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

Good Morning, Kittens! It seemed like I spent most of yesterday putting off doing things ... rather than clean the spare room I ... (a) Got three packages ready to mail (one of which has been sitting on my desk since October), and (2) Ordered lots and lots of yarn and stuff from Knitpicks! Fortunately, since I had 2 giftcards from friends, I only spent $10 of my own money! I bought this sock kit , these needles , and -hopefully- enough of this yarn (in planetarium and ivory) to make a seamless sweater (a la Zimmerman). Then, I ate leftover pizza and went to pottery class. Where I threw these: Today is going to be SuperBusy. At 11:15ish some guy is coming to inspect our boilers. Before that, I have to clean clean clean clean clean as much of my apartment as I can. Because after the boiler guy leaves, I am going to the post office (to mail the three packages) and to the pottery studio. And, tonight, I am planning on meeting CNTBD somewhere for dinner. Fun times. Have a great day...

New Pottery Photos are now on flickr, kittens. Check them out ! And, then come back and scroll down to read about my Fabulous Weekend of Joy. *smooches*

Oh, wait ...that's *next* weekend's update! Good MORNING, my Sweet, Sweet and Cuddly Kittens! I hope you had a SuperFabulous Weekend full of sparkly dancing unicorns and rainbows! My weekend was *almost* that good ... Friday, I met CNTBD for lunch. Then, I like, totally chilled at the National Portrait Gallery/American Art Museum. Hello, Free WiFi! Hello, Electrical Outlets? Um. No. NPG/AAM has teh free WiFi but is not as generous with their electrons. Fer sure. I took the 70 bus home. Sometimes it's fun to travel above ground with the commonfolk. After a nap, I went to Happy Hour with the Neighbors. The German is leaving us. We are all quite sad. And, I'm sorry, David, but he did not agree to the nude layout. After Happy Hours, SCGB and I went to the Whole Foods, where I happened upon the Ugliest Easter Cookies EVER: Saturday, I ventured forth unto DC, where I had originally planned to meet Robert (not *that* Robert) at the American History Museum. But, he...

Good Morning, Kittens. Yesterday was a Study in Laziness and Non-productivity. The weather conspired against me and I failed to move off the sofa until well past Martini Time. Then, I met a friend for dinner and bowling ... except the bowling alley was closed for a Private Event. So, I met a friend for dinner and after dinner drinks at an Irish Pub near Chainatown. It was fun, and good to get out of the house for a bit. Today, I am meeting CNTBD for lunch. Then, I think I will hang out at the Musuem of American Art/National Portrait Gallery Courtyard with Iris, the Tiny Little Netbook. I haven't applied for a single job this week. I need to kick it into high gear this afternoon. Tonight, I'm going to a little farewell happy hour for the German. He is moving out of the co-op. Wah *sad face*. He's not going back to the Germany for another month though ... so maybe there will be a few more opportunities for Quality German Time. We shall see. No other exciting plans ...

Good Morning, Kittens! Rainy day here in Vutopia. And my fun lunch plans have been cancelled. Waaaah. Oh, well. I still am going to dinner and bowling tonight, so that should be fun. Huzzah. Yesterday, I went to the pottery studio. I glazed a whole bunch of goodies and then I trimmed two mugs and attached the handles. Afterwards, I met Y for coffee. I know what you are thinking, but it was his birthday. I figured coffee was the least I could do ... so I also bought him a brownie and some ice cream. Then, I came home and did laundry. Who can haz all teh funz? Oh, yeah. That would be me. Have a wonderful day. *smooches*

Good Morning, Kittens. I hope all is well in you world. Yesterday was quite the adventure. My phone interview went well (IMHO). Here's a question though: Should one send a "thank you" email for an initial screening phone interview? I'm not entirely sure what's expected. Of course, I would send one for a face-to-face ... if I ever have one of those again. What say you, my Loyal Minions? Afterwards, I had planned ot take Iris, the SuperCute Tiny Little Netbook, to Downtown Silver Spring for a bit, but I totally got sucked in to watching the Rupaul's Drag Race finale and reunion (ru-union?) show on Tom and Lorenzo's blog . So, instead of heading to Hip, Happenin' Silver Spring, I went rollerblading in the park. The sunshine was deceiving though and my ears nearly froze off. K. Brr. For dinner, I made a warm salad of chickpeas, pecans, and rice with a ginger lime dressing. It was pretty good. I should have marinated the chickpeas or something first though....

Good afternoon, Kittens! Anne-Marie from Philly requested a picture of the yarn, so here it is. Delicious! This morning has been busy. I had a phone interview (which I think went well), so I was prepping for that. This afternoon, after lunch, I think I'm going to take Iris, the Tiny Little Netbook, out for a walk ... and apply for a job or two. Yesterday, I had a successful, but not overly productive, pottery class. I pulled several handles (which I didn't have time to attach). Then, the instructor demonstrated how to throw spouts. After throwing two spouts, I trimmed the teapot body and lid. Then, I attached a handle and the best looking of the two spouts. Teapot is finished! Well, teapot is assembled. There is still firing and glazing to go. I think I will go to the studio tomorrow to finish some other trimming, and -maybe- glaze a few things as well. Hope you are having a beautiful day! *smooches*

Good Morning, Kittens! How was the weekend? Chock full o' fun and sun? Ready to take on the work week with renewed vigor ... and maybe some vim? My weekeend started off with a blast! Friday evening, Iris, the Tiny Little Netbook, joined my electronic family. Plus, I got some delicious yarn for my birthday from Anne-Marie in Philly! Hurrah! So I spent the evening on the sofa playing with the new computer! It has a webcam! I have Skype! You can Skype me people! Wouldn't that be fun? Saturday, I blobbed. Sunday, I had a surprise birthday party to attend. I made cute little blue cheese and pecan canapes to take, but they took longer to assemble than I thought. So I rushed out of the house about 30 minutes late. When I got to the street the party was supposed to be on, I looked at my directions and realized I hadn't written the house number down. Yeah. Oops. I opened my phone to call the host, and that would be when I realized that I didn't have his phone nu...

Good Morning, Kittens! After spending most of the day on the sofa plus a long-winding walk to the Whole Foods (and Likker Store), I am feeling a bit better. I hope it is not the Just Woke Up After Boatloads of Sleep-type of Feel Better. I still have 47 Gabillion canker sores, which are still making eating a bit of chore (but on the plus side of that, I bet I've lost that extra pound I was packing over the holidays!). VUBOQ's Guide to Losing Weight: Don't Eat! Woo hoo! So, last night, I actually followed a recipe (I know! Shocking!) in How to Cook Everything Vegetarian by Mark Bittman. I made Glazed Carrot Soup with Garlic, Tequila, and Lime. Here it is cooking: And here's the final product: Final Result: DELICIOUS ... although 1/4 cup lime juice was a bit too much for my 47 Gabillion canker sores. Le Ow! This weekend, I don't have too much on the agenda ... Dinner on Sunday. And that's about it. I'm sure more excitement will develop as the day progresses an...

Good morning, Kittens. I still have the canker sores. Ow. My tongue? It hurts. I have no food. I'm congested and I feel like poo. And this is why living alone totally sucks. I want someone else to go to the store and buy all the feel good-y things I need. Alas, at some point, I will peel myself off the sofa and head there myself. On the bright side, I got a great new book from Florida Sue ( thanks !) and David sent me a gift card (Can we say, " Hello, New Blender ?") and I bought myself one of these ... I also finished one government job application. Hurrah. And, I had dinner with some neighbors: penne pasta with gorgonzola sauce and leftover birthday cake. Teh yumz! Have a great day! *smooches*

Good Morning, Kittens! Are we all recovering from the Best Day of the Year festivities? Nursing those hangovers with lots of juice and Chik-fil-a Egg and Cheese biscuits? I had a very good day! My hair? It looks Fabulous! And Blonde! Hurrah. I got boatloads of great gifts ... 2 KnitPicks gift cards (1 from some of my neighbors and 1 from Goblinbox and Her W2Crew). An iPod Nano (it's GREEN !) from the parents (as well as Whole Foods and Target gift cards). 2 Bottles of Gin (Hendricks from Tomokito and Leopolds (pictured) from Sassy ). A lovely plant from Tomokito's Mother-in-Law. And a MotherFucking Shitload of Birthday Wishes from many wonderful readers and friends! And, the best thing? I still have a few more Cards Stuffed with Cash and Presents to come! It's like the Best Day of the Year has become the Best WEEK of the Year! Ya-HOO!!! After getting my hair did, I came home, changed, and left again. I met CNTBD at a fun new(ish) restaurant, Founding Farmers ...

Good Morning, Kittens. Today, we (or I, I suppose) are 39. 39. Thirty-nine. Thirrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrty-nine. I *heart* being 39. Because, that is the age I am. And I *heart* being the Age I Am. And, Kittens, I hope you *heart* being the age you are, because, really, you are totally fabulous at that age. And I couldn't love you more. So, today, I am off to get my Hair Did. And, then, if the bank account agrees, I'm going to buy myself a netbook. Then, I will be doing some shopping (because, GRRL, I totally need to find myself a copy of Priscilla Queen of the Desert ). And, later on in the evening, I will be having dinner with CNTBD. And, then, perhaps, some Birthday QNT. We. Shall. See. Oh, and totally Happy St. Patrick's Day . I'm blowing shamrocks out my ass just for you. *smooches* ps. Did I mention that VUBOQ totally *hearts* you on his birthday even if you did not send him a Card Stuffed with Cash?

Good Morning, Kittens. It's the Best Day of the Year Eve! How are you going to spend it? Getting all those Cards Stuffed with Cash to the overnight courier service, I hope! Last night, I was talking to K-Factor about the Best Day of the Year, when I realized that GAH! My passport will expire this year. For your viewing pleasure, I have photographed my very first passport (at age 19) and my second passport (at age 29). Enjoy the glory that is VUBOQ without a receding hairline and massive teh eye wrinklez. My weekend was chock full of fun and excitement. Friday night, I went to a dinner party at the Del Merei Grille in Alexandria, Virginia. We were celebrating Kristen's return to the area after leaving in Washington and Florida for about 2 years. Saturday morning, I had to clean. And, then, I cleaned a little more. And, then, I cleaned. And, then, I relaxed until the my Superfabulous Birthday Party. The party was a wine-tasting. Everyone brought a bottle of wine and ...

A few photos from my Pre-Birthday Party last night ... The rest of the pix are here . *smooches* ps. If you haven't put those Cards Stuffed with Cash in the mail, you still have time. The Best Day of the Year is on Tuesday!

Good Morning, Kittens! Yesterday was a SuperFun day ... except that I forgot to document it in photos for 12 of 12. Bah. I met CNTBD for lunch. We went to Matchbox, a pizza place in Chainatown. It was good, but I think I prefer Sette. We think the server messed up our order, because it took *forever* to get our food. We were treated to a free dessert for our troubles though. Hurrah! Stuffed with pizza, dessert, and beer, I staggered home ... and took a nap. Mmm. Nap. Then, I purchased my bus ticket to New York City. I first tried Bolt Bus , but they're schedule for the day I wanted to leave wasn't up (weird). So I tried Megabus . I got my roundtrip ticket for $13.50. Not bad, eh? I'll be leaving on April 17th and returning on the 20th. Now, all I have to do is buy the tickets for David 's show ... and organize a weekend of fun activities with my NYC-based friends! Today, I have to make a couple of potential job-related phone calls. Then, I must go to the store to buy th...

Good Morning, Kittens! Happy Thursday. Not much to report today. I refused to read the Worst Gay Novel Ever Written last night, so I had a relatively nightmare-free sleep. Hurrah. I managed to apply for two jobs yesterday (yay!), but I still have 2 essay questions to write for a government job (boo!). Fortunately, the job closes on the 18th, so I still have time ... time that will be interrupted by the Best Day of the Year! Speaking of which, have you put those Cards Stuffed with Cash in the mail yet? You may want to hurry. SCGB came over last night. We had a drink and a chat. He's headed off to London and Berlin for Spring Break. I hates him. I briefly toyed with the idea of joining him on the London leg of the trip, but was not able to justify the excursion financially. *sigh* I am treating myself to a weekend trip to NYC next month though! I'll be able to see David 's show! And meet up with friends. Huzzah! Today, I'm meeting CNTBD for lunch. When I get home, I have ...

Good Evening, Kittens! Hope you had a lovely day at work. I'm sure you did. (1) My new cellphone ring is this . (2) I am currently reading the Worst Gay Novel EVER Written. And, no, Scott , it wasn't written by FARB . I read it at night before bed. I should really stop doing that, because I get so mad. I think, "I could write something better than this crap. How did this guy get published?" And, then, I have bad dreams. The book is awful. Cliche. Poorly written characters. Dialogue that tries to be fun/witty, but really isn't. Total Sex and the City retread. And, I'm amazed that I still keep reading it. Maybe I am hoping that it will get better as it goes along. So far, I have not been that lucky. (3) If you would like to send me a Card Stuffed with Cash or a Box Full of Gin for my birthday, please email me (environy(at)gmail(dot)com) and I will send you my mailing address. You only have 6 more days, so you'll probably have to send things p...

Good Morning, Kittens! So much to do this week and so little time. It looks like I won't be able to visit the pottery studio this week (unless I am SuperMotivated today) and, next week, the studio is closed for Spring Break. Waaah. Yesterday, I finished the rough draft of my Federal Resume. Now, I just have 2 essay questions to write for 1 of the 4 Federal jobs I am applying for in the next two weeks. I also have to find 2 other jobs to apply for this week. Plus, I have to start preparing for my Fabulous Birthday Celebration on Saturday. This year, the theme is Low-Key Poverty Chic! Hurrah for Depression Era Fun! We may even make gin in the bathtub for that little touch of authenticity. Haha. I kid (but ... hm ... maybe not). Actually, I'm having a few friends over for a Bring a Bottle of Wine and a Hunk (of cheese) Wine Tasting Party. It should be fun. I'm sorry I can't invite the world, like last year. Oh, well. 39 is not that big of a deal. The Big 4-0 will be All Ou...

I had this BRILLIANT idea for a post about 30 minutes ago, but I got distracted (hello? ADD much?) and now I can't remember it ... So I will take this opportunity to remind you that a Very Special Blogger 's birthday is Fast Approaching! You may want to hurry up and put those Cards Stuffed with Cash** in the mail! Oh. And I bought a new ring tone today. Anyone care to guess what it is? *smooches* *Translation: Where am I? Who [the fuck] are you? **Or Gin ... although, I would suggest, if sending gin, don't put it in a card. Use a box.

Good Morning, Kittens! Yesterday certainly didn't turn out exactly as planned. I received a txt msg from Dana (pictured) asking if I wanted to meet for lunch. Turns out she's had a week/weekend of Drama and needed Many Margaritas. And what's a friend to do? Well, comply. We sat in the sun, had many margaritas and bitched about men. So, if I don't get a job this week because I didn't send out enough resumes, it's all Dana's Fault. Afterwards, we did a little shopping. I came home and experienced the malaise known as "I Really Shouldn't Have Had Margarita #4." I managed to pry myself off the sofa in time for pottery class. There was only one other student this week. Hurray for individualized instruction. I made a teapot (well, parts of a teapot: the body and two lids). I forgot to take pix. Maybe I will when I go to the studio tomorrow. My plans for today: I need to work on my Federal Resume (*shudder*), apply for a job or two, and prepare for th...

Good Morning, Kittens! Hope you had a lovely weekend, enjoying the warm, warm (yet slightly humid) weather! I sure did ... OK. Fine. I didn't. I stayed inside most of the time. Whatever. I had Things To Do. Like ... Friday, I had to clean the apartment. OK. Fine. I had to clean the Living Room and the Bathroom. But that's a good 2/5 of the apartment, so it counts ... right? Then, one of my neighbors invited me over to beat them in this popular stratergery game, Settlers of Catan (Milan?). They lost very well. Saturday, I cleaned. And shopped. And, while at the grocery store, I ran into this crossing guard who I used to see every morning on my way to work. But, then, she transferred to a different intersection. And, of course, I stopped working. Recently, I see her sometimes at the Silver Spring metro station. But, Saturday, I saw her at the grocery store ... and totally didn't recognize her at first, because her hair was all done up and she didn't have on the Crossing G...

This was my high school graduation present from Dr. Liz : Still looking good even after 20+ years, eh? *smooches*

Good Morning, Kittens! Yesterday, I spent most of the day pretending that I'm not unemployed and have unlimited funds! Hurrah! I met CNTBD for lunch at Fado, an Irish pub in Chinatown (*heh*). I had many beers and some sort of vegetable quesadilla, in which the "tortillas" were potato based. Then, I went to the pottery studio. I threw the two Proto-Mugs pictured. I'm pleased with how they are looking right now. We shall see ... which brings me to something I've been thinking about: Pottery Sales. Even though I have been known to exchange a piece of pottery or two for goods of equal value (like gin and/or lunch), I tend to give away most of my pots rather than sell them. Why is that? Mainly, I am concerned that if I start selling my pottery, the making of the pottery will become a "job" and stop being fun. And, right now, I need moments of fun more than I need money. At the end of the session, I usually end up with more stuff than I know what to do with a...

Good Morning, Kittens! I hope you are enjoying every single hour of the day, because -soon- you will lose one. Gah. The Daylight Saving Time approacheth. Not much going on in Vutopia, unfortunately. Today, I will be meeting CNTBD for lunch and, then, heading over to the pottery studio. I may have a few things ready to glaze, but I'm not sure if I'm ready to glaze them ... I may just throw another bowlplatething. Or what about some mugs? Or a vase? Do you think I'm in a pottery rut? Which is the problem ... I think I am. I feel like I've plateau'ed. I'm not seeing any improvement. Come Monday, I'll talk to the instructor about it to see what she thinks. Yesterday, I did lots of blobbing ... while listening to RuPaul's new album, Champion . I know. I know. It's totally gay to own Rupaul's new album*, but it is so good! Totally catchy and danceable and fun. You should buy it, too. I also started the tediousness known as seaming** on the Never-Endin...

Good Morning, Kittens! Yesterday was certainly a fun-filled day full of Fantastic Accomplishments! I applied for a job I won't get. *w00t!* I bought a MegaMillions Quick Pick. *w00t!* I trimmed a bowl and two mugs. *w00t!* I threw a platebowlthing. *w00t!* I had Martini Time. *w00t!* I finished reading Children of Men . *w00t!* I watched The Last King of Scotland . *w00t!* I knitted on a scarf for a friend. *w00t!* And I'm sure today will be full of Even More Fantastic Accomplishments! Like ... Laundry! More Knitting! Applying for Even More Jobs that I Won't Get! OMG! I don't know how my life could be any better! Have a great day! *smooches*

Good Morning, Kittens! Snow day is over. Hurrah! In the morning, I helped shovel the sidewalks (ugh! Manual Labor!). Then, I had to trudge through the ice and snow and muck and slush to the Whole Foods. And, while I'm thinking about it, can I just ask: Why is it so hard for people to shovel their sidewalks? I mean, really ... they can shovel their driveway so that not a single flake of snow is on it, but the sidewalks are never even touched. What is it? Do they not know they have a sidewalk? So frustrating ... but at least I have good snow boots. After Whole Foods, I came home, made a quick lunch, then, went for a walk in Sligo Creek Park with SCGB, the German, and the German's SuperFierce GF. Once we got home, we had hot chocolate. Mmm. Then, I watched Doctor Zhivago . "You, my dear, are a Slut." Pottery class was cancelled. *sad face* Instead, I made a yummy Thai Green Curry: And drank beer. And watched more movies. Today, after doing a little job search...

Good morning, Kittens! I'm sure I'll be posting some snow pix later on in the day (since I have nothing better to do with my time), but I thought you'd like to be greeted this morning the same way I was on Sunday morning. Anyway, the weekend was fun. Friday night, after having a few glass of pre-party wine with SCGB, we went to one of the neighbor's for Game Night and take-out Chinese. I played Settlers of Catan for the first time ever ... and totally. kicked. ass. I rock the Stratergery Games! Go me! Saturday morning? Slightly overhung. *oog* In the afternoon, I met Mike (He Who Bakes teh Cakes) at Takoma Park Metro Station and we went to the Takoma Park Film Festival , which one of my neighbors organizes. It was fun. The session we went to was themed around "Consumption." So there was a documentary about obesity, one about a bicycle co-op, and one about Stuff (which was a good introduction to some complicated issue, but I found it to be somewhat s...