Vibrant.(Still) Unrepentant. Badass. Old. Queer

To help combat my office boredom, I decided to make a list of all (or at least all the people I can remember) I have kissed romantically in the past 15 years or so. I feel like I'm leaving a few out. It's actually not that many ... I need to get out more. Brian Kayoko Asian Man Asian Man 2 Dennis Mike Ray Jason Brian Brian edited to include Lorenzo, the Italian Professor John Mike Jerry And, there should be some "random dance floor lip action" scattered throughout the list too. I need to branch out on names. 3 Brians? [and actually, I was dating the last two Brians at the same time. Yeah, that got confusing.]

Happy Hour at Halo last night was fun. I drank Vanil and Ginger. Yum. Sweet and warming. Mmm. I think I had 4 drinks. I was well-lit. I left around 9, I think. Tomoko and Robert went to dinner. Mike and Darryl went home. A fun time was had by all. On the way home, I did something I possibly shouldn't have. I called John. He didn't answer, so I left a message. I didn't say much ... that I had been thinking about him lately and wondered how he was doing. And to give Oscar a squeeze from me. Surprisingly it wasn't a drunken rambling crying voicemail. At least, I don't think it was. *heh* I'm leaving work early today (2:30ish) to get ready for Jake's visit. I'll try to remember to take a camerapic of my Red for Autumn hair tomorrow and post it to my flickr account. Other than that, have a totally groovy weekend. AND, don't forget, October 1st is World Vegetarian Day - take a vegetarian out to lunch or send your favorite vegetarian blo...

As I have mentioned, I've decided to go Red for Aut umn . In case some of you are having trouble imagining what I will look like, here are a few visual aids: Headshot 1, StickSteven Edition: Hm... That's not really all that helpful, is it? How about this: HeadShots 2&3, Blond and No Longer Blond Edition: Better, no? Most of you probably do not know this, but I was born with very red hair - not the CarrotTop shockingly vibrant red, but a less in-your-face strawberry blond red. Everyone loved it. As I got older, my hair darkened, losing nearly all of its redness until my natural color became a dark blond. Yet, if I spent long periods of time in the sun, red highlights would appear. However, working full-time put a serious dent in my ability to spend long periods of time in the sun. Very sad. I liked having red hair. I dyed it red once (maybe 3 or 4 years ago), but I think it was too dark. This time I want something a bit lighter. We'll see how it goes. The great thing a...

Let the Weekend O' Fun begin! [or, um, let it begin in about seven hours ...] Lots going on ... Happy Hour at Halo tonight. Jake coming into town tomorrow. Going Red for Autumn. Saturday Early Evening Margaritas (SEEM). And who knows what other fun there will be? So, last night, in preparation for the arrival of the Jake, I started de-cat-hairing the apartment. Jake, apparently, is allergic to the hair of the cat. I will be turning my bedroom into a "Cat Free Zone" and, hopefully, that will be sufficient. One thing I learned last night: Removing cat hair from velvety drapes? Not so easy. As it was laundry day, it was also call all my friends who also have Verizon and catch up. I had a nice long chat with my college best friend, Isa. I tried calling Lori too, but we kept missing each other. And, I talked to Christal. I filled everyone in on the latest Mike news. Loads of fun. But, y'know, the more I talk about these things, the better I feel. Sure it ...

Last night, as I sat there, slightly intoxicated, casting on 134 stitches in a wheat-brown yarn on #3 bamboo needles, I suddenly thought of Like Water for Chocolate . I had just gotten off the phone with Mike a little earlier, and the hat I was beginning to knit was for him. What if, like in the book, my feelings while knitting were somehow transferred to the knitted object and the wearer? I had been thinking some not very nice thoughts. I emptied my mind (which isn't all that hard to do) and concentrated on happy things and friendly feelings and good memories. It was exhausting. Negativity is so much easier. I think I need to do that for all my knitting. As I stated earlier today, knitting is my thinking time, but too often I dwell on the negative as I knit and purl. I need to focus on positive thoughts and outcomes. And, maybe, this will transfer to those who wear items I knit as well ...

Alyssa and Dana, two of my former co-workers, came to Silver Spring for lunch today. We went to Austin Grill. I haven't seen them in ages, so it was tres cool to hang out for a bit. The weather is stunning, so we sat outside. Towards the end of our meal, two very good-looking men walked by. As soon as I saw what was written on their dark blue t-shirts, I got the giggles: Chute Master *tee hee* [I googled it, apparently it's an environmental company of some sort ... with a defunct website.]

I made a simple pasta sauce of sauteed onion, red bell pepper, and a can of fire-roasted tomatoes. Then, I added some homemade pesto which was in my freezer. I tossed it with that twisty pasta. It was yummy. I watched a DVD. It was in French. I don't remember the title, but it was cute. I drank a bottle of wine, cabernet sauvignon (did I spell that correctly?). Slightly buzzed, I called Mike. *heh* Yesterday, I included him on a mass email to friends inviting them to join me at Halo on Thursday for its second anniversary all night "happy hour." He didn't respond. I wanted to make sure that he knew I was inviting him because I wanted him there and not out of some misplaced obligation. We talked for a bit more. We discussed the weekend roadtrip to West Virginia. He is still willing to take care of PsychoKitty Isabella while I'm in London [Did you know that I'm going to London?]. The conversation was coming to an end, when he said, "Was there anything else y...

I think I look really tired ... really, really tired ... [and at that angle my head looks pointier than usual.] [Yes. I have a pointy head.] I feel really, really tired too. I think I'm going to go red on Saturday [I have an appointment with Leah the Colornatrix].

*munches on carrot* After work, I took the Metro to Scaryland (aka Wheaton). I needed to pick up a few things at Target, and I wanted to look for a pair of cute, slimcut, dark brown, fashionable pants which would travel well at Macys/JC Penneys/somewhere lelse. No luck was had with the pants. On the way home, I stopped off at Adega for dinner: portabello mushroom sandwich and a glass of the house cabernet. YUM. Plus, I got to ogle the cute new cashier, who also works as a barista at the nearest Starbucks. I really should ask him sometime if he works at every restaurant/shop in Silver Spring. The food was good, but eating seems like such a chore recently. I may drop down to one meal a day. Once home, I put in some Harry Potter DVDs and concentrated on my knitting. I finished another hat! YAY! I tell you, these hats are SUPER-CUTE. I have two more to knit as presents. Then, I'll buy some more of the yarn and make one for ME! Actually, I kind of want to make one for all my friends, bu...

I realized about 30 minutes ago that I haven't eaten since Mike and Matt's party on Saturday evening. I've had coffee (lots of coffee). I nibbled on some corn chips. I took a vitamin. Oh, and I had a bowl of ice cream last night (with Kahlua and cherries. yum). But that's it. I haven't had a "real" meal in two days. And, I really don't want to eat now either. It seems like too much of a chore - going out, deciding what to eat, buying it, chewing, swallowing. So much effort. So little to show for it. Maybe I'll eat something tonight. I have to go to Target to buy some necessities. There's a yummy Thai restaurant nearby. I might grab a bite to eat there. Otherwise, this week's Meat-free Monday might not happen for me. I hope it happens for you though. Do your part for the environment: Enjoy a Meat-Free Meal today! *meat-free smooches*

Hello, my name is VUBOQ, and this is going to be an extremely overdramatic entry that you probably shouldn't take at face value. Things I learned this weekend: 1. I get cruised a lot more than I realized. 2. I should listen to my intuition more. 3. Mike and I ended our "relationship." So, let's start with the depressing stuff first, then I'll recap the rest of a rather eventful weekend ... Saturday night, after attending a party and seeing a movie, I was at Mike's house watching DVDs on his computer (his roommate had commandeered the downstairs TV). Mike asks, "So what are you thinking about our relationship?" I responded that I was a little confused because it seemed like we (meaning he) were becoming more distant, rather than closer [like one would expect after seeing someone for an extended period of time]. He asked if this is something I had just noticed today. [Um. No.]. I said that I had been feeling that way for several weeks, and had be...

1. I want to go back to White Sands, New Mexico some day. I think it's one of the most beautiful places I've ever been. 2. I have a BA in Science Education, Biology Concentration from Elon College (now University). 3. I have an MA in Global Environmental Policy from American University (and, even though Mike works there, I didn't meet him until after I graduated). 4. I had a girlfriend for a few months in Japan. 5. When I was in second grade, I jumped off our front porch, landed on a bush, and sprained my ankle. 6. It really bugs me when people say things like "I thought you only dated Asians" or "Someone told me you only like black men" to me. 7. I think my mom will freak out when I tell her I'm gay. 8. I think my dad already knows. 9. My favorite color is green. 10. Breaking up with John is one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. And, sometimes, I think about calling him and trying to get back together. 11. I...

It's too early to be thinking about these things ... 1. Being alone isn't bad. Really. [See the comments on Goblinbox 's latest entry.] 2. Why do we sometimes refer to discrimination against the gays as homophobia ? By making it a "fear," does it somehow justify it? 3. Am I a total loser because I have no Friday night plans other than a) clean a friend's apartment, b) knit, and c) watch DVD? 4. If I don't have sex soon, I may explode. In other news, As some of you may know, I'm GOING TO LONDON!!! WOO HOO!!! Oh, and yesterday, I met Mike at Whole Foods in Silver Spring. While waiting for him, I ran into one of my neighbors, Chris, who serves on our co-op board. She asked me if I would be interested in serving on it next year, because one member can't run again and another is moving. I said I would be willing to be considered. Then, she goes into this long explanation about our management company and how it's not been doing a good job...

Some of you may remember back in my Enviroboi incarnation I wrote about "The Worst Date Ever." It took place in early Spring, perhaps April? Towards the end of the date, as we were walking to the Metro Station, we passed a woman who was wearing white shoes. My date, utterly aghast, exclaimed, "How dare she wear white shoes before Memorial Day?!" Maybe if we were walking down the street during the White Shoes Only Between Memorial and Labor Day and Never Wear Pearls Before 5PM 1950s, his response would have been appropriate, and we could have whipped out our sterling silver martini shakers and flogged the woman about her head and shoulders. However, this was in the early Who Gives a Flying Fuck About When to Wear White Shoes or Pearls 2000s and the-very-frustrated-at-this-point I responded, "Perhaps she doesn't prescribe to outmoded fashion dictates?" Every now and again, about this time of year, I come across a blog post in which someone is ranting a...

New Luggage! From Overstock.com ! Very excited! All I have left to buy is a pair of pants or two ... I found these I like at Target.com (in dark brown). And these and these at Ben Sherman (but they are too expensive for now). I have cute shoes to wear already (yay!): the ankle-y boots I bought at DSW last week and a pair of Calvin Klein shoes to wear to da clubs (if I end up going to da clubs, that is). I think I'm going to head up to scary, scary Wheatonland this weekend to check out the Target, Macys, and JC Penneys there. Fun times. Anyone want to join with?

It kinda sucks. I'm compiling our monthly stats for our annual report. I'm making graphs and being an MS Excel wizard. It would help if I could remember all the terminology, so when I ask a question it's not phrased like this, "When I copy the thingy to this thing, what code do I use to make sure all the numbers are copied from each individual thing to the main thing?" At least *I* know what I'm talking about. In other news, -As some of you may know, I'm going to London. -It's Fall. And it's COLD ! (It was 47 degrees this morning. What up with that?) -I'm meeting Mike for dinner tonight. YAY! -My 5th Annual Pumpkin Carving Party will be on October 27th . Mark your calendars. -Mike and Darryl want to do a weekend road trip to some gay B&B in West of Bumfuck, WV. I wonder if they have running water there. Coal mines! Rednecks! Deliverance! Loretta Lynn! Can't wait.

As some of you may know, I am going to London (!!!) next month. I need a new pair of pants or two for my trip - something cute, fun, and that will travel well. I'm having difficulty finding anything decent in my size that I like. *geh* I think only fat people live in the suburbs. Maybe this weekend, I'll venture into the District to see if I can find anything. Meanwhile, if anyone has any suggestions (style, color, brand, store), please let me know. I have to look all hip and European while I'm there. *heh*

Ever get the sinking feeling that you're in the wrong career and that the choices you've made all along have been more the result of randomness than the desire to follow your passions? I have. Yesterday. More so today. It all started with a simple conversation over dinner with Bellringer Moving to Scotland Mike. We were discussing the tragedy of the MacArthur Foundation, once again overlooking me for a "genius grant," which, if you don't know, is $25000 per quarter for five years with no restrictions on how to spend it. Mike asked a simple question, "How would you spend it?" And, I couldn't answer. Would I write a novel? Probably not. I come up with really great starts to novels, but flounder after a chapter or two. I started thinking about my passions in life: Things I love to do (or have loved doing), things I loved studying, etc. So far, I've come up with: Bugs. Evolutionary Theory. Knitting. Pottery. Global Environmental Policy didn...

I have once again been overlooked by the MacArthur Foundation . No "Genius Grant" for VUBOQ. VUBOQ sad. It is important to note that until very recently I thought that this foundation was somehow affliated with General "I Shall Return" MacArthur . Color me embarassed . Perhaps that's why they keep ignoring my creative contribution to society. In other news, the meeting with the realtor went well. He didn't mention John. Nor did I. I was a bit apprehensive walking to Christal's. *whew* Finally, a little poll ... If you recently moved into a new apartment, would you rather receive a) a nice plant of some sort, b) a basket of English muffins/breakfasty foods , or c) something else which you must name in your comment. *smooches*

I don't know what's happened in the past few weeks, but my desire to do anything fun in the kitchen has waned. Last night, I peered into my fridge, took inventory of the various ingredients therein, and fried up a veggie burger. Nothing photo-worthy, I'm afraid. Veggie burger with tomato and cheese. Ice cream with kahlua. That was my dinner. Not that it wasn't yummy. It just wasn't ... well, it wasn't up to par. *sigh* In other exciting news, I finished the green hat! I was going to post a photo, but it's a present for someone who, I think, sometimes reads this blog. I don't want him to see it before I give it to him. The hat? It is TOTALLY cute. Soft. Warm. I want to keep it for myself. I guess I'll make one for me later. Christmas knitting... what fun. I have a few more hats to make for people. I have to knit a scarf for my brother. I have to decide what I'm going to knit for my parents (maybe cute matching mittens?). Meanwhi...

Sin asked about my travel-knitting, so here's a picture of my WIP: I started it on Thursday night, but did most of the knitting on the plane(s) and in the airport(s) on Friday and Sunday. I like the colors. I like the yarn, which is very soft (cashmere, merino, and microfiber). It will eventually look like these . I am a slow knitter. Hopefully, I will finish the hat tonight or tomorrow. Something important to note is that the knitting is not a good way to attract the hot, single, gay mens in the airports. However, it is a good way to attract the crazy older knitterwomen and the bored, unattractive married mens who want to talk about the wives and the crocheting. Speaking of the airports ... do airport shops no longer carry gay magazines? Atlanta, Greensboro, Dulles, Cincinnati - none of their shops sold any gay mags. Very sad.

Hm. It seems I can view individual posts but not my main blog page. Is anyone else having this problem? My weekend, once I finally arrived, was good. I tell you, I am NEVER flying that route again. As I told my parents, "if you ever want me to come back, you're going to have to reimburse me for the more expensive, more direct ticket." My route was this: Silver Spring --> Dulles Int'l Airport --> Atlanta (connecting flight was over 2 hours delayed) --> Greensboro (spent the night at my brother's) --> Waynesville (3 hour drive from my brother's) --> Greensboro --> Cincinnati --> Dulles --> Silver Spring I spent more time in transit than I did at my parents' house. Speaking of which ... here's the view from their deck: And, here are two pictures of FrankenKitty Gertrude: Isn't she precious? OK. More later. And, don't forget, today is Meat-Free Monday . Do your part for the environment by enjoying a meat-free meal. ...

My flight arrived in Atlanta on time. But, my flight from Atlanta to Greensboro was delayed by nearly 2.5 hours. My brother and I decided not to drive to the parents' house tonight. We're going to get up early in the morning and drive the 3? 4? hours to Waynesville. Here is a picture of me being cranky in the Atlanta airport. I hadn't eaten. My blood sugar was low. My head hurt. GAH! Love Me. Love My Crankiness. Now, I'm going to brush my teeth and collapse on the uncomfortable futon. Oh, joy. Oh, rapture.

Don't know when I'll be back again. OK. That's a lie. I'll be back on Sunday at 11:12PM. Try not to miss me too much. I might be able to squeeze in a post or two from the parents' abode. I'm all packed. I have new yarn. I have new needles. I have several knitting projects to work on. I have a magazine to read. I am charging the iShuffle right now. I am good to go. Yay! *thinking positive*

As some of you may know, VUBOQ is journeying to NC this weekend to visit with the family. Oh, joy! Oh, rapture! This trip involves considerable time in a couple of airports: Dulles and whatever the one in Atlanta is called [yes, VUBOQ has to fly to Atlanta then back to Greensboro. *curses the cheap non-direct tickets*]. Normally, when in the airports, VUBOQ has used a tried and true technique to attract the mens: VUBOQ puts on his headphones, reads his magazine/book, and glares at anyone who even *thinks* of approaching him. For some reason, this technique has not worked optimumly. TODAY, in fact, a few minutes ago, VUBOQ realized what he was doing wrong, why he was not attracting the mens in the airports: He was not knitting!!! Tomorrow, at the airports, VUBOQ will put on his headphones, pull out his yarn and needles, and knit a hat or scarf or something. The mens will flock to him like sheep to the slaughter! HA! This VUBOQ, he is the genius.

Wednesday is laundry day. I did one load. I also figured out who is selling their apartment in my building. Fortunately, it's not the cute boy and his girlfriend (wife?). Yay. I was worried. Cute boys are not allowed to sell their apartments. If anyone is interested in being my neighbor, the asking price is $199,000. It's a 2-bedroom, 1-bath. Approximately the same size as mine, I believe. I also finished knitting the Purple and White "Harry Potter" scarf for my brother's friend, who attended Furman University (and, thus, likes purple and white). I went to bed around 10:30. I turned off the light, got in bed, put my glasses on the table, and laid down. Then, I started (nearly) hyperventilating. I don't know why. But, I had to consciously think about my breathing for a few minutes before it stopped and I could fall asleep. I dreamed about John. When my alarm went off this morning, I couldn't get out of bed. The rain, the dark, the cool air, th...

As some of you may or may not know, I'm going to London next month (woo hoo!). But, this entry isn't about that (I know. I know. I'm sorry. I promise LOADS of London-themed entries in the days to come! Promise!). Instead, I need to type a bit about my upcoming sojourn in Waynesville, NC. I am not looking forward to it. Not at all. However, as Mike reminded me in an email, "try to remember that it's your choice about how you will think about your trip home. Bad thoughts will get you experiences you don't really want." Out of the mouths of babes , eh? I need to think about this pilgrimage in a more positive light. I need to make a list of good things about my trip to North Carolina: 1. It will practically be over before it starts (I'll only be in NC from 9:30PM Friday - 6:00PM Sunday). 2. Maybe my parents will buy me things - like fun NC pottery. 3. Maybe my parents will buy me things - like fun NC fashion. *cough* 4. Free food. ...

With the giant mess that was my -and most of Montgomery County's- voting experience yesterday, I'm fairly sure that my vote has not been counted. I am not sure if it ever will be. Ah, the joys of the provisional ballot . BAH! A few of the races still seem too close to call and, according to the WaPo website, many precincts still haven't reported their results [either that or the WaPo people are too lazy to update local election results]. As of right now, here are what looks to be the results for the candidates I voted for: Winners : Democratic Primary: Governor/ Lt. Governor: Martin O'Malley/ Anthony G. Brown (unopposed) Comptroller: Peter Franchot (36% of the vote) State Senator, District 20: Jamie Raskin (67% of the vote) House of Delegates, District 20: Sheila Ellis Hixson (19% of the vote), Heather R. Mizeur (22% of the vote) County Executive: Ike Leggett (61% of the vote) County Council at Large: Marc Elrich (14% of the vote) State's Attorney: John Mc...

I hand-wrote this entry last night. I'd scan it in directly if a) I had a scanner and b) I thought you could read my hand-writing: The disappointing realization that my life isn't a Hollywood romantic comedy hit me on the head like a banksafe dropped from a skyscrapper. Recently, I've felt like I've been hanging in midair, in midsentence, in midlife, waiting ... waiting for the grand gesture - the hand slipping in to stop the elevator doors from closing, the out-of-breath "Wait!" as I start to get in the cab, the "Princess Vivian" yelled from the limo. But it's not coming. I knew it never would, but ... I've still been waiting. If only my life had been written by screenwriters and directed by Rob Reiner, no, Nora Ephron ... If only. Then, maybe my prince would come, would realize he done me wrong, would fall on his knees and beg my forgiveness. I've been waiting. But it's not coming. No flowers delivered to my office. No chariot...

I came. I saw. I voted. I arrived at my polling site at 7:15 this morning. There was already a long line. "What's taking so long," asked a woman behind me. "I'm sorry," replied the harried volunteer. "The voter access cards for the electronic voting machines haven't arrived." "When will the get here," asked someone else. "The people at the Board of Elections say 'shortly,'" he said. "Shortly." Mm-hm. In the meantime, every person in the line had to fill out an application to use a provisional ballot . You know, the ones 'they' don't count until a month later. Help! Help! I'm being disenfranchised! Later this morning, I will write a short note to the Montgomery County Board of Elections, expressing my concern that a) even with MONTHS of time to prepare, they still couldn't get their act together, b) all of us who used provisional ballots will have our votes accurately recorded, and c) c...

or, I Beat Back the Islamofascists with a Great Pair of Mizuno Running Shoes (and I Got a Free T-Shirt) On the evening of September 11, 2001, I decided I'd had enough of watching TV. My friend, Lyra, and I needed to buy new running shoes for our AIDS Marathon Training Program. We figured the store wouldn't be busy, which meant we could get more individualized assistance in the selection of our shoes. On my walk to the metro station, the streets were deserted. The only other time I have ever seen rush hour streets in DC that empty was on Thanksgiving Day, when I had to make a last minute trek to my local Giant to buy coconut milk for my Traditional Thanksgiving Thai Green Curry. (What? No one else makes Thai Green Curry for Thanksgiving?). The store was also nearly empty. I bought a pair of Mizuno Waverunners (mainly because Ichiro Suzuki -yum- was sponsored by Mizuno when I lived in Japan). Only later, with a little prodding from our Commander in Chief, would the rest of ...

As some of you may recall, I assigned homework this weekend: Make Happy Memories. Did everyone do it? Friday evening, I met Darryl, Mike, Robert and Tomoko at Halo for happy hour. I wasn't expecting Mike to be there because he was supposed to meet a friend in Adams Morgan for dinner. After his first drink, he called and cancelled. We left Halo around 8 or 9(?) and went to Dupont Italian Kitchen [fondly referred to as "DIK"] for dinner. Then, we all went our Mary way home ... well, I went to Mike's house. I think we went to bed around midnight. When I woke up on Saturday morning, I had a horrible headachy hangover. What up with that? I don't remember drinking that much. I think I had two martinis. Darryl thinks I had three. Mike couldn't remember. I swear I only had two, because I distinctly remember thinking at one point in the evening that I would not order another drink after I claimed my "free" one [Happy Hour at Halo is 2-for-1]. So...

The other night I watched Harry Potter 3 for the umpteenth time. During the scene in which he's trying to learn the patronus charm. Professor Lupin tells him to think of a strong, happy memory. That's when I started to think about what happy memory I would choose ... and, I realized that I can't remember any particular moment when I was *that* happy. I mean, I have happy memories, but I'm having trouble placing my finger on one in which I felt like joy oozed out my pores ... *heh* Y'know what I'm saying here? Happy enough to conjure a patronus? On the flip side, I believe I can remember every single embarassing and/or painful moment of my life. Why is that? Why do I remember the bad and forget the good? Is that how everyone's brains work? I wonder ... Can you remember a moment in your life when you were so filled with happiness you thought you might burst? Feel free to share ... In the meantime, your homework assignment (and mine) is to go forth and create s...

One of many ... Everytime I buy Kettle Chips New York Cheddar with Herbs, I giggle. a) Because I always pronounce the "h," and b) Because I always think of this .

I checked the RyanAir site again this morning, the bargain tix must be purchased by midnight Monday (UK time). I freaked. I almost bought a ticket to Dublin, but then I started looking at hotel prices. GAH! Expensive! I think budgetary constraints will keep me in London and Scotland. That will still be fun. The last time I was in Glasgow was in 1990, and that was for less than 24 hours. Plus, by staying a few nights with friends, I can spend more time toodling around, rather than spending my money on hotels. Win-Win, yo! Mike came over for dinner last night. I cooked Thai food - green curry and a black-pepper encrusted pan-fried tofu. The green curry was hotter than usual. I used a different brand of curry paste, forgetting that this brand tends to be more hot. Oops. Still, it was delicious. The tofu was also good. I used a recipe I found online. This one . Mike said it was the best tofu dish he's ever eaten. I wouldn't go that far, but, still, it was yummy...

As some of you may have heard (and/or read), I'M GOING TO LONDON!!!! (from Oct. 7th-22nd). I will be staying with my friend, and former co-worker in Japan, A-M. It's hard to believe I've known her for over 10 years (and we have been on speaking terms for *most* of those years)! Another one of our friends from Japan, D, moved to London last year with her boyfriend, so it will be a reunion of sorts - the three of us together again, drinking loads and ... well ... drinking loads more. Today, I was checking the RyanAir site, and they have started a "free" flights [+ taxes/fees] campaign! I was thinking about flying up to Glasgow to visit Bellringer Mike while I was there. A RT ticket on RyanAir would be about 30GBP [I'm not sure of the exchange rate right now, but I guess that would be between $50-60?]. BUT, here's my dilemma, I've been to Scotland before. It would be great to see Mike and Matt (assuming they have moved there by then ... he's still wa...

All week, I've been meaning to take a moment, pause, breathe, and reflect on my summer. Then, GayProf writes a witty post on his Summer goals/accomplishments. So, now, if I do what I had planned, I'll look like a Big Post-Idea-Stealing-Copying Schlub. *sigh* Earlier this morning, I re-read how my summer began ( this entry and this one , in particular). Probably not the best thing to do first thing in the morning. I'm a little choked up - remembering the Cheating Cheater and reading all the sweet comments everyone wrote. I'm left feeling a little empty and no longer reflective. Some things are best not remembered, at least until the distance of time has dulled the sharp edges. Since I'm stealing from GayProf, I may as well steal from another great writer ... IT WAS the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it wa...

During my lunch break, I stopped by Borders to "purchase" a new London guidebook (pictured). After redeeming my Borders Reward Certificates, I ended up paying $0.95. I hope it's worth it! Ha! Seriously, I love the TimeOut guidebooks. Quirky. Fun. Good advice on all sorts of things. And, unlike Lonely Planet guidebooks, the maps tend to be accurate. I swear, the Lonely Planet cartographers must draw the maps drunk. Or high. Or both. Either that or at some point between publication and my trips, entire buildings move several blocks, crossing roads, rivers, and railways. Tricky bastards to plot, those moving buildings. ANYWAY, I've been to London enough that I don't need to see the typically touristy stuff. I like guidebooks that highlight out-of-the-way interesting little spots, like medical museums or the Ragged School Museum . Next on my travel planning agenda is figuring out when -and for how long- I want to go to Scotland. I'll need to pick up one more gui...

When I got home from work last night, there was a DHL Express Delivery Envelope by my door. "Hm. I wasn't expecting anything," I thought. I bent down to look at the address - "Albert Adams. 8702 Manchester Rd." Let's review: My name is not Albert Adams. And my address? It's 8722 Manchester Rd. I guess 8702 is a bit further up the road? I have no idea. I called the toll-free number on the envelope (not that it actually was "toll-free," since I had to use my cell phone). There was no "Your Stupid Driver Delivered the Envelope to the Wrong House" option on the phone tree, so I kept pressing 0 until I was able to speak to a live person. "May I have your phone number please?" "No. Your driver delivered an envelope to the wrong address." "And your name?" "Steven. But, my name isn't in your system. Your driver delivered an envelope to the wrong address?" "What?" "Your. Driver. Delive...

Marve asked for a picture of my Musical Chairman Mao Cigarette Lighter. Suddenly, I remembered that I had an old picture of the Shelf posted on my geocities site. Here it is: This is a fairly old picture, so several things have been added to the Shelf, but what you can see here (from left to right, sort of): 2 sets of Chinese "healthy balls" *heh*, Pope John Paul II snow globe, Mexican stone donkey, Mexican painted armadillo, NYC cab/snow globe, black Egyptian bird-thing, Eiffel Tower, Mao Lighter, Myrtle Beach (SC) thing with dolphins, Sardinian mushroom toothpick holder, Kali finger puppet, Thai lip gloss container (I guess), Miami (FL) thermometer/snow globe, pottery penguin (my pottery teachers 3 year old made it for me), San Francisco trolly pencil sharpener, Greek Ouzo (not drinkable!), Costa Rican vegetable cart, Che and Fidel, Uruguay musical flute-like thing, Thai clay turtles, Portuguese Lucky Cock *heh* "cock," Chinese magnifying glass. The picture? Those...

(with Glasses) Since I spent the night at Mike's on Saturday and Sunday, I didn't take out my contacts for nearly 3 days. My eyes? They are red. Today, I'm giving them a break by wearing my supercute glasses (from SEE ). I have worn "corrective lenses" since I was in the 2nd grade. I began wearing contact lenses my freshman year of high school. Three years ago, I decided to give my eyes a break and wore glasses full time. I went back to contacts a year later. Anyway, I am totally loving the green cotton sweater I'm wearing. I bought it from J. Crew a few months ago in their super summer clearance sale. I think it was less than $20 ... possibly around $12. Super!Cute! *smooch*

Brad, over at Southern Expressions , had this dialect quiz posted. Here are my results: Your Linguistic Profile: 45% General American English 40% Dixie 5% Upper Midwestern 5% Yankee 0% Midwestern What Kind of American English Do You Speak? I blame the 5% Yankee on my mother (she's from Massachusetts).

I hope everyone enjoyed a Meat-Free meal yesterday (I know you did, Marve ! *smooch*). I didn't remember until after I had eaten Monday night that it was Meat-Free Monday . I blame the holiday. My dinner was quite simple. I made a sandwich - heirloom tomatoes, avocado, and mixed greens on seven-grain bread with a rosemary butter spread. Yum. I made the same sandwiches for our Sunday picnic. Surprisingly delicious. Although the rosemary butter wasn't as flavorful as I had hoped. Next time: more rosemary! I received a package from Jay ! Yay! It was full of tacky Australian tourist crap! Woo hoo! Fun things for my Shelf of Tacky Things from Around the World* (currently still in a box somewhere, eventually, on display in my "office, currently storage room"). I will try to take a picture of the GOODS tonight (if I remember), but there was a little wooden boomerang, a beer hugger, and a itty bitty koala bear. ALSO, there was a big hat-cum-cat toy. [*heh* I ...

I'm at Christal's. After checking her mail and watering her plants, I uploaded a few photos from our picnic yesterday. Here's a quick rundown of my Labor Day Weekend activities: Friday: -Left work at 4:30. -Happy hour at Tapatinis (Open bar $25 from 5-8) -Drank 5.5 martinis. *oog* -In hurricane force winds, went to Mike's house. -Watched TV. -Decided to leave around midnight. (why? I have no idea) -Trip home in hurrican force winds. Not fun. Took forever. Saturday: -Saw The Illusionist with Mike. Very good. Highly recommended -Walked around the Mall with Mike. -Ate dinner at Jaleo with Mike. -Went home with Mike. Sunday: -I got a package! I got a package! Thanks Jay! *big smooches* -Picnic in Rock Creek Park with Mike, Tomoko, and Dennis. FUN! -Went to Be Bar (brand new gay bar near Mike's house). -John, the Cheating Cheater was there. -Ignored him. -Went home with Mike. Today: -Slept in. -Mike made breakfast tacos. -Came to Christal's. No other plans for the d...

AUGH! The sign of THE BEA *!!! *I can explain this if anyone needs. I can leave in an hour. Please. Send help.

I got to 2,539 and my pen ran out of ink. It's a good thing, because my hand was starting to cramp. There are just too many. Too. Many. Now, I'm listening to my J-Pop collection. FUN. How can you not love the line "give me smile and shine day?" Hm? The rain still falls. The wind still blows. We are still going to Happy Hour. Yay! To Tapatinis. They have a $25 all you can drink happy hour from 5-8 [so ... hrm ... should that be a Happy Three Hours?]. The cool thing is that high call likkers are included. Woo hoo! I'll need to have at least 3 martinis to get my money's worth. Unfortunately, quoth my friend, Darryl, who is also coming to the happy hour, "Martinis are like breasts. 2 are just right. 3 are too many." To which VUBOQ adds, "and 4 are fantastic !" Not that I would know, having never known the love of a woman ... let alone a three- or four-breasted one. I'm getting a little silly now. I think it's Friday-itis, combined with ...

I'm beginning the long, slow descent into Boredom. It's raining (Thanks, Ernesto! Love you *air kisses*). It's cold. No one is calling. No one is IM'ing. Everyone has left for their fun fun holiday weekend vacations. And, I'm here. All by myself. Well, not really ... I'll probably be letting everyone go around 3. I may make an executive decision and shut down the hotline around 4 or 4:30. I think I'm going to have Baja Fresh for lunch today - Veggie Burrito, Enchilado Style! HOT. *yawn* I need entertainment.

It's always that *last* drink, isn't it? I met Robert for an impromptu happy hour last night at Halo. I had 2 Sapphire Martinis, straight up and dirty (just the way I likes it). Then, even though I had all the intentions of going home and fixing dinner, Robert somehow convinced me to go out to dinner at Logan Tavern: Robert ( holding gun to VUBOQ's head ): Come out to dinner or DIE! VUBOQ: OK Now, for what really happened ... VUBOQ ( slightly intoxicated after 2 Sapphire martinis, straight up and dirty, just the way he likes it ): Mmm. I could really go for some mashed potatoes. Robert: Let's go to Logan Tavern. VUBOQ: OK. It was at Logan Tavern, where I had the Negroni of Doom . I love negronis. They are full of gin and bitter ... like me! Negronis are usually my Autumn Drink of Choice. They seem Autumnal, with their red color and bitter aftertaste. Mmmm. Bitter. I also had two sides: garlic mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli. YUM. Then, we had dessert: blondie s...