...it was on...SALE! We like that! So I went to Sports Authority to go look and they had some 14 pounders that I was looking at getting but I saw this one (that they didn't have in stock in a 14) in a sale bin and it was a 12 pound ball for 50% off. I figure you can't go wrong with a $20 ball. Even if I don't like it, its not a total loss. But if I DO like it...that's a deal! I also picked up some bowling shoes and a bowling bag. I figure I would add a patch I have to the bag to personalize it. As I always say, "Just because you bought it that way, doesn't mean it has to stay that way!" :)

I have enjoyed this week off. I need to relax more often. Speaking of relaxing...I am going to take a nap! That's right...NO PAINTING TODAY, bitches. Tomorrow? Yeah...I'm needing to finish this off so I can just enjoy the room. One good second coat and some touch ups should do it...maybe...I hope ;)

This sucks.

2006-12-27T11:21:00.000-05:00

It's both a pleasure and a pain knowing that you will always have feelings for someone. :) I really wanted to call my ex on Christmas and say "Happy Holidays" but I just couldn't bring myself to do it. Don't know whether it was pride or not...I think it was because I wasn't sure what the reaction was going to be. Our last exchanges were not that pretty. :) But that's what you do when you break up...you go through all the things that you believed were wrong, spell them out, and then shut them out.

I burned my butt in the tanning bed too. Add insult to injury LOL :) But today is going to be a GORGEOUS day and I am hoping to get some wood and start repairing my staircase. That...and hopefully finish painting this damn room. :) THREE DAYS! I think I am high from the fumes. Maybe that's the reason for my melancholy.

Time for some good music!

Happy Christmas

2006-12-25T11:10:00.000-05:00

My thoughts are brought to lyrics that John Lennon wrote in his song "Happy Christmas (War Is Over)". I feel that today...it's very appropriate.

So this is Christmas
And what have you done
Another year over
And a new one just begun

And so this is Christmas
I hope you have fun
The near and the dear one
The old and the young

A very merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one
Without any fear

It reminds me to take reflection on the year and that a renewal is coming. Any shortcomings and challenges I had, I have new opportunities to overcome them. Today isn't exactly the Christmas I envisioned a number of months ago. But here in the quiet...I am at peace.

Crimmas Eve 2006

2006-12-24T12:43:00.001-05:00

Friday, my friend/sista (haha) David came into town on his way through to Nashville. We went out to Amsterdam (a bar here in ATL) and got a little bit lit up (this is an awful picture):

My best friend Larry joined us later in the evening and it was nice to see him before he left for his Mom's up in North Carolina.

But yesterday was an errand day and I ran around getting groceries and wine (the most important part of a holiday party...the alcohol!) A hundred dollars later I had a trunkful:

After THAT, I got a wild hair up my butt and decided to go buy some paint and start in on painting my "upstairs den". It's going to be kind of a monochromatic theme (black/white/grey) with some red accents. It's about time I put some energy into that room. I spend a good bit of time in it.

I woke up at 8:30AM this morning, decided to chill with some Final Fantasy XII, and then started cooking at 10:30AM. I'm making these things called "chicken yummies" for about 4 guests which are kind of a dumpling style thing. They always get rave reviews. I just finished prepping them so now all I have to do is stick them in the oven later today. Got three bottles of wine, a chardonnay, a zinfindel, and a merlot. Figure that should cover the tastes. Chilling the vodka in case anyone wants to do some flavor shots. Doubtful, but I might want some LOL :)

Christmas tomorrow I think will be a very quiet day for me. My big plans are to wake up, open a few presents from my family, bake the traditional cinnamon rolls (and make a pig of myself and eat all eight of them), play some Final Fantasy XII, and later meet up with some friends for a movie and possibly some Chinese food. I have been a BAD boy with eating and I can feel a bit bloaty, but it's all good. I'll just spend a few hours at the gym after the holidays and knock it back off (thank goodness for a high metabolism).

I have all this coming week off so I am going to finish up painting this room and try and do some outstanding home repairs. Looking forward to trying out my new miter saw that Mom bought me for my Christmas present. I bought some OH so fashionable (not) safety glasses...safety first when dealing with flying bits of wood you know!

I hope everyone has an amazing holiday (whichever you decide to celebrate): Christmas, Winter Solstice, Hanukkah, Quanza, or my personal favorite...Festivus...the holiday for the "Rest of Us" :)

Last Day of Work for Awhile...It's Party Time!

2006-12-22T13:29:00.000-05:00

So today is my last day at work for about a week and a half :) I'm one of the few guys in town so hopefully (cross fingers) nothing breaks :)

I have a number of projects that are on my docket to complete over the break:

Paint my spare bedroom/playroom (going to be a nice warm grey tone)
Finish 2 art projects and mail them out for my sisters
Repair my staircase (it's been kind of in disrepair for awhile! I'll take pictures)

Hopefully we get to leave early soon. :) In the meantime it's mostly office small talk and hanging out. I can't get pieces of this code I am working on to work because I don't think I quite understand the module that my coworker wrote LOL :) It can wait until the new year.

I have an old buddy of mine making a stop over to crash on his way to visit his family up in Nashville, TN. I figure we may go out on the town...depends on if he's being a tired bizatch after all that driving from Orlando, FL.

But hoping to get the house clean later today and do lots and lots of laundry. EXCITING times for the Glow-Go-Boy.

I'm finally starting to feel a bit more "normal" as far as my heart is concerned. Its funny how you get used to someone being around. There's still an empty space, but its filling itself in, much like a rip in the time-space continuum does self-repair. I have been doing some reading up on a few "relationship" things as well as further reading on "control issues". Trying to educate myself, evaluate my own behavior, and make some changes. I feel better about some things that occurred that I honestly had some doubts on. Talked with a few people, some just friends, others professionals. What is life but a big learning experience for our next lives, eh? (If you subscribe to that line of thought)

Getting up at 5AM sucks!

2006-12-19T20:38:00.000-05:00

I had to get up early today at 5AM for a server cut over. We have to sometimes do machine maintenance when people aren't using it. Thankfully, I had my new partner in crime there to catch a few things that were wrong and it made having to work that early almost bearable.

Thankfully, I got to go home early and take a nap. Now I'm contemplating if I have the desire to go to the gym. I'm a bit sad about a number of things...makes me not want to go :)

I've had a lot of time recently to think about the upcoming year. I've got to start making some goals for myself. I guess you could say that THIS New Year...I'm really going to try and stick with my resolutions. I should probably write them down...turn them into a piece of wall art so that they stare me in the face every day, forcing them to be acknowledged.

I had a big compliment today when talking to a friend. He told me that one of the things that drew him to me was that I don't care what people think and I "march to the beat of my own drum". *laugh* If I could count the number of times I have heard people use that phrase to describe me, I'd have my house paid off.

I was telling him that for some reason, over the course of the past few months, I had lost my self-confidence and for some strange reason...I feel like I let go of my self-worth. It's the strangest thing to look back on myself in recent history and wonder "Who WAS that person?" I feel like I'm at a crossroads. I am looking forward to rediscovering the world with what feels like a new set of eyes...acquired wisdom...whatever you want to call it. I guess I need to figure out what to do with all this energy. It lacks focus right now. But I also think that it's not the right time to do anything with it. Just see what events transpire around me for awhile. Enjoy riding my bike without holding on to the handlebars. That kind of thing.

On a less enigmatic front, I sold 8 lights total now and got a nice down payment for my Wii (if I can ever find one of the little buggers). I have a few ideas on how to make some different "models" that I can sell during the "normal year". I just have to find an easier way to drill the glass LOL :) Let me tell you...drilling that glass is a pain. But it keeps my mind off of a few things.

Impending Holidays!

2006-12-18T13:11:00.000-05:00

Well my Christmas holiday shopping isn't over yet damnit! My sisters are just about the most impossible things to shop for. I have been out two weekends in a row looking for something and I am just about down to sending them money. I went ahead and sent the niece's and three nephews their Christmas Cash.

I have two pieces of artwork that I did that each of them gets one. I will have to take a picture of them and post them on the site once the second one is complete. I may try and go ahead and squeeze one more out of my arse and send each of them :) I have to wrap one tonight up.

I so totally do not want to be at work anymore today. I am finding it really hard to concentrate (hence my blog offering). But on my way home, I am going to hop into the tanning bed and then go to the gym late today (if I get all my work done). Otherwise I'll just tone up at home.

I learned that I have to start eating more. I have lost like 10 pounds in the past six months. I am thinking that I have stressed myself out about so many things and I was overly concerned with what I was eating. I'm still eating healthy, just allowing myself to have a few more carbs and sugars. I think my metabolism (thankfully) is just so high. If I want to put on muscle weight again, I have to EAT! :)

I haven't really been sleeping well lately either...I just need to find my center again. I may take a trip down to the beach or something after the New Year. Get some rays...commune with the water forces...read a book. I think that might be exactly what the Doctor ordered.

Holiday Parties and Shows

2006-12-13T10:26:00.000-05:00

So this past weekend my misadventures resumed with a night on the town with one of my best friends, Danny. I had a chairless housewarming party at one of my work friends' new house a ways off I-75. It was a really nice space and I think it had a lot of potential. LOTS of space (I could get lost!). Afterwards (it is so rare that Danny gets a wild hair and wants to go out) we went to Hoedowns and danced the night away.

The next day, I woke up, got out the door to purchase supplies for the lights that I make. Then I spent the next like 6 hours wrapping, drilling, and stuffing! (No, I wasn't having sex! :) The lights were a big hit, but unfortunately I only sold two. So I'm going to have to figure out a new strategy to sell them. I actually can redesign the things so that I can sell them after the holidays by turning them into "artistic creations" without the bows :) I took my creations to sell at the Hotlanta Softball Holiday Drag Extravaganza and I donated one to raffle off to the Chris Rainbow Program (which funny enough, my best friend Larry won it...and I had already given him one the year before LOL). The show was very enjoyable and some of the acts were surprisingly funny. Twice wigs fell off and everyone busted out laughing but the performers kept on!

Afterwards, Mikey and Dean dragged me over to the Heretic where I saw all sorts of people I hadn't seen in awhile so it was nice to catch up and say "Happy Holidays!" I had a long day on Sunday coming up so I headed out a little after midnight.

Sunday was my "Gettin' Er' Done" day...or at least it was a feeble attempt at it ;) I went out after lunch on a quest to finish up my holiday shopping. Started at Macy's and JCPenny looking for some jewelry for my sisters but everything I liked was made of crappy plastic and I like REAL materials like glass and natural stones. I did end up buying myself a new brown cap and scarf ($10 for both!) at Old Navy because it does get cold every once and awhile.

Then it was off to Hancock Fabrics, The Home Store, and then Target to try and find some curtains for my upstairs spare room. I was looking for a modern/trendy black and white print since that room is going to be designed around a monochromatic scheme (with red accents). Didn't find a damn thing so I went to IKEA where I got the comforter and pillowcases for that room. They actually sell fabric and I found the perfect stuff to make my curtains from. I think I did a pretty good job considering I just used this iron on stuff to do the hems. Check it out:

[Insert picture here when you get home]

Things (post-David) are getting back to normal. Not really looking, but I have had a few people express interest. I don't think I desire anything right now other than some quiet time with me, my dog, and a few nice video games that I haven't had time to spent some quality time with. It has been a lot quieter and I realized that I definitely missed my "me" time.

I need to get off my butt and start planning my 3rd annual Christmas Eve Dinner. I generally host a potluck for my friends and neighbors that are still around. We get a few bottles of wine and watch a movie on my big screen TV :)

But hope everyone has gotten their holiday shopping done. I know I have to get out the door again this weekend and not return home until it is DONE.

It's A Little Too Late, I'm a Little Too Gone

2006-12-09T17:23:00.000-05:00

Love that song right now (by the talented Toby Keith). So, my romantic relationship with David is over (pour gasoline on it, Betty). Long story, many issues.

I did learn a good many things about myself. I learned that I have a form of "controller" personality in the guise of "the fixer" mentality (see this website). That's definitely something I think I can get a hold on.

I told a friend of mine what happened and I remember saying, "I guess I am just not cut out to hold down a relationship" and he said to me, "Actually, you are ready. I saw you do things recently that I have never seen you do for anyone before. You ARE ready, you just aren't with the right person."

I certainly handled a number of things wrong :) When I tried to fix some of them, attempt to react differently than before, or stand my own ground, things deteriorated rapidly. I definitely was a schmuck. I dug myself into a few holes that it is going to take a lot of work to get out of. Nothing I can't handle with a positive attitude.

On a lighter note, my quest for the Wii was a complete and utter failure. I guess I should have gotten up like at 5AM to wait outside of Target...FRELL that! Haha! I have Final Fantasy XII to play anyway. It's awesome.

Last night I sighed a couple of times really loud. Breathe out stale history, breathe in a brighter future. I'll be fine. In fact...I'm almost there already.

An Uncertain (but promising) Renewal

2006-12-03T00:51:00.000-05:00

So David and I have talked and we're both of the mind to give things another go. I've been asked not to talk about things on here ;) I was using this kind of as a forum to get a few things across so I am probably going to limit my ramblings to other exciting things BESIDES the ups and downs of my relationship :)

I'm sure, however, to talk about any funny occurrences (as we have quite a few of those).

Had to work at Woofs on Friday and Saturday I went and kept my friend Danny company during his ID check shift. It's amazing how bitchy people can be about showing their IDs. I mean, it's not like we made the laws. We know some of you are older than dirt and knew Moses personally, however, we are required by our friendly neighborhood establishment to make sure that you have your ID. I want to get a shirt made that says, "Yes, I DO have to see your ID". I mean, we're always polite, but you'd think that regulars to the bar would get used to showing their ID.

Bitches.

I am going to wake up early tomorrow and try and get a Nintendo Wii. It's this years' Christmas Present to Myself (tm). Wish me luck! If I do get it, I may lock it away from myself until Christmas. (Yeah...riiiiight LOL :)

Taking a Day

2006-11-29T10:36:00.000-05:00

So I decided to take a day off to get some composure. It's not very professional when people at work ask you if you are OK and you start to cry when you say "I'm fine" like I almost did yesterday. Thankfully, they didn't pry into my problems.

I just have to laugh at how stubborn we both are.

I'm going to treat myself to Final Fantasy XII later today. Thank goodness I get paid tomorrow. :)

I'm going to try and make some extra Christmas Cash by selling some home made Christmas decorations that are little lights that look like presents. They are pretty cool and I think they are a very sellable product. It'll help me raise some funds for the Nintendo Wii that I really want.

Silence.

2006-11-28T17:45:00.000-05:00

So I came home after a really rough day. I had to get my Mom to the airport, as I hugged her I said "I'm sorry" and I wanted to cry because as I turned around, I felt that I was really alone.

I asked David to come get the last of his stuff because well...isn't that what's in the script when you are kind of separated? I guess that came off the wrong way because he wouldn't give me my two weeks to regain my composure. It became a now or never offer. I knew I couldn't be objective about it all. I definitely would have frelled up the communication and knowing me, would have made things incredibly worse.

So not understanding what he was saying I'll claim the fault. I agree, it sounded like a more definitive "get the hell out" move, huh? Ugh...I wish I were wiser. Unfortunately, experience is often the only teacher.

I feel like a mirror that has been shattered. You can kind of see what the whole thing is supposed to look like, but its distorted. Thats my fault. I let myself get broken, though its like one a fault line...it can take a lot of pressure, but when it goes...look out! Tsunami.

On a more positive note, a buddy of mine may be hired (wish him some good Karma, everyone) at GT after he lost his job. I sent the job his way, talked with his new potential boss, etc.

Update:

I wish things were different than they turned out today. I can't sleep. Going to try and pop a pill. Isn't my horoscope for the day appropriate?

You still aren't sure which way the tides are going to carry you, especially now that you realize the oncoming waves of change are just another trick of apparent reality. Things aren't shifting as you had imagined. What is transforming, however, is your own inner world as you are flooded with new ideas. Act on the best ones and enjoy the ride.

Looking forward

2006-11-27T14:53:00.000-05:00

So I'm finally eating. Depression is one hell of a diet people, but I wouldn't recommend it. I am totally going to laugh if I throw this lunch up though. I don't think I make a very pretty coalminer's daughter. I am looking forward to some quiet time. Just me, a few movies, a slew of books on my night table, and maybe a luscious cheesecake.

I laugh at myself because I am reading up on relationships (I probably should have done this BEFORE). I read this article and this other one. I thought they were mildly entertaining. I did the opposite of the first one and I won't be ready for the second for a couple of weeks I think. With so much information available now via the Internet, it's like a barrage of advice and second opinions. But when people are involved, there are no absolute truths. Life would be SO boring if there were ;)

Well my lunch is almost done, I have to try and get a little work done today. It's been kind of hard to focus. I just want to go out and get SMASHED...but that is not dealing with things. Just going to take it easy and recoup for awhile. Hang with friends. Hang out alone. Write lots of shit down. :)

Update

OH MY GOSH. I have GOT to get my little grubby hands on a Nintendo Wii. It looks like SO much fun! Hrm...I will get you my pretty...and your little wiimote too!

Sick.

2006-11-26T11:40:00.000-05:00

I feel really sick today. I just want to throw up. David was pretty harsh to me yesterday, but I don't hate him for that. He's hurting just like I am. But I mean, who really wants perceived flaws pointed out to them? Although I really tried to listen to his complaints about some of my actions and tried to make adjustments.

I feel really empty today. I guess that's just me shutting down for a "reboot". Last time it took me two months. Tuesday, when Mom heads back home I think I am going to buy myself Final Fantasy XII (which I had been holding off on because I know that was one of the things David wanted to get me for Christmas). Maybe a little escape for awhile will be a good thing.

I'm really worried about him. I still love him...I probably always will. I am definitely DEFINITELY not going to be chasing anyone anytime soon. I'm too broken right now to be useful to anyone.

Update:

I think I just did the hardest thing I ever had to do in my life. I told him I needed some space. I need some time to stabilize. I think he needs some time to stabilize. He told me when we were first going out that the time probably wasn't right to start a new relationship but I told him we would work through that. In the end I think he was right, unfortunately. He told me he doesn't believe there ever is a "right time" to start a relationship, but I think after this, he's wrong. I want to think that we might get back together at some point in the future whenever we're both a little more grounded. Stupid me huh? I want to see him happy and successful. I really do. But I can't do it for him. I can't push him to do what is needed to make that happen. I found out that only created additional conflict.

I told my friend Kyle (who will give it to me straight up when I'm wrong..I've known him the longest...our friendship is a really really funny story I don't remember if I covered before) that it really really sucks when the person you love wants to be with you, but it's still just not right. He told me he's sure that I made more than my share of mistakes (he knows me too well...that bitch ;) I told him I was accused of being selfish, which granted I definitely believe I can be, but Kyle said that really wouldn't be a word he would use to describe me. "Demanding perhaps...", he said. But I told him, "I never expect anything from anyone that I don't expect from myself" and he laughed and said, "Yeah, but you expect a hell of a lot from yourself. You've always been an overachiever and responsible almost to a fault." Maybe...but that's who I am. I have built what I perceive to be a pretty damn successful life. Kyle told me that he's seen me in love before (in college with my BF of 2 years) and that I tend to put myself on the back burner (which I did then and made the choice to do so again).

I feel I have sacrificed myself to a really uncomfortable point and I think my relationship paid the price of that one. It kind of built up over time and Mt. Vesuvius blew. I tried to communicate that escalating problem...or at least I'd like to believe I tried. I'm the first to admit, sometimes I'm not the best communicator (sometimes because I buried those feelings in the hope that things just improve magically...hoooo is that ever futile).

And I still feel like I want to throw up.

Done.

2006-11-24T17:28:00.000-05:00

So...I think things are pretty much done with David. We got into an argument this holiday and things were said that probably won't be undone. Things had been rocky for awhile so I probably should feel all THAT surprised. Funny...I feel bad, but I also feel OK (after having a good walk and talk and then a good cry). I don't believe in airing that much dirty laundry (well...unless it's someone ELSE's haha) in my blog anymore. I think there's enough negativity around without me adding mine to the emotional blogosphere. I would like to thank everyone for being supportive or wishing us good luck.

I guess that some things just aren't meant to be. I think he needs someone I am not willing to be, and I need someone he either isn't ready to be or just may never be. That's not a good start...people shouldn't have to change to be together. That doesn't preclude evolving or learning about yourself though. I definitely learned a lot about myself over the past five months. Most of it will really help me become a better person, a stronger person, and the kind of person I should be. I can honestly say I finally learned a few important lessons in unselfishness.

I do wish him luck and happiness. I am sad that we couldn't find it together. I'm honestly a little bit scared but I know I'll make it through. I've done it before, I'll probably have to do it again. I know I can be strong, now I just have to put it into practice.

Back to Abnormal

2006-11-15T11:39:00.001-05:00

*grin* So life has yet again settled back to normal (as normal as it gets when you boyfriend is crazy LOL). After some time apart and with a few of his stresses past us, we were able to talk about things and hopefully move past some of our previous problems. We're both strongly opinionated people and as one of my friends said recently, "If relationships were easy, everyone would be in one" :)

David's dog had puppies and there are two left. They ARE cute but I hope he doesn't want to keep one LOL :) Just for MY sanity in a way *grin*

But this past Friday my friend Mikey invited us to the Sugarland concert. I called David to try and get him to come, but he was a bit tired and had only cursory interest in Sugarland. When I arrived, I found out it was the Brooks and Dunn concert with OPENING by Sugarland. I wish I had known because he would have gone to THAT for sure (as he told me later).

I thought that the Sugarland portion was better than the Brooks and Dunn. I'm telling you the lead singer has the most FLAWLESS voice. It was definitely live without processing and she was ROCK solid. I highly recommend if you can get to see them, make the effort, pay the money, you won't be disappointed. I know I was converted into a fan!

So work is going OK...I made a blunder today and had to visit the "You are an idiot page" :) Luckily it didn't effect EVERYONE (and only lasted 5 minutes).

So my Mom is coming in for Thanksgiving this weekend (and will be with me for like a whoooole week!). This will be David and Mom's first meeting so it should be interesting. And throwing David's son into the mix should REALLY be interesting. We're all planning on having Thanksgiving dinner together. David is going to make the turkey, Mom is going to make the chicken and dumplings, and I'm going to try my hand at making a family recipe for stuffing. I need to go out and purchase all the food this week while I have time.

I have relinquished my post as my homeowner's assocation president. But I did accept Vice President. I think that I'll still have to do alot of work, but I can at least point people at the President now. Our new Treasurer seems to be quite willing to do the job and we have a returning board member to act as secretary. I have about 3 women interested in working with me on the architecture committee and they are all nice so I'm looking forward to this year.

I'm happy even though it's raining! Things are evening out and its about time for some real fun! And with Christmas around the corner...things should only get brighter (speaking of which, I have GOT to go out and purchase some new Christmas lights!).

One of the biggest questions coming up is *giggle* Wii or PS3? :) I may have to hold off on my "Christmas Present to Myself" this year but rest assured...at some point I WILL have BOTH! :)

Biting off more than you can chew

2006-11-06T12:27:00.000-05:00

I have been pretty quiet regarding a few problems between David and I. I let some of his problems become my problems and by doing so, created even more problems. I was trying to help, but I just made myself crazy, angry, stressed, and depressed. Those feelings turned around and bled into my relationship with David which I feel is on very shaky ground right now. I only have myself to blame for that I guess. I feel like I tried too hard...gave more of myself than I guess I really have to even offer. Right now, I am not even sure who I am disappointed in. Lots of conflicting feelings. I just want to crawl into my bed. I felt really sick in my stomach this morning because I could feel something coming...

I feel like a failure. A failure to be the person he needs.

My winter begins to reign a little early...I guess all I can do now is hope for a little wind to move the clouds away and let the sun back in. Maybe also for a little forgiveness and definitely for alot of strength.

Update:

So we talked and there were things that shouldn't have been done and other things that should have been done on both parts. I feel better and things can get back into a positive light I think. We both said we were sorry and then proceeded to have our normal quirky conversation :) I can only hope that going through these things makes us stronger together. I did learn that I can't over do giving of myself. It'd be nice if there didn't have to be limits, but I think that maybe having some limits is a good thing. It avoids creating feelings of resentment which I apparently am not good at containing :) I think I tried to delude myself in many ways...and THAT is not healthy for either of us.

A Long Sigh of Relief

2006-10-13T15:17:00.002-04:00

Been awhile, but David got a job. And not only a job...a GREAT job :) Increase in salary with the potential for an upgrade path! Unfortunately...the bills keep piling up and so we're still on a limited budget...but you know...you do what you gotta do and you just go out and enjoy the free sunshine twice as much!

Unfortunately for almost a month time we both got REALLY REALLY sick. Had to have been a combination of sinus infections plus flu because we both got a clean bill of health from our three month anniversary HIV tests! (yay!) I'm admittedly psychotic about that. In some ways, unhealthily so, but you know...with everything I know about that...you know what I mean.

David's and my relationship grows stronger. Even though at times, I definitely have been an ass (and vice versa) we are definitely progressing. It's been really hard. I guess this is really my first "grown up" relationship. We really talk like we're going to last and in some ways I think my previous relationships haven't ever got this serious. We're both diamonds in the rough but maybe together we can polish each other off and shine. We can at least laugh when both of us get ing a stressed mood at the same time now without killing each other. Forgiveness comes easier after a time. :) And I think one of our biggest strengths that actually gives me some belief that this one will be a lasting one is that we work at communication. And it IS indeed WORK! :) But he's a hottie (inside and out) :)

Got a couple of new albums, John Mayer - Continuum, Evanescence - The Open Door, and my new favorite, White Zombie - Supersexy Swingin' Sounds. Seriously...love that dark industrial metal shit...awesome awesome for working out. Especially the song "More Human Than Human (Meet Bambi in the King's Harem Mix)", which is totally totally sweet.

Well I finally got my car repaired from when my softball coach backed into my bumper with his tail hitch and put a hole into it. I had to rent this stupid Kia POS. I have a Turbo VW Beetle (I know totally gay...whatever, bitch at least it runs well and moves like lightning).

David and I joined a gay bowling league LOL :) My scores are are pretty consistant (hovering around 130) but one day I did manage to pull a 199 out of my ass somehow. The other week the opposing team was having fun tearing stuff out of the newspaper and they handed us the following "ransom" offer:

A few weeks ago the Georgia Tech Campus was invated by the dreaded Homo-Haters Club. If this is an example of the tolerance and love that Jesus taught...then give me the Devil. At least he doesn't discriminate. I personally view these Right Wing Christian Fundamentalists as being Evil's Army seeding the seeds of doubt and hatred. But it was quite entertaining to see all of the students verbally disagreeing with them. I mean they were carrying signs like this:

and

David's car has cost us a minor fortune and now its going to have to go BACK into the shop for repairs. I'm driving it now since my work drive is only 7 miles (instead of the loooong drive out to Marietta). Oh how much simpler will things be (I hope) when both our cars are fixed and David has moved a little closer into town. We were at the auto repair place and the mechanic kept talking to me about the car and inside my head I was going "Ok...just nod and smile...maybe he'll think I know what he's talking about" when David is actually more knowledgeable in that area than I am. David would ask a question and then he'd turn back to me and explain it LOL :) I thought that was damn funny! I do have a more "rugged" look than my seemlingly "twink" boyfriend who looks fresh off the turnip truck sometimes :) Although David thinks of me as having my own "twink" style (which is good...and makes me smile on the inside :)

Labor Day and Worry Day

2006-09-05T12:42:00.000-04:00

In a recent discussion with my friend David (who lives in Orlando) about a new potential job:

(12:34:34) Neon: do you have to move up to Seattle?
(12:34:51) David (Orlando): yeah, that parts sucks MAJOR uncleansed booty.
(12:35:24) David (Orlando): 3,135 miles.
(12:35:25) Neon: well, new boys
(12:35:37) David (Orlando): Yes, new dead ends to explore.

He's so funny :) I'm going to have to save that one for the movie script that the BF and I are threatening to write.

David and his son spent Labor Day Weekend with me. It seems like that holiday just sped on by REALLY fast. On David's way to an errand he spotted a washer/dryer set (that we had JUST the night before mentioned we should look at garage sales since he sold his before his move) so I manage to actually fit them (one at a time) in my VW Beetle (yes...they DID fit scary enough) and when he got home we pulled them into the house as rain was looming.

The next day, we borrowed a friend's truck to haul the set up to David's place (about 20 miles or so away). Upon unloading his treasures into the house, I heard the dryer make this wierd noise and I was concerned about it's functionality. I opened it up in the house to inspect it and I laughed out loud to what I found. David's son has been trying to abscond away with my classic Legos (that I had collected probably 1979-1990) for some time. He had used the dryer as his own little Maltese Falcon and we had even delivered it for him. That little turd.

So in order to show him who the clever one really is (ME)...I wrote him a little note that said "Not this time you little THIEF! Ha ha ha! Love, Neon" and replaced the Lego briefcase with it. David and I got home and the little thief started bragging about how he got my Legos and David and I played along and I acted a little mad about it (knowing that his plans were FOILED!).

When they got home, he ran straight into the house, opened up the dryer door and screamed "DAMNIT!" as my thunderous laughter echoed all the way up I-75.

Today, David didn't answer the phone after our first early morning talk. We honestly have talked to each other at least every 4 hours or so since we've gotten together (sickening...I know). But today I called, left a message, text'd him a few hours later, called before leaving work and left a message AGAIN (psycho boyfriend anyone? LOL) but I was seriously worried. This behavior was out of the norm for him completely. When he FINALLY called (at like 9PM) he had been sleeping the whole time! He's sick with something, sounded like sinus issues...weather/pressures have been odd as of late. Funny thing was that I was really really anxious! I guess I should have truly paid attention to my horoscope! (from tarot.com)

Don't worry if reality throws you a curve ball, especially within the realm of intimate relationships. Surprises that surface may not be cause for as much concern as you expect. Whatever tensions have been buried may come out into the open. Although unexpected, whatever happens now can bring good fortune. Roll with the incoming waves and your life will be enriched. Your only job is to stay emotionally present and open.

That thing was RIGHT on! Crazy where our minds go if we let it! Funny how it's the little things we miss as the day goes by...a phone text...a brief conversation. Yeah, yeah, I know...I'm still in the "Honeymoon Phase" :)

Home Sickness

2006-09-01T11:00:00.003-04:00

So, long time between updates huh? Well true-believers, life has been okay lately. I have a history of sinus problems and the weather as of late has not been helping me. I finally did break down and make an appointment to get some druuuugs later today. I'm sick of being sick. :) The BF is sick of me being sick (I'm admittedly pissy and very little libido when I'm sick, but he's dealing very well with that even though he's been sick too ;)

I went back home to old Mississippi last weekend to help my Mom with a few home repairs. I also dropped off a VERY heavy 35" Sony Trinitron CRT Television (that was obsoleted by my 50" Samsung DLP :) and I am sure it would have been hilarious watching us try and move that TV from my car to the tablestand where she had me set it up. We almost dropped it and then we laughed the whole time going "Do you have it?", "Yes (grunt)", "Are you sure?", "Yes (grunt) Mom". I helped her rescreen the front porch doors, hang up a curtain rod, and fix some outside She thinks that it's funny that I, the person who used to complain about manual labor as a teenager, am so gung-ho when it comes to home projects in my later years LOL :)

Speaking of house projects, I finally finished my new Alfred Gockel print set:

The picture doesn't quite do them justice ;) I should also be finished with a piece for my sister that I promised her like last December! David and I are also going to play with making him a piece or two to try and decorate some areas of his house.

Things with the BF are going well still. We're working through some of our challenges a day at a time. We both joined a bowling league and have really enjoyed that...well since we were both sick last time, our performances TOTALLY SUCKED! And I mean "gutterball" sucked. I do smile when I get a message from some guy saying, "Wow, your BF is a really lucky guy" and I do have to agree ;) But we're both lucky really...we have a real connection (and the sex is amazing BTW which really helps) and we are definitely friends and we laugh alot (most often when we're trying to be serious and make whoopie LOL).

Well it's lunchtime and then I have to head to the Doc's! On my way home I FINALLY have to see about getting my car repaired from my softball coach backing into me. I told David he needed to bug me about that or else I'll ignore it. Hopefully it's not out of commission too long. I love my car. :)

I have a headache!

2006-08-11T14:40:00.001-04:00

Universe, I hate headaches. :) With all these weather changes here in the south (there is a cold front moving in) I have a nice whopper of one. Sinis. Blech.

Life has been moving along at quite a crisp pace lately. David (the BF) and I both laughed yesterday at how busy we seem to be. And with both of us being somewhat structured people we decided to try to lay down some "lazytime" sometime soon. I know that I have alot of things going on all the time and it does require an additional helping of C&C (communication and compromise) which I think I'm handling pretty well. Having been single for so long, I got used to doing whatever it is the heck I wanted. Not much has changed. LOL :) But now it seems there are even more options, what with him being a much more social creature than I am. I think once I purchased my home...I really became a home-body.

So I asked David if I could post a picture up over e-mail and before he even read the e-mail he had called me asking me why I hadn't put a picture of him/us on the blog. So here it is!

Isn't he cute? And the best thing? He's HOT for me! LOL :) I really really really really (did I mention "really"?) like him. We're really good together physically (and HOW *wipes sweat off forehead*), intellectually, and emotionally. It's really nice to be able to lean on someone when I'm feeling a bit off and it's nice to be needed in return. And it's rare I can find someone to put up with me *laugh* :)

So today I had to take my car into the shop as the check engine light was on and I needed an oil change. And damnit all wouldn't you know that it's going to be $300 to get that thing fixed. Crapola and a half. *sigh* But...if I'm planning on driving to Mississippi to see Mom in two weeks, I don't want to break down halfway. That would blow the suckage even more!

I really can't complain otherwise. Actually, I can *laugh* But you know...that never did anyone any good. So I'm just going to grab what would have been my tattoo fund (this big bucket of quarters) and cash it in to put into the bank. I can always replace that money later with my raise in January (I wouldn't be getting it until then anyway...don't want to have to cover a new tatoo with this weather being so nice and sunny).

Maybe I can make a few pieces of art and sell them. I know I owe my sisters one a piece and I have most of the materials for that. Once I get them complete, I'll put some pictures online. :)

--- Update after posting this thing ---

So David comes in and reads this entry and then I said, "Come here and give me a hug..." expecting a little TLC...he starts kissing my ear and neck and I say (with my head in the pillow), "Did I mention I had a headache?". He says in a seductive voice, "You know what they say is good for that?". I pause briefly and venture, "Ibuprofin?" to which his colorful reply was, "Not that...what you need doesn't even come in a bottle...it comes in BRIEFS!" to which I just responded with a giggle.

The House Sitters

2006-08-07T16:18:00.001-04:00

So this past week I was asked by one of my best friends to house sit. Of course...there were benefits, namely a private pool. And yes I did enjoy swimming nekkid! LOL :) And the BF and I did stay there a number of nights together, so it was kind of like a little romantic holiday. Since we met at my friend's pool in the first place, it was kind of poetic that we had our first month's anniversary at the very same place :)

I have to say that this "boyfriend" thing is really nice. I definitely feel desired and we just have FUN! Not that it hasn't been a few potholes this first month, but as I've said before, anything worthwhile requires (at least some) effort. I have a few rough edges of my own I'm hoping to iron out in the coming months, but these are minor changes that I want to do for me. Sometimes it helps having someone around to help you get a clearer picture of who you want to be (and there is always room for improvement I have found).

We do laugh and laugh. I think that's the best part of our relationship. There was one time when we were being "naughty" and we just got the giggles and so I'm on my bed crying laughing holding a pillow over my face screaming, "I can't breathe! I can't breathe! AHHAHAHAAAA" begging him to shut UP! LOL :)

Thanks to those that have read this blog and have wished us luck. He is definitely "the One" for me. And I think I have made it clear to him that I'm in this one 150%. And you know what...I think it's the same for him :)

He even helped out this past weekend do a little landscaping in my HUGE (tongue in cheek) yard. The open soil there now has some ivy that I hope to cultivate up the fence. I may grab some trellis material to frame out that area and add some outdoor lights inside the ivy. But...you know they say the family that can work (outdoors in 100+ degree heat) together can stay together! :) We event went to "Homo-Depot" together. It was nice to be out and about like all the other gay couples! LOL :)

Two Peas in a Pod

2006-07-27T17:49:00.002-04:00

And yet another big gap of time has happened since my last update! I'm sorry to report, I'm still madly happy with the new BF :) There was a time (as there always is with me) when I just was not sure...but funny enough, the truth (how ugly it is) boiled to the surface.

So D was having a VERY bad day and he dropped that he might have to move back to Dallas and I felt like I was physically shot with a .45. I actually teared up (and THAT was when I was like...dude...you DO have some feelings in here for this boy...)

So D is practically everything I have been looking for. And I'm not saying that to get into his good graces (he does read this blog)...it's something we both have said already. Laughingly enough here was a conversation in the car:

Me: So...do you like...chinese?
D: Yes, LOVE some chinese!
Me: OMG, me too!

Me: So...do you like...italian?
D: Yes, pasta is irresistable!
Me: OMG, me too!

Me: So...do you like...sushi?
D: Ew, that is GROSS!
Me: OMG, me too!

Me: So...my friends have always told me that I just need to date myself...
D: OMG, me too!
In chorus: And now we are!

*laugh* I'm serious...that's just about how it went down. It's quite sickening how organic our relationship has been. It's like those favorite pair of pants that just hugs your a$ perfectly, you know the ones (, hooker). Well D is those pair of jeans :) We are both Pisces (which is supposedly a recipe for disaster LOL) and we both like sci-fi, cartoons, and the gym. I mean...seriously...how lucky can I get? Granted...I'm finding that it's definitely work, but you know...what worthwhile isn't?

We were talking on the phone the other day and he asks me, "Are we funny? Or do you think that we just think that we're funny?" to which I told him, "Dude...it's the latter I'm sure". Haha!

But last night was great, we went to see this movie:

It was pretty dang funny! I had recieved free tickets from an e-mail distribution list I somehow got on (no complaining on THAT spam!). It actually had a number of things I think that gay men (especially in Atlanta) need to hear (so go see it, bitches! LOL).

Work has been quiet what with the boss gone all week moving from Cali. I did manage to get a couple of project updates dropped on me with like a week deadline. Worked all day on one of them and it's not working as expected. Network routing is such a freaking bitch sometimes (but it pays them billz!)

Well, I'm off to rest for a bit before the gym! Things are going great! I'm taking D to my office picnic tomorrow...I think that's a pretty big deal for me. We'll see how it goes!

I'm a lesbean!

2006-07-15T16:11:00.000-04:00

LOL :) So...lots has happened recently. Some of it is good (wonderful in fact) and some of it's bad. The wierd thing about both of them is that they involve HOT things.

So first the bad. I am in pergatory. Oh yes. *sweat* The air conditioner inside evaporator coil is BROKE! And it's going to be a full two months that I will be and continue to be without air. I could have it two weeks sooner, but at an additional cost of $700. I'm already forking out and arm and a leg (and yes it IS disrupting my life) but I figure I can wait the two weeks and be a cheap ass LOL :) I'd rather save that money and put it torwards my mounting VISA bill you know? My friend Danny and I installed a window unit into the bedroom (thankfully) so it's at least bearable.

I was naughty however and bought myself a Nintendo DS Lite because I was like, "If I'm going to have to spend so much time in that room (and not be masterbating) then I am at least going to have a new toy. HA! But it's a cool little device. Very fun to play. :)

The second thing I have to report is that I am off the market. OH. MY. UNIVERSE. Granted, it's only our 2nd week, but he totally digs me (glowies and all) and I totally dig him. He's a really REALLY fun and sweet guy, and we are just about perfect for each other I think. It's a bit daunting entering a new kind of mentality of actually seriously dating someone since I haven't done that in SO long (November 2005 was the end of my last one). I am glad that it appears my friends approve of him (because he's so dang cute) and that is really important (and telling) to me (the part about my friends...although him being so dang cute is a definite bonus!).

He's told me once that he thinks that I might be "the One", which with me being "Mr. Defensive Realistic", I keep telling myself (and him) "We'll see". But then again, isn't that the exciting part (besides the amazing sex) of any new relationship? Seeing how the parts mesh, learning all the ups and downs and how similar and different we are?

I do however, feel like that point in Peter Pan when Tinkerbell is dying and you have to clap and say "I do believe in faries!"...

Except in my case...I'm clapping and saying, "I do believe in love!". So as you read this (seriously) clap for me and my new guy and say those words for yourself. With all the problems that this world has to offer, we could all use a little faith.

*clap clap clap* ;)

Bowling in Ohio...Bowling Green that is!

2006-06-30T16:04:00.004-04:00

So quite a number of events have flown by since my last post, but as with some of the best storytellers, I figure things should go in chronological order!

My trip to fabulous Bowling Green, Ohio was to attend a networking security conference. That kind of stuff is right up my alley and gets my mental pistons firing. Well of course I kind of had some reservations going into the great midwest. And LAWD let me tell you it was FLAT. Check out this photo of a railroad track:

I could see all the way to the horizon! (Shaddup, I'm easily amused, you nasty bitches! Haha!)

But quite by accident, I sat down at a table with what was to be the most fun group probably at the whole conference. "Texas" Joe and I started some idle chat and then he started cracking jokes and we were bouncing funny comments off one another's jokes and had people laughing. He and I apparently had a similar sense of humor and one of my previous day's aquaintances, Kevin, sat next to us and dubbed us the "Troublemakers". So of course we had to hang out more to proove them correct. Texas knew "Vegas" Vicky, Jill, and "New York" Raphael from previous conferences and fortunately I was included on their "cool people list" and this was pretty much my circle of friends (later adding Drew) for the entire conference.

We would all meet up during the breaks and chat and talk about the seminars we went to and the rest of the time would laugh and joke around.

We went out to this bar called "Junction" a couple of times for a beer after a long brain-draining day of presentations. Some of them were interesting and some of them...from my point of view...were downright SCARY. Some people should just NOT be allowed to present. Although I do have kind of a "leg up" when it comes to experience in informing and entertaining from the various and sundry activities that have come and gone in my life.

Some of our adventures include an afternoon trip to "Dave and Barry's" which is a clothing store not unlike "Old Navy" where everything is $7.98 or less. My coworker from Georgia Tech, Miles, had been there before and they came up with a theme song:

(sung to the tune of Frere Jaques/Are You Sleeping):
Dave and Barry's, Dave and Barry's
Seven Ninety Eight, Seven Nintey Eight
You know that you wanna
Come on spend a dolla
We Love You, We Love You

Hehehe :) So from time to time we would lightly sing "Seven Ninety Eight" and giggle. On the trip to Dave and Barry's we crammed about 8 people into a Honda Accord (none of us had a car except for Miles).

Another one of our fun and exciting adventures that weekend was a trip to Cedar Point, which is one of the most talked about Roller Coaster capitals of North America. And by absolute coincidence, it was their Gay Day (since Cleveland was having it's Pride) *laugh*. That turned out to be alot more fun than I thought. We rode coaster after coaster (awesome awesome) but unfortunately didn't get to go on the most awesome one, The Top Thrill Dragster because of weather conditions. But I will say that the gays were out and about, definitely not in the number that Gay Days at Disney brings out, but there was a presence felt. I got complimented a number of times on my tank top I had bought in Atlanta with the pride colors stitched into it in small color blocks. :)

So all in all, I'd say the conference was quite enlightening. I got to look at what other institutions are doing in regards to network access control (geek alert), go to Gay Day at Cedar Point, and meet some seriously awesome straight people who I hope to see next year in San Diego (if I'm allowed to go). My best memory was of Rafael saying to me, "You know...I'm glad I met you. I haven't hung out with that many gay people, but you are really cool. You've really opened my eyes." Aww. :) I felt like a Gay Ambassador :) And personally I think that's the best way to accomplish social change...one person at a time.

Buy one, get some free!

2006-06-07T09:19:00.001-04:00

So, an amusing little story for those faithful readers of my misadventures. :) I am building a new fence at my townhome (yes...I finally got the money! Thanks Laura!) and I am doing it myself. After looking at it, I mean...it's not THAT hard to nail a 2x4 to a 4x4x8 post and then attach dogear planks. I built it for $250, contractor wanted $800! I'm in the wrong business!

Anyway, when I went to pick up the supplies at a local home improvement store, I walked in and this latino guy pushing the floor scrubber was kind of cute and smiled at me and I smiled back. During my search for supplies, I would run across this guy and he kept grinning and well that just made me grin back. I found the 4x4x8's and was loading them up into a push cart when he stopped the scrub machine and came over to me and proceeded to ask if I was a contractor (Don't laugh bitches!). He explained (or attempted to explain) that his english wasn't very good (which was mildly cute, but I have enough problems with the english language on my own). But I had work to do and he went back to work. On my way out, I had to pick up some QuickCrete (to set the posts) and he happened to be at the end of the aisle and as I passed him I was having issues steering the cart and joked about how bad of a driver I was and I distinctly heard him say very quickly "Restroom". And I thought to myself, "Did that just happen?" and was like "Time to go!". I mean...I have done some trashy things in my life, but I do have some limits. Who knew that with every purchase of $250 in building supplies you can get an extra 7 inches of uncut wood free? HA! (Addendum: To make this blazingly clear... I did NOT accept this man's offer)

Building this fence has been pretty fun and rewarding, but it has been time consuming. Ugh. I've had to skip the gym twice this week to work on this fence. I want it DONE! Git 'er done! I've been really bad about my gym schedule lately. There are just so many other things I need time to do during the summer. Softball keeps me in decent shape, but since when has any of us gay boys been satisfied with our appearance? :)

On my geek life, I rejoined City of Heroes/Villains and quit playing World of Warcraft. WoW just took too long to do ANYTHING. With CoX, I could get in the game and have some fun for an hour and then leave feeling like I accomplished something. I built a new character (Villain) named "Captain Blackwater". He is magic based and has Dark Blast and Zombie Summoning. So far he's been pretty fun to play. I have to re-learn everything. I did meet up with this guy who I used to adventure with all the time and had a pretty good online friendship. He was like, "Is that you, Strife?" (my old character was named "Strifeline"...still have him which is cool) and I was like "Yeah...who is this?" And he says, "DUDE! It's SHOCK!" *laugh* We met up for a bit and chatted about the good old days. Hopefully I will catch up with him again as he had a wicked sense of humor and was fun to adventure with.

And I did finally go see X-Men 3: The Last Stand and I thought it was pretty darn good. I'm an old skool X-Men reader (quit in about 2000 I think...got to be too expensive). If ever Marvel offers digital downloads for cheaper, I would highly consider doing that. I need to get a group together to play Mutants and Masterminds (a pen and paper RPG) as I miss playing that stuff.

Memorial Day Weekend 2006

2006-05-30T16:17:00.000-04:00

Time flies when you're having fun don't it? So when last I posted, I was recovering from some softball injuries. I most definitely feel MUCH better now. The arm stopped hurting so much and the knee is less swollen (I can at least see my kneecap now!).

I have discovered (AGAIN) that procrastination will be the death of me. When I closed on my townhome two years ago, I was given a $500 allowance to get a fence put in between my neighbor and I. I got a contractor who pretty much ditched and I left the check in his name figuring I could get one cut when I was ready to deal...TWO YEARS LATER! HAHAHAH!

SO I called up the lawyer who closed on my house, she has since moved on, but gave me the number of someone who could help me. She is helpful, and I know its near the end of month, but she's not returning my phone calls and I have tried to jump through all the hoops her firm is making me jump through. I am going down there in person this week to get this stuff over with. If I have to make an ass of myself in order to put some closure on this, so be it. I have been Mr. Nice Guy and Mr. Patience for two weeks without a return phone call. (I'm so sure I'll run crying from the lawyer's office screaming "Ya'll are MEANIE'S!" HAHAHHAHA!)

I am so ready to get to work on that project. It's like one of the last things I have to do before the other thousand projects I have on my list.

So this past weekend we played in the HSL Hotlanta Softball Challenge (which I played a decent part in the working/preparation for it). We had lots of drama with this year and on Friday I pretty much worked all freaking day on the tournament (I took a vacation day from my normal job). Next year, I think I might let someone ELSE do the work and I'll just serve as an advisor ;) LOL :) I will say that everyone was very helpful and did everything that I asked them to without giving me any grief. And LORD do I love that! :) If I were born a long time ago, I totally would have to have been a king. (Shaddup, bitches).

So Memorial Day Monday was pretty much spent on my ass in front of the television watching DVD's of an anime my friend Nick loaned me called "Gantz". It was entertaining...interesting concept. It's very mature (sexual innuendos and situations) and seriously bloody. :) Love it! MUHAWHUAHWUAHWA!

Well it's quitting time, gotta finish up for the day and head out to the homestead. I'm supposed to go to the gym early tonight with Sir Nick. Lata, playa! (And David...if you read this..."NO NO NO!" :)

Busy Days and Lazy Days

2006-05-14T20:19:00.001-04:00

So for the past two weeks I have been such a lazy-butt! Had to take off the gym because of some softball injuries (they weren't healing...but are better...not perfect...now). Add to that me going on an eating binge and I feel like a cow.

At least at work I had a medium level of stress (two major projects due at the same time) and was burning some extra calories there. I was pretty tired though...would come home, take a nap, wake up, eat, pop an Ambien, and then go back to bed :)

But I got OFF my butt this weekend and played my last game of softball with the church league I joined (I'll miss those guys...but at least we went out on a win!). It was a pretty good experience all around. I don't often interact with that many straight people at one time and it felt good to do. I think sometimes we (as a community) separate ourselves out from the rest of the Universe. I think its then when people don't get the opportunity to know us as individuals for our strengths and personalities. I'm not really an activist because I believe the most important changes are down at the personal level.

But this weekend we were off from HSL (my "regular" softball league) so I took the opportunity to get a bucket of chores done:

asdfasdf

And add to that I decided to paint my Condo Association's signs this weekend (out of the kindness of my heart) because they looked CRAPPY :)

Now I have a mountain of laundry to put away (that's been in a pile for like 4 days now) but I think I'm going to procrastinate on that some more (hahah!).

I did give my number to this guy on Friday on MySpace and he replied with "Great, I'll put it in my phone and call you sometime". Well he hasn't called this weekend and I am feeling somewhat "not interested" anymore. I mean...hey...if I'm not interesting enough to call sooner, then obviously he isn't that interested. I don't want to be a convenience, I feel I should be a "want". *grin*

Southern Shootout 2006

2006-04-19T16:23:00.000-04:00

So finally, the face is healing up. It is INCREDIBLY much better than it was last week this time. Now I just look like I stayed up too late :)

So this past weekend was Easter, but for the GGB, he was at another softball tournament :) (put on your surprise face) LOL :) Friday, my friends DG and LD and I rode over to Birmingham, AL for the 2006 Southern Shootout softball tournament. We had left early enough to skip the heavy Atlanta holiday traffic, thank goodness! We arrived and headed out to eat (I was imploding...again) and we sat inside admiring (or not, haha!) the other softball boys sitting outside on the patio. Afterwards we signed in and headed to the open bar (woo hoo...you know I love THAT) and hung out with the other Wackers and renewed aquaintances. Couldn't really stay out that late (and I was rooming with married folk) so afterwards, just crashed.

Saturday started early with two round-robin games of which we won one and lost one, placing us almost smack dab in the middle of the seeding. Not a bad spot...but it definitely made for an uphill battle to try and place. Once the tournament started, we played pretty well, winning our first game and heading for the second. Unfortunately, we lost our second game, putting us into the losers bracket. One more loss and we would be put out of the tournament! With an 8:00AM game, I felt for sure we would be home in time for lunch and a good nap.

As with most things in my life...GUESS AGAIN! LOL :)

We weren't playing too well that first game against the K-town Katz...but after an inspirational, "get your shish together, I know you can play better" (paraphrased) speech by our coach, we kicked it into high gear, climbed out of our hole and won by like a point. :) The next game against an Atlanta team, the Demons was one of the most interesting of the weekend... :) During one play in that game, I was getting a forced out at second, the runner ran into me, grabbed me and pulled me on top of him. No harm done, but I was struggling to turn around to see who it was and I laughed and said, "Well...at least you're one of the hot ones!" as he walked off the field...and BOY how-freaking-dee is he ever sexy...

In a surprise (and some would say foolish) we were tied in the score and the International Run Rule went into effect (which is basically you play innings starting with a man on 2nd base). Luckily we had our best runner (whom we nicknamed "Choo Choo") on the base...but with no outs, the coach decided to walk the next two runners. This was kind of an odd move, loading the bases...the likelyhood of getting a TRIPLE-PLAY was near impossible and their pitcher was dog tired...three balls and he walked our batter...BALLGAME to us :)

Our third game for the day, was against another Atlanta team, the Eagle Talons. We were pretty familiar with the team, though there were a few new faces. Again...we stressed out our coaches and pinched it by another single point :) THEN we played the Orlando Equalizer Cowboys, definitely a pretty team *steam out of my ears*. That game was interesting because their pitcher had just about had it...had they had additional skilled pitchers, we might have lost. That put us into third place...HARDWARE :) But...another game to play...luckily (in my eyes) we lost (or we would have had to play a FULL SEVEN INNINGS MORE) and yours truly was about as full of energy as a Tic-Tac.

So we had a little celebratory get together at Woofs on Wednesday night which was a nice way to really kick off our season. :)

The Black Eye

2006-04-10T21:45:00.001-04:00

So...that is me on Day 3 after getting hit in the face by a bad hop. My friends are all like "OOOOO, gurl...that looks like it hurts" and I nod and say, "Nope." :) Truly...it looks worse than it is. I just have a minor headache and tenderness. I'm actually quite surprised. Thankfully, the swelling went down enough for me to play my two games on Sunday. I hope it sticks around for my tournament this weekend because I think they'll be like, "Check out Short...don't mess with him..." :) Muahwuhauhwauha!

I feel pretty...oh so pretty!

2006-04-07T23:51:00.003-04:00

So...while playing ball tonight I was moving torward the ball, it looked like it was going to be a nice and easy double play (the ball was moving FAST right into my glove) when it apparently hit a rock and angled directly at...my FACE...check it OUT:

My right eye is about swollen shut and I guarantee it will be a black eye by Sunday morning when I might have to play with HSL. When I first got hit all I could do is hold my hand to my head and taste the blood coming from a cut on my nose and from within my nose (I know...that's EXACTLY what you wanted to read). Luckily, on the opposing team there was a nose doctor and he took a look at it and declared it not broken (possibly fractured) but there wouldn't be anything anyone would do besides prescribe ibuprofin and some ice packs.

I feel like Quasimodo but if I get a black eye and it lasts awhile...that could be pretty hot! ROTFL :) I'm really hoping we don't have practice in the morning because I want to rest as much as possible. I generally heal pretty fast but I have a feeling that this thing is going to bruise and really hurt in the coming days.

Oh well...that's the danger of playing shortstop. And I've always said, "It's not a real game unless by the end of it I'm hurt or bleeding" :)

Softball...the cult...(and other sundry tales)

2006-04-05T14:17:00.001-04:00

So I haven't updated ya'll in awhile, and for that I apologize. I have been sucked yet again into "Softball Land" :) Not complaining though. I LOOOOVE me some "Softball Land" :) In fact, so much that I joined a church league to get some extra games in on Friday. Mom was floored, she knows I'm not an avid church goer having been turned off the whole thing by catholocism (in reality my Dad). But I have my own belief system of sorts which I have discussed in previous blogs I think...won't bore you with that here.

So playing with the Briarlake Baptist Church league is very different than playing with HSL. For starters, they generally don't need a cutoff (I'm playing shortstop with them too) since they have freaking cannons for arms and most of the real "outs" come from pop flies into the outfield. These guys are definitely a lot of fun to play ball with and I'm learning a few things as I play.

We're still in "exhibition" games with my other team, "Woofs Wackers" and everyone is gunning to take us out since we've been the number one team for three years now (I wonder how this year will play out...). That is fine...bring it, bitches :) We have fun no matter what!

Speaking of games, the Wackers played two games on Sunday (won both BTW) but a funny thing happened that morning...I put in my contact and thought I scratched my eye. I couldn't see clearly out of my right eye!!! So my eye was uncomfortable, and I had to play since we were at a team minimum to play so I just focused during those games like CRAZY. I was so focused on the ball I should have been able to move it with my mind! Thankfully, I played quite well, had a few good plays and only messed up the first game's batting. When I got home I decided to change into glasses and went to take the problem contact out first...but once I did...I found out I COULD SEE! I stared deeply into the mirror, moved my finger around my eye and found a second contact in my eye! Apparently when I opened the new pack there were TWO in the case that I had shoved in my eye! Damn...if I can play that good with murky vision...hahahhaha!

I do love posting funny AIM conversations and here is another one:

(13:43:57) *Friend1:* what's with all these $ problems?
(13:45:03) *Neon:* lol
(13:45:06) *Neon:* Nothing
(13:45:11) *Neon:* I just want to party like a rockstar!
(13:45:24) *Neon:* ROCK F-ING STAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(13:45:26) *Friend1:* yes you do... on a karaoke budget

ROTFLMAO! :) But I have had to shell out some serious dough as of late. Air conditioning repair, car tag, alarm system, and an extra car payment (because I screwed up in January with auto-payments). I am saving money (I'm shocked as to how much) by bringing my lunch to work and not eating out during the week. I ain't po...but I am determined about trying to get to $0 debt...but I dug myself slightly deeper by buying a TV from some of my best friends (who were getting rid of it anyway).

But it's FABU! :) And by FABU I mean "holy sheep shears, Batman...that's a big TV" :) It's a 50" DLP and it's FINE to play video games on too :) Now I have to get my old 35" Tube Sony to my Mom. She laid claims to that so I cannot sell it. *sigh* :) But she's good to me and deserves it. I mean...she has to put up with me right?

Don't burst my Buble'!

2006-03-09T16:00:00.000-05:00

So yesterday was a VERY long and full day. Had to wake up early and pop into work to do some maintenance (we can only often do that wil people aren't using our systems). Throughout the whole day I was like a ZOMBIE...well until my service manager bought me an expresso around 0930 and then I turned into the human water faucet. I am finding that my body is changing...either due to old age (LOL) or the extra muscle and (some) body fat and I sweat alot easier now. For someone who used to not sweat alot...it's kind of bizzaro! :)

At any rate, the day wore on and I left work early and took about an hours nap before waking up and getting all dolled up for the Michael Buble' concert that evening! Loooove me some Michael Buble'!

My goodness I enjoyed that more than I thought I would. WHAT an entertainer! Handsome (of course) with a stage presence that is just awesome. Slightly cocky, but that is a trait of "The Crooner" and man did he know how to work a crowd. His show appealed to the guys, girls, straights, and gays. He had something for everyone. The evening went by so fast and I laughed quite a bit (he's quite the comedian). It was definitely worth the money and I was lucky enough to have a ticket fall into my lap by a friend who once heard me mention I really liked him.

Got to bed finally at about midnight (having had been up since like 4:30...I was BEAT). I have a friend coming into town this weekend (yes just a friend...but a HOT friend LOL!) and we're going to go jaunting on the town on Friday I believe.

I have an interesting premise for a poem/song lyrics that I am working on. Maybe I will have a few moments this weekend to play with it. If it's any good, you'll see it here first!

What a SAD, SAD 32nd Birthday

2006-03-03T09:45:00.000-05:00

So yesterday I turned 32. Well at least I'm still around and kicking with a fairly full and exciting life :) When I reminded a friend of mine it was my birthday he said:

You are so old now that I thought we weren't supposed to bring it up.

Which gave me a GREAT laugh (that bitch) :) What exciting and mischevious things did I do for my birthday? Well...I woke up...thought about calling in "sick" but I had too much work to do (today as well) so I went in. Got home when the day was done and went to the gym. Then I wrestled with my DSL connection for an hour (got it working obviously) and then went to bed.

Can you stand the excitement? :)

I did however splurge for my present and I bought myself a 1GB iPod Nano. I know I already have the 30GB iPod video, but I need something smaller for the gym. :) NEED! YES NEED! HAHAHAHA :)

I know I have reached the age of "getting older" because all these younglings (18-24) are chatting me up. I am not an ageist...I learned that even people my age sometimes might not be as mature as someone younger so I refuse to discount someone because of age. It's just a number, the soul has its own timetable. I'm a big ole kid at heart anyway.

I did try a funny test on one of those blogger sites and I thought the result quite accurate LOL :)

You Are a Natural Flirt

Believe it or not, you're a really effective flirt.
And you're so good, you hardly notice that you're flirting.
Your attitude and confidence make you a natural flirt.
And the fact that you don't know it is just that more attractive!

What Kind of Flirt Are You?

Tampa Tournament and Misplaced Letters

2006-02-22T10:21:00.000-05:00

A silly conversation over AIM that I thought was funny:

(10:19:19) Neon:
(10:19:56) Neon: Pounders blowing sounds fun
(10:20:09) Neon: if I am not tied up I might go do that
(10:20:34) Friend1: what?
(10:20:45) Neon: on the wackers list
(10:20:52) Neon: the Pounders bowling tournament
(10:20:56) Friend1: o
(10:21:05) Friend1: oh, you said "blowing" lol
(10:21:11) Neon: LOL
(10:21:13) Neon: OMG I did!
(10:21:15) Neon: HAHAHHAHA
(10:21:21) Neon: I have to put that on the blog

LOL :) So I am back in full form and fashion after a week of pretty much just sitting on my ass. My softball team, the Wackers, competed in the Gasparilla Softball Tournament down in good old Tampa, Florida. I actually used to live 20 minutes away from Tampa so I actually saw a few things that were familiar.

So I drove down on Friday with my friend DG. Left EARLY (was on the road at 6:30AM) and after a leisurely 8 hour drive, we arrived at the hotel. Our room wasn't ready so DG and I grabbed our swimsuits out of the car and changed in the bathroom. The hotel pool was heated and it was NICE after sitting all that time in the car. There were some cute guys around, nothing amazing. Part of me just believes that all that effort chasing boys just isn't worth the return :) But we did have a couple of beers. Right after the first one, our coach called us and invited us to an impromptu practice...we looked at each other and we said at the same time, "I'm too tired" and with that promptly ordered a second beer!

Friday night we went to "Club Chambers" which had a downstairs techno bar and an upstairs country bar (but only until midnight). Let me tell you I was PISSED I didn't know that otherwise I would have brought my boots. It's a little hard to dance in tennis shoes (especially my platform light up ones! HAHAHHAHA! [Link].

Saturday started the tournament and having not played in MONTHS...it was nice to get back into the proverbial swing of things. I had the deubious honor of being our first at bat (I hate being first at bat) but...I got a nice triple RIGHT off the bat, they overthrew third and my coach sent me home for our first run of the tournament on the very first hit of the tournamenet :) That definitely gave me a quick confidence boost and I pretty much rocked the rest of the day :) In all actuality, the TEAM rocked that day. We won both our round robin games and then had to play actual tournament games. We won our third game and lost our fourth one, but we were happy with our performance for the day!

Unfortunately...great performances do have a cost. I ended up busting one of my front teeth and getting a BIG cash in my lower lip. There went my sex life for the weekend! :( Well..not necessarily...I could have precluded any conversation with, "I can't kiss you or suck you, but I sure can give one hell of a hand-job!!!" :) I didn't think that would go over very well...so I just shelved the guy-on-guy action for a later time.

Sunday's morning games came really early. I hadn't gone out the night before because after 4 games of softball...I was feeling as wore out as my right hand...

...I mean...well...anyway...

Unfortunately we lost our first game on Sunday, and in a double elimination tournament that meant we were DONE. So we piled into the car and headed over to the "other" fields to watch our sister team, the Pounders as they were still playing.

So that night, my roommate for the weekend, DG decided he was going to drive home with someone else leaving that night. So one of my other teammates decided to drive with me and we had a really good trip back the next day. It was pretty funny as every time we got out of the car, we had to use our arms to move our legs they were so sore. And it hurt to laugh and giggle (and you know how I love to laugh and giggle) and that made me laugh EVEN MORE!

Well now it's a week later, I'm back going to the gym (it was really WAY too nice to be off of the gym) and starting all over again with low weights...gotta work back into it otherwise I'll be sore AGAIN. *sigh* But softball is here pretty much and it's my 32nd birthday tomorrow. :) Which sexy man wants to give me my birthday sex? LOL :)

2006 Valentine's Day Post

2006-02-13T18:10:00.000-05:00

SO...I figure I won't have time tomorrow to post any updates and though I am happy a guy actually told me the truth about "not feeling the connection" it still sucks :) I think I could have really liked him :)

So I'm listening to Offer Nissim's album "First Time" which is awesome for my mood. I knelt down earlier and sighed really deep. It was one of those deep sighs that you can feel deep within your core, dredging up the ambiguous emotions you hide deep inside a tarnished soul. I looked up to the heavens and said aloud, "Universe, I am tired."

And I am tired. And I worry that people can sense that when they interact with me on a personal level. I mean...you can tell when someone is bitter, eh? I wonder exactly what kind of "vibe" I'm putting out there at this point in my life. Probably a bit jaded I imagine. :) Which is odd because I believe that if I am...I hide it from myself pretty damn well.

So I have had quite a number of compliments like, "You are handsome/sexy, you have a fun sense of humor, your (online) profile really has some substance, you seem well grounded". I'm wondering what exactly I have to be to land a boyfriend on my same level...

I mean...do I need to become some abusive, unemployed, asshole in order for someone to take notice? LOL :) I say that laughingly, but there is an echo of truth to it. Pity party for one, yes, I know. But it's not like you've never had one so shaddup and give me my five minutes :)

So tomorrow, I will paint on my smile, wear a fun valentine's day shirt, and take solace in the fact that I (honestly) rarely feel like this. And I am going to Tampa on Friday thru Monday on vacation to play softball. The sun and physical exercise are sure to enhance my mood...just gotta make it through this week. Thank goodness I have alot to keep myself busy between work and some of my extracurricular activities.

But seriously, everyone. I hope you have an awesome Valentine's Day and if you don't have another person to treat right, focus the attention on yourself. Do something nice for you...a nice dinner, buy that thing you've been wanting, some self physical satisfaction >:) Instead of a sigh, we'll take a cleansing breath...and be all the better for it.

Something I Found on the Hard Drive...

2006-02-06T18:26:00.005-05:00

And no, it's not porn (I don't misplace that stuff!). Anyway, let me set the stage. Joined a new personals site (I figure I gotta cast the line somewhere or else I'll be an old spinster with major arthritis in his right hand) http://www.guys4men.com and posted a few pictures up there (of course a few of them are shirtless...I mean I have to put some bait on the hook right? :)

SO I get a message (a few weeks back) from this guy complaining about ME...check it out and my response (in the box):

And I was like WTF?!?!?! This guy is one of those "I want you to be 5'8 - 5'9 with BLONDE hair and a 27 WAIST who works out AT LEAST THREE DAYS A WEEK and is VERY MASCULINE, but not too much and between the AGES of 18 and 22" (I'm making these stats up).

You are totally going to find YOUR soul mate, Mister. *eyeroll* Man...just seeing that message pisses me off again. I mean, it's one thing if I know you, you can say whatever you want. But for a complete stranger to dis me to my FACE like that is plain rude.

Although I did think the whole thing was funny (in a disturbed way) in reality. And if you weren't aware, yes I have two piercings (right and left nipples) and two tattoos. And I want a third tattoo...I just have to figure the design out. But that's me. If you don't like it, then obviously I am not in your dating pool and please pass me by, but don't criticize because I did something to my body that you find unattractive (unless we are dating/partnered).

I joined MySpace today on the request of my friend/neighbor/workout partner Nick. It seems interesting but DAMN if it isn't overloaded with advertising. I guess it's gotta pay for itself somehow.

Today is a nasty nasty rainy sleety day (wish I had a cuddle buddy and a good movie) so I'm just chilling out and finishing up an art project I am making for a friend's housewarming:

Still feels like it needs a little something more...gotta grok on it for the next few days...

Hyperproductivity (It's the new word)

2006-01-30T14:11:00.000-05:00

So I feel totally awesome about this past weekend. :) I feel like I accomplished ALOT.

Friday at lunch, my neighbor and I grabbed some chinese food and then replaced his wall outlets and disposal switch. Friday night I helped do an HSL sign-up (for softball coming in March). Saturday I pretty much spent the day with my neighbor/friend Nick. We went to Cost Plus World Market (amazingly I didn't find anything that I absolutely had to have) followed by lunch at Jason's Deli. Man...I could TOTALLY eat there every freaking day. Not only is it healthy food...it's TASTY! Saturday late we went to the gym and really pushed the leg workout (my legs are still sore, but this is good because I don't want to be the guy with pulled muscles on the softball field) with a few hours of chilling on the couch after that.

I got bored around 9:45PM and decided to head out to Hoedowns for a few rounds on the dancefloor. Went there and got two of the biggest compliments :) Made me smile for the rest of the weekend.

The first was from this guy David who I used to dance with all the time (hadn't seen him in like a year) and he asked me "You know...I haven't seen you in awhile but you still look the same as you did seven years ago...what's your secret?" I had to laugh at this point because either he was saying that I looked older when I was younger or that I still look younger now that I'm older. :) I think I will opt for the second of those choices, eh? I just told him it was clean living, plenty of exercise, and laughter every day!

The second was when I was on my way out, I was picking up my jacket and this girl said "Hi" and I said "Hi" and smiled and she asked "So, I have to assume you are here for a reason." And I said "Um...what do you mean?" She said, "You like guys right?" to which my eyes lit up with a little laughter and I replied, "Afraid so." with a cheshire grin. She rolled her eyes and said "Dammit, all the cute ones ARE gay." and I just smiled really big and gave her a hug and thanked her for the compliment. I think that one will keep me smiling all week.

Sunday I woke up LATE (11:00!) and got my groove on to run some errands. Target for lightbulbs and then THREE (yes THREE) different department stores trying to find Levi 527 33x32's. And NONE of them had my size. I was/am completely disgusted by that. I am just going to say F-it and order them online. (Bitches.)

I will have to say this, I have chatted online with a few guys, gave them my phone number, and NONE of them have called. I am casting the line, but there obviously aren't any fishes in this ocean. *laugh* So, I just put on some Michael Buble and chill things out. Grab a cup of wine and dance with myself for awhile ;) I swear, the Universe has me in a "holding zone" or something. I feel like a crime scene with everything taped off with "Do Not Enter" (pardon the pun) :) Not complaining...well...maybe a little *laugh* I have plenty of stuff keeping me occupied. Billiard Team, Softball coming up, World of Warcraft, Home Improvements, and of course the well loved gymtime :)

I'm supposed to go practice pool tonight at Miss-Qs and I am totally looking forward to that. After two weeks ago's win...I think I am learning...slowly...:)

Another day in paradise!

2006-01-25T20:15:00.002-05:00

So the weather here in the ATL isn't so bad this year. It's so temperate as to be almost scary. Softball season preparations have started up and I am behind because I have to wait on people to get off their butts to get me information. As my coaches said...one of my best qualities is that I give 150% all the time...but that it's also one of my worst qualities because I always expect that of other people.

And that is totally true. I don't want to change the "me 150%" and part of me wonders if I MUST change the "other people 150%". I guess I should in order to avoid being continually disappointed *laugh*. I do get comments all the time like "geez, you are involved in so much" but my life has always been like this and I know no other way. I like to be active. Lord pity the fool that decides he wants to date me (although I feel I would definitely make time for him...I haven't had to in so long tho...could be quite an adjustment).

But the homestead improvements have been going well. This fireplace is taking FOR-FREAKING-EVER. I'm finally able to start grouting the top (which is a bit hard) as you can see from this picture:

It's pretty interesting having to pull out all of my MacGuyver Technology (tm) abilities just to get this done. But having all this experience on this particular job will make it extremely satisfying when it's done!

Didn't play pool this week (we had a "by week") but I am hoping to get some practice in before our next games. I just really want to finish the fireplace first.

No boys to speak of (another dry spell) so no juicy tidbutts to share with ya'll. But with softball season up and coming, we'll see...

Life...in all its craziness :)

2006-01-17T13:38:00.001-05:00

So I was having a discussion with one of my online buddies about his desire for a new puppy and here's the discussion that I thought was too funny not to post!

(13:30:10) Friend1: But honestly, lately I'm more excited over a puppy than a man.
(13:30:29) Neon: kewlies :)
(13:32:53) Friend1: And I can take her walking in the park at lake Eola. CUddle with her at night and she won't care what I look like orthe kind of person I am. Ahhh, perfect love.
(13:34:40) Neon: lol, lord you are just about codepedant
(13:34:43) Neon: :)
(13:36:00) Friend1: Shut up! I deserve perfect love from something other than an amoeba

*laugh* I know how he feels sometimes...(for maybe about five seconds *tee hee*)

So this week has just about FLOWN by. For MLK holiday weekend I was up in the house working on my new mantle for the fireplace. I only completed the shelf and the mortar and tile, but here is a picture of my efforts so far:

SO the above is how I spent most of my weekend, but I'm fairly proud of it having never attempted a project like that before. I'm not so much afraid of doing that anymore...

But Tuesday night (last night) we had pool league (billiards) and for the first time I actually WON my match! I won 2-1! (yay) I was playing against a player of equal skill so it was a fun game. I never felt totally fucked (like when you are playing an awesome player) and we both made some mistakes so I do feel like I did well. I just have to get off my ass and practice some more. But one of my teammates offered to play with me outside of our team night so I plan on taking her up on that.

Stayed out WAY too late last night and just could not get up and was late into work. Ugh. I got through work (it was a crappy day when nothing went right) and then came home to meet up with two of my buddies for dinner before our softball team meeting.

It was pretty interesting but one of my teammates looked at me and said "Girl, you have put on some WEIGHT" and I feel pretty damn self conscious about now. Granted...I'm nowhere near as skinny as I was around this time last year, and I have a little bit of improvements to do on ye old love handles, but I have been TRYING to gain muscle mass and put on a little weight. You can't really put on muscle AND get skinny at the same time. But I have been on a small diet for the past week (I splurged tonight and had fried food to try and get rid of this stomach ache I got from eating a salad...trust me...that's the way my body works). I mean...I have to look at the source and the fact that, yes I'm not skinny anymore. I would like to at least think I'm "sturdy"...but perhaps that is me fooling myself? LOL :) I dunno...all I can do is work torward making myself happy with my body image. I'm not unhappy...but I know it needs a little maintenance.

Blah blah, you're probably thinking...and perhaps...but we're all our own worst critics...unfortunately sometimes too harshly. I hope I never get THAT mental about it. :)

Holiday Season 2005 (And Beyond!)

2006-01-03T10:14:00.000-05:00

Great ganking goblins, Batman! It's been forever since I have updated this blog and though lots has happened, not too much has changed.

The holidays this year were a good time for me. I had my Second Annual Christmas Eve Dinner and a Movie event with about 10 people in attendance. I had made my speciality "Chicken Yummies" (and if you ever get to try them, you'll know exactly why they are called thus) and it took me three and a half hours to make 48 "yummies" for the dinner that evening. I don't think I've ever cooked that long in my whole life (and that explains why I am not a professional chef too). But we had "yummies" and a great spread of salad, baked beans, mashed taters, and for dessert we had this banana rum chocolate cake (which explains the four pounds of fat I gained over the holiday ;)

Christmas day we had the Second Annual Jewish Christmas which consists of watching a movie and then going for Chinese :) The early morning was great, woke up, had 8 Cinnamon Rolls (an additional pound of fat) and played World of Warcraft. LB and L and I went to see "Chronicles of Narnia" which though very impressive was a bit quiet and less adventurous than the Harry Potter films are. After the movie we hooked up with another friend S and had dinner at Hong Kong Harbour. The waiter kept trying to say something, but I couldn't understand what the heck he was saying so I just nodded and said "OK, OK, OK". *laugh*

After spending WAAAAY too much at the "Boy Next Door" (a small boutique here in Atlanta with some of the best sales racks ever :) the day after Christmas, I then had to start packing for my trip to Arkansas to visit my family. Four days with my Mom, 2 Sisters, 2 Brother-in-laws, and 4 kids. Would I even survive?

Well...as you can see (by my being here to post this blog), I did indeed survive! Although I must mention that I think that children are nothing but breeding cesspools of sickness! :) I got a cold from my nephews (and my sister and brother-in-law got it as well). Ugh...but I think I am finally getting to the tail section of it and my life is returning to its abnormal state.

My workout partner and I met up for just about the first time in three weeks and DAMN do we feel out of shape. I know I wasn't lifting nearly as much weight and I was sweating like a bizatch! I'm sure it didn't help that the air conditioning was turned off or something and the gym was packed with the dang "New Yearsers"...you know...those people that are like "new year's resolution: get to the gym". Ugh...I mean, I am totally glad they are getting out and trying to get healthy...but 90% of then drop out after the first month which makes MY first month of the year at the gym a nightmare. (bitches) :)

So let's review MY 2005 resolutions and see how well I did!

Come back down to zero debt. (I'm currently at 4k credit card debt.

Nope...actually I'm still at 4k credit card debt! Mark this one as an embarrasing FAILURE! :)
Work on more art projects and learn about working with brushed aluminum

I did indeed make additional art projects (which you will find in my home) but I haven't yet gotten the handle on the brushed aluminum.
Redecorate my kitchen (which entails a good bit of designwork and elbow grease

I did redesign my kitchen and paint it and get it allllllll done...and I hate it. ROTFL :) So I guess I will have to keep this one on the list. It's not a failure (because I did it) but it's still a failure...
Continue going to the gym 5 days a week to build muscle (or at least more than I have now

I did continue the gym 5 days a week so that is a success. And I have about 15 pounds of additional muscle to show for it I think...altho after this holiday I have an additiona like 5 pounds of fat to work off! (anyone wanna help? *grin impishly*)
Renew interest in studying the Japanese language.

OK...this one was a failure. I got wrapped into video games and well...that kind of sucked my time. :)

All in all, I wouldn't say too bad in all honesty. I've got to start thinking of this year's resolutions for my next post. I would say one of them is to actually settle down and find a boyfriend, but if it hasn't happened by now it's not likely a resolution will drop a man in my lap (but it would be nice) :)

And thus the holiday season begins...

2005-11-29T18:27:00.000-05:00

So Happy Turkey Day everyone! This is my first post after the Thanksgiving holiday and so I feel it is appropriate to talk about my trip!

I left Atlanta on Wednesday and trucked all the way to my hometown of Lumberton, MS. It's a small town about 20 minutes south of Hattiesburg. It was dark when I arrived, having stopped in Heidelberg, MS to visit some college friends of mine for dinner and to see their baby (and their twins in the oven..and no I ain't talking about Hansel and Gretel!).

The first day back I helped my Mom remove some debris from the house and rip apart the deck fencing which was destroyed. Then we went to my uncle's house and had a proper southern Thanksgiving, complete with cornbread stuffing, turkey, and cranberry sauce (and WAY too many deserts to choose from). After that, I spent some quality time with my nephews and nieces running around the park. That night my nephew decided to stay at my Mom's so I had to go pick him up and we just ended up playing with legos and watching TV.

The trip home was fortunately uneventful (other than the hour and a half delay near Tuscaloosa, AL because of some wreck) and when I got into Atlanta Saturday night...I totally crashed.

Sunday I think I pretty much played World of Warcraft (I have to go buy this game now...in fact I'm going to go buy it on my way to the gym tee hee).

Monday I ran a few errands (I had taken off in case I wanted to stay in MS...but I didn't...) and went to see Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. I must say I was very impressed. Of course they left alot out...but the book was HUUUUGE.

So now I think it's time to make a simple list of the things I am thankful for (Geez...I feel like I'm in elementary school).

I am thankful for my family (both blood and friends).
I am thankful for the gifts the Universe has bestowed upon me...
...my mind (agile, quick, and creative)
...my body (and the drive to build it at the gym)
...my inner spirit (the soul of a dolphin in the body of a man)
I am thankful for my dog, Xena. Without her, who would I pour my heart out to?
I am thankful for my awesome job where I can be myself and contribute.
I am thankful for my incredible neighbors and my home.
I am thankful for the opportunities that life has presented me and for the evolutions that have taken place because of them.

Brr...it's cold in here...

2005-11-18T13:54:00.000-05:00

So Fall/Winter is settling in over Atlanta as the mornings turn frosty and splays of ice crystals form on my windshield. Things have kind of been in a holding pattern lately, but that is a good thing. Fall Softball season is over and I am hoping that will allow me to spend more time with friends on my weekends.

I have been quite lackidaisical about some of my responsibilities and I just took on more with my being elected president of my homeowner's association. When they elected me I turned around and laughingly said "And I shall rule you with an IRON HAND!" :) I think it will be interesting to see how much work this will be and I think I have enough people helping. I am a good delegator I just have to get to know the rest of the residents better. I think I might have a little holiday cocktail party sometime and invite the neighborhood. :)

So...life socially has been oddly interesting. I won't quite tell on myself, but I have had a couple of adventures recently. And MAN did I need that. Check please! One instance was just after the gym on my way out...felt just like I was in some bad porn film...but OH it was GOOD *angel smile*

I am heading to Mississippi next week to help my Mom do some repairs on her house from the hurricane Katrina. It was only some superficial damage and I've learned to be a little bit of a handy-man. We'll see won't we?

I'm hoping to make a number of my Christmas presents myself this year. I have enough tools and raw supplies to make a few cool things I believe. My artwork is getting interesting to me...I'm glad I enjoy it as these cold winter months settle upon us.

Gymtime is going awesome, my new workout partner, Betty (a real gurl...yes) is this tiny woman (the sister of a friend who is now my friend) and she is KILLING ME :) Rather...I am killing MYSELF at the gym...but now I at least have someone to help me lift the heavy weights. I am SO glad I have her around as I want to get BIG. I've never been this athletic before and I am enjoying the heck out of the results. She does, however, make me do more leg exercises and her abdominal workout is just about torture :)

I am on a quest for a cheap decent digital camera. Nothing fancy as I don't need a googlepixel...just something small and light to take web presentable pictures with to spice up this blog :)

Pre Halloween 2005

2005-10-25T09:35:00.000-04:00

So this past weekend was a busy one for the Glow-Go-Boy. Friday night I actually had a dinner date down in Little Five Points with this guy who turned out to be VERY handsome and fun to hang out with. We threw back a few beers and had a nice dinner at the Vortex. Hung out talking and drinking for like 4 hours while the rain poured down around us bringing in the cold weather and the end of short sleeve shirts.

Saturday I spent a good portion of the day with my new neighbor N. Cool straight guy who I hope we can be friends. We have similar interests (besides the girls) like sci-fi, action movies, and home electronics. We went shopping at Target and later I cooked dinner since all his appliances weren't connected yet. It was just like having a temporary non-sexual boyfriend...LOL :) Reminded me of all the work of having a BF LOL :)

Saturday night I went to one of my softball mate's party, K. It was ALL the way out in Stockbridge, GA (which is off the southeast side of Atlanta about 45 minutes from my house). Anytime you get me into rural Georgia I just KNOW I'm going to get lost. And I was also wearing the above outfit so asking for directions would have been a wee hard...I mean...no one wants to make a deal with the devil! :) The party was a good time, I won a nice candle in their costume contest, had too much to drink and ended up crashing on a mattress in the livingroom.

Sunday came way too soon and I was running late waking up and getting all the way back to my house and then down to the softball fields, but I arrived only a little late. We had two games with my regular team (Yellow) and then I got picked up to play catch on the Red Team. Funny thing is during the Yellow games my hitting was for crap. When I played with the Red, I got a home run and my other hits were pretty solid.

Sunday night I was invited to have dinner with "My Lesbians" at their house. It was a tasty treat of grilled chicken, baked beans, potato wedges, and for dessert (oh...evil evil dessert) I had 1/2 a piece of chocolate-caramel pie. YUM.

But this work week has come too soon and I almost called in "tired" today LOL :) But I've got work to do so I'm going to get to it!

General Update

2005-10-13T14:36:00.000-04:00

SO...the world has been fairly calm as of late. VERY quiet...I can hear the crickets....

Nothing really up on the boy front, staying in contact with Nashville from time to time. He's having career issues, which is unfortunate because...well I want everyone to succeed I guess.

I did volunteer to coordinate Fall Ball for the Hotlanta Softball League partially. The normal director had to leave town for work and I'm the volunteering sort so I stepped up to the plate. What is it with these damn queens and waiting until the last minute? It's like...TAKE THE F-ING TIME TO REGISTER EARLY! :) In their defense, the advertising of Fall Ball was less than ideal. Some guy got mad there weren't posters and the like and I wanted to shout at him, "Then get F-ING involved and help get this thing taken care of". I _SWEAR_ that chaps my arse when people complain and they don't get directly involved.

But, needless to say everything went well, got to hang out with some new friends and I am actually "Coach Neon" for my Fall Team. :) And of course, we got the neon yellow shirts. Haha! We played on Oct 9th and BOY was I hung over from the night before...

I had started the night off at Woofs and had a Makers on the rocks to hang with some softball buddies there and then we went to the Heretic and I had two more Makers on the rocks and that was IT. I had to get my friend LS to take me home. BUT at least I was responsible enough to know when I shouldn't drive. It was fun and a well needed release (not _that_ kind of release...but starting to feel the need for THAT too lately).

Which leads me to today where this guy cruised me SO hard in the sauna room, I swear I have bullet holes. :) He had a cute lil body, but it felt wierd because he just kept STARING and not saying "Hello" or "I want to blow you..." or WHATEVER LOL :) I may have to go back to the sauna room tonight because I did something to my left shoulder and it feels pinched :( That or I might drop into a tanning bed and get some heat there (and some needed tan time).

Nashville Tournament 2005

2005-09-27T16:09:00.000-04:00

SO...where to start, where to start?

After the GWS things pretty much settled down (as much as they settle down when you've got batteries strapped to your arse j/k) and the GlowGoBoy has already been on YET another trip (sorry no photos yet). SO...I had been asked to be a pick-up player with another of the Hotlanta Softball League's teams, the Cowboys. I had always thought the guys on that team looked like they would be fun and so I figured I'd see if they'd be interested in having me along for a tournament in Nashville, TN. I had been chatting up this boy from Nashville and wanted to grab his butt...I mean...go out on a date. Since I was in the area, we set it up for the Friday when I got in.

So I took off early Friday morning thinking I could stop in at any outlet malls that were up I-75 from Atlanta to Nashville and buy "Stuff That I Don't Need (tm)" (one of my favorite pasttimes by the way). The drive was actually fun...me in the Beetle (yes...I know it's a super-gay car, shut-it) and we're zooming around corners up and down and through the mountains. F-U-N. Had an awesome soundtrack so that made it even better. Good music can make or break a roadtrip...let me tell YOU.

Anyway, so I arrive drastically early (because there were NO outlet malls on the way, poo!), checked into the host hotel, changed into my bathing suit to try and get some sun since I was by myself. Well about 30 minutes or so later a few guys came out (one or two cute ones even) and we exchanged "hellos" and "where are you froms". I had to leave and get ready for my hot date by taking a bath and watching a movie on my Sony Playstation Portable.

So I met Nashville in the lobby as he was being oogled by other guys (I instantly got the machete out to fend off the hyaenas) and we drove to this restaurant called "Sunset Cafe" I believe where we had an incredibly expensive dinner (for the portion size) but it was very VERY tasty. We finished off dinner with a "Chocolate Bomb" desert which was an appropriate name.

After dinner the Cowboys were going to this club called "Tribe" which I thought was a pretty cool bar. It reminded me of Atlanta's "Red Chair" that I do like to frequent. I did get a number of "Hey's" from the boys there...I gotta go back sometime :) and Nashville and I found a nice wall where we acted like HOs and made out a little bit. I felt like I was in my 20s again *sigh*. :) That didn't last long as I had to be up early to play in games so he drove me back to the hotel.

Saturday's games were early and we won one and lost one in the pool play of the tournament. I was playing catcher for my team (shut-it) and playing with these guys was alot of fun. They, however, had very little clues on how to cheer so yours truly along with another of my Wacker-mates tried to teach them. I can't say it was a success...it was similarly painful to watching frat boys dance.

Luckily someone had brought a tent (it was a scorcher) and Nashville showed up to watch me play (aww) with my friend Yangtze. After the games I was sweaty and dirty and left my shirt with our coach who volunteered to wash it...needless to say Nashville loved it and took me back to the hotel to *cough* clean me up.

So that night the host bar was the "Chute" which is kind of a complex of bars. It has a club dance area, a country area (kinda lame), a drag show area (which was REALLY fun), and their Eagle is in there...altho for any Eagle I have ever been to...it was not what I expected.

I got one of my Cowboy teammates REALLY drunk...so drunk that the next day they put me into his position at shortstop. I love playing shortstop and I felt a wee bit guilty...like I had poisoned him on purpose. But we played two games and then we were done having achieved 4th place of 5. We didn't care because we all had an awesome weekend (both on and off the field). I had a date with a really hot boy and I got to play softball and go clubbing with friends. How much more awesome of a weekend could I ask for?

Gay World Series Entry #2

2005-08-30T16:28:00.000-04:00

Ugh...so I know you've all been waiting with baited breath over the results of the 2005 NAGAAA Softball Gay World Series.

Obviously, we didn't do too well, or I would TOTALLY be raving on it almost immediately. Since it's been a whole week and you're not hearing echoes off of Mount Rushmore...well...*sniff sniff*

Our first game was just...well...it was just a TRAINWRECK! I mean...like Tammy Faye's makup in a rainstorm trainwreck. Or...or...Michael Jackson at a Chuck E Cheeses trainwreck! ARRRRRgghghhg! The other team, though seeded below us, just had SO much energy and played much better than us. We actually got RUN RULED. How. Freaking. Embarrassing. *cry* I played like crap, I have no idea where my mind was.

So the next day, Thursday, we were in the losers bracket. We either had to pull it out and win...or start pouring the tequilla shots because we would be DONE. And...well...let's just say I got REALLY drunk that evening. Well...truthfully I did get drunk but not on tequilla...on bourbon! Woo woo! So while getting into this drunken state, we went to the host bar that night "Bourbon Street" which I really liked. They had a "shower in your underwear" contest and the drag queen host asked "Who needs some porn?" and I totally raised my hand (do you blame me?). So when I get up there she hands me this DVD of porn and asks "So...want to be in the contest?" to which I responded "Sure."

*grin* So let's lay some groundwork for this answer:

I had not been hit on at all the whole week...publicity is a good thing
I was wearing my sexy black underwear. :)
I was a little bit intoxicated
I'll do anything embarrassing...because quite honestly...it embarrasses my friends more than me.

So I go into the back room and I'm like number 3 back there (of 6) and this one guy I had met earlier, Ryan, was either totally drunk or on something (I think it was door #2) because he was stapling himself. Yes...staples into his arm and he was all giggly about it *eyeroll*. Anyway, the manager was back there and she offered us a shot and me a separate drink (jack and diet) and I said "So...I get TWO DVDs for this right?" and she says "Sure, honey". *laugh* SCORE! So after the boys argued about who was going first, I told them to shut the hell up and I would go first (wussies). So I did my thang, showered off (thank goodness they were synthetic underwear) answered a few questions on the mic and went back in the back. Once in the back, the BEST looking guy said he needed some "inspiration" so I suffered and put my hand down his underwear and played underwear pool. *laugh* Innocent fun, innocent fun.

The night was over, softball was over, we were over IT, and lots of us were ready to get the FRELL home. But we were there...and the weather was SO frelling perfect...how can you be upset for long? :)

Friday we decided to go to "Black's Beach" the gay beach (also people supposedly went around nude there) and so a group of us drove down there. After a decent hike, we arrived at the beach and YES there were people nekkid there! (most I didn't necessarily have a desire to see...but they had some big dongs *boggle*).

Saturday were the final games (but we pretty much only caught the tail end of things) and closing ceremonies out on an island (we had to take a water taxi out there...cool!). It was a "no drinking in public" place so they had us coralled into a little fenced area called a "beer garden" where I felt the Christian Coalition was going to drop a bomb on the alcoholic homos and get rid of us in one fell swoop.

It was our last night in San Diego and my teammates all wanted to go to Rich's to dance as it was Bear Night. I hung out for a bit, but some friends wanted to go back to Kicker's so we left the bar but passed by this other bar Flicks (video bar) where I had seen this bartender in the ad for it that I recognized as maybe being this guy from a Sean Cody video. Well after we got in I was rewarded as it was indeed Dominic. What a freaking hottie po tottie. My friends decided to leave but I wanted to at least get a drink from this guy so I could at least say I "got served by a porn star" *hehe*.

So on my way home, this cute little guy was just about stumbling trying to get a taxi. He was druuuuuuunk. So of course, me being the nice guy, I grabbed his hand and we started talking torward the more main streets in search of a cab. I was completely sober and he was so amusing. His name was..."Dougie" from Boston. He was on a sightseeing tour with his lesbian best friend (who was back at his hotel room sleeping) and was sorely disappointed he couldn't "thank me in the proper way" for helping him get back to where he was staying.

So after stopping at my hotel (we had met up with other friends who shared our cab) I stuffed him into another cab and bid adeiu. He was indeed cute...to bad circumstances weren't different as I bet he would have been alot of fun >:)

So I've been back in the ATL for a week getting my life back together. Doing laundry, cleaning house, even going out on a few dates *gasp*. Glad to be home, disappointed we didn't do better, but someone has to lose, ya? Now I know what I need to work on for next year...watch out!

Gay World Series Entry #1

2005-08-17T13:55:00.000-04:00

Wow. It has been an AMAZING week so far. So Sunday night were the GWS Opening Ceremonies. Having been to three GWS so far I can honestly say that though the venue was amazing (sponsored by Viejas casino) the show was totally lame. I guess I expected alot this being San Diego, but geez.

So we left the show early and went to register. Of couse I garnered quite the attention wearing my scrolling LED message belt I had configured to say "Team Atlanta" :)

We were still feeling a bit jet lagged and we had games in the morning so we just went to bed. Exciting night huh?

Well Monday morning came early as about 3AM we ALL woke up at the same time and someone finally said "Are you awake?" and we chorused "yes". LOL :)

So how did our first game go? Well...can you say "total disaster"? :) We were SO hyped up and nervous and just a bundle of nerves. It was as if we were possessed by kindergardeners trying to play softball.

We were sorely disappointed needless to say. But we had a team pow wow afterward and discussed why we felt we lost and pretty much it was just the self imposed pressure. The games were running an hour late and we ended up eating dinner at like 10:00PM. I hate hate hate eating so late. After dinner we had a "team bar night" at this bar called Baccius. It was a little tiny bar and there was NO one there pretty much other than my team. So far the nightlife of this little California town leaves much to be desired.

The next day we had late games yet again. However, we were loose, a little more confident and ready. Were we ready? Oh yes...oh yes we were. :) After a mild start, we found our mojo and things started flowing like clockwork. And we won...by ONE point. Our second game started as the orange sun settled on the horizon. There were a few trees against the backdrop of the sun, thankfully. I had to position myself further left and down than I'm used to in order to be able to see. It could have been really nasty if I hadn't been able to do that. My coaches decided during my batting, that I was to be subbed out since my bat hasn't been on all week (hopefully I can remedy that today). He asked me if I was OK with this and I said, "I don't care. I came to win and if that's going to do it, do it." We were perfectly matched teams...so perfectly matched that we tied LOL :)

So today (Wednesday) the actual double-elimination tournament begins. From here on in, every game counts. We got seeded 13th out of 26 teams so we are SMACK dab in the middle of the pack. I've gotta start getting ready now so hopefully I'll have some goodness to report upon my return!

Pre-Gay World Series Day #2

2005-08-14T11:30:00.000-04:00

So we arrived safely in San Diego after a long long long flight. One other of my teammates, SO, and two of our coaches were on my flight. I sat next to this woman who giggled with me all the way through watching "Moster In Law" with J-Lo and J-Fo (which I had never seen). Luckily I had plenty to entertain me (my PSP, a book, my iPod) during what was (to me) a pretty dang long.

We had left Atlanta at 8:30AM and after the flight, it was only 9:30AM San Diego time! Eep! Our coaches had rented a car so they offered us a ride to the hotel, but it was WAY too early to check in so my team's token lesbian SO and I decided to walk around and eat lunch. We trolled around for quite some time, ran into some friends, had a cocktail (I'm really into Maker's Mark now) and then went back to the hotel to check in, take a disco nap, and then off to dinner at this Thai place in Hillcrest.

After a night of me drinking WAY too damn much, we awoke and met up with friends to tour the San Diego Zoo. It was pretty cool, but nothing earth shattering. In a way I was a bit disappointed.

But now we're back from dinner and we have to have a team meeting in an hour before we go to opening ceremonies.

Turning the lights on!

2005-08-10T22:21:00.000-04:00

EEEEP! I just got done watching "The Ring" (from my new friends at Netflix.com) and boy let me tell you! (yes I am behind and am probably the last person to see that movie, bitches) I have been walking around the house making sure there's a light on around me! *laugh* I might even leave the bathroom light on when I go to sleep!

So...I haven't heard from the guy I had a date with last weekend, I'm going to assume the best that he's just busy, but I did call him the next day and say I had a good time. I am a firm believer that if I'm going to chase you, you're gonna chase me back.

So work has become kind of a clusterfrell with all sorts of things being due and needing work at the same time. I really have got to perfect that cloning station. There is some discussion that I do need someone to actually work "with" on my projects because there is only one of me. I guess I have job security for awhile. >:)

BUT with San Diego and the NAGAAA Softball World Series coming up, I have little time to spare! I already started picking out the clothes I am bringing, and tomorrow I am going to pack them away. Talk about a 180 from my usual grab and slam packing strategy!

BUT alas, it is late and I still have to shave! Gotta run!

Did I even get a weekend?

2005-08-08T10:11:00.000-04:00

UNIVERSE how time flies when you're having fun. I feel like this past week and weekend didn't even happen. Wednesday night this past week me and S went to see "Evita" at the Fox Theatre here in the ATL. I had won a couple of tickets (and OMG were they great seats) at our company picnic. I had seen the Madonna movie version but this one was much more aggressive as far as the characterization of Evita. I did enjoy it...I had forgotten how much I love live performances (concerts, plays, musicals, sporting events) so I vowed to attempt to attend more in the near future.

Friday night we had a birthday party for my friend JK at another of my softball mate's houses in a part of town called "Cabbagetown" (which in my mind reads "ghetto") :) It's not that bad, really, just very city I guess. I like my suburbia north if you know what I mean.

Saturday I had softball practice (in preps for our trip to the world series) and that afternoon I was supposed to have a date, but he had to postpone until that evening (which worked out well for me actually). So my friends laugh at how I meet guys on the Internet (the older ones feel it's sketchy) but this guy had e-mailed me and seemed funny and cute. When he got to my doorstep I wasn't disappointed :) He was incredibly fun to be around and he has those broad football player shoulders that I do so love. We started out on a scavenger hunt for a restaurant that wasn't crazy crowded. We went to a pizza place and then a taco place that was also just overcrowded so we settled on a nice mexican restaurant.

Afterwards we went to go see "The Island" which I totally enjoyed (and though he's not really into into sci-fi he liked Ewan McGregor so we were both happy) and when it was over we trucked back to my place and talked on the couch for like FOUR hours. We have very similar senses of humor and I think that personalitywise we are different enough to be dynamic but similar enough to potentially click.

I'm heading for San Diego for a week on Saturday and would have liked to have gone on a second date with him but I think time is going to be against me. LOL. It seems fate always likes to introduce someone interesting right before I go out of town. Well...I won't be gone forever >:)

This week should be pretty good at work, I have enough to keep me busy and I have enough softball preparations to keep me busy in the evenings. You know...picking out clothes WILL definitely take me a few days. And then I have to find a way to stuff everything into my suitcase and then I will get depressed that I have to take a few things out...blah blah you know the drill :)

Lazy Lazy Little Blogger

2005-08-01T10:57:00.000-04:00

I know! I know! You're clamboring for the next installment in my misadventures! So where were we? I had just gotten back from a trip to Baltimore...

So let's get back to softball for a minute (since that is what has absorbed my life yet again)...after some minor dramatics, our league has decided to send us (yet again) to the NAGAAA Gay Softball World Series. That's right kiddies! A whole week of a thousand jocks and not enough time ;) This will be my third trip to the Gay Softball World Series (my first playing at shortstop) and this year it's in fabu San Diego, CA! Never been there so am looking forward to going! Universe knows I need a week off of work!!! (today has been heck!)

I almost didn't get to go to the GWS because my Mom got put in the hospital for some odd chest pains and dizziness which they initially thought to be angina (which could be a precursor to a heart attack). Well that started freaking my sisters out and they were making contingency plans to work on what to do with Mom and they said I needed to cancel those plans. Well I kind of freaked myself because she was going to have additional tests done and I had been playing for 5 hours in the 105degree weather and it was NOT a good time to have this discussion (Needless to say I said a few things to my sisters I regret). BUT it all came out fine in the wash as Mom just had some internal bleeding caused by an ulcer and something else (I forget).

Once that was straightened out I headed back up north to Hanover, NH (to Dartmouth) to give a presentation and attend a security (PKI) conference. The city was very quaint, but not alot for this gay boy to do besides have a few beers and read over "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" (because I had forgotten so much I felt if I didn't I'd be lost in the 6th book). I didn't have alot of time outside of the conference (they had us pretty booked) but I did wander around in the evenings looking in closed shop windows and strolling around their campus.

Returned home to be instantly engrossed in softball fundraising, practices, and the like. The most fun was the Wackers Garage Sale this past weekend. Spent most of Friday night getting stuff into DG's garage and pricing and sorting. Saturday at 7AM came WAY too early (ugh!). Around 10:00AM they brought out the Bloody Marys (but I settled for some vodka and cran) and by about noon I think I was drunk! LOL :) Well I stopped drinking because I had to skeedadle at 2 to go make a meeting with the softball board. Got home, said to myself "I can take a quick nappie and sober up" so I went to the ZZzz...

LATE! EEP! FRELL! I didn't have my material printed I couldn't find my keys, it was just a disaster and I was an hour late. I did honest up and tell them what happened and they said it was OK. I get very embarrassed when I am late for something important (especially since it was my fault). After that I went back home and DG and LD called and we worked out going out on the town (since it is RARE that DG ever wants to go out we just HAD to ;). So that evening we started at Woofs and then shot over to Swinging Richards (a male strip club) where I put a few dollars in a few boy armbands, and then we were a bit snookered (again! OMG!) and proceeded to the Heretic to dance it off. I had fun at the Heretic but we had an early practice so I retired about 2:00AM.

And needless to say, after practice at 9:00AM I pretty much alternated between sleeping and finishing up Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

So I'm SO looking forward to the World Series this year. I really hope we do well. I have been doing heavier cardio training and will continue to do so until the Friday before we leave.