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

Click here for all the full-color fun! The last of the Global Bloggers have left. Y and I have made up for lost time. Now, I must knit. *smooches*

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaand, I'm back at work again. But only 'til 12:30. Yay! Yesterday was fun. I met Heidi and J for a bite to eat at Adega. Then, we parted ways: Them to the Sights of DC and Me to Get Some Nookie. Ah. Nookie. I feelz so much better. I got back home around 7:30ish. J fixed a delicious dinner (punjabi beans. yum). We had lots of wine. DUN came down for food and chat. We were also joined by Lil Meerkat's cousin, Buster (he's a bad, bad meerkat ... or whatever). Fun times, kittens. Fun. Times. I collapsed around 11. Today, we are going to the Zoo ! *w00t* The weather is nice, if a bit chilly. I'm sure the animals will be in fine form. I want to see the Golden Lion Tamarins and the Cassowaries . And, OMFG!, FLAMINGOES !!!!! GAH! TEH CUTE! After that, we'll wander through Woodley Park and Adams Morgan. Then, head over to Nellie's to meet a buncha buncha friends for Happy Hour! Who all is coming? Me, Y, Heidi, J, Tomokito, Mike, Jerry, Dana, RayandJoey...

And, I don't like it. Being "off" is much more fun. Fortunately, I'm only here until 12:30 today (and tomorrow)! *w00t!* So, I'm 38 years and 3 days old now ... and, look, OMG! GIGANTIC EYE WRINKLZ!!! [photo by goblinbox ] WTFBBQPONIEZZZ!!!11one Kill me now. *heh* Yesterday was a bit of a Do-Nothing Day. The weather was a bit coolcloudyrainyblah. Heidi and J and I wandered up to hiphappenin' downtown Silver Spring. We had a late lunch at Adega (mmm... portabello sammich) and ran some errands. Then, back home. I did laundry (teh funz!) and made green Thai curry (teh yumz!) and we watched Melrose Place on DVD. It was DUN's birthday, and she didn't have any major plans (as the SuperCute BF was headed to NJ). She joined us for curry and MP. Fun times. I didn't sleep well last night. *yawn* And I am needing to have some of teh buttsecks soon . Perhaps more later. *smooches* PS. the job interview is scheduled for 3/26. *w00t*

Yesterday, J and Heidi and I ventured forth unto the Capital, ending up at the National Gallery of Art. Heidi had fun. J? Not so much an art museum person, methinks. After awhile, I entertained myself by taking photos of paintings of St. Jerome ... while singing " Jesse. Now, Jerome " in my head. You can of course see my fabulous Jerome Series on my flickr page . I felt I was being a little unfaithful to Saint Anthony of Padua (my totally faves saint EVAR ...) but the NGA doesn't seem to have many artworks depicting my little Tony. After departing the NGA, we had an early-ish dinner at Teaism (veggie bento. YUM!). Once home, we had martinis (and I had cheesecake) and watched Monty Python and the Holy Grail and Bringing Up Baby . Check out Goblinbox's GBM photo set here . Fun times, kittens. Fun times. Let's see what happens today (besides laundry, of course). Oh, and just in time for Easter ... Jesus Forkin' Christ!

Yesterday, we finally dragged ourselves out of bed around 10ish ... who knew that all those margaritas and $2 cocktails would be so unforgiving? Around 2, Mush, Only Me, and I headed into the District for a little casual sightseeing ... We went to the Mall. There were Cherry Blossoms. I tried to eat them. We walked up to the Capitol Building and sat in the Grotto (which I lurve ... I'm not sure why). Then, we walked to Jaleo for tapas and the best sangria in DC. Mmm. Mmm. Delicious. Darryl joined us there, which was fun. I remembered that last year, I met friends at Jaleo on my birthday as well. The main difference was that last year it snowed. *kbrrr* We came back home. Mush made a delicious veggie chili. A few of the neighbors joined us. They left. We went to bed. All in all, a pretty durn good birthday :-) Thanks for all your comments and birthday wishes. *smooches*

Happy Birthday to me! Here's a picture of me and my cake from Saturday night (Mush took it on her phone): Not as cute as last year's I'm afeerd. I guess that's what happens as we get older ... Last night was SuperFun! We had Sunday Early Evening Margaritas at Alero. Then, we went to Cobalt for $2 vodka highballs. OMG. So drunk. And, this morning, so hungover. *oog* More later. I'll be uploading pictures in a bit. Maybe. Or, I'll be taking a nap. *smooches*

*oog* The Vodka and Dessert Birthday Extravaganza was a total blast. You can check out pictures here: Global Blogger Meet-Up Set . 25 people + over 5 liters of booze + not getting to bed 'til after 3AM = A Very Good Time. I could use a nap. Srsly. A few fun pix from Goblinbox: Punch ! Party ! Today we're doing Afternoon Margaritas (at some point) ... perhaps, Early Evening Margaritas instead ... and then heading to Cobalt. Yay! I guess the most important question is: How are *you* spending the Best Day of the Year Eve ?

Morning, Kittens! Everyone made it just fine and ON TIME! (Can you believe it? No flight delays! Even the Weather Gods themselves want the GBM to be a big success!) We ate pizza, drank wine, and -OMG- drank more wine. *oog* Why am I up? The pictures I took last night were gross, so here's one this morning of some Sleeping Bloggers. 2000 VUBOQ Points if you can guess who they are:

Let the Weekend of Craziness commence (in 30 minutes or so)! I may not have much time to post until mid-week, but I'll try! Srsly. Y'all need to be a part o' the fun vicariously. *Love and happy weekend smooches to all*

The house is CLEAN! I mean, not just regular clean, but you can eat out of the bathtub clean. And given how many people are going to be in my house this weekend, someone may have to eat out of the bathtub. I vote for Only Me . Hyphenated Non-IDentity arrives this afternoon, with the rest of the kittens getting in this evening or tonight. *whew* I have borrowed enough (hopefully) bedding from the Most Rockingest Neighbors EVER! So everyone will have many comfortable sleeps in my abode. I still feel like I have lots to do, but I'm not really sure what those things are ... Other than PANIC, because (get this) ... (are you ready?) ... Y's Mother *may* be coming to the Vodka and Dessert Birthday Extravaganza on Saturday! She arrives around noon today. Y was saying that she didn't really have anything to do on Saturday night, so he might just drop her off at a friend's house or something. Being the crazy idiot wonderful person I am, I said he should bring her to the...

I'm *almost* done with my shopping for the weekend. Can we talk about how full my fridge is right now [See the final 12 of 12 photo in the previous entry]? I have a few last minute things to pick up at Whole Foods [raspberry sorbet, bread, 2-bite cupcakes, rice]. I want to make a fun ice ring for the punch, but I need a bundt pan or something ... I'll be picking up some extra bedding and another air mattress from the Most Rockingest Neighbors EVER (!) tonight. I'll also be cleaning the bathroom, spare room, and my bedroom. Plus, I'm moving the Kitty Litter Box into my bedroom, so the guests can use that closet [Aren't I the greatest host ever?]. All the out-towners now have confirmed rides from the airport to my place [Thanks Sassy and Clio !]. Y bailed on driving me to BWI because he has a major deadline this Friday at Midnight. Plus, his mother is coming to visit from Israel (I think she arrives on Friday as well). Luckily, Clio stepped up to the plate! Y...

I spent the morning working on a cover letter, resume, and writing samples. FUN. Of course, in reading over an extended job description I found on the company's website, I discovered it is slightly different (and more involved) than the one the recruiter sent. Still, I think I'm qualified. Mostly. Picking out writing samples is difficult, because the only writing I do for work is restricted to directing people to or directly quoting from approved EPA materials. I did find a book review I wrote a year or two ago. Plus, I may send a short section of my thesis. I figure the job people are more interested to see if I *can* write rather than the topics I write about. ANYWAY, because of the job prep stuff, I'm a little behind on my work assignments. Hopefully, I can be efficient tomorrow and accomplish everything. Next week is going to be a total wash. On Tuesday, I'm taking the day off to go to a job fair. For the rest of the week, I think I'm going to be stres...

As some of you may know, the Global Blogger Meet-Up is rapidly approaching! Have you bought your tickets? Have you? Are you coming? You know you want to! The festivities begin on March 15th and continue with riotous drinking and carousing through the 18th ... and beyond! I've sent out the evite for the inaugural event (my Vodka* and Dessert Birthday Extravaganza Spectacular !). Bloggers from all over the world will converge to eat cake, drink vodka, and meet each other (and my friends, aka the "characters" in teh blog). Yes, Y will be there. As will SCGB! Across the Way Neighbor! DUN (I hope)! Across the Hall from DUN Neighbor! And many, many more! Including a couple of VUBOQ's nicer exes. Good times, Kittens. Good times. Other exciting events will include: dining at Jaleo , afternoon margaritas, singing and dancing at Cobalt , sightseeing , an intimate Chili and Sangria Party at Casa de Esteban, and much, much more! [Exact Schedule of Events TBD] Thanks...

I am beginning to realize that the only way Martha Stewart can keep her house looking spotless is with her staff of thousands. I, on the other hand, have a staff of one [two, if you count the Psychokitty, but usually she is more of a cleaning hinderance than cleaning help]. Project Cleanliness is Next to VUBOQliness is bordering on dismal failure. It worked for awhile. But, then, life, as it tends to do, got in the way. Pottery class started, which means that my Monday cleaning doesn't usually happen. And not getting to bed until late on Monday night means I am too tired to clean on Tuesday. And, on Wednesday, the neighbors all gather around the Magic Glowing Box to watch Project Runway , which doesn't end until late, meaning I am too tired to clean on Thursday. Suddenly, it's the weekend and nothing has been done. *sigh* Today, even though I am tired to the point of my fingers hurting slightly as I type, as Gawd as mah Witness, I'm going to pull myself up by my...

Last night was yet another VUBOQian Cooking Adventure. First, I started one of the two vodka infusions for the Global Blogger Meet-Up/VUBOQ's Vodka and Dessert Birthday Extravaganza. Here is a photo: It should be ready in about a week. Then, I can start the second vodka infusion. For my next trick, I made a "Moroccan Chickpea Stew." I put the title in quotes, because I wrote down the ingredients I needed to buy, but forgot to include the quantities. Plus, the recipe I found on epicurious used dried beans. And, VUBOQ?, he doesn't have the time/patience to soak and cook dried beans. Of course, when I got home from the store, I realized I didn't have about 2/3 of the spices the recipe called for (that would be cumin and coriander). I did have cinnamon. YAY. I also have garam masala, which has cumin and coriander (and a bunch of other stuff) in it. So, that's what I used. So here's what I did: 1. In large pot, cook one diced onion in about 1 T of olive oil ...

Last night, I made a pitcher! It seems tall. Of course, things always seem taller in my memory than in actuality. Especially after it dries and shrinks in the kiln. Next week, I will pull the handle (and take a picture of my pitcher *heh*). Kiln is an odd word. The other students all seem friendly. I think it will be a good class. I might start going to open studio on Sundays to get a little more practice. Speaking of knitting, I cast on a knitten yesterday at work. Not sure why. Guess I was bored. I'm not quite sure how it's going to turn out. The yarn isn't quite as thick as I thought, so they knittens may be a bit ... holey. Oh well ... they aren't for me. Finally, I've been working on a Global Blogger Meet-Up schedule of events ... this is all tentative, but here goes: March 15 (Saturday): Dinner at Mandalay in Silver Spring followed by VUBOQ's All Star Dessert and Vodka Birthday Party! March 16 (Sunday): Sight-seeing in beautiful Washington, DC. Sangria...

As of about 5PM yesterday, we had heat AND hot water. VUBOQ is happier than a pig in mud ... because he knows he can shower afterwards. What? No, that wasn't some sort of crude sexual reference, and you are all Super Pervy Monkeys for thinking so. In other news, I'm going to be putting up some sort of Linky Luv List of people who will be attending the Global Blogger Meet-Up (March 15-18ish). If you are coming (and you know you want to), drop me a comment and/or email so that I can include you on the list. No pressure. I guess that's about it for now. More later, I'm sure ... *smooches* [If you missed it, there's a link to the Surprise Party Pix in the previous entry]

Only Me took me to task in the comments earlier for not talking up the great Global Blogger Meet-Up ... So, I've roused myself off of my deathbed** to make sure as many of you as possible descend upon the DC Metro Area like a plague of locusts and partake of the joy that is Vutopia. The dates are something like March 15 - 18, with a Very Special Episode on March 17th, cleverly titled, VUBOQ Turns 38 .*** Think of the fun times you'll have! You'll get to meet DUN (maybe, unless she has to go on a work trip), SCGB, Tomokito , Across the Way Neighbor, Across the Hall from DUN Neighbor, and other characters friends****! Meet fun bloggers, like Only Me and ... um ... MANY MANY MORE!!! There will be trips to museums! And bars! And monuments! And bars! And ... um ... bars!***** There will be a Chili and Vodka party with Special Vegetarian Chili and Infused Vodkas! GAMES! FUN! PRIZES! What more do you need? Come by plane, boat, train, and/or car! Stay one day or twelve (but no...

I realized that some of you may be relatively new to reading this little corner of the intarwebez and, thus, may not grasp the extreme cultural significance of the dates of the Global Blogger Meetup, March 16-18. A few of you came close, realizing that March 17th is Saint Patrick's Day. However, something much more auspicious happened on March 17th ... The world was blessed with the presence of ME. VUBOQ. The Wonderful. The Kind. The Giving. And it has never been the same. It's been much, much better. Trust me. So, if you decide to join the Meetup, you will also get to celebrate the anniversary of my birth. What could be more exciting than that? I have no idea. Lessee ... in other exciting news, I made more Spicy Chinese Noodle Soup last night. I have been feeling a bit under the weather. *cough* *hack* I feel a bit better (of course, I went to bed around 9 last night), but still a little like I'm on the verge of being worse. I am loading myself up with vitam...

The ENTIRE KNOWN WORLD is going to descend on Vutopia ... Or at least a couple of bloggers from the Land of Oz . Mark your calendars, and head to the DC/Metro Area for a celebration of EPIC proportions March 16-18, 2008. So, my weekend was good. Friday night at Mike's was fun. He made yummy vegetarian pizza. And, then, we watched PR4, Episode 1. Saturday, I blobbed. I started a new chili vodka infusion. I cancelled my date. And I cooked a yummy dinner. Y called and came over. We talked and watched movies. We did not have teh secks. Sunday, he drove me to the pottery studio, where I trimmed a vase and picked up one finished vase (see previous entry). Then, I went home and started to feel yucky, like I was coming down with the ague. And, no one likes to come down with the ague. So, I took several multivitamins, drank lots of grapefruit juice, and made a couple martinis. Soon, I was numb and happy. I feel better this morning, so it must've worked. And, that's ab...