Food Meme:)

I got this meme from Brad. I love food, so this is a good one:)

1. How do you like your eggs?
I just like eggs. Period. But, my favorite is over easy.

2. How do you take your coffee/tea?
Coffee: Cream and splenda.
Tea: Iced with splenda.

3. Favorite breakfast food:
I love breakfast food, I just don't eat it a lot. My ideal would be 2 eggs over easy, crisy bacon, french toast, fresh squeezed orange juice with pulp, and coffee:)

4. Peanut butter:
I freakin' love pb! Natural peanut butter for me:)

5. What kind of dressing on your salad?
Fat free italian or some sort of vinegarette.

6. Coke or Pepsi?
Diet Coke, but I like a diet Pepsi every now and then for a change:)

7. You’re feeling lazy. What do you make?
Soup.

8. You’re feeling really lazy. What kind of pizza do you order?
If I want to be healthy, a veggie. If I don't care, a supreme with buffalo wings:)

9. You feel like cooking. What do you make?
I love to cook, so this one is wide open.

10. Do any foods bring back good memories?
Fried chicken (friend without the skin) always makes me think of my mom. She would always make that for picnics.

11. Do any foods bring back bad memories?
Nope.

12. Do any foods remind you of someone?
French food always reminds me of my ex. Chinese food always make me think of my sis.

13. Is there a food you refuse to eat?
No. I'll try anything once.

14. What was your favorite food as a child?
My mom's spaghetti and pizza. We had it every Friday night.

15. Is there a food that you hated as a child but now like?
Mushrooms and brussel sprouts.

16. Is there a food that you liked as a child but now hate?
Nope.

17. Favorite fruit and vegetable:
I love them all. Seriously.

18. Favorite junk food?
I honestly love anything that's bad for you...I just don't eat it.

19. Favorite between meal snack?
Cheese.

20. Do you have any weird food habits?
Nope.

21. You’re on a diet. What food(s) do you fill up on?
I'm always on a diet and never on a diet. I just try to eat healthy all the time. No sweets.

22. You’re off your diet. Now what would you like?
Anything!

23. How spicy do you order Indian/Thai?
Thai hot.

24. Can I get you a drink?
Yes, please.

25. Red or White wine?
White if I'm out. Red if I'm staying in - the whole teeth thing.

26. Favorite dessert?
Cheesecake. But I like 'em all!

27. The perfect nightcap?
A kiss from a boy.

New Beginnings

Well, today is my first day out of the program.
My mom and bro-in-law are bringing my stuff down on Saturday.
The slate is clean.
It's a new beginning.
I'm excited.

ANOTHER brush with Death

As I was riding into work, I noticed that traffic was busier than it has been. I guess all the kids are going back to school, so I just chalked it up to that. Well, as I was making my way through 2 cars to get to the other side of the street (yes, at a pedestrian walkway, mind you!), I noticed a car coming at me full speed in the turning lane. As I tried to pedal faster, he apparently didn't see me or something, cause he never once tried to brake. Just as I think that I've cleared his car, I hear his front left bumper hit my back tire! Whew! That was WAY too close for comfort.

As my heart was calming down and I continued to work, I reflected on what would have happened if I *had* been hit... I hate when there are event in your life that make you question mortality. I had a very similar incident happen when I was running about a month and a half ago. Same scenario, except it was my right leg instead of my back tire!

I hope *this* doesn't come in three's...

Maybe So...

Most of the gay people that come into the gym are lesbians. I've never really had any lesbian friends, so this is all new for me. We all know the lesbian cliches:

They all wear flannel
They nest more
They move in together after a couple of dates
Most are manly
Most are overweight or "husky"
etc.

However, I've become really close with some of them. And now that I'm living in more of a lesbian neighborhood in Atlanta, I met a lot of them. I don't mind it...at all. It's a nice change from the "gay scene" and all the drama that comes along with gay men. However, I have met some of them in the area, too. On the whole, most of the lesbians and gay men are coupled...which brought me to the topic of this post. Maybe relationships *can* work for gay people. I think that I've become a little "jaded" living in Midtown where it just doesn't seem possible. Most of the couples that I've met have been together for close to or over 10 years! They don't just have gay friends, they have friends...whether they are married, with kids, or what not. Albeit, this is a more artsy-fartsy, "nesters wanted" type of area, but still.

IT. CAN. WORK.

I think my faith has been renewed a little:)

What is "normal"???

I finally got a day off yesterday! I hadn't had one single day off since the 4th, so it was much needed. As I layed in bed awake at 7am, I was toggling with what to do for the day. Do I get up and get some stuff done or do I just roll over and lay in bed and relax some more? I didn't do either, I compromised. I layed in bed til around 9 and then got up and started the day. I needed to get a new shirt for Saturday night, so I decided to hop on MARTA and go shopping. I have a date with one of my lesbian friends, so I needed something new.

While on MARTA, I sat across from 3 little black kids - what they were doing on the train by themselves is beyond me, but. The older boy and girl looked to be around 6 or 7 and the youngest boy was about 4. As I watched the youngest boy give kisses and play with his sister, it just hit me: I'm never going to have that. I'm never going to have that "normal" life. I'm not saying that I want a kid right now or anything, but the option is not really there for me. I can't just happen to get drunk one night, have sex with a girl, and "make" a baby - one case scenario, mind you. I've always "known" that my life is and always would be different, but I don't know what made that point crystal clear yesterday.

As my these thoughts bounced around in my head, I then came to the conclusion: Why do I want to be "normal?" Maybe I AM normal...for me. My normal is very ABnormal for someone like my sister, but it's very normal for me. Normalcy is highly over-rated.

On another note, I did get a shirt. 2 shirts in fact...and 2 pairs of jeans...ahem. I'm not like most gay men...I mean, I like my name brand clothing just as much as the next gay, but I'm not that high maintenance all the time. After going to the mall and finding nothing, I decided to pop into Target. I love their jeans and they just happened to have my size, so I bought a couple. Plus, I got 2 polos that are really cool. Gotta love Target:)

New Place

I'm not out of the program yet, but I have already rented a new place. I only have a month left, so I decided to go ahead and get some things situated.

Things I did last night:
~laundry
~blew up an air mattress (yes, just my mouth!)
~put some stuff away
~surfed the web
~grocery shopping

It doesn't sound all that fun, but it sorta was. I'm gonna like my new place. It's like a minute away from work (literally!), it's nice/new, and it's soooo affordable! Life is getting back to normal, I hope... :)

Where's Your Pride?

Happy PRIDE!
from the computer at work
but I'm ok with that
'cause it's gonna rain
like it always does
every year
on PRIDE weekend
here in Atlanta

What's up, 1GAR?

For the past couple of days, I’ve just been exhausted. No running exhausted. That is the worst kind of exhausted. But, I guess it’s good to give my body a rest, right?

I just spent a quiet 4th at the apartment and did nothing. I slept late, made whole-grain/flax banana pancakes, watched movies, ate popcorn, baked double chocolate chunk cookies, and just chilled for the day. It was nice.

I’ve been reflecting on my life lately. I don’t like to do this. Mainly because it gets me a little depressed. I’ve isolated myself from a lot of the friends that I used to hang out with. It’s good and it’s bad. I feel like I don’t really have any friends anymore. I seriously talk to 1 and text with another one. The most interaction that I have with the gay community is at work. I’ve really come to love my lesbians.

It’s been way over a year since I’ve dated or been on a date with anyone.
I finally decided where to live once I finish this program. I’m going to move in with a friend of a friend who has become a friend. She lives in a nice house and is never there because she’s always at her boyfriend’s. So, I would essentially have the place to myself. Plus, it’s close to work and it’s cheap.

They say that if you’re not moving forward, you’re going backwards. I don’t agree. I feel like I’m stagnant. I’m not really moving forward or backwards. I feel this way a lot…and I hate it.

I feel old.

Blah.

1 Year Anniversary

I've been sorta down lately. Yeah, Debbie-Downer, I know. I'm just now getting over the staph infection. And then, as I'm finally able to walk, sit, bike, and run normally, I get another blow. On Friday, I hurt my back while I was working out. It was stupid, really. As I was hooking my leg to the decline bench, I didn't catch it all the way and hit the floor flat on my back with 2 - 45lb dumbbells in tow. My boss just busted out laughing, not realizing that I really hurt myself. So, I think I have a pinched nerve in my lower back. I'm limping again, I make old man noises, I hold my lower back when I bend down...and to make it worse, I can't run because it "pinches" it when I do. Bummer.

Then, when I was about to leave work, I noticed that I had a flat on my bike. Double bummer.

Plus, today marks the 1 year anniversary of my downward spiral in life. This time last year, I was ambivalent to the fact that my life would totally change within the next 8-10 hours. As much as I would like to forget about this past year, I can't. To forget would be to skip an important chapter in a really good book. I look back on this past year and can't help but to feel deep regret. I hate regret. It's a selfish emotion that keeps on taking. The only thing that punches regret in the face is the fact that I know everything happens for a reason. All of our experiences make up who we are. For me, these aren't just trite sayings. I whole-heartedly believe that everything happens for a reason. Sometimes we don't like the reason, but that is a whole different issue all together.

So, on a brighter note...I'm on my way. On my way to a new me. As cheesy as that sounds, it's true. I know where I'm never going to go again, I can only move up from here, right? Right.

Karma?

Since I'm in this program, it leaves me with little extra spending money. Well, to be honest, it leaves me broke most of the time. Well, I had noticed a infected hair or pimple what was getting worse and worse by the day. I'd been putting off going to the doctor for what I was sure the beginnings of a staph infection. Ew, I know! I've had one before, so it never leaves your body and leaves you more susceptible to it again at any time. Well, I got one...in the...ahem...buttocks/upper leg region... Not fun...seeing as how I bike to work and couldn't sit still in a chair! I wasn't sleeping at night, it was throbbing, and I started to get a headache and a little fever, so I sucked it up and went to the doctor. So, there I lay on my stomach with my butt hanging out. I prayed like I've never prayed before for the doctor to be ugly. Luckily, it was a female, so I was relieved. After she finished lancing, draining, and packing the infected area, I was on my way.

With the doctor's fee taking all of my money, I didn't know how I was going to get the antibiotics...not good. So, my mom said that she would let me use her credit card if the pharmacy would allow her to over the phone. Nope, no one would go for that, so I just decided that I would have to wait until I got paid on Monday to get it. As I'm walking across the Walgreen's parking lot, I look down and find a $20 bill!!! What are the odds?!?!?! I've never found money before. Apparently, Karma was on my side that day! So, I proceeded to go to Kroger and get my $4 prescription filled:)

Who said that Karma was a biatch? I must be doing something right... :)

Adventures with 1GAR: Bike vs. Power line

As usual, I was riding my bike into work on a beautiful Sunday. While riding, I usually have one earbud of my iPod on, admire all the pretty houses, watch parents walk their kids to school, pass by joggers/fellow riders...it's basically a leisure ride into work. Well, as I was doing said things, I suddenly felt a tug and burning sensation on my neck. What tha' heck?! And before I knew it, I was crashing to the pavement. Apparently, I had biked right into a dangling piece of power line! As I was brushing myself off, an on coming car had seen all of this unfold. She stopped to ask if I was ok, and I embarrassingly said that I was. I was more embarrassed than scratched up. Oh well. I proceeded to ride into work and cuss myself for my stupidity. When I got to work, I cleaned up my scrapes and put it past me. Note to self: watch for dangling things whilst riding bike.

Oh, and as a little side note: I did make more cupcakes for me and the roomies last night:)

Nesting?

For some reason, I've been baking a lot lately. Odd, since I don't eat sweets (not because I don't like them...'cause I do...but because they are bad for you). I baked cupcakes for me and my roommates the other night. Why cupcakes? I have no clue. I guess it's because I just happened to have all the ingredients - yes, I made them from scratch! Double odd! Then this morning, I made us biscuits for breakfast.

Is this some sort of nesting thing I'm going through?

Just. Plain. Odd.

5/25/08

I was able to sleep in today til around 10am. This being my only day to sleep in, it felt great. I got up and made some whole grain, flax seed pancakes, then biked into work.

It's a beautiful Sunday. The Sunday before Memorial Day. I'm working. Drinking coffee. Reading new blogs. And I'm ok with it all. For today, I'm content. For some reason, I'm ok with my life today. I know that there are things that I can't change, that I can't take back, that I can't re-do. And it's ok. Sometimes you just have those moments of "clarity" about your life. I like those moments. That's what life is all about. Being able to just sit and reflect on your life as it is now. Not what you want it to be, what you think it should be, how it could be...just how it is. Today.

*smiles*

The Nature of the Beast?

I think that drama and gay men go hand in hand - not always, mind you, but most of the time. For example, my boss is a self-proclaimed "drama-free" gay man, but I think that he's too deep in his own drama to realize how false his self perception really is. He just broke up with this guy that he wasn't even sure if he really liked and connected with. He wasn't really his type, didn't have the same interests, etc., but for some reason he was dating this guy to see where it would go. To me, this is just odd 'cause they met via Connexions, the guy is very "average" - my bosses words, the guy didn't lie on his profile about himself, so why try to date a total stranger when there is no existing vested interest? Well, the guy is new to Atlanta and has plainly stated that he doesn't like it here and wants to move back to Florida when the year is up from his job relocation. Fair enough, right? Who knows what will happen between now and 9 months, right? Well, my boss just takes this a bit far and tells the guy that he doesn't think they should see each other anymore and tells him to not contact him...at all. A bit harsh, I thought. I mean, they had gone to get HIV tests and all that jazz just last week. Obviously, the guy wasn't just in it for the sex...cause there had been no actual "sex"! And even as my boss is filling me in on the developments of this relationship, he is sooo dramatic about it.

Also, he is sooo paranoid if people know that he's gay. Um, dude, they know that you're gay when you speak. He doesn't know if his little brother from his fraternity knows that he's gay. Um, college was over 7 years ago, get a grip! He's also been avioding this straight couple at the gym because he's upset they know he's gay. When he signed them up, he loved this couple...wanted to go to church with them and all. Now, they always ask where he is cause he's avoiding them. Drama!

So, there in lies my topic. Can you be a gay man and be drama-free? I know you can't be t-totally drama-free 'cause life happens, but can you have minimal drama in your life? I honestly think that most gay men just can't live without it. For them, drama comes with the package deal. "Um, yes...I'd like to place an order for a cute guy, nice smile, not into drugs...oh, and just go on and add some drama on the side." That's a side dish I can live without.

Weekend Funny

I spent the weekend with my family for Mother’s Day this weekend. It was nice to get away from the reality that is my life. My brother-in-law and I went to see IronMan, I spent some time with my family (especially my niece and nephew), I got a much needed day off of work, I got to sleep in a little on Sunday, we had a nice Mother’s Day picnic in Helen, GA, walked around the little German town and ate fudge and all sorts of fattening stuff.

After my mom dropped me off at my apartment Sunday night, she called to tell me the funniest thing I’ve heard in a while. They have 3 dogs – a female toy Poodle, a male Yorkie, and a male Maltese. The Yorkie and Maltese are both under a year old, so they are still very much puppies. Well, the plan is to breed each male with the toy Poodle and breed Malti-poo’s (the kind of dog Jessica Simpson has) and Yorki-poo’s. My mom had a Malti-poo a couple of years ago but something happened to it, but she loved that little dog. So, seeing how much they paid for the dogs they have now, they saw this as a way to make some extra money. Well, the Poodle has been in heat for the past week or so, but my mom didn’t think the male dogs knew what to do, so they didn’t think that she would get pregnant this time around. This didn’t stop the male dogs from giving her a few pumps here and there, tho. Apparently, when my mom was driving me back, the Yorkie “successfully” did the deed…and got stuck in the process! Both of them were crying and whimpering, so my brother-in-law had to get a flashlight to see what was going on. Well, much to his surprise, the Yorkie was “stuck” in her! He had to use Vasaline to get him out! I would have died to see this. The thing that makes this a bit funnier is that he doesn’t even like the dogs! He calls them rats – LOL. You just can’t make this stuff up…

Work Perks

There is this one particular member at the gym that 2 of us are ga-ga over. He’s your “alternative”, cute type. He’s one of those guys that you probably wouldn’t stop traffic over, but when you talk with him, there is just something that makes him more attractive. He makes it a point to smile and say “hey” and “bye”, which reels me in just enough to keep lusting over him. We’re pretty sure he’s not gay, but you never know about those artsy-fartsy/alternative types. He works at a coffee shop with a bunch of lesbians, so you never know. Not to mention the fact that his body ain’t too shabby either!

Well, he managed to top it all today. After finishing up his workout, he changed into some TIGHT, TIGHT shorts and t-shirt. I mean, the shorts may as well have been spandex, for goodness sakes! And being the gay boys that we are, my co-worker and I non-chalantly went over to the window that overlooks his car. Trying not to be obvious, we continue to talk (about how hot he is) and notice that he takes off his shirt! He was sooo putting on a little show for us! He definitely knew that we were watching him and I guess he just wanted to give us a little thrill. It was the highlight of my day, that’s for sure.

Need A Break

I'm going on 3 and a half weeks now without a day off... I need a break... Just a day to sleep late and do whatever *I* want to do. I do love my new job, but still... I'm working at a gym now, which is just perfect for me. Since I'm really into fitness and health, it doesn't even feel like work...most of the time. I got a little snippy with my co-workers yesterday...and I shouldn't have...I guess... I'm the only one on staff (out of 3 other people) who works everyday...all day most of the time. Usually, I don't mind it, but the lack of sleep just got to me yesterday. And now I'm just rambling...

I've always been one of those people who always looks to the future, not the present. I need to stop that. Even now, I'm already looking for places to move into once I finish this program. I still have like 3.5 months, and I'm already starting to browse Craig's List. Why? Even if I do find a place, it probably won't be available when I'm able to move in. A pointless exercise, but I guess it just keeps me looking forward to that time. But the fact of the matter is, I need to live in the NOW. This is something that I constantly struggle with. Note to self: work on this daily.

I'll get better at this blogging thing, too. Promise.

May 4, 2008

It’s been a while since I posted last, but I just felt the urge to blog some today, so here it goes.

There’s really nothing going on with me on the surface level, but I’m just sorta lost at the moment…inside, that is. I’m still in the rehab program and have a little less than 4 months left. I just can’t help but get a little depressed over it all. My life, that is. I mean, I’m finally doing something that I love for a job, I’m sober, I’m in good health, etc., but I have a case of the “poor pitiful me’s”. I hate that. I don’t like to feel like this. I feel like I’m just waiting for my life to start…again. I’ve always felt like this, actually. Like I’m always waiting for my life to start. But…the thing is…this IS my life. It has started. 28 years in the making, actually. What am I waiting for? I’d always thought of myself as a “the glass is half full” kinda guy, but the more and more I examine things, I’m finding out that I’m really a “the glass has water that’s in the middle” kinda fella. I don’t think I’m a pessimist, but I’m definitely not the optimist that I once thought I was. That’s a depressing thought. I can remember when I was naively positive. What happened to that guy? Will he ever come back? Has too much happened for him to return?

My days are pretty full these days. When I do get some “down time,” I usually don’t like the “me” time that I get. I’m lonely. I’m sorta longing for a person to talk with…or cuddle with…or something. I’m not one that has to have someone around to “complete” me, but I’m just lonely.

I’m too good at covering up my emotions, too. …something that I’ve found out that I’ve learned to do over the years… If practice makes perfect, then I’m getting pretty dang good at it. People that I come into contact with on a daily basis would have no clue that I’m so lost inside. I try to front the “I’ve got it all together” act, and I’m good at it. I can’t let people know how lost, lonely, sad I am inside, after all.

But I’ve always got running. That’s what it does for me that nothing else does. It makes me happy. It’s just me, my iPod, my thoughts, and the open road. It’s the one part of my day that I can control. If for nothing else, it gives me a little piece of happiness that nothing else can.

Anyway, enough rambling for one day.

…if anyone even read this thing anymore, that is...

Happy (belated) New Year!!!

Happy Freakin' New Year! So...yeah...it's already the 9th day of 2008 and I haven't posted a dang thing. I'm not starting off very good, am I?

Let's see, what's changed since last I posted...

Nada.
Zilch.
Nothing.
Nil.

Most of the guys that are in this program let their drug of choice (drugs or alcohol or both) destroy their lives. They are in a better place now than they were when they were actively using. Me? I miss my old, boring life. I want to go back to it. I don't miss the problems that alcohol caused, but my life wasn't all that bad. Hrmmm...

My New Year's Resolution: living a healthy, strong life.

A New Kind of Year

All of this is new to me. I'm not hanging around a lot of my old friends. I'm surrounded by a bunch of straight guys who have no clue that I'm gay. I haven't had anything alcoholic in over 6 months - which I really could take or leave at this point. I'm in a different part of Atlanta. I'm faced with feelings and emotions that I can't drink over - I was never a blackout drunk, but a cocktail always helped deal with my feelings/emotions/issues/drama/etc.

Do I truly believe that I'm an alcoholic? I dunno. I went into rehab/still am keeping an open mind about all of this. I go to meetings and don't mind going. I've never left a meeting not feeling good. I have friends that definitely believe that I'm NOT an alcoholic - in part, I think, because it makes them look at their own life. My family, on the other hand, is convinced that I am. I can't deny the fact that the DUI's is a major problem. That's without question. And that has caused a problem in my life. And if something causes a problem in your life, then it's a problem. Period. That's the way I'm looking at it right now. A day at a time. Will I ever drink again? Who knows. Just not today.

Honesty

Ok folks. Here's the skinny. I'm going to be completely honest to this blog from this point on. This is something that I haven't been good at in the past, for whatever reason. I dunno why, but I've been "censoring" my own blog. What's the point?!? This is supposed to be MY blog. About me. That's it. Right? Well, from this point on, I'm going to put it out there. I don't really have any reason not to, right?

Ok. Here. We. Go.

I have been MIA for the past 5 - 6 months because I've joined the ranks of Paris Hilton, Britney Spears, and Lindsey Lohan. I've been to jail...

...and am now in rehab.

Yup, you read right, folks. After multiple DUI's over the past 3.5 years, my mom decided to give me a good dose of "tough love." I was in Atlanta City's finest for 5 months. After numerous trips back and forth to court, my lawyer finally got the DA to agree to letting me "off the hook" IF I went to rehab. So, that's where I stand now. I've been in my rehab program for about 2 months now. It's a 9 month program, so I've only just begun. I am, in a sense, starting my life all over. I, fortunately, still had my position at work, but I opted not to go back. You know, the whole, "old playgrounds and old surroundings" thing. Plus, I wasn't happy there. There was no where for me to go within the company. So, I am currently unemployed.

27.
DUI's.
Jail.
Rehab.
Unemployed.

Wow. I could really freak out right now. But. I. Can't. It's my life. I have to deal with it.

Que pasa?

Well, what can I say? I've been MIA. I've been on "hiatius." I've just been gone. Period. Does anyone even read this anymore? Who knows...

I've been through a lot within the past 6 months. Some good has come out of it, but I wouldn't wish it upon anyone.

7 days until Christmas, and I just don't feel like it's the holiday season...

Plech.

More to come soon...I promise!

Random Crap

The most disturbing lyric from a song that I've heard lately. It's from Tim McGraw/Faith Hill:
"I need you like a needle needs a vein."
Ew. Gross. I don't need *anyone* like *that*.

I saw a guy on a motorcycle the other day on my way home. It was raining. He was soaked. I felt bad for him.

On the same drive home, I saw a Toyota FJ Cruiser on the road. It has 3 windshield wipers. It reminds me of the movie "Total Recall" with Arnold Schwarzenegger from the late 80's, early 90's. In the movie, there is a 3 breasted woman. That's what it reminds me of. Every time.

Why do some people wear the same thing to the gym day in and day out? That is gross. Do they wash every night? Do they just buy thier outfits in bulk? I don't get it.

I feel like I'm in a slump. I don't like it.

Blech.

Why...

...do trainers at the gym make their clients do the stupidest looking exercises? Have *they* actually done these themselves?

A little Mary Jane Humor

Mary Jane was walking through the forest when a squirrel ran up her skirt. And Mary Jane just laughed and laughed, because she knew there weren't any nuts up there.

Mary Jane was walking on the beach one day and saw a shark swimming around a man. The man was screaming, "Help me! Help me!" And Mary Jane just laughed and laughed, because she knew the shark was never going to help that man!

Mary Jane was walking downtown when saw a sign in a fabric store that said "Felt, 10 cents." And Mary Jane just laughed and laughed, because she knew where she could get felt for free.

Mary Jane was playing on the swings one day, swinging higher and higher. Her mother came out and said, "Mary Jane, don't you swing so high. The boys will be able to see your underwear." And Mary Jane just laughed and laughed, because she knew she wasn't wearing any underwear.

One day Mary Jane was walking along and she passed a cow pasture...she looked over and saw a huge pile of crap with a fly on top, and mary jane just laughed and laughed cause she knew that fly couldn't do that

Mary Jane's daddy caught her reading a dirty book one night in her bed. Her daddy took the book from her, threw it across the room and gave Mary Jane a spankin'. Mary Jane laughed and laughed, because she knew what page she was on.

Mary Jane was walking down the street when a man pulled her into a dark alley and started ripping off all her clothes. And Mary Jane laughed and laughed, because she knew her clothes wouldn't fit him.

Mary Jane pushed her brother into the pool. Her mother said, "You know your brother can't swim!" And Mary Jane laughed and laughed, because she knew there wasn't any water in that pool.

Mary Jane burnt down the barn one day, and her mother said "Mary Jane! You're in big trouble when your father gets home!" And Mary Jane laughed and laughed, because she knew her father was in that barn.

One day mary jane was on the bus...and this guy sat down beside here and started feeling around inside her bra....and mary jane just laughed and laughed because she knew her money was in her shoe.

Things that make you go...Hmmm...

Why does a co-worker feel the need to tell me that she bought a dildo this weekend? Is that something I really need to know?

Hello? Anyone Out There?

Is anyone still reading this blog? LOL. I *have* neglected it, but I'll get better...promise. Just a quick update:

Work has been busy.
Been training a new guy.
No one knows if he's gay or not.
I broke up with N.
He got too needy and clingy.
I got in a wreck.
Again.
The past year has been car hell.

Wow...that's about all the "news" I have since last I blogged.
Sad.
I guess there is something to be said for "routine" or "normalcy," right?

All About The New Man

Believe it or not, we actually met off of Yahoo Personals. I've had my profile up for a while, but I'd never really put much stock into it. Since I've moved, I tinkered with it a little bit and would check it every now and then. Mostly, I would get an e-mail or ice breaker from an old man or someone that I just wasn't interested in. Well, you can imagine my surprise when I recieved an ice breaker from N (that's what we'll refer to him as).

"Wanna grab coffee?"

He was cute, a little older than me, our profiles matched up...ok, he peeked my interest. So, what the heck - I put caution to the wind and paid Yahoo the $24.95 so that I could e-mail him. After e-mailing back and forth one Friday, we decided to set up a coffee "date" for the next day.

The Meeting
We met up at an artsy-fartsy coffee shop right around the corner from where I used to live. First, major props for choosing *this* coffee house versus just a Starbucks. Conversation was good. He looked like his pic. All was going well. After about three and a half hours of talking at the coffee shop, we decided to go grab a bite to eat right around the corner. Everything went well...could this really turn into something? As we parted, we decided to go out again and ended the "date" with a hug.

The Follow-Up
I'm never really good when it comes to the "after the first date" ettiquette bs.

Do I call him?
Do I wait for him to call me?
How long after the first date should I wait to call?

It's all hogwash! So, I decided to call him the next day (Sunday). He said he was actually going to call me...ok, I'll bite. So, we set up another date for Wednesday of the coming week. I told him to pick the place and that we would touch base early in the week.

Monday
I recieved an Apple iCard from him. Ok, he gets props again for 1) Apple and 2)an iCard versus something off of American Greetings, or the like. He had actually sent it early Sunday (before we talked on the phone), but I don't check e-mail at home, so it was a good way to start the week.

Stephen,
Thanks again for taking the time to meet me; I really enjoyed seeing you. I look forward to going out again, and I'll touch base with you later to set something up. I hope you made it home safe and sound, and not too wet:)

-N

(it was raining when I drove home)
Very Sweet. After e-mailing all day, I finally got his AIM screenname. So, then we chatted all day! LOL.

I'm really getting along with this guy...

...to be continued...

MIA

Yes, I've been neglecting my blog, but I've been busy.
Busy with life.
Busy with work.
Busy with dating (I know!).

Here's a quick update since I last posted:
I went on vacation with my family.
For a full week.
The first time I've taken a week off of work.
In 4 years!
I got burned.
Tanlines:)
After work functions.
I've started dating a guy.
We've gone out like 6 times.
I'm excited.
He sent me flowers.
At work.
I was speechless.

Life is good:)

TGI(almost)F Joke

THE INDIAN WITH ONE TESTICLE

There once was an Indian who had only one testicle, and whose given name was Onestone. He hated that name and asked everyone not to call him Onestone. After years and years of torment, Onestone finally cracked and said, "If anyone calls me Onestone again I will kill them!" The word got around and nobody called him that anymore. Then one day a young woman named Blue Bird forgot and said, "Good morning, Onestone." He jumped up, grabbed her, and took her deep into the forest where he made love to her all day and all night. He made love to her all the next day, until Blue Bird died from exhaustion. The word got around that Onestone meant what he promised he would do. Years went by and no one dared call him by his given name
until a woman named Yellow Bird returned to the village after being away. Yellow Bird, who was Blue Bird's cousin, was overjoyed when she saw Onestone. She hugged him and said, "Good to see you, Onestone." Onestone grabbed her, took her deep into the forest, then he made love to her all day, all night, all the next day, all the next night, but Yellow Bird wouldn't die!

What is the moral of this story?????
.
.
.
.
OH, Come on...take a guess!
.
.
.
.
Think about it...
.
.
.
.
(You're going to love this!)
.
.
.
.
And the moral is...
(drum roll, please)
.
.
.
.
You can't kill two birds with one stone!!!

9 months old

I don't feel like blogging about something that takes too much thought. So, here's my baby. (click to see him when he was about 10 weeks old)

Whodathunkit?!?!

Who woulda thought that I would...

~Stay in on a Friday night...
~...and order a Pay-Per-View movie (The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning)...
~...and be in bed before midnight.
~Spray paint a tv table and 2 frames black...
~...and rake pine needles to "freshen up" my front flower bed...
~...while Bailey tried to play "shake" on a Saturday afternoon.
~Eat dinner with the family...
~...and watch High School Musical with the kids on a Saturday night.
~Take down border in 2 bedrooms...
~...put a layer of clear coat on said tv table...
~...set up said tv table and tv in my bedroom...
~...and hang pictures on a Sunday afternoon.

Yup, folks...I'm either getting old
or
growing up
or worse...
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.BOTH.

Oh, Gawd!

A Delivery

As I drove into my driveway last night, I noticed that there was something at my front door. It was already dark, so the only thing I could see was the reflection of something. Much to my surprise, my little niece and nephew had sent me a beautiful potted plant and 2 big balloons! The card read:

"Happy Birthday, Uncle! We love you! Love K & T"

This is THE sweetest thing that I've received in a long long LONG time. They had already called me on my way into work to wish me a happy birthday, so this was a huge surprise. I immediately called them.

"Hey Uncle!"
"Hey baby! Guess what I got?"
"You got it!? Yah!"
"Yes, thank you, baby! It's beautiful! Thank you so much!"
"Good! Happy Birthday, Uncle! I love you!"
"I love you, too, baby!"

The convo went about the same with both of them. Even though I know that my mom paid for it and all, they were the ones that wanted to do something for me. My mom told me that they picked it out and everything. They didn't want to get me flowers because it was too "girlie," so they decided on the plant.

1. I've NEVER received a delivery from a flower shop before. EVER.
2. I love them so much, so it means that much more. And they never let me forget how much they love *me*. Since I may never have kids, they *are* my kids. I just can't put it into words...
3. None of my "friends" remembered my birthday, so I was bummed. No one called, e-mailed, texted, anything. My co-workers and family were the only ones that remembered. So, this really made my day.
4. It's not the gift, it's the thought. The phone call from them first thing this morning was enough for me. They amaze me.

Thank you, K & T! Uncle loves you more than you'll ever know!

Twenty-Seven...continued

I have some of the best co-workers! 7 of them took me out to lunch...and paid for me:)

Also, 1 of my co-workers likes to bake. He remembered that I like chocolate on chocolate cake, so he made me one!

Are they trying to fatten me up? Hrmmm...

Twenty-seven

Happy Birthday, to me!

Twenty-seven
27
XXVII
Ventisiete
30-3
21+6

Another year has passed.
Another year wiser? I hope so.
I can't help but feeling like I should be further along in life.

Blech.

What will I do today? Eh...nothing special. It's just another day.

Me...Over Time

I got this meme (I still have yet to find out what "meme" means...) from Brad. I thought it was cool, so here we go:

20 years ago

1.) How old were you? 6
2.) Where did you go to school? Lanier Elementary
3.) Where did you work? I didn't.
4.) Where did you live? With my mom and sis in a house up the street from where I just moved into.
5.) Where did you hang out? Either at my house or my best friend's house.
6.) Did you wear glasses? No
7.) Who was your best friend? Ryan
8.) How many tattoos did you have? None.
9.) How many piercings did you have? None.
10.) What car did you drive? I didn't.
11.) Had you been to a real party? No.
12.) Had your heart broken? No.
13.) Single/Taken/Married/Divorced: 6 years old, DEFINITELY single!

10 years ago

1.) How old were you? 16
2.) Where did you go to school? North Hall High
3.) Where did you work? Dockers Outlet Store (you know, the khaki's)
4.) Where did you live? Same
5.) Where did you hang out? with friends
6.) Did you wear glasses? No.
7.) Who was your best friend? Matt
8.) How many tattoos did you have? None.
9.) How many piercings did you have? None.
10.) What car did you drive? A gray 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass Cierra
11.) Had you been to a real party? Not really, I was a "goodie goodie" in high school
12.) Had your heart broken? No.
13.) Single/Taken/Married/Divorced: Single.

5 years ago

1.) How old were you? 21
2.) Where did you go to school? UGA - Go Dawgs!
3.) Where did you work? GAP
4.) Where did you live? In my first apartment - University Commons
5.) Where did you hang out? Downtown Athens, bars (both gay and straight), with friends at their apts/dorms.
6.) Did you wear glasses? No.
7.) Who were your best friends? Jennifer, Anna, Stevie, Morgan.
8.) Who was your crush? my bf.
9.) How many tattoos did you have? None
10.) How many piercings did you have? Two - tongue and top of left ear
11.) What car did you drive? I had a 2000 Silver Nissan Frontier Desert Runner
12.) Had you had your heart broken? Not yet...
13.) Single/Taken/Married/Divorced/Bitter: Taken.
14.) Any kids? Nope.

Present

1.) How old are you? 26, almost 27
2.) Where do you go to school? I graduated from UGA
3.) Where do you work? For an IT company
4.) Where do you live? In a house in the neighborhood I grew up in.
5.) Where do you hang out? Home, gay bars, with the fam.
6.) Do you wear glasses? No - but I'm starting to need to...
7.) Who are your best friends? I can't say that I really have one...
8.) Who is your crush? Steve Sandvoss (the mormon on Latter Days)
9.) Do you talk to your old friends? Not really.
10.) How many tattoo's do have? 1.
11.) How many piercings do you have? 1 - the previous 2 out, a new one;)
12.) What kind of car do you have? '96 Black Volvo Wagon - great car...and it's PAID for!!!
13.) Has your heart been broken? Yup.
14.) Single/Taken/Married/Divorced/Bitter? Single.
15.) Any kids? a 9 month old Golden Retriever, Bailey.

'Tis interesting to think back like this...

I Scream

So, I have my own show, The Colbert Report. Now, I have my very own ice cream:) Please please, no autographs.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070214/ap_en_tv/people_stephen_colbert

Blah

Blah Blah Blah

Happy Freakin' Valentine's Day

Blah Blah Blah

Going Ons

I, being the friend that is always the "early one," had about 30 minutes to kill before meeting friends out for drinks last Friday (I know, I'm a freak...). Knowing that there is a Pier1 near the bar, I decided to stop and browse for a bit. I mean, they were having a sale for goodness sakes, so I just had to! While I was browsing, an older man walked by me and grunted, "Mmm!" not so casually under his breath. Ok, one - do you think you said that in a way that I couldn't hear you?! Two - Do you think that is a good come on?! Three - Am I gonna respond to that? NO! Come on, man. When is a grunt an appropriate form of communication?

I'm convinced. All the guys that I've met lately that I think are hot/cute are coupled. This past weekend was no different. I'm cursed.

I know that I'm a little slow to get on the bandwagon, but DVR is the best thing since sliced bread.

My brother-in-law and I both have birthdays in March. He's turning 30, so my sis wants to throw him a surprise birthday party. She's throwing this party before MY birthday! Mine is on the 7th and his is on the 31st. He'll definitely be surprised!

Best comment I've heard about the whole Anna Nicole Smith saga: Her life was crazy when she was alive, even crazier now that she's dead.

AIM question from a friend: "If you had a myspace account and moved someone lower on your friends list would you be upset? Basically I moved J from 3 to 4 and he was like why did you move me...are you upset?" This, my friends, is what I call needless, gay drama. Lord!

I've spent 25 out of 26 Valentine's Days single. Wow.

Favorite CD's at the moment: Katherine McPhee and Mat Kearney. I can't get enough of this dude. He rocks! I've got tickets to his concert when he comes to Atlanta in April:)

Within the past 3 weeks, I've bought a Volvo Wagon and a house. Yes folks, I'm officially old. But I'm happy:) More on this later...

I don't get it...

What's up with Fergie and spelling? She always spells things out in her songs. Is she trying to teach the world how to spell? Did we forget? I don't get it...

TGIF

Since I don't really have much to blog about right now, I'll post another joke.

What did the gay sperm say to the other gay sperm?
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
How are we suppose to find this egg in all this $#!T ?

Joke of the Day

How to get a flat tummy:

A little boy walks into his parents' room to see his mom on top of his dad bouncing up and down. The mom sees her son and quickly dismounts, worried about what her son has seen. She dresses quickly and goes to find him. The son sees his mom and asks, "What were you and dad doing?" The mother replies, "Well, you know your dad has a big tummy and sometimes I have to get on top of it and help flatten it." "Your wasting your time," said the boy. "Why is that?" the mom asked puzzled. "Well, when you go shopping, the lady next door comes over and gets on her knees and blows it right back up."

LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL

Scenes From a Gay Bar

I don't care how many times I see it, I just can't get used to it. A woman isn't supposed to pee standing up. I don't care if you're a drag queen. Sit to pee, please.

Another bathroom first: I saw a girl pee in a urinal. No lie.

Drag show + straight guy in gay bar = trouble. This one bar in Atlanta is known for it's camp drag, and the main drag queen is very well known. So, on Saturday night, she asked the crowd if there were any straight guys in the house. There happened to be 2 groups of people who had 1 straight guy in each group. Let the fun begin. She called them both up to the front and proceeded to ask them questions. And yes, she asked if either one of them had kissed another guy. Both replied with a definite "NO." Well, well, well... She then asked the crowd if they wanted to see 2 totally straight guys kiss. Um...needless to say, the whole bar cheered in approval. And before you knew it, all you could see in the crowd were gay men with their camera phones out. It was so hilarious. Despite her great effort, the 2 guys didn't go through with it.

Why is it that I can't seem to like a guy who is totally into me? I'd met this guy about 6 months ago and he started flirting from the get-go. I'm a nice guy. If you talk to me, I'm gonna talk back. Well, he took this to mean that I was interested, too. Um...nope. Sorry. So, after that night, I just didn't return any of his text messages in hopes that he would get the hint. It worked. Rewind to last night. Who do I see? Yup. Once again, he starts to flirt hardcore. Maybe I shouldn't have let him buy me a drink or 2, huh? I mean, if a guy wants to buy me a drink, I'm not going to deny him that pleasure. I mean, that would just be rude. LOL.

My 2 friends and I had a little game going last night. We each had to find a guy that we thought was cute, that we didn't know, and talk to them for at least 5 minutes. Both S1 and S2 accomplished their task. By the time I found someone and mustered up the courage (or at least had enough alcohol), he had already left. And since the bars close at midnight on Sundays, I ran out of time. Oh well.

A Gym Rant

(Preface to the below rant: I'm a more than regular gym goer (some call me obsessed, but I digress), so I exercise proper gym ettiquette. If there is one thing that I hate, it's the lack of gym ettiquette!)

This took place yesterday after work. Along with going to an already crowded, popular gym, the New Year's Resolution folks have envaded. I give it about 1 more month, but who knows...maybe it'll stick for some people this year? **chuckles** Anyway, I had just finished running 30 minutes on the treadmill (the max time allowed when people are waiting) and wiped it down with paper towels and cleaner. I motioned over to the woman who was next and left to go get water. After I got some water, I stopped to talk to an gym aquaintance. As we were walking away from the water fountain, the woman who got my treadmill came up and rudely said, "if you're going to run that much and sweat, you really should wipe it down when you're done!" I looked puzzled and said, "I did..." To which she sarcastically replied, "with what, that towel in your hand..." "No...paper towels..." She was still giving me a dirty look, so I went to the treadmill with her following. I tapped the girl that had been running beside me and asked her if she had seen me wipe it down. She shrugged at first and then said, "oh...oh, yeah...you did!" I looked at the rude woman and said, "thank you!" and walked off. As I was walking off, I heard her say, "oh, I didnt' see you, I'm sorry..."

What the F ever, biatch! If you are going to be out right rude, at least make sure that you are freakin' RIGHT! GEEZ!

Part of a IM Convo Today

Me: I've been biatch-y lately, huh?
Me: lol
B: YES
Me: whoa!
Me: don't answer too quickly now
Me: lol
Me: hey, at least I'm admitting it
B: is it your time of the month?
Me: and fessing up
Me: who knows
Me: I've just been crazy busy
Me: hey, i think saying yes was very mild

At least I admitted it, right?

A Song Can Take You Back

When I'm at work, I usually set my iPod on shuffle and let her go. Well, a song came on today that I hadn't heard in forever. It took me back to the Spring of '01...

I was a Junior in college and just started going out with my first boyfriend. I had met him through a mutual friend and we started to gradually hang out more. In between classes, we would meet each other downtown for lunch. It was just turning warm outside, so we would eat lunch in the warm weather and hang out. Once we started going out, he was either over at my apartment or I was over at his dorm. He didn't have a roommate, so he had the room all to himself. It really was like what see in the movies. We would skip class just to spend more time together. If we did go to class, we would meet up afterwards. Since finals were approaching, we would go to coffee shops and study together. Etc.

When we first started going out, he put his favorite cd in while we layed in bed. Halfway through the cd, I heard a song that I really liked. He put it on repeat and it just became "our" song. *This* is the song that played today. Isn't it funny how powerful a song can be? How it can bring back so many memories and emotions? I don't really think about C, but I did today. Listening to that song put me right back in that period of my life. It brought back feelings and memories that I haven't thought about in quite some time.

I hope C is doing well.

Snip-its of 2007, thus far

My New Year's Resolution: not to make a New Year's Resolution

I saw a guy at the gym this morning with a pink iPod Nano...'twas funny.

I am still picking up flecks of confetti from my closet carpet from New Year's Eve!

There's a guy that I met out one night. We've hung out a couple of times since. I don't think it's going to go anywhere. He has big gums and smokes. Does this make me shallow? Too picky? Oh, well...I can't help it.

There's this guy in my spin class that I think is cute. Not hot hot, just cute. I've never gotten up the nerve to talk to him. Well, for one, he and this other guy were ALWAYS together. Now they're not. Did they break up? (I hope so) Anyway, I was changing after spin class one day and he was in the same section of the locker room as I was. I just couldn't bring myself to change in front of him. Silly, I know, but. The locker room was really crowded, so I just sucked it up and dropped 'em. Was he looking?

Ever since I told one of my friends that my mom asked if we were dating, he won't let it go. He's a guy I would never date. Actually, I love all my friends to death, but I wouldn't date 99% of them. Odd? I dunno. Anyway, it was funny at first, but now it's just getting old. Stop it already!

Holiday Weekend

ate too much
played with the kids
went to church twice on Sunday
ate too much
watched movies
...but fell asleep during most of them
actually ran over the holiday
stayed up late
ate too much
last minute shopping
text messages galore
helped cook Christmas eve and Christmas dinners

oh, and did I mention that I ate too much?

priceless moment #1: when my niece and nephew ran up to me, gave me a big bear hug, and said, "uncle, this is just what I wanted for Christmas!!!"

priceless moment #2: when we were waiting for the kids to get on stage to perform "The Greatest Story Ever Told" and my niece couldn't stop smiling and waiving at me.

priceless moment #3 - .....: everytime they said, "I love you, Uncle!" My niece just comes up behind me, hugs my legs with all her might, and says, "I love my uncle!" My nephew runs full force into your arms and gives you a big kiss and hug and says, "love you!"

4 gay men on a Sunday afternoon

One of my friends had the Victoria Secret Fashion Show on his TiVo, so a group of us watched it. Leave it to 4 gay men to say things like:

"She's cute."
"She's sooo skinny!"
"Are her eyes real?!?"
"Those shoes look sooo uncomfortable!"
"I'll bet she's like a size 0..."
"Can you really buy all this stuff?"
"She pulled that off really well!"
"Gawd...I bet that diamond bra was heavy!"
"Is that a key hole on her panties? That is SOOO cute!"
"She's chunky compared to the rest of them. She's probably like a size 2."
"She's really not that pretty...makeup does wonders!".
"I bet they would get more people to watch if they had hot guys on here..."

How ironic can you get? 4 gay men sitting around watching hot models walking around in underwear...and no one was in the slightest bit turned on. This is just funny stuff, people.

New Music

2 words: Mat Kearney

I bought his new CD and I can't get enough of it. I play it non stop. While I run, workout, at work, at home...NON STOP! If you haven't heard his stuff, go to his site and check him out! And, it doesn't hurt that he's cute, too. ;)

Makes ya think

Here’s a quote from The Most Unfabulous Social Life of Ethan Green:

Punch: “I realized tonight that I’m sooo not over you. Some guy told me it would take a couple of months…”
Ethan: “He was lying. The truth is that you never get over people. You’re life goes on, but there’s always a part of you that still loves them…and yearns for them…wishes you got it right the first time…”

This quote struck me in a funny way. On one hand, it’s sooo true…but on the other hand, I hate to think that it’s really true. Do you really never get over people? Will you always love them…yearn for them…wish you got it right the first time with them?

As much as I hate to admit it…I think it IS true…

Validation

Late night call from my friend Matt last night:

Matt: Hey, you'll never guess who I just got finished hanging out with...
Me: Oh lord...who?
Matt: Well, I went to Burkhart's with a friend and saw Justin and...Chris there.
Me: Oh lord...
Matt: No, it was good. Chris told me that he's done with drugs and that he's trying to clean up his life up. When we left, he gave me a hug and said, "I'm really sorry for how I treated you toward the end...I hope you're not bitter because of it..." 1GAR, I never thought I'd hear him say those words...
Me: Wow...I can't either. That was very big of him. It takes a lot to be able to say that...
Matt: (voice a little shaky)...yeah...it meant a lot. I mean, I'm totally over him, but it's just nice to finally hear him say that.
Me: Yeah, it's good to get that validation...

You could tell that it really meant a lot to Matt to hear Chris say that. He got the "validation" that he's been looking for since their relationship ended almost 2 years ago. Most of us never get that validation, hince why people become bitter and jaded. I laid in my bed feeling happy for him. I know how much Chris messed up his life.

If only we could all get our validation...

Just 1 more mile...

Anyone who knows me knows that I love to run. Seriously. I've been running since I was in 8th grade, so it's just second nature to me. It's something that has always been the "rock" in my life. No matter what mood I'm in or what's going on in my life, I always feel better after a good run. Well, this past Thanksgiving morning was my 2nd marathon. Here are the results:

3 hrs 16 min 22 sec
6th in my age group
36th overall ! ! !
(out of 449 men/569 total)

I'm only 6 minutes away from qualifying for Boston! I honestly got so overwhelmed when I finished that I almost teared up. Almost. All the training, all the time put into it, all of it was worth it.

Yes, running is my addiction...and this just took it to another level.

A different type of wake-up call...

I was awakened by the sound of my neighbors having sex yesterday morning.

6:30am
"OH. OH BABY. OH. OH BABY."
repeat over and over...and over.
No variation. Just that.

Sorta gross. Sorta not. She's hot, he's not. I'm gay, so this doesn't interest me.

Have they heard me before?

Not that I'm that active, but still. Oh well, such is life...

"Tour de Restaurants"

Since this is a short week, I didn't go grocery shopping. I got to thinking, I've lived in my condo for almost a year and a half now and I've never eaten at the quaint restaurants around my complex. So, that's what I've been doing.

Monday night: Figo Pasta.
I've been to other locations, just not the one right next to my complex. You sorta "build" your own pasta dish, so you can't really go wrong. Must. Go. Back.

Tuesday night: The Big Easy.
Yes, you guessed right, cajun/New Orleans style food. It's more of a bar/restaurant. I got the jumbalaya and a pint of pale ale. It was good (at the time). A little overpriced--$15 for spicy rice, sausage, and chicken. No crawfish or shrimp. All in all, a neat little bar/restaurant.

***fast forward to about 1:30am this morning***

1GAR woke up to horrible stomach pains and felt like I was going to throw up. I head to the bathroom and plopped down on the porcelain god...and yeah...I'll let you use your imagination. I won't be going there any time soon.

Since I'm headed up to the family's house for Thanksgiving, this is the extent of my "tour de restaurants" for the time being.

1GAR and Guys

What is up with me and meeting the wrong guys? Here are 2 examples since last Friday...

Example #1:
One of my co-workers stopped me as I passed her desk. Her daughter and one of her friends had come to visit her on Monday. As I passed, she stopped me...

Co-worker: Hey 1GAR, How old are you?
Me: 26...
Co-worker: Well, my daughter's friend wanted me to give you this...
***hands me a post-it note with his name and number***
He's 18. He saw you pass by ealier and thought you were cute.
Me: Is this the same guy from the Christmas party?
Co-worker: No, that's someone else.
Me: Ok...well...thanks...
***walks off chuckling***

Yes, you read right...the same daughter had another friend who gave me his number.
First thought: Does her daughter only hang out with gay guys?
Second thought: He's 18 for goodness saked! Too young! Flattering, but no thanks.

Example #2:
I went out with some friends last Friday night. While out, I saw another friend that I knew, so I went up and talked to him for a bit. He introduced me to his friends and we all hung out. As the night progressed, one of his friends wanted to get my number so we could hang out. He seemed nice, so I gave it to him.

***fast forward to yesterday afternoon***

Charlie: Hey 1GAR, this is Charlie from the other night. Ron's friend...
Me: Oh hey! How are you?
Charlie: I'm good, I just wanted to call and see what was up.
Me: I'm good...just at work right now. Can I call you back later?
Charlie: Sure...
Me: Ok, talk to you soon!
Charlie: Ok, bye.

***fast forward to later that evening at home after my run***

Text message from Charlie:
I would really like to hang out with you soon.

So, I text back, "Sure. Sounds good."
Then he texts, "Cool. You seem really nice and I want to get to know you."
A couple of seconds later: "Plus, would love to see that sexy, hot bod of yours!"

Delete.

WTF?!?!?! Can I not meet normal guys around my age? That's not too much to ask, is it? And if I do meet someone that meets those minimal criteria, then something else goes wrong. Like the guy that I went out with a couple of times a few weeks ago. He and I got along, he was "normal", cute, etc. Only thing is...all he was interested in was sex. I wouldn't put out, so I haven't heard back from him.

*These* are the types of guys I meet. Maybe it's me. Maybe it's the universe. I dunno...I give up.

Good Sounds

What's playing on my iPod?

Sister Hazel's new album Absolutely - this is one of my all time favorite bands! Their new cd delivers everything that I love about them--great lyrics, vocals, guitar playing, etc.

Panic at the Disco's A Fever You Can't Sweat Out - If you like I Write Sins Not Tragedy's, then you'll like the whole cd.

Josh Kelley - he's one of my new favorite artists. I had heard one of his songs and then I listened to more on iTunes. I ended up downloading all of his cd's! He's a cross between Jack Johnson and John Mayer.

John Mayer's Continuum - just good John Mayer sounds!

Snow Patrol Eyes Open - just another good band. Period.

Hinder's Extreme Behavior (Digital Version) - a good new rock band.

Nickelback's All The Right Reason's - another good rock band.

(I told you I downloaded a butt-load of music on my day off!)

Text Messages

Text messages between me and a guy that I've gone on 1 date with - he's been out of town a lot lately. We've been planning on getting together again, but the timing has been bad.

me: Can you make any time for me this week? ;)
him: How about tomorrow?
me: Sounds good.
I called him a little later, but got voicemail. Then...

(text first thing this morning)

him: Hey. Went to sleep at 10:30. How about 8 tonight?
me: Sure...meet at ur place?
him: Yes. I have a place I want to take you for dinner.
*made me smile*

Day Off

On my day off, I…

Slept late
Went to the gym (of course!)
Ate sushi
Went to Starbucks
Downloaded a butt load of music on iTunes
Watched the AMA’s

While at the gym, I got to thinking—what do all these people do that affords them the luxury of being at the gym at 2:30 on a Monday afternoon? Were they also taking a day off? Are they housewives? Self employed? Not currently working? Independently wealthy?

It always amazes me what different paths we all have. A typical day for me isn’t necessarily a typical day for the next Joe. Today was actually an Atypical day for me. It was a day just for me. Nothing of necessity got done. Yes…there were things I should have done. But I’ll leave that for another day.

Today was nice.

Evolution

Evolution: Good or Bad? When it comes to beauty, I'm not sure if we have. Like women, gay men feel "pressure" to look their best. As cliche-ish as it sounds, if you don't look like an Abercrombie model, then some guys won't even look at you. At some point, you have to start ignoring this negative, unrealistic cliche and live in the real world. People come in many different, beautiful forms, shapes, faces, etc...when will we learn this? From a very early age, we are told that we are all unique...and that it's beautiful and ok and good. Why can't THIS lesson be what sticks with us instead of the unattainable, unrealistic cliche that most of us strive for? Only then will we be able to evolve...

Getting Your Hairs Cut

If you think about it, getting your haircut can be a very sensual act (notice I said can be--not always). As I was getting my hair cut last night in preparation for a date (more on this later), I got to thinking about this.

The person (of course it was a girl...dang it!) has their fingers through your hair.
Her boobies (did I really just say boobies??? I'm back in 6th grade...) are right there in front of your face (literally).
She is "performing" for your approval.
Communication is a must if you want the end outcome to be good.
...and...
...wait for it...
...wait for it...
She gets paid for her services! LOLOLOL

Another thing about getting a haircut is the reaction from others:

"Did you get your hair cut?" (Gotta love this one...why did you ask when you already knew the answer???)
"Oh, you got your hair cut..." (I hate this one. They don't say whether they like it or not, they just leave it at that.)
"I like your haircut." (I like this one, of course. It shows that they acknowledge that you got a haircut and that they like it.)

And yes, I've gotten all of the said responses today.

To Settle or Not To Settle

I've always stood firm on my position to the above topic. I'm on the "not to settle" team. I don't want to settle for someone, and I sure as heck don't want anyone to settle for me. But when does not wanting to settle cross over into the too picky category? Sure...we all settle to some degree, but when is too much too much?

I went out with a guy this past weekend that we'll call B. I met him a week earlier through a friend. In said meeting, a red flag went up, but I decided to overlook it. For the next week, we texted and talked on the phone daily. I had a pretty busy weekend planned but he wanted to get together at some point, so I invited him along to the 2 parties that I was going to on Saturday. While we had a good time, I just didn't feel it--even with the amount of alcohol that I consumed! One of my friends commented on how cute he was, so that made me think... Am I being too picky?

Said red flag...not a big deal.
He's 32, I'm 26...not a big deal.
He lives an hour away...mmmk...
He has 2 snakes...that just freaks me out.
He wants to get a tattoo on his entire upper thigh...X!
PLUS...I wasn't feeling it...

So, at this point, I don't think that I'm too picky...I just don't want to settle. I will overlook some things, but not too many things.

A first

I've never posted pictures on my blog, so this is a first. Here's my baby, Bailey, when he was about 12 weeks old. He's about 4 months and a weeks old now. He's the cutest Golden Retriever ever! More pics to come:)

Getting To Know You

...well...me, actually.

Top 5 Song
My Love - Justin Timberlake
Chasing Cars - SnowPatrol
Suddenly I See - KT Tunstall
Lips of an Angel - Hinder
SexyBack - Justin Timberlake

Top 5 Guys
Steve Sandvoss
Justin Hartley
Tom Welling
Channing Tatum
David Beckham

Top 5 TV Shows
Brothers and Sisters
Six Degrees
Heros
Grey's Anatomy
Desperate Housewives

Top 5 things I can't live without
ChapStick
iPod
Running Shoes
My Family
Good Friends

Random stuff
Diet or Regular? Diet
Coke or Pepsi? Diet Pepsi
Wine or Beer? Depends...I like both...but I'll pick wine
Chocolate or Vanilla? Chocolate
Dogs or Cats? Dogs
Urban or Rural? Urban
Boxers or Briefs? Briefs
New York or LA? New York
Coffee or Tea? Coffee
Favorite Drink: SugarFree RedBull and Vodka
Favorite Band: Sister Hazel
Favorite Reality Show: The Amazing Race
Favorite Pizza Toppings: Ham and Pineapple or Mushroom
First thing you notice about someone: smile...then eyes
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite dessert: Cheesecake
Do you believe in Monogomy? Yes, absolutely!
Do you believe in love at first sight? No...I think it's lust or intrigue at first sight.
Do you want kids? Yes
Money not a factor, if you could travel anywhere, where would it be? Australia
Pet Peeve: Calling me "Steve"...I'm not a Steve, I'm a Stephen...don't shorten it!

Balls, guys, pics, and a drunken call

I have a buddy that I've been playing racketball with for about 2 months now. He started chatting with me in spin class in an attempt to not so subtly flirt. He's not my type at all, but I won't not talk to someone just for that reason. He's an older gentleman (late 50's/early 60's, I would guesstimate)...but he kicks my butt every time! He *is* a good player, but he does things that I think are not exactly kosher. For example, he'll make a shot and then stand in the way of me getting to the ball. I realize that you can call him out on it and re-do the point, but he does it so frequently that we would be playing "re-do's" for most of the match. Also, he prides himself on "cheap shots." I know that they take a certain skill, but come on! I would much rather have a good rally and lose a point from that instead of a cheap shot! Am I being a sore loser? I honestly don't think so. I can accept defeat...I would just rather lose to a good player, not a blocking/cheap shot player...

I met a guy this past weekend at a local drinking hole. I was there with a friend watching the Georgia/Tennessee game (don't get me started...) when I ran into another friend. He was there with a group of guys celebrating a birthday. I had met one of the guys in the party once before, so we started talking. As the night went on, we continued to talk and flirt. I don't know how we got on the subject, but he nonchalantly said, "yeah...Robbie (birthday boy) is a good guy...I'd date him in a heartbeat, but he would never date me..." I don't know if it was the tequila shots that they were downing that clouded his judgment or what, but I don't really think this is something that you say to someone that you're currently flirting with! Is this a red flag? We've chatted on the phone a couple of times and have plans to go out, so I guess I'll see...

David is a weekly, gay publication here in Atlanta. It consists of editorials, going on's for the week/weekend, ads, pictures, etc. This week, one of my friends was on one of the picture pages. For the life of him, he couldn't remember when he had gotten this picture taken. And then it came to him... He and I had gone to an Art Walk one Friday night. Individual art galleries within an art gallery were showcasing the works of their various artists. Food, wine, cocktails, cute boys...it was a fun pre-going out event to go to. While we were there, a photographer from David asked if he could take our picture. Yes, OUR picture! Evidently, I didn't make the cut. S found this particularly ironic because he thought that they wanted to take the picture because of me--since I was the "younger, cuter one" (according to him). Talk about a shot to the ego! I guess I wasn't David material that night...lol.

While strolling down the isles of Target, I recieved a phone call from my little-big sis. I call her this because she is smaller than me physically, but older than me. Normally, this would not be a blog-worthy topic...if it weren't for the fact that it was a drunken call! A little background...she's 29, married, has 2 kids (4 and 5), and hardly drinks. When, and if, she drinks, it's usually just one drink. She and the family had gone to Pigeon Forge for a long weekend getaway. Not knowing that it was a dry county, all they could buy was beer. She called to tell me that she missed her "drinking buddy" and chatted nonstop for about an hour. Makes a bro proud...

*My* BooBoo Fixer

My mom tells a story about when I was in kindergarten. Apparently, I had fallen off of the jungle gym during recess and had a huge gash on my forehead. My teacher had managed to stop the bleeding while we waited for my mom. All that was left was a big knot on my forehead. Once my mom stepped foot into the room, she says that I began to ball. A little frazzled, my teacher tried to explain to my mom that I hadn't cried once until she got there.

That's the way I've always viewed my mom, I guess--the nurturer, the fixer of messes, the rock in my life, the right of all wrong, the one that will make everything better.

Well, it happened again this past Monday. The day had just been horrible. Nothing seemed to go right. Among things I won't go into, my eye was swollen for most of the morning. Apparently, I had scratched the white of my eye with my fingernail when I had rubbed it. With that, the white of my eye was literally swollen and red, which made my whole eye puffy. I had to sit through our Monday morning sales meeting looking like this. On top of being embarrassed, work was hella stressful and busy. Overwhelmed and stress, I left work feeling like nothing had gone right. On my way home, I remembered that my mom had called during the day, but I couldn't talk due to being so busy. As I dialed, I just told myself to chalk the day to a bad day and go for a good run when I got home. Within a few seconds of the conversation, I could feel the tears welling up. I could no longer keep them inside. As I answered a question she had asked, my voice quivered from a tear.

"What's wrong, baby?"
"I dunno...today was just horrible. ..."

As I went into the events of the day, the tears freely flowed. I didn't care that I was in the middle of rush hour traffic on I-75.

"Do you want me to come down there?"
"Oh, no...I'll be fine. I just need to go for a run."
"Don't you think you should just go home and rest?"
"No, running will make me feel better."
"Oh, if it will, then ok. Are you sure you're ok?"
"Yes...thank you."
"I Love You, baby..."
"I know...I love you, too. I'll be fine."
"Call me if you need to later, ok? I'll be here all night."

With that, I assured her that I was ok. That it was just a bad day.

So, once again, just talking to her on the phone made me that vulnerable little boy sitting with a knot on my head in my kindergarten classroom...

You thought you knew...but you don't.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14364833/

I don't get it. How are you gonna just up and change the definition of a word that has been set since the beginning of science? Is there gonna be a new generation that can now say, "I remember when there were only 9 planets..." I mean, what's gonna happen to the riddle that helped all of us remember the order of the 9 planets?

My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Nine Pies.
(Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto)

Are we going to have to learn a new riddle when our kids come home and have to learn the order to 100+ planets? You laugh at the possibility of 100+ planets, but according to the article, there are already 53 planets if you go by this new definition. I'm not one that is opposed to change, but come on. How can you change something that has always been known? "How many planets are there in the solar system? 9." You didn't have to think about it. You didn't sit there and argue the definition of a planet. "Well, if you use gravity or nature as a deciding factor, then there are 9 planets vs #(&$&$(&#$# planets."

If we start to question and change the fundamental things that have always been known, then where does it stop? I understand that one has to question and learn new things in order to grow, but when is too much too much?

I knew it!

You are Superman

Superman 80%: You are mild-mannered, good, strong and you love to help others.

Robin 75%
The Flash 75%
Spider-Man 70%
Green Lantern 60%
Catwoman 60%
Iron Man 60%
Supergirl 55%
Hulk 55%
Batman 45%
Wonder Woman 35%

Click here to take the "Which Superhero are you?" quiz...

Would ya like a mint?

You know the scenario: You and a friend are talking at a bar when someone that you both haven't seen in a while walks by. He stops to exchange pleasantries and then goes on his way. Your friend turns to you and says, "If I EVER have breath like that, you'd BETTER tell me!" To which I respond, "Oh trust me, I will! And you'd better do the same!"

This brings me to my point. Does said friend really want you to tell him if he has bad breath? This little scenario popped into my head twice this weekend. Once while catching up with a friend at a bar and the other when a friend met 3 of us for a movie. At what point are you being offended opposed to being offensive?

Just for the record, I would definitely want to be told if my breath is offensive! I'll prolly be a little embarrassed, but it's better than going up to someone that you think is cute and being offensive.

Things that don't make any sense

~I went to bed with briefs on and woke up naked. I went to bed late last night (early this morning, rather) and didn't wake up at all (that I can recall) during the night. No one else was in bed with me. What exactly was *in* those drinks that my friend was giving me? Hrmmm...

~I drink diet drinks, I use splenda or sweet 'n low in my coffee, I drink/eat sugar free/low fat/fat free stuff...yet I eat pieces of full sugar candy throughout the day. It makes no sense. We have a co-worker that keeps her desk stocked with M&M's, caramel chews, Laffy Taffy, Reeses mini cups, etc., so all of that candy is just readily available to everyone. She likes to do this for us because people visit her and it makes her happy to make us happy. We've dubbed her "the Candy Lady"...but it's pure evil, I tell ya!

~There is a guy at the gym that does all the cardio machines with an empty bookbag on. Whether it's the stairmaster or the treadmill or the elliptical machine, he always has that darn, EMPTY bookbag on! I know that it's empty because I've seen him pull it out of his gym bag that has his change of clothes, shower stuff, etc. It has to weigh like, what, maybe 1/4 of a pound? What is his logic behind this?

~I met a guy last night that had French tips on his toe nails. That's not even the weirdest part. He thinks he's butch/masculine. He needs to get a clue.

~How different a person can act in person vs how they "act" via AIM/texting/chatting online. What's up with that? He seemed so friendly and nice online.

~There are several people in my condo complex that I've talked with, yet I don't know their names. We've never formally introduced ourselves, yet we "know" each other. And now it's to the point that I can't just be like, "Hey, I'm Stephen. What's your name?" I could say, "I know that we've talked many times before, but I don't think I ever got your name..." Is that socially acceptable at this point?

~Women who wear spandex or just a sports bra for a top that shouldn't. On one hand, more power to ya! But on the other...no one wants to see all that junk hanging out. I'm not trying to be mean, I'm really not, but why do they think it's ok? Well, I'm here to tell you that it's NOT.

Preface to below rant

I feel like I need to preface the below rant. I *am* over J--despite the fact that I'm bringing this up after 3 weeks since the actual incident. BUT...I will be the first to admit that he is still one of those people that gets to me... (a fact that I hate).

One of my friends and I were talking about the incident this morning, hince the post. He said, "love is a strange thing...jealousy is even stranger..." To which I responded, "Not after almost 4 years--you give up that right. Once a break-up ensues, all bets are off. You can no longer call dibs on that person. You can no longer hike your leg and mark your territory."

Right?

What are your rights...

...after a break up?

None. Zilch. Nil. Nada.

Let me explain...

About 3 weekends ago, 2 friends and I were invited to a birthday party. I met said friends thru J back in college when we were dating. We've been broken up for almost 4 years now, so it's safe to say that we've both moved on. Well, since our break-up, the 2 said friends have become closer to me than they have J. We all 3 go out on a weekly basis (usually), they've been over to my pool numerous times, we have cookouts, etc. Well, 1 of said friends is S, the one that I've made out with . Anyway, on with the story. One of them invites J along--which I'm cool with. J wants to drive and none of us object, so off to the party we go. Everything is cool...we're all having fun, etc. As the party begins to dwindle, the 4 of us and some others decide to go out to a danceclub. Again, J is still driving, so none of the rest of us have cars. Through the course of dancing, drinking, having a good time, etc., S and I start making out on the dancefloor. The next thing I know, I receive a text from J saying, "I'm gonna go, this is too weird."

Whoa! What? Huh? Hold up! Back it up!

First: Where do you get off getting upset about S and me making out?!?!?!? We've been broken up for nearly 4 years...you have a bf of 2+ yrs...I was the one that wanted US to work when YOU broke up with ME!
Second: How are you gonna just up and leave us there with no car?!?!? Not ok!

Luckily, we knew people at the club, so 1 of said friends got a ride to his car and picked us up. Apparently, J had text messaged him saying, "I shouldn't have to watch [S] and [1GAR] making out!"

I'm sorry, but YOU broke up with ME. You have NO right to get upset. Period.

Man! I feel like a [old]man!

Despite my pulled butt muscle/pinched nerve, my workout routines haven't been affected at all. I can still lift weights, run, bike, and swim. Well, I decided to go on a 7 mile run yesterday after work. Usually, this would be a normal feat for me, but many factors were working against me yesterday...but I did it anyway. I hadn't hydrated enough throughout the day, it was still in the mid 90's, said pulled muscle/pinched nerve, AND I didn't pick the easiest route. Halfway through my run, my calf started to get sore. But...being the freak that I am, I pushed through. I finished the run and stretched, but I still felt the ache in my calf. *Fast forward to this morning* Um...yeah...it still hurt. Not only did my butt cheek hurt, but now I had the calf on the same leg aching...crap. So, I went for my normal workout during lunch today and I felt like a gimp. I was gimping around like an old man. That made me feel old.

I have actually caught myself saying the phrase, "kids these days..." AND...it's been on more than 1 occasion. What's up with that?

I couldn't tell you what new shows are on MTV anymore. That used to be THE channel I watched all the time. When did this change?

Along the lines of the above point, I haven't watched a Real World, Road Rules, or Real World/Road Rules Challege in a couple of years. I used to want to be ON one of these shows! Now, I don't even know where the latest installment is taking place. So sad.

I've been out of college for longer than I was in college.

I can say, "I remember when _____ used to be here." This applies to clubs/bars in both Atlanta and Athens.

When did this change take place? When did I suddenly become old? I know that 26 isn't old, but sometimes I just feel that way. (and don't even get me started on how old I am in gay years!)

Update

~The move is FINALLY over!
~The before mentioned pulled muscle/pinched nerve in my right butt cheek still hurts. It makes me feel old.
~I saw just how bad my childhood dog's arthritis really is. It made me sad.
~I think my dog (Dakota) is gay. Between the above mentioned male dog and my mom's female dog, he followed the male dog around all weekend and sniffed his stuff. Makes me so proud. Like father like dog.
~After helping my mom and sis's family move this past weekend, I returned to my small condo. Coming home from their 7 acres and huge house, it made me see how small my place really is. Oh well. It's cozy.
~To my niece and nephew, I am better than sliced bread. Their big, tight, bear hugs tell me so.
~This is the first time in 8 years that I haven't moved/changed apartments. This is the first time in 8 years that my sis and her family have moved. This is the first time in 30+ years that my mom has moved. Funny, isn't it?

Is a smile just a smile?

Once you graduate from college, the dating pool somehow seems to instantaneously get smaller. Heck, *a* dating pool of like minded people seems to become hard to even locate! You are no longer smack dab in the middle of 36,000+ people within your age bracket (yes, I went to a huge university--UGA--and I freakin' loved it! GO DAWGS! Sic 'em! Woof! Woof! Woof!...sorry for that minor detour...) You start living in the "real world," and that soon becomes monotonous. Get up, work, gym, eat, watch tv, sleep. Repeat. Maybe hangout with friends during the week, but usually not.

So, then the question starts to rear it's ugly head: Where do you meet new people? The common answers: work, gym, bars/clubs, join a group, through friends, etc.

I see a major fallacy in one of the said answers...the gym. I don't know about you, but I've been going to the gym regularly for many years now (some call me a freak, but let's not go into that right now...) and I have never been able to read people at the gym. Being gay might be a part of it, but to me, it's a very ambiguous playing field.

You look up to see a guy looking at you. He smiles. Do you smile back? Is he looking *at* you? Is the smile just a smile? Does he just want the bench that you're at? Is he even gay?

Is my gaydar just *that* defunct? "Yes, I would like to get a tune-up. My gaydar seems to be malfunctioning."

Whether you are gay or straight, the gym is a seemingly prime location to meet people, right? They are obviously in shape, or trying to get in shape. Most of the guys that are there are usually cute and buff. Let's face it, it's a hot bed of eye candy. Period.

Maybe I'll get up the nerve to actually say hey to someone who smiles at me at the gym? Pigs can fly, right?

Random $#*!

~I've lived in my condo for over a year now. Is it too late to have a house warming party? I think so.

~There's this guy in one of my spin classes that is always friendly. On a whim, I asked him if he played racketball. He said he has before, but not in a while--like me. I asked if he would like to play one morning and he cringed at the idea of a 6am racketball game, but decided to do it. After the spin class was over, I said, "you don't have to come if you don't want to..." To which he replied, "OH...I want to come..." (in an old man, nasty way). Eww. Gross. He could be my father. Eww. Gross.

~My weekends have been spent helping my mom, sister, bro-in-law, and kids pack and move. For 3 weekends now. Fun.

~I think I have a pinched nerve on my right butt cheek because of said packing and moving.

~I haven't raced at all this year. Sad. Well...outside of the one duathlon in April, that is. How long can you be "training for triathlons"? I need to race. Note. To. Self.

~My mom bought my dog a HUGE rawhide. It's like 2.5 ft long! When I got home Monday afternoon, I just laughed at him trying to carry it. He was staggering sideways because it was so big. Fool.

~I"m loving "So You Think You Can Dance." Who knew?

~Does an ex of nearly 4 years have the right to get jealous because I kissed a guy on the dancefloor of a club? No. Well...it is a mutual friend, but in my defense, he's more my friend than his. That sounded childish. Blah.

~Why is it that I bought a 12pk of 16oz beer for less than a 12pk of 12oz beer? Score!

~I've gotten a flat on my bike twice now. I went over a year and a half without 1 flat and then BAM! What are the odds?

~We caught a co-worker asleep in his office today. He had his chin propped up with a coffee mug. Freakin'. Hilarious.

~I started going to the spin class on Friday's after work because of the cute instructor. I've been going to his class for 3 months or so. He flirts. I flirt. So. Yeah. I found out he's straight. Dang. It. Maybe he wants to venture over to the other side? Hrmm. I wouldn't be opposed. *gasp* Horrible. (shakes head) He *is* cute, tho...

The Resurrection

I've recently stumbled upon some interesting blogs--which, in turn, gave me the "blogging" bug again. LOL.

Will I keep with it this time? Who knows.
Will I feel creative enough to blog more? We'll see.

This is the only blog that I've "resurrected." I've had 2 prior blogs...only to abandon them and never pick back up...

Stay tuned to see if *this* guy can rant on a normal basis.

This is sad...

...this is the 3rd whole post in 2006...wow...

Will I get better? Who knows...

The Beta Benedict (Benny) Colbert

(a spin off of the way the Pope is referred to as...)

On the afternoon of Saturday, January 7th, 2006, Benedict (often referred to as Benny) Colbert passed away. He spent 3.5 years with his owner, Stephen. He loved to swim, eat, squirm around in his bowl, and show his various shades of blue, green, and purple. His fondest memories were moving every year with his owner into a new apartment. Now that his owner had "settled down," he enjoyed his more permanent surroundings. His service was held outside of his owner's condo on Sunday, January 8th. He will be missed. RIP.

New Year, New Goals, New Rants

Ok, ok...so I haven't been a good blogger this year thus far...actually, I've been a really bad one...seeing as how this is my first post in 2006. Work, web blocks at work, no time at home, etc. are all reasons, but let's not go there. Without further adieu, here are...

My 2006 New Year's Resolutions

1. Start saving. I'm 25 and I have no savings. Sad.
2. Watch less tv, read more. 'Nuff said.
3. Train, train, train.
4. At least 2 marathons this year...with a better performance than my first.
5. Do a couple of Olympic distance triathlons.
6. ...maybe a Half Ironman...MAYBE.
7. No alcohol Sundays - Thursdays (except for special occasions).
8. Drink more water!!!
9. Get more rest. Sleep is good:)

That's it. I don't have your typical "workout more" or "eat better" or "diet" because I think I'm ok in that department.

Here's to a new year! (raises glass of water...see?! I'm doing good! hehe)

And yes, you'll notice that I've altered my blog name. Seeing my pattern thus far this year, I think I can keep a promise to post at least once a week (hopefully more).

I've been tagged...

...by Eric.

Five things about me:

1. Despite the fact that I'm a healthy eater, I like ANYTHING and EVERYTHING that's bad for you. I eat healthy because of my active lifestyle and because I like to be healthy, but I could sooo be a fattie!

2. I have commitment issues because of 1 bad relationship...and I hate that...

3. I've NEVER gone skinny dipping.

4. I have a hard time talking to people that I think are HOT (if I talk to them at all). Even if I have a couple of drinks in me, I'm very shy when it comes to that...

5. I don't tell people how much I workout/train (except on my triathlonlife blog, other triathletes, etc.). I "fib" a little and just tell parts of my workout if co-workers, friends, or family ask me. As other triathletes know, non triathletes think we are freaks. LOL.

Best of 2005

~started training for triathlons...
~...and found something I love
~learned how to swim...
~...and actually enjoy it
~1 duathlon, 1 10K, 1 marathon, and 2 sprint triathlons
~bought a condo
~made some really good friends

It might be a short list, but there is a LOT within the list! Yeah...2005 was a good year:)

Birthday Game

Your Birthdate: March 7

You are an island. You don't need anyone else to make you happy. And though you see yourself as a loner, people are drawn to you. Deep and sensitive, you tend to impress others with your insights. You also tend to be psychic - so listen to that inner voice! Your strength: Your self sufficiency Your weakness: You despise authority Your power color: Maroon Your power symbol: Hammer Your power month: July

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

...yeah, I'll buy into it;)

Section 102, Row U, Seat 24

I went to the Star94 T-Mobile Jingle Jam featuring Howie Day, Gavin Degraw, James Blunt, Jason Mraz, and Switchfoot (that was for you, TC;) ) last night. It was a kick@$$ concert! All of the performances were great!

Howie Day--just him and his guitar. He opened up with 5 songs. Acoustically, lyrically, vocally great!
Gavin Degraw--one of the main reasons I bought tickets. Soulful, a great singer/performer, simply awesome.
James Blunt--THE reason I bought tickets. He's my new favorite artist. Lyrics--awesome. Performance--awesome. He switched it up and did an acoustic version of a song that he normally plays on the piano. Freakin' kick@$$!!!
Jason Mraz--the biggest surprise performance (for me). You can just tell that he loves to be on stage and sing his heart out. Period. He's just doing his thing...and enjoying every minute of it!
Switchfoot--your typical rock band. Great songs and performance.

Here are some interesting things that happened at the concert:

~One of the Star94 promotions employees was proposed to...on stage! It was just so sweet. You could tell that the guy was hella nervous! What guts! He professed his love and proposed to her in front of 13,000 people!!!
~A mother (30ish, I would say) and her 2 boys (around 5 and 8) were sitting in front of us. The 5 year old was a little entertainer! He was shaking and moving with the best of 'em. So cute.
~A couple came and sat in front of us right before the 4th act came on. They were a young (in college), attractive couple. He turns around to me and asks, "Jason Mraz is coming on, right? And James Blunt just performed. And that's it, right??" I said, "yes, but Howie Day and Gavin Degraw have already performed..." He started freaking out--in a disappointed way, not a freakish way. Apparently, they had really bought the ticket to see Gavin Degraw and driven from Tuscaloosa! They had forgotten to account for the time change. I felt so bad for them...
~During one of the stage changes, a guy in one of the floor seats started dancing like a maniac to Usher's "Yeah". All of a sudden, all you could hear were people cheering and looking at this guy shake his groove thang. He was on the 2 big screens and all. It was great!
~Both Gavin and the lead singer of Switchfoot went out into the crowd and made a lot of teenage girls happy:)

Line of the Day

*set scene* ...a huge gift basket is sitting at the front desk for the company. It's from one of our vendors... 4 of us are rummaging through it

Me: *opens the "snow balls"--white chocolate covered pretzel balls*
"Of course I pick the balls out of the whole basket!"

L and I bust out laughing...

Stop laughing at me!

The person I am referring to is God. I'm sure he was rolling on the ground...er...clouds?...with laughter this morning. For the past week or so, I've been greeted with a sheet of frost/ice on my windshield in the mornings. So, I usually turn the defroster on and use the windshield wiper fluid to "melt" it off. Well, I was quite proud of myself this morning when I came up with an "ingenious" idea--yes, after a week of this, I finally came up with and idea (only after I'd used up all of the windshield wiper fluid!). I was gonna take a pitcher of warm water out with me so that it would melt instantly! Brilliant!

So...yeah...I walk out to my car this morning...pitcher of warm water in hand...to a frost/ice free car! Cruel. Just cruel.

And I know what you're saying...(as someone else has already said)..."as an FYI, there is this new invention in the marketplace...it's called an ice scraper." Yeah yeah, but my car has been garaged up until this point, thanks! And when it wasn't garaged a couple of years in college, I would use a cd case--lol. And no, not a credit card--I cringe at the thought of *that* valuable piece of plastic breaking! *gasp*