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

Vini, Vidi, Pupusamaki! [and, yes, I put Y to work. Sometimes one has to sing for their supper, and, other times, they have to help cook]

Either way, it's still slang for va-jay-jay in El Salvador (according to an El Salvadoran friend and Urban Dictionary ). Here's the pupusa recipe I'll be following this evening. Stay tuned for exciting photos and text! *smooches*

*whooooo-wheeeeee* What a weekend, kittens. What. A weekend. Here's the rundown: Friday: After work, I met Kristen and Carolyn at Kristen's hotel for Happy Hour. Then, we walked to Banana Cafe for dinner. However, the wait was too long, so we ended up going to Belga Cafe a few blocks down. It was yummy (if a tad expensive). I had the Salade Roulade (heart of romaine with goat cheese, blue cheese and roasted tomatoes) and some sort of onion tart thing. For dessert, I had the Belgian waffles, which were disappointing - slightly underdone and the chocolate sauce was too tangy (it had raspberry something in it). After dinner, I headed home. I was in the shower when Y came over. We tried to set up my internet, but kept having issues. A long and confusing call to India resolved nothing, so we went to bed ... *heh* Saturday morning, I thought we were going to see The Arab-Israeli Cookbook; however, I had the date wrong. It was on Sunday. Oops. Y and I "lounged aro...

Blogging from home on my own innarnextes connection, kittens! And having a martini! *woot* [the Verizon guy arrived at 4PM. He wasn't hot ... *sigh*]

At home. Waiting for the Verizon technician. I was giving the amazingly precise window of "between 8AM and 5PM." I called at 1 for something a little more definite and was told "I'll put a note to try to arrive around 2 ... but it might not be until 7." da-huh? He had better be hot.

Still no intarnexts at home. Verizon tech is coming out Monday (must take the day off) to see if he can fix it. forkity forkity fork fork.

I *so* want to see the movie, but I think I'll wait a few weeks for the madness to die down. In the meantime, here is my Simpsons Avatar. You can make yours at the Simpsons website . Good news, people! Verizon called earlier this morning and my Intartubez is all ready to be hooked up. If all goes according to plan (and how often does that actually happen?), I should be surfing the Wireless Wonderland tonight. Cross your fingers and look for me on AIM this weekend and we can chat about all the goodness in the world. Or just bitch about life. I'm OK with either. *smooches*

Last night, I had a mini-gathering with some of my neighbors, New Upstairs Neighbor, Diagonally Upstairs Neighbor, and Across the Way Neighbor [NUN, DUN, and AWN?]. We ate cheese and crackers and chips and salsa and hummus and pita and drank Tom Collinses and talked and gossiped and had a good time. Y joined us later. I like my neighbors. And I like where I live. And it's times like last night when I think, " y'know, I'm really happy with my life " and just thinking that makes me feel all warm and gooey inside. I guess we are all warm and gooey inside, what with all that blood and soft tissue, so I guess I feel warmer and gooeyer than usual. After the guests left, Y and I went to bed and had much fun sex. Aaaaah. Have I mentioned lately that I am liking him a lot? If not, I am. As for my exciting weekend plans, after work today, I'm meeting Kristen and Carolyn near the Navy Yard for happy hour. Then, we are going to dinner somewhere near Barracks Row. ...

VUBOQ Polls the People ... [Poll inspired by IM Chat with Jake] Here's a little bonus. I simpsonized myself (cute, huh?):

Last night, after washing, drying, folding, and putting away two loads of laundry, AND making my bed, AND vaccuuming almost the entire rug in the living room (which is an astonishingly huge 5'x8'), Tomoko came down for cheese/crackers and Tom Collinses. Mmm. Tom Collins. My new boyfriend. Prior to my evening of housework, because I was out of gin (well, I still have the super-special Made in Ann Arbor small-batch distilled Leopold's gin, but that is *only* for super-special occasions, like ... um ... I'm Out of Money to Buy More Gin Day or I Planted a Gabillion Chili Pepper Plants and Every Single One of Them Has Died Day (which just so happens to be right around the corner ) or even I've Been Dating Y for 3 Months Today Day (August 15th, which *is* right around the corner , practically)), I stopped by the likker store on the way home. I bought gin and vodka. I want to make more delicious infused vodka. However, and this is where reader participation comes...

I have just made a shocking realization: Not one of the teachers mentioned in the *entire* Harry Potter series was married! Not a one. My new theory is that the Ministry of Magic punished teh Gayz by sending them to remote/isolated schools to teach. Thus, removing them from greater society ... ... But giving them a freakish amount of control over future generations [Hey, no one ever said the Ministry of Magic comes up with *good* ideas]. No wonder Snape had such a fascination with Harry.

1. Being out of gin (except for the super-special small batch Leopold's gin purchased in lovely Ann Arbor, which is only for super-special occasions and "woo hoo it's Tuesday" doesn't really count as special ). Seems like a trip to the likker store is in order. 2. Fishing the last few potato chips from the bottom of the big bag (but VUBOQs do this because they are craving potato chips). In other news ... Here's an excerpt from my IM conversation with Y this morning. I thought it was funny: Y : sorry i missed ur call last night VUBOQ : that's ok. Y : i left my phone on vibrate , and forgot to sit on it VUBOQ : i just cried myself to sleep b/c i couldn't talk to you before bed Y : u sure ur not jewish?? *yawn* I could use a nap.

Back in those heady days of diary-x, I posted a poem I wrote. I can't remember it exactly, and I spent a good part of this morning looking for another copy. Alas, it seems to have been disappeared. Perhaps, that is for the best. The gist of the poem was that throughout my life I've felt the need to start anew, to shed my skin and move on - meeting new people, trying new things, new places. As I reflected on the events of this year thus far, I'm beginning to feel like, not the shiny, new person, but the cast-off skin. It's an interesting sensation, one that I'm not accustomed to feeling. I spent a good portion of last night trying to figure out how to remedy it. I'm still drawing a blank. But, I now know that booze isn't the answer ;-) [I kid, I only had one drink last night.] I am wondering though if standing in the middle of Sligo Creek Park and sounding my barbaric yawp would help. [Cue Ethan Hawke] Anyway, in more interesting (?) -or at least, (sli...

Sunday, my jade bi (pictured), which I have worn almost continuously [the cord has broken twice] since I bought it in China in 1999, came untied as I was standing in my living room talking to Y. The cord, which broke a few months ago, is too short to re-tie. I don't have any longer lengths, so I am not wearing my bi until I can buy more cord (possibly this weekend). It feels weird not having it around my neck. I need to figure out a way to tie that puppy so it won't come untied or break again. Does anyone have any ideas? Special cord to buy? A different way to tie it? At the party on Saturday, one of the guests noticed and complimented it. Before I could say anything, his drunk and annoying boyfriend jumped in and said, "Oh, yes. That's beautiful glass." I coughed and said (to the non-drunk non-annoying one), "It's actually jade ." Then, I told him about living in China and buying it. Funny that it would fall off the day after I was telling someone ...

I left work late yesterday, because our IT guy asked me to reboot our phone system. Five minutes after rebooting, when the phones were supposed to be all fine and dandy, every warning light/alarm on the server was blinking red and rapidly. Hm. Perhaps I did something wrong? I called the IT guy. While we were on the phone, God Himself came down from the Heavens, touched the server, and Ka-POW! it was fixed. I ran home to pack an overnight bag and feed/water the Psychokitty. I managed to get to the metro station at 6 and there was a train waiting. And waiting. And waiting. And waiting. And waiting. Finally, it departed and I managed to only be 15 minutes late. Fortunately, Y is always late. So, I got there before he did. I am trying to overcome my need for punctuality in a partner. It seems I will never find such a person, so I might as well make do. Just as I eventually learned that John's "I'm leaving the house now" actually meant "I'm thinki...

Sin has tagged me. Woo hoo! A meme! Fortunately, I have nothing better to do this afternoon ... So here goes ... The rules are as follows: -each player lists 8 facts about themselves -the rules of the game appear before the facts do -the player ends by tagging 8 people, which means listing their names and then going to their blogs to tell them that they’ve been tagged, then going back and commenting on their lists. 1. Contrary to word on the street, I have only awakened in a pool of my own vomit once, which was in my crazy heavy drinking college days and involved way too much EverClear . Shots of it. If the pictures my roommate took ever surface, I will deny it's me. All those *other* pools of vomit were someone else's I'm sure. 2. I am not bulimic . I don't binge. 3. I have primed tobacco once in my life. And never again. Seriously. Never. Again. 4. It took me approximately 7 hours to read Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows . 5. When I was a child, I ...

Here're are a few pics and thoughts to fill in the blanks from my post yesterday. This is Friday around midnight:30, outside the Borders ... waiting waiting waiting to buy Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: And, here's a photo Y took of Tomokito and me at Joey's birthday party. My shirt, by the way, was older than the birthday boy: Fun party. Met some very nice people. I also met 2 of Y's recent exes. One was funny and personable. The other? *meh* As Y told me later, "the only thing he asked me about you was 'Is his c**k bigger than mine?'" Apparently someone has a little [*heh* "little"] size inferiority complex. Y said he responded, "Of course." I think I was looking pretty good for someone functioning on about 4 hours of sleep. As one of my college friends used to say, "If alcohol is a depressant, why do I feel so happy?" I'm not sure what time we got home, but I think Y and I crashed around 2AM. We were up at ab...

Happy Sunday, Kittens! Just checking in from a coffeehouse in College Park. I'm hanging out here with Y ... *woot* ... and by "hanging out" I mean "pretty much ignoring each other and doing our own thing." I'm about to crack open one of my short stories and do a little typetytypetyping on it. Fun times. Anyway, I finished Harry Potter 7 yesterday afternoon around 2, after an all night/all morning reading session. And, OMGWTFBBQ!!!111oneuno, it was forking awesome! My initial impression is that it's probably the best of the seven books. Everything was tied up neatly with a bow on top. Quite lovely. I laughed. I cried. I laughed while crying ("Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion" - name that quote moviebitches!). Such a satisfying read. I promise not to give away any plot points for those of you who haven't read it. Email or IM me if you want to chat about it! I'll update you on all the other weekend adventures t...

You are the proud owner of a new hat! Hope you like it! Email me [environy(at)gmail(dot)com] your mailing address and I'll send it to you ASAP! *BIG BIG HUGS* to everyone who left comments this week! And, stay tuned, I'm rapidly eventually approaching 50K page views, so there very well could be another contest in the near future! More knitterly goodness, perhaps???

OMG. And I do. Even without the alarm, I was up at 7:12. Of course, I went back to bed for a long snuggle with Y. Anyway, last night, Y came over around 8ish. I made a -if I do say so myself- fantastic dinner: Angel hair pasta with sauteed garden-fresh [from the garden of Broccoli Rob ] yellow squash and thyme in alfredo sauce (which was store bought. I just couldn't bring myself to try to make my own), topped with toasted pine nuts, and Spinach, arugula, and tomato salad with a parmesan vinegrette. Yeah. It was delicious. I rock. Everyone should want me for their boyfriend (yet, surprisingly so few people do). After dinner, we took a shower, messed around for a bit, and I went to bed. Y stayed up to do some writing. This morning, we messed around some [OK, a lot] more, showered, and had a light breakfast of blueberries, yogurt and granola and coffee. So well-fucked and happy :-) Y left around 10:30. I walked up to Downtown Silver Spring half an hour later. I stopped by the Borders...

Let the hundred schools of thought comment . Friendly reminder (and chaos preventative measure): 1. The fun comment contest ends tomorrow at 5PM EST. and B. I will not be coming to work tomorrow until after noon. Please do not panic if you don't see a morning post. I will fill you in on all the naughty goodness in the afternoon. *smooches*

This is what happens when someone dates a linguist. After ranting about the travesty of spelling that some environmental groups are inflicting on the children of the world (Won't someone think of the children ?), Y declared that I am a prescriptivist . And I agree. I do believe in the rules of language and spelling. I'm not entirely averse to those rules changing and modifying to adapt to an evolving culture, but come on environmental groups. DaVersity ? DAversity? Are you trying to KILL me? My impending death by misspelling travesty aside, I wonder if my prescriptivist nature transcends language and influences my daily life. The simple answer would be "yes." The more complex answer would be "um. I'll have to get back to you on this later." And that's what I'm going to do. The absolutely silly thing about this post is that I got to thinking about this after reading a post on Joe.My.God . I don't usually read his blog, being that i...

First, thanks for all the comments yesterday. They made me laugh this morning. And laughs have not been coming frequently enough for me these past few weeks. It's been a weird summer so far - filled not only with some absolutely amazing times, but also with some times of frustration and angst and sadness and the feeling of not really knowing what to do to make it better. *bleah* Now, on with the show ... Here is a photo I took yesterday evening as I was settling down for a comfortable night of movie-watching. The glowing drink is my lemon ginger vodka cocktail (lgv, blob of honey, splash of seltzer, lime garnish). You can also see that I haven't killed my (indoor) chili pepper plant yet. *woot* The pottery calla lily oil lamp is from the town in NC where my parents live. I thought it was cute so I bought it. Of course, Mom, bless her, thinking I was attracted to the green glaze, began buying other pieces of pottery with that glaze. I explained I only liked the green glaze on t...

Yes, I see you out there. Reading my blog. And not leaving comments . Not telling me how much you love and admire me. I see you clickyclicketyclickclicking on my fun links . And reading other people's comments . So I thought I'd have a little contest to encourage people to leave as many comments as humanly possible. And what happens? Nothing. That's what. Well, ok. Not "nothing" per se, but there has not been the expected EXPLOSION of comments . It's been more like a small gurgle. Is it the prize? Is that the problem? You looked at the VERY CUTE hat and decided you HATED IT? Well, too bad. I don't care if you hate the prize . One of you lucky kittens is going to win it if it's the LAST THING I DO! [and, no, it's not going to be the last thing I do] [well, at least I hope it won't be] I'm leaving at 2:30 today to get the Intarnest connected. I fully expect a BOATLOAD of comments when I check back here tomorrow. or else.

Yeah, so, I didn't cook last night. Y called at about 3:30 to see if I could come over either tonight or tomorrow. Since I'm having internet connected tonight, I went over there last night. I did a few things at home -strained the lemon ginger infused vodka , fed and watered the kitty, packed an over night bag, and ate leftover rice and beans. Then, I headed over to Y's. We messed around a bit. He did some more school work. Then, we ate a late, light dinner of cheese and crackers and salad, accompanied by a delicious lemon ginger vodka cocktail (*rowr*). Then, we had teh buttsecks. And lots of it. *aaaah* I feel so much less stressed out now. Although I do have some lingering concerns [not about Y] that I will have to deal with eventually. Not much on the agenda today other than INTRANEST! *WOOT* Them bitches better come today or I willz be pissed ... er ... pissedER. I may cook something special tonight or tomorrow, which I will use as my Meat-Free "Monday...

Y posed an interesting question the other day, which I will now put forward here in an effort to get all of you to leave lots and lots and lots of comments ! So ... You have a friend in his mid-thirties/early forties who recently came out. He's interested in seeing some gay films, but is completely unfamiliar with the genre. What are the first two films you would recommend he watch? I will tell you my two choices in the comment section. [And while you're there, why don't you leave your own comment?] In other news, my ginger/lemon infused vodka should be ready today! *woot* Does anyone have suggestions for an appropriate mixer? I was thinking soda water. Or maybe just on the rocks with a dollop of honey?

Steve emailed le photos. Here is one of Tomoko and me : Extreme Close-up! You may now comment [ contest , kittens] on how cute I am. [You also have permission to say that Tomoko is cute, too. I won't be insulted.]

So, kittens, it has come to this. Life is an odd balance and my juggling skills aren't what they used to be. And, sometimes, like ... now, I want to throw all those stupid balls in the air and walk away. But I think I'm too lazy to do that. Or too comfortable with inertia. Or something. I suppose I'll eventually figure out what to do. And, then, maybe I'll stop being so damn cryptic. Or not. Whatever. On with the weekend ... Friday was a halfday for me. I had an appointment with RCN to come install (hookup?) my new internet connection! The technician was scheduled to arrive sometime between 2 and 5PM. I waited and waited and waited and waited. And waited some more. Until at 5:30, I looked up RCN's phone number and called. Me: Hi. I've been waiting all afternoon for the RCN technician to arrive. Jerry, the Helpful RCN Sales Rep: Let me check our system. [pause] JtHRSR: Yes. We have that he was there between 2 and 5. Me: Um. If he came by, why am I calling you? Jt...

I'm supposed to have my own Intranest connection now. Needless to say, and to make a long story (which will be expanded on Monday short, I don't. Vuboq is *so* not happy with RCN. I went to Mike's last night for pizza and movies. I have really been craving pizza lately, so I ate too much and my stomach hurt all night. *whine* *moan* I feel better today. Tonight is Tomoko and Emiliano's housewarming party. I will be wearing the yukata (men's summer robe) I had made when I lived in Japan. I haven't worn it since I came back to the US, other than to show my family. I'll try to remember to take pictures. It's cute, if a little old man-ish . meaning ... I guess, that most young men don't rush out to have their own yukata made. And maybe the pattern is a bit mature, as well. Whatever. Cute. And I like it. So there. I think I'm going to spend the rest of the afternoon/evening, watching old movies and drinking a Tom Collins. *mmm* Don't forget the C...

Kittens, in honor of my 39, 189th site visitor, Vuboq declares, It's time for a CONTEST!!! [and there was much rejoicing. *yay*] Here's the deal: For every comment you leave from now until 5PM next Friday, July 20th, you will be entered one time in a very special draring. But, wait! There's more! First time commenters (and you know who you are) will be entered THREE times for their first comment (and once only for each following comment ... )! BUT THAT'S NOT ALL!!! Leave a comment on Monday or Tuesday detailing your delicious (or not-so delicious) Meat-Free Monday Meal and you will be entered TWICE for that comment!!! OMG! SO MANY FRIGGIN' CHANCES TO WIN!!! And I hear the chorus of voices asking, "Win what, VUBOQ? What will we win?" Oh, it is a very special prize indeed. One finished only last night... A handknit HAT!!! "But, VUBOQ," you whine. "That's not very special." Au contraire, mon fraire . Not only is this a super-duper ha...

Have I mentioned lately how much I luvluvluv Green&Black's Organic Chocolate ? If not, I do. I luvluvluv it. I have been devouring the Espresso Bar today. There is a Ginger (my favorite!) one waiting for me at home. And, what's this? Green&Black's ICE CREAM ?!?!?! OMG. OMG. OMG. Must. Try. To. Resist.

MC w/ cool gay guys. Good-bye DC! - m4m - 31 I tried to like DC. I really did. I've been here for the past 18 months on a temporary work assignment and I thought I could make the best of it. Damn, I was wrong. Anyone who doubts DC is still a small town should took a good look at its gay scene. JR's is laughable. Each time I went there I felt like I was amongst a sea of farm boys disguised as collar-popping prepsters. Cobalt has the ambiance of a club in Des Moines and Apex feels like a gay junior high school prom on crack. And Duplex Diner? Yikes! Is there really a need to wear your work badge at 10 p.m. at night? Oh right, of course there is! How else are we going to know to ask you about your low-paying government job?! It's not just the bars/clubs, either. Parties, coffee shops, restaurants, galleries, museums- they're all a snooze. Quite frankly, this city is full of homos from small towns who somehow think their paper-pushing jobs have elevated them above the mere ...

I'm still a little cranky from the phone conversation from last night (see previous entry). Y came over around 9. We watched a DVD, Talledega Nights . Cute movie. Sometimes funny. I rented it on my brother's recommendation. I should have known better. After the movie, we had a little fun. Y needed to do some reading for school. I went to bed. This morning, more fun was had. Then, I rushed around trying to get ready for work. I might not see Y again until next week. Tonight, he has a condo board meeting. After the meeting, he is going out with one of his exes. [I admit this is causing a slight twinge or two of discomfort ... This is the ex prior to the ex before me. The ex who had his heart broken by Y, according to Ray, at least. It's been over a year (I think), so maybe all wounds have healed.] Tomorrow morning, he leaves for New York City to meet his dad, who is flying in from Israel. I'm thinking of finally getting internet at home. Has anyone used RCN...

“There’s no easy way to say this,” she said over the phone. “But, some people said your behavior at the barbeque was inappropriate.” “What? I didn’t think we did anything offensive,” I replied. My mind raced through my Inappropriate Behavior Checklist: Peeing off the balcony? Nope. Drunken, racist remarks? Nope. Butt sex in the bathroom? Ha. I wish. Ha. Kidding. Nope. Deep, passionate kissing? Nope. Groping? Nope. As the homosexual couple representatives at an otherwise very hetero-gathering, I was very aware to not be overly … emotive. What the hell did we do? “Well, there were children present. And one of the parents mentioned to [the hostess] that Y was sitting on your lap.” OMG! A man sitting on another man’s lap at a table where there were no other chairs! The horror! And, EEK! I may have had my arms around him. And I may have pecked him on the cheek once or twice (or three times, I can’t remember). Won’t someone think of the children? Won’t someone? Won’t someone explain to the c...

Here is the list of the NY Time 's Top 10 Gins (for martinis): Plymouth English Gin ***1/2 Junipero Anchor Distillery *** Cadenhead's Old Raj Dry Gin *** Seagram's Extra Dry **1/2 Tanqueray London Dry Gin **1/2 Hendrick's **1/2 Gordon's London Dry **1/2 Bombay Sapphire London Dry ** Quintessential London Dry ** Martin Miller's London Dry ** Mmm. Gin. Who wants a martini? *raises hand* In other exciting news, my parents just sent me a new set of towels. So soft. So pea green. Yay parents! [but couldn't they have sprung for 2 sets? I know, I know, I always want more.]

Y and I were supposed to go out to dinner last night, but he called on his way home from work saying he was very tired and wanted to take a nap. Thus, we decided to postpone our dinner date, and he would come over later for ... er ... dessert. He never came over. I'm assuming that he either never got up from his nap ... or he is dead. Those will be the only 2 acceptable excuses. At the likker store yesterday, I decided to buy Juniper Green Organic Gin (Is everything Organic these days?). It was on sale ... and they were out of Plymouth. I don't think Juniper was on the NYT List (but I can't find my copy to confirm that information). It made a very smooth martini, but wasn't as flavorful as I was expecting. While sipping on my ORGANIC martini, I made infused vodka. I sliced up a lemon. Then, I peeled and sliced some ginger. I put it all in a glass container and poured in the vodka (Smirnoff). Now comes the hard part ... the waiting. It should take about a week for all ...

A thunderstorm passed. One more brews in the distance. Where's my martini? Ah ... cryptic haiku, how I love thee. I'm off to the likker store after work to buy more gin and vermouth. Yay. I'm gradually working my way through the NYT 's best gin list. Fun fun fun. Oh ... and I'm going to attempt to make ginger/lemon-infused vodka tonight. Wish me luck.

From the Blogger Status page : Monday, July 09, 2007 Some users are reporting that they are unable to enter titles for their posts. We are currently investigating this problem and working on a fix. In the meantime, please try moving your mouse pointer to the top edge of the title field instead of positioning the pointer at the center of the title field, in order to select the title field and enter a title for your post. Now, go read my previous -and much much more interesting- post ...

Single White Female This not-able-to-type-titles thing is really wearing on my nerves . Anyway, first, a few snippets of fun little doodads ... 1. Y forwarded an email to me in which some school at UMD needs white females between the ages of 18-30 to participate in a research study on stress. UMD will pay $350 for a screening interview and two performance sessions. Y asked if I knew anyone who would be interested. After racking my brain for a good 10 minutes, do you know how many white female friends I have under the age of 30 (actually any age)? Guess. Give up? One. That seems ... well ... odd. So, if any of you are white, female, under thirty and in the area [and interested in making a quick $350 that doesn't involve having sex with senators ], contact me and I'll forward the information to you. 2. A funny article in today's WaPo Express ... "They're Ancient Sumerian Fertility Symbols, Darn It!" in which a town in Oregon has had complaints about 52 cement...

VUBOQ can still NOT clickyclickyclicketyclick in the "Title" field, which is making him v. frustrated. Also, flickr is operating at the Speed of One Thousand Galloping Land Snails. Thus, the title of this post , which was originally going to be Because BOSSY Asked and I Have to Do Everything She Asks Because She Is BOSSY is, now, cleverly titled: GA-FUCKING-AH! Here are pictures of my hair: BEFORE: AFTER Side View: (notice the kissable lips and blotchy skin ... i'm sure the skin blotches are from the poor quality of the lens and not an indicator of real life blotchiness) AFTER Back View: Not bad for $25, huh? [Plus, a substantial tip, because I *heart* Leah the Stylist] In other news, I will be going to Y's tonight for dinner. I'm going to make a yummy Thai curry and a refreshingly light and simple cucumber salad. Mmmm. Mmmm. Don't you wish you were dating me so I would cook yummy meals for you? You know you do.

Hm. Very odd. I'm unable to give this post a title. It's not letting me clickyclickclickety in the "Title" field. Weird. Thus, this post shall henceforth be known as Weekend Update: I Can't Give This Post a Title Edition Don't you feel better for knowing that? So ... Friday, after work, I met Mike, Tomoko, and Y in Dupont Circle. We walked up to the opening of a gallery exhibition of recent artist school grads from the area. It was packed. And hot. And full of, not bad art per se, rather art that just seemed done . As in, haven't I seen most of this somewhere before? art. Furthermore, I don't know if the gallery was trying to be all hip-trendy-emo or if it was broke, but the free booze offered was ... um ... PBR. *ugh* As I told Mike, "I didn't even drink PBR when I was poor(er)." After we left the gallery, we walked over to the Beacon Hotel for drinks on their rooftop. They didn't have any happy hour specials. Fortu...

I've been knitting at work again ... but only because it's *so* busy here. And I realized I haven't updated you on the Oscar Project recently. So, here's a photo: HAHA. Psyche! I still don't have my phone charger (*glares at Y*). My phone hasn't been charged since Wednesday afternoon. Thus, we are still in Phone-Battery-Conservation Mode . No photos. Instead, I have drawn you a picture: Blanket measures approximately 3 ft. x 1.5 ft.

I've been looking for fun free stuff to do this Summer and here are some options for my fellow DC/Metro Area-ites [I almost typed "DC/ Metro Areans" but that sounded a bit too Third Reich for my taste]: SCREEN ON THE GREEN The annual Screen on the Green festival brings free films to the Mall on Monday nights, where they're shown on a giant 20-by-40-foot screen between Fourth and Seventh Streets. The films begin at dusk, or roughly between 8:30 and 9. Viewers often arrive as early as 5, so plan to get there well in advance. If there's inclement weather, screenings may be canceled. Call 877-262 5866. The schedule is: July 16: "Annie Hall" (1977) July 23: "The Thing (From Another World)" (1951) July 30: "Wait Until Dark" (1967) Aug. 6: "All the King's Men" (1949) Aug. 13: "Casablanca" (1942) VUBOQ is all about The Thing (From Another World) and CASABLANCA BITCHES!!! Busy on Monday evenings? How are your Thursdays...

The weekend rapidly approaches, and I have no firm plans. Which is just odd (for me), and it leaves me feeling slightly adrift. Mike and I talked about going to happy hour tonight - either at our old standby, Halo, or possibly the BeaconHotel's Terrace Bar or Y suggested going to a gallery exhibition opening . Saturday, I have a hair appointment. Yay. Cut. No color this time. My best friend from my college daze, Isa, will be in town. We are supposed to meet at some point to do something. Afternoon margaritas? Museums? Her father, who passed away last Fall, was a Korean War veteran, so she might want to go visit that memorial. The Hippo, a club in Baltimore, is celebrating its 35th anniversary on Saturday night, and, last week, we briefly talked about going there. However, I don't think that is going to happen ... unless it is totally spur of the moment. No plans for Sunday either. Maybe a day of relaxing. Or perhaps catching a movie. Last night, I did nothing of int...

I just finished knitting all the bits and bobs [billfold, 2 large pockets, 1 medium pocket] for a knit wallet. Now, I need to figure out how to do "whip stitching" so I can sew it all together. I'd post a photo, but I left my phone charger at Y's house. I'm in Phone-Battery-Conservation Mode until it is returned. This is the yarn I used: Berrocco "Suede" Yarn. Color: Sangria. Image: Yarnmarket.com Pattern from Knitting with Balls .

Tuesday ... after work, I went home, gave the cat lots of food and water, packed an overnight bag, and headed over to Y's. On the way, I stopped at the Whole Paycheck to buy the fixin's for pasta salad. I got to Y's around 6ish. We fooled around. I took a nap. Around 10, we headed into the District to meet Tomoko. Mike decided not to join us because he was feeling fat. Whatevs. We met Tomoko at Cobalt around 10:45, but -because of that club's mysterious shoe policy- they would not admit her. According to Darryl (who I saw at the BBQ yesterday), spiked heels are weapons. Of course, I was thinking "Isn't the knife in my sock more dangerous than a 1-inch heel?" Anyway, the bouncer at the door said to Tomoko, "You can go down to CVS and buy flip-flops." Tomoko, with a look of absolute horror on her face replied, "I'd rather go home than wear flip-flops." [or something to that effect] She turned and left. And, now, I could insert a rant ...

Have a happy Independence Day! I'll be barbequing in the Southern Hinterlands of Maryland. Bloggery goodness returns on Thursday. * red white and blue smooches*

Especially when that One is me ... Why am I awake? I'm thirsty. I should be asleep. Why am I not asleep? It's dark. I'm thirsty. I have to use the bathroom. This sheet is too heavy. The room is too warm. This pillow is too thick. Shouldn't I be asleep now? The #52 keeps popping into my head. Why? I used to live near Highway 52 . Back in high school. I hated high school. There were some cute boys in high school though. And some mean ones. And some cute mean ones. Like the one who sat beside me in band class. What was his name? Jay? Maybe it was Jay. It could have been something else though. He was cute. But mean. I hope he is fat and bald now. I bet he is. Cute mean boys in high school should all be fat and bald now. I hope they are. Especially because I'm not. Fat and bald, that is. I'm still cute. And not mean. Usually. I am balding though. Stupid genes. Shouldn't I be asleep by now? I'm thirsty. Wash. Rinse. Repeat.

Last night, I attempted a recipe posted by the food goddess, Pesky Mac : Cucumber-Feta Salsa 4 oz. crumbled feta cheese 2 Tbsp. lemon juice 1/4 tsp. black pepper 2 large cucumbers, seeded and cubed 1 c. chopped red onion 3 Tbsp. chopped fresh dill - Combine feta, lemon juice, and pepper; partially smoosh it all together. - Add remaining ingredients; mix well. Serve with tortilla chips. Of course, I forgot to buy dill . And, Whole Paycheck didn't have any red onions (what up with that, WP?). They were also calling the cucumbers from Georgia "locally grown." Um. Yeah. Why don't I just pop on over to Georgia and pick my own? Freaks. So, instead of dill , I substituted lemon zest and dried thyme . I also used a white onion (which was strooooooooooooong . *whew*). And, here's my photo, which I am calling Amateur Food Porn : And, here's the link to Pesky Mac's Professional Food Porn . See the difference? Although not as pretty, my version was still totally yum...

... and the Very Cute (But Really Gay) Earring (Photo Credit: Tomokito ) This entry is nothing but an excuse to post a cute photo (IMHO) of Y and me. I am craving strawberries. I hope they are on special at Whole Foods. It's a new month. I can afford to buy *real* groceries again. Yay. I am also nearly out of vermouth. Life is so cruel. I hope I have enough to make a martini tonight. If not, I may be knocking on someone 's door: "Excuse me, may I borrow an ounce of dry vermouth?"

Pictures are worth a thousand words, so here's a really long entry: A few more photos are posted on Flickr . Kittens, I am exhausted . I didn't get out of bed until 6PM on Sunday. *rowr* *smooches* More later ... updated to note : Tomokito has uploaded some photos here . [Good Lord, I am C-U-T-E!]