"Heiniken Fuck!! Pabst Blue Ribbon!!"

Went to the mall yesterday with Lori after work. Ended up not getting anything, even with my giftcards, because I just didn't see anything that appealed to me. Never got to exchange that stuff from Nick's mom on account of how incredibly crowded and slow moving the line was at New York And Company. Will have to do that at some point. Planning on going straight home after work and taking a nap. Nick texted me while at the mall asking if I wanted to have dinner at his house, so when I left there, I picked up garlic bread and we had chicken tortolini (not as good as the kind we usually get, but eh.) and garlic bread (there goes that damn not eating bread thing again). Watched a Mystery Science Theatre 3000 (a really bad one with fake looking dinosaurs from the early 90's.), then headed back to mine for me to get ready, watched a little bit of Intervention before heading to Club Charles. Had some lovely conversation about myriad things, whether Cate Blanchett was the poor man's Tilda Swinton or the other way around, the smile that would not leave my face in talking about our various adventures and first date which lasted seventy-two hours, it was fun. Shay stopped by for a bit, discussed panhandlers and people with signs and fucking sob stories. Once I get tomorrow's paycheck and figure what of that (almost all of it) will go towards rent and bills, will try very hard not to use my credit card, and then once I pay that off with everything form Christmas, will try very hard not to live beyond my means. Anyways, once we left Club Charles, had to stop back by the house since I had left my scrub pants for today, then wne to Nick's. It was so hard to leave there this morning. Think I will stay over there again tonight, but will hopefully get to go home and take a nap before getting ready. Nick made a new mix, although this is not the New Year's mix. Had some gems on it (can't believe I remembered every word to Luscious Jackson's Naked Eye.), Roy Orbison's In Dreams, Blur's Country Sad Ballad Man, Rilo Kiley's Better Son/Daughter, and some other good ones. Oh, The Raveonettes, too. Ottobar later and will be very glad to take a nap and see that beautiful boy.

Christmas And That

I am really convinced that everybody but me gets to be off all this week. Took me eleven minutes to drive into work, no one was on the roads. Nick took off today and tomorrow, and is off Wednesday and Thursday anyways, since there are no kids this whole week. Went to The Ottobar Tuesday night. It was a very festive occasion. Met Rob and Angel, her sister, Athena, and his brother, Scott, and then saw Victor, Kyle, Kristy, and Steph, as well as Thejus, who I hadn't seen in a long time. He is really one of the genuinely nicest people. Found out that he actually dated Lori very briefly about 5 years ago. This city gets smaller and smaller haha. Ran into this kid I used to work with at the Gap who I had seen once before at the Nerve Center. Talked about working holiday and how it irrevocably changes you. Gave Rob his Flight Of The Concords poster, which he loved. It was a lot of fun and Nick and I lamented the fact that theD.J. had neither Fairytale Of New York or Father Christmas. But it was fun, and I was sorry when I had to get up and go to work on Wednesday. I had a debilitating headache. Not a hangover, a migraine, since my period was starting, and I still felt drunk, as well. Came in at 9, they let us leave at 11. They didn't have to ask me twice, I was out the door. My diet had completely gone for that week, anyways. Had gone to dinner at Bertucci's with Mom Tuesday night, following the putting flowers up the graves (it was so horribly freezing!!), where I'd also had an apple martini and an Irish coffee along with bread and pasta and some of her gelato. Yes, it was a bad scene. So I had Coal to watch fromTuesday night through yesterday, and when I came home from work on Wednesday, I let him loose in the livingroom and dining room with me while I laid on the couch and tried to get this fucking headache to go away. It never did, not till around 8 o'clock, while Nick and I were at this Christmas party given by friends of his parents in Stoneleigh. I hadn't really felt like going, on account of the headache (and the general holiday depression getting to me, which had reared its ugly head briefly Tuesday night.), but once we got there and I drank some more regular soda (yeah, caffiene!!), it luckily passed. I dropped Nick off after, since it was, after all, still a Wednesday, and went to bed myself. Well, I tried to. The asshole upstairs next door was blasting fucking metal again--- this time a live album, something like Ted Nugent, I imagine--- and banging on the walls, so it was supremely difficult to sleep, so I laid downstairs till Carmin came back from her mom's. What a nutter. Thursday morning, I packed up Coal and the pressies, and we headed to Nick's parents' at ten. The dogs didn't get along at first, but eventually did. We opened presents. His parents liked the wine, especially the bottle, and the ornament and tea sampler. They got me a Baltimore Architecture book, one of those fabulous fleece blankets like the one they have (the "bearskin" one of fireplace fame) and some clothes from New York and Company (although I do have to take a couple of pieces back.). I loved the stuff that Nick got me--- the entire series of Fawty Towers boxset, a new Criterion Collection version of Withnail And I, and a Crybaby t-shirt. He liked his, as well, which I was very glad about. After the presents and the muffins and mimosas (ah, champagne in the morning), I left to feed the cats and came back right before his parents left for the airport. They got Nick some lovely presents, as well. Some new Calvin Klein clothes, a pocket watch, the Kerouac and Burroughs book (in hardcover), some video game stuff, and a little video camera. After his parents left, he went down the basement to play his new game and I took a nap, since I got so little sleep the night before. For dinner, we ordered Chinese food, continued watching Mythbusters, then went to Club Charles. It was crowded when we got there, and got intolerably packed by quarter after one, when we left. But it was still nice, sitting upstairs, discussing our pressies, running into Brandon Carver, and later, Jess from Abacrombie. I, unfortunately, had to work on Friday. That night we hit The Wind-up and met Rob and Angel and Lori, and Christina and Cyntia later. Lori gave us her presents--- Subversive Crosstitches. Nick's says "Rat Bastard" and mine says "Leggings Are Not Pants." If that ain't the truth. She liked the earrings and Jack Daniels we each got her, and Rob got me a Ravens t-shirt--- Whacko For Flacco. Had one Die T.V. and two Irish coffees, then a regular diet Coke to dilute everything. Had a lovely time, wore my new Johnny Depp in Crybaby shirt that Nick got me. Had brought Coal over Nick's with me, since Dane was having his great big fucking party with a LIVE band in the basement, but he kept barking after we tried to go to sleep, so I ended up, at 3:40 in the morning, taking him home, where the party was still raging. Again, didn't really get a good night's sleep. Got up Saturday around 11, went to Grind On Cafe for an everything bagel with cream cheese, cucumber, and red pepper and coffee. Fed the cats, then hit the ATM and got gas. Carmin was sick, either she got food poisoning or the stomach virus. She ended up calling out. I finally got my laundry done, went through clothes, played with Coal, then got ready to go out. Went up to Nick's. We got Subway for dinner and watched Withnail and I. Nick really liked it, I knew that he would if he saw it, so I was very glad that he did. It is seriously one of my favourite movies, so many brilliant lines. Ventured to SoWeBo to Zella's to meet Rob and Angel and Lori and Scott, got lost, got pissed, found it, got over it. Had a drink there before going to The Ottobar for a generic 80's Dance Party. Whatever, was still fun. Mainly Nick, me, and Lori that danced though. Nick and I did an improvised but inspired and surprisingly well choreographed dance to Prince's Kiss. Two o'clock came around very quickly, stood outside chatting with people for a bit (Matt Kelly, Chris, saw Dave Betz), Rob gave Nick a bottle of Johnny Walker Red I think. Really wished I could have stayed at Nick's or him stay at mine, but such is having parents away on holiday and doggies to watch. Yesterday, I fed the cats, took Coal back to Mom's since they were coming back yesterday, went to Hampden for a bagel and hummus (not very good, should stick with cream cheese or tuna salad) and an iced mocha at Common Ground, then bummed around a bit. Ran into Russell, who was giving his relatives a tour of the city, bought a dress for New Year's at 9th Life. Went home to watch The Ravens' Game (wearing my Flacco shirt)--- Playoffs, baby!! 27 to 7, then to Target for some household things. Rather miss Coaley. Mom and Tony got back last night. Watched The Soup year-end wrap-up with Carmin when she got home from work, went to bed. Meeting Lori after work at the mall. Will be very glad to see Nick later.

I Got You Under My Skin

Only have a half a day today, well, more than that really, but I get to leave at 2, since Mom and Tony leave tomorrow for Williamsburg, we have to hit the cemetary (which I'm guessing will be hovering somewhere around 5 degrees) to put flowers for Buba and Pop, and then I'm hoping, get some dinner before they give Cole to me for the week. Looking forward to having a doggie again for a few days, but also not too hepped up over the having to make sure he's not alone too much, taking him out, cleaning up, all that. Of course, Nick's parents said that I can bring him on Christmas, which was nice of them (hope he gets on with Mac and Maggie), and then on Christmas night (or late afternoon anyways), they leave for Florida, so Nick will be taking care of Mac and Maggie anyways. So hopefully, it won't be too bad. I will still have to go over the house everyday to feed the cats, all five of which will be staying home. One very awesome thing is that they found all of the old pictures in that tub and box that I was working on and Mom has aquiesced and said that I can take them home and finish working on them, but they are ultimately hers (whatever exactly that means.) I plan on making copies of many of them anyways. So I'm totally excited about that. So that chicken enchilata soup yesterday was fucking amazing! They are supposed to have a roasted red pepper, brocolli, and cheddar soup today, which could be good or could be too rich, but I'm half hoping that they have the chicken enchilata left over, because I may get that. Being a bit bad already this week. Ate a couple of those wafer roll cookies yesterday, then the soup, then made dinner for Carmin and I (shells and cheese and corn and brocolli) then a few (seriously, not many) Doritos at Club Charles last night, and this morning I am munching on some sesame crackers and peanuts mix. I did weigh myself, still hovering around 125, not great, but less than the 127 it was last week. I also figure, resisting for the most part but this time of year (mainly this week) it's almost completely unrealistic to abstain from everything. Making some headway, will make even more soon. Went to Club Charles last night. Ended up packed. Really didn't see anybody, which was fine. Nick and I had some good conversation ("A lot can be blamed on Kerouac and Burroughs.") and sung along to Joy Division on the drive home. It is good music for this time of year. Anyways, have to remember to take Rob and Lori's gifts to The Ottobar tonight. Get to leave half a day tomorrow (or whatever time they decide to let us go.). Will be glad to get out of here, see Mom and get up the graves (will be even weirder, I know, this year) and see that beautiful boy later.

The '59 Sound

I think that I am finally done with the Christmas shopping, although, everytime I think that I'm done, something else arises and more purchases are made or need to be made. It's absolutely maddening. Anyways, back to work today following a lovely weekend. Friday went to The Wind-up, Rob met us for a while. We were both utterly exhausted when we left, so it was nice to sleep in on Saturday. After starting the day in the best way, watched television (mainly Ninja Warrior) whilst imbiding a bottle of champagne (lovely lovely) till braving the crowds out in Timonium to go to Best Buy for Nick to get his dad and brother's presents. Then back to the house till it was time to go to dinner at The Dogwood at 6. Other than a couple peieces of carmel popcorn and 2 bagel chips at Nick's parents' house beforehand, did not eat till dinner, and then did not go overboard. Felt pretty good. We had some cocktails which were pretty amazing--- I think the first one Nick got was called a French 75. It was Hennessey and Champagne with sours. It was very good and I liked how you could feel that warming sensation when you took a sip (the Hennessey does that I was told.) I got an apple martini made with their house infused lemon vodka, apple schapps, and sours (definately a different kind of apple martini, but very good.), then Nick got an Old Fashioned (which I remember was one of Buba's favourites.). Started with the Maryland Crab, which was good, but after I ordered it, noticed that they also had a vegetarian black bean chili, which I would have liked to have tried. Nick got veal sweetbreads (inerds, disgusting), on top of maple risotto. I got a nice teres major tenderloin, medium, the most rare medium I've had so far, and there was apprehension on some of the peices, but I didn't end up getting sick. That came with roasted fingerling potatoes with mushrooms and mixed vegetables, all very good. Nick got bacon wrapped pork tenderloin (bacon, of course) on top of Yukon Gold mashed potatoes and mixed vegetables and an apple and pumpkin seed chilled salad with raisins. Surprised how good that was.The tenderloin was delicious, and we skipped dessert, which I was very proud of, and ended up feeling full but not ill. Got in a lovely conversation with the couple sitting next to us, the wife having lived for a while in Hamilton and the husband being Czech. We do meet some very interesting people out stumbling onto random conversations. Got back in time to see the start of The Ravens' game. We won, inching our way closer to the playoffs. Got a very late start as a result, so back to Hampden to Frazier's. Slept in on Sunday, started the day brilliantly, before lounging around with Carmin and Allen before heading to Fell's for fish and chips at Slainte then Soundgarden, where I found some fabulous impromptu pressies for Carmin and Nick (Cat Power and a Gaslight Anthem EP) and then, out of the corner of my eye, a live Babyshambles CD and DVD from the Oh, What A Lovely Tour tour from December of last year. What a find!! Chicken enchilata soup today. Need to stop at the mall (oh, the horror) after work. Haven't been to Curves in over a week, but weighed myself this morning and I am down two pounds from last week. Doing better and feel good about it. Keeping up, feel like I've made the tiniest bit of headway (even if I don't and won't see it for a bit), that I feel like I've made it over the first speedbump as it were to spur me on (that gnawing hungry feeling is empowering, it's the feeling of inching towards my size 2's again, resisting needless temptaion, and rewarding myself on the weekends (and eating out with Mom or Carmin), able to enjoy it because I feel like I will have earned it. Will be glad to see Nick later.

Closing Time

Totally could have done with some more sleep today. Ended up being out later last night than intended, although it was fun. Still, need to get more sleep, especially since I am now aware of the whole thing about lack of sleep actually causing weight gain and sleeping helping to diminish one's girth (that part I knew there was truth to from personal experience, but I thought that it was just because if you were sleeping, it was keeping you from eating and keeping your mind off of it, as opposed to there really being scientific validity to it.). Must get on that. Plus, it is miserable out today, cold and rainy, so it's perfect sleeping weather, but alas, here I am, trying to wake up. Today they are serving Tomato, Basil, and Spinach Soup with Grilled Cheese Sandwiches for lunch, so I'm pretty excited about that. Will try not to have dinner later, since this will be such a sizable lunch. Went to dinner with Mom yesterday. Got salmon with a plain baked potato, brocolli, and a Caesar salad. Went through the whole meal without touching the Cheddar Bay Biscuits, till the very end, when for OCD reasons, I thought, "Well, maybe I should eat them." But I only had two, where I totally could have eaten three. I actually left the table not feeling sick for once. I initally still felt hungry, and could have kept going, but stopped and felt full but not ready to explode. Still not seen the slightest of improvements, but I'm trying to tell myself that I won't until I have stuck with this for a few weeks, trying not to get discouraged. Haven't had a single piece of Christmas candy at work this week (although the dish of Reese's Cups in front of me on the counter are calling out.). Nick called me after I got back from dinner to ask if I wanted one of my Christmas presents early, and, as tempting as it was, I said no, because I like having something to look forward to, but he said that he thinks that I will like what he got. I hope he likes his pressies, as well. They came from Amazon yesterday, but I got duplicates, from the first time when Capital One called me to see if it was fraud and denied the transaction, well, appearently, they went back and approved it, after I ordered it again, so now I have to return the others. That should be fun. That's the problem with ordering stuff online. We went to The Wind-up, where Comcast was filming Russell about the bar. They asked Nick and I if we wanted to be interviewed. They interviewed him, but I didn't know if I would think of what to say, and as I went back to watch our seats, they ended up not interviewing me, but that was ok I guess. Nick was wearing his Fuck Wham City shirt again, with surprisingly more people showing their support, and surprise. Lori came out for a while. She is feeling very down about the holidays and work, which is understandable. Goucher Lesbians were out, as well, and I ran into the kid that I walked down the aisle with for my Frist Holy Communion and Confirmation, and attended all eight years of Sunday School with, Adam Hopkins. That was cool. Russell stayed open till two, playing really bad 90's music, which everyone sung along to. Hope Nick was able to get up for work today. His mom went to Ithica to collect Sam and took Mac, but Nick would have to feed Maggie this morning and get himself up, and we did end up getting home later than anticipated. Really want to sleep in tomorrow, but Mom wants to go up the cemetary to put flowers for Buba and Pop. I can't believe that it is getting so close to Christmas and them going to Wiliamsburg, I guess that would be the only time to go, other than Sunday or if I could leave work early on Monday. I will be glad to start the weekend and see that beautiful boy later.

Tomorrow We Can Drive Around This Town

The weather makes no sense. Monday it got up to sixty-five degrees. Would obviously prefer that to the fucking freezing shit that we've been having. Then last night, there was a wintery mix, and today it is rainy. Back to work following a lovely weekend. Nick said that it feels like coming off of a three day weekend or something, because we had been together (sleeping wise while his parents were away) for three days in a row, and that that is a pretty good sign if we have been in eachothers' company for an extended period of time, and it feels like a vacation haha. I agree, and thought that was pretty cool that that is his take on it. Went to that function with the people from his work on Friday. We were the only white people there, and initally, no one he knew had arrived, so it was awkward--- there is simply no way to downplay being the only white people someplace. But, there were free apple martinis for the ladies for the first hour, so it didn't take long for me to forget this fact, and no longer be phased by it haha. His coworkers soon arrived, and it ended up being a lot of fun. Danced some and we ended up staying till after one when the thing shut down, as opposed to only staying a little while. Stopped off at Frazier's on the way home, but Rob and Angel had already left, but did randomly run into Victor, which was cool. That reminds me, not sure now if I have to get a Christmas present for him or not. Found out that Rob got me something, so yesterday I was able to find the perfect thing--- a Flight Of The Concords poster. Hope the packages arrive this week. Slept in somewhat on Saturday, then went with mom to this new coffeeshop that opened in Lauraville called Grind On Cafe. It's awesome and we had a really good time. Definately want to go back there. Nick was recuperating from the night before (and the Hennessey), we spent the day watching television, including PeeWee's Big adventure, a movie that I loved as a kid, and much like Hairspray, watching it years later as an adult, so much that went over my head then, makes it like watching a completely different movie. I ended up really enjoying it, and surprised I remembered some little details, too. Nick's parents got back around this time, we ordered pizza, and Christina came over for a while. Went to Club Charles around 10, met up with Rob and Angel and Lori. Had a good time, got to sleep in Sunday before taking Nick back home to go to The Ravens' game with his dad (caught the third and forth quarters on television, what a shite call. No way that was a touchdown. The fact that I now can say things like that and actually know what I am talking about, is a modern marvel in and of itself.) I got some Christmas shopping done and met up with Dad and Mary. Had dinner at Outback, then, since it was Christina's B-day, met up with her and the Goucher Lesbian Brigade at Brewer's Art. Monday got most of the rest of my Christmas shopping done and did the wrapping before heading to Club Charles. The movie theatre across the street got robbed right after we got in the bar, and the ticket guy had run over to have Jamie call the cops. I was shocked and appalled. Don't know any more details about it though. Called out yesterday. Went to Grind On Cafe with Carmin before she and Allen left for New York. They were going to see Neil Young and Wilco at Madison Square Garden. Glad they made it back ok. We had tickets to see RaRaRiot at The Ottobar last night, got there really early, had a round downstairs then went upstairs for Twofer's (since they weren't doing it downstairs), till the band went on. Rob and Melanie were there, with Carolanne and The Moose. Weirdness. Rob and Angel and Kyle and Steph were out, too. RaRaRiot actually was kind of a let down. Dying Is Fine is an awesome song, and there were a couple of decent ones, but really not that great. Nick made some interesting observations about Rob and Melanie, and said that he thought that he and I each got the better end of that deal, which was nice. I agreed, and he said that he knew that he did. Will be glad to go home and take it easy tonight, nap and watch Top Chef.

Fairytale Of New York

So glad that it is Friday. Managed to get a little bit accomplished yesterday with the getting Christmas pressies for people. Ordered a couple of things off of the internet, then got a call from my credit card company saying that they blocked the transactions because they thought that they were fraudulent. It is good that I have that protection, but it was kind of a pain to have to go back and go through everything again. Now I hope that I don't end up with duplicates of everything and charged doubly. So I got Carmin's necklace from Classic Hardware, and two dvd's for Nick (Petey Wheatstraw: The Devil's Son-in-law and a World/Inferno live dvd. I actually inadvertanly also purchased the performance to watch on demand on the computer, so I guess I could preview it myself, as well.). Still not sure if I will get him anything else. Wish I had more of an idea what he was getting me so that I could know when to stop buying. Think I will have to get Carmin a little something else, as well, and I think I have some ideas for Mom and Tony. Will have to get restaurant giftcards for Dad and Mary and Mom and Tony, and I think I will get tickets to that Beatles Tribute show for them (and one for me, too.). Nick's parents left a list of wines on the kitchen table while they are away (just like a store list kind of thing). I figure that is what I will get them. They are away in New York till Saturday, so I am staying at the house. Had to wake Nick up today and help with the dogs. Came over yesterday after work and watched the Sunny season finale and some Cheap Seats. Didn't initially feel like going out because I was in a foul mood on account of having had words with Mom on the phone after work over their inviting us to Manheim Steamroller and my not wanting to go, and then my accidently mentioning that Nick's parents were going to see Gogol Bordello with us for Nick's dad's B-day. Hopefully, she doesn't bring it up again today. Tonight Nick and I are going to a party at the Hiram Ballroom on Eutaw with people from his work. It's a pretty fancy thing, mostly black people, proper tickets and all, and a dinner buffet. Oh, and open bar on apple martini's for ladies till 11. Should be interesting. Had rather a nice evening last night in spite of my being in a self-loathing mood initially. Had to laugh at the hilarity of actually being on the floor in front of a real roaring fireplace, while the fireplace channel played on the television, and laying on top of a brown fleece, which resembled a bearskin rug. Had a bit of fun, rapid and simultaneous arrivals. Went to The Wind-up after that. Not too many people, which was nice. Will be very glad to go to lunch (yesterday they had an amazing roasted corn chowder and today they are supposed to have cream of crab soup. May get the chowder again, though, since it was so good.) and see Nick.

I am absolutely knackered today. Probably got four hours of sleep, if that. Went to The Ottobar last night, had a lot of fun, despite Nick's stomach bothering him a bit off and on again. A good number of people were out, although no Rob or Angel, since now he seems to have gotten sick from being out in the cold at the game on Sunday. Lori brought some of her friends out, so only spoke with her sporatically, but Victor and other people made it a pretty big turn-out. Just as I was hoping, they played better music (in fact, it was like the old days, with Craig and Matt spinning true Britpop and Indie, some old punk and motown.), and there was dancing. Nick and I danced a number of times, and he had had the brilliant idea of requesting The Wombats' Let's Dance To Joy Division, and then actual Joy Division, which they did, and that was cool, because they played Transmission then Love Will Tear Us Apart, then went straight into New Order (Temptation and Age of Consent.). It was a good time. Really hoping nothing negative comes of my accidently mentioning something Victor told me to Kyle, who I was under the impression was aware of, regarding the non-stop Nikki drama (and Victor's unending devoted optimisim), swore him to secrecy and made clear that I would never betray his trust or talk shit behind his back, that it is only out of friendship and concern, and that I didn't realise that he hadn't said anything. Anyways, Top Chef tonight. Last night, Carmin and I watched Pulp Fiction (on cable, so they edited the shit out of it, unfortunately). I loved the twist contest, where they play Chuck Berry. They have vegetable soup today, so that should be good. Hope I don't look so exhausted by the time I see Nick at lunchtime.

We have had record cold temperatures the last few days, and this weekend was terribly cold. Nick and I went to dinner on Friday with Christina to Golden west. It was very good, and probably the fastest service I have ever had there (got the bean and cheese quesadilla). Christina drove, so after she took us back to mine, we were going to head back out, Rob and Angel were at Joe Squared, but we got a little preoccupied so to speak, so we ended up not getting out till around 11:30, and when we got there, they had decided to go home. It wasn't even midnight, and we always meet up with them whenever they want to, so I found this to be lame. Anyways, we went to The Wind-up, where, again, there was a cover (for a Baltimore Club D.J. thing), and, again, we got the wave-though, which was awesome. Saw some Goucher people for a bit, headed home. Saturday, slept in, then, after starting the day in the best way, took Nick home to get his car, then folowed him to get that GPS milage thing installed, in the meantime, we had to go back to the house so that I could put the rent money out for Jeff, then to Graul's in Ruxton for a free wine-tasting to kill time before picking up his car. It started snowing around the time we went to Ruxton, and was coming down and so cold for a good part of the late afternoon early evening. Nick's parents came down to mine and picked us up and we went to Clementine. It was delicious, and they really liked it. Got to give them the biographical tour of Hamilton and the history of the buildings and all that. The food was outstanding. Started with a potato soup, which was so perfect for this frigid weather. I wanted to soak in a tub of it haha. Nick got the macaroni and cheese, which everyone shared (such a brick. Could have used a wee bit of salt, though. Still a hit.). They kind of made over Nick's dad being there, and sent over a complimentary sausage and cheese platter. Didn't eat any of that myself, but Nick and his parents did. Got the Baltimore strip, damn good steak. Hardly any fat, got medium, and it was juicy and not too rare. That came with Yukon Gold mashed potatoes and vegetables (a lovely mix of brocolli, carrots, and onions). Nick got the same thing, rare, though, of course. Felt stuffed, but got dessert (yellow cake with chocolate and peanut butter icing), but only ate half and took the rest home. Really enjoyed the meal, and it was very nice of his parents to pay for us. I'm glad that they liked it, too. They took us back to mine, and we watched television till it was late enough to head out. Saw Carmin and Allen for a bit, before they left for Video Americain. I don't even bring up the idea of them doing anything with us anymore or going out and all. It's a dead issue. Anyways, went to Club Charles. It was pretty dead for a long while. I guess the weather kept people away, although by now the snow had stopped and the temperature around closing actually read warmer than it had been during the day (although it was still fucking freezing.). Rob and Angel finally showed up. Sunday, we went to Valentino's for a huge lunch before Nick left to get ready to go to The Ravens' game. He had wanted me to go, which I really appreciated, but I knew that I could not handle the cold, so Christina was going to go instead, then, she got sick (that damn stomach thing), so Rob was going. It was also Tom Waits' B-day, and The Wind-up was doing a thing for it, a night of all Tom Waits music, totally Nick's sort of thing, and it was really a shame that he had to miss it. I went with Lori, there were only a few people, but it was fun. We got pretty tipsy and went to Joe Squared afterwards and got food. There were very few people in there, too (it was so fucking cold, must have kept all of the people with sense at home.). Watched Anchorman, the bartenders gave us shots (although I didn't drink mine), just because there were so few people, and we were all watching the movie and laughing. It was fun. When we went outside and had to walk to our cars, oh my God, it was so cold!! Nick texted me earlier that he had thrown up, I guess because he gorged on all of these breadsticks in Valentino's and as soon as he started to drink a beer, I guess they just expanded and he nearly exploded. Hoping he's not getting that stomach thing again (I imagine in the school, these things can just keep going form person to person and new ones getting generated. Although, I have heard from several different people about similar virus', so it must be one of those prevalent things this year.). He and Rob were so cold that they only stayed till half way through the third quarter and watched the rest of it in the bar in the Hyatt Hotel. They dressed warm, but Nick said that he couldn't feel his toes in the first quarter, and when he stood up, he could feel the blood rush to his legs. Luckily, they managed not to get frost bite or hypothermia. We went to Club Charles last night. Braved the cold, the evening started a little slow, but we had fun, played some gems on the jukebox, then both felt very tired and called it a night. Managed to get the tree up yesterday, although the lights and all are another story. Would like to get Carmin to be down for decorating tonight maybe. Still need to get this shopping done. Living well beyond my means, but, eh, what can ye do? Went to Curves yesterday. Will be glad to go to The Ottobar later. Hoping they play better music this week, really want to dance. Got my hair done yesterday. Will be glad to see Nick later.

You Don't Meet Nice Girls In Coffee Shops

Very glad that it is Friday. It will probably be horribly busy in here once things start rolling, but hopefully it will just pass the time faster. Went to Urban Outfitters yesterday after work with the intention of looking for Christmas presents for Nick, however, as often hapens when I am shopping for other people, I ended up also getting myself a few things. I saw two shirts online that I thought that he might like, one of which they ended up not carrying in-store, but I may order online, or just continue on with some other ideas, I found the other shirt, then noticed for myself this adorable, military inspired gray wool cropped jacket, with silver buttons up the front on either side. It's super cropped, like, on someone with an actual torso, it would be too short. On me, however, with my lack thereof, it hits right at my natural waist, so cropped, but not obscene. Unfortunately this was the only one that they had, and it was an extra small. It fits, but just barely, but it was too cute to pass up, and it can serve as motivation for me. It has epalettes!! The other thing that I got myself, which really I should use as my Christmas present for myself (since I always justify some extravagant purchase as such--- last year it was my Fred Perry shirt.), although there will probably be something else that I will want to use that justification for, as well, was this beautiful, long (well, to my knees maybe) black wool coat, again, military inspired, navy, prehaps, although not a peacoat exactly, with double breasted buttons and epalettes. Do you see a pattern here? Yes, I have a thing for military style coat or jackets. I have several, it's one of my loves. I am ready to direct the troops on hipster battlegrounds everywhere!! It was on sale for $99, down from Urban's utterly unreasonable and frankly obscene original price of $210 (it's only got a silk lining--- it's not even quilted!! How can you justify a price like that?). So, even though that now brings my total of winter coats up to six, not including jackets, like jean jackets (three, but all in different sizes from various years) or my leather jacket from H & M, or the light twill one I have with--- would you believe it--- buttons and epalettes!!! Six winter coats.

Alright, enough with the coat talk. Got Nick some fingerless gloves from H & M the other day, so when he came down last night, I gave those to him rather than keeping them as a Christmas pressie, just because he could use them now before the holidays. He really likes them, which made me happy. I have to start wearing mine this year and my scarves, another thing I have a rather unhealthy fondness for haha. Went to The Wind-up, where it was jazz night, again, with a $5 cover, however, we got waved in not having to pay, which was awesome. I love being a regular for stuff like that. We talked about the new kid that they assigned to Nick at the school, and maybe trying Dogwood again for dinner this weekend, and myriad other things, then Lori came over for a while, which was cool. Discussed Top Chef, possible New Year's ideas, then, after she left, they played Tom Waits' Hold On on the stereo, and we sang, and I was moved to tears, just so beautiful, and I adore Nick so much. It's a shame that he will miss the B-day thing that they are having for Tom Waits on Sunday at The Wind-up, since he and Christina are going to The Raven's game. I may check it out. Anyways, we left at 1:30, last call there, headed home, singing World Inferno. I will be glad to get out of here and see that beautiful boy later.

Feeling tired today, would have loved to have stayed in bed, ideally if neither Nick nor I had to go to work, but here I sit, contemplating some gingerale and wondering how I could have managed not to have lost any weight in my recent bout of sickness. Anyways, went to The Ottobar lat night. It was a lot of fun, a lot of people, a lot of talking, not as much dancing as I would have liked, but as Craig was so sweet to come over and kind of apologise for, this other d.j. from Sonar wanted to play a lot of electronic-techno kind of stuff (which Angel loved, by the way.), and he knew that he always plays The Libertines and The Smiths and all for me, but I said that it was cool, he always takes care of me and I do appreciate that. Anyways, it was a good turn-out, Rob and Angel, Steph and Haley, then Victor, Joe, and Kristy, and later on, Kyle. It was a good time. They did play The Raveonettes, which was cool. Excited to see them on January 17 at The Black Cat, although I do not relish the idea of driving in D.C.. Anyways, barely was able to get throught two drinks over the course of the whole evening, stayed until close, stopped at Subway on the way home. Tried the new flatbread, which as a bread was fine, but they heat it up, and the turkey, while delicious cold, is positively horrible warm, so I think that I will be sticking with my Italian Herb and Cheese. As we were walking to the car, I was saying to Nick that if he wasn't alright to drive, I wasn't letting him leave the house, that I could not, in good conscience let him drive, however, I could, in good conscience, remove his trousers, to which he said, "And people wonder why we work so well," and we laughed. After Subway, it was, unforturnately, after two, so he had to go home, and I had to go to bed. The menu calendar in The Falcon's Nest showed a pretty shitty week for soups, although later in the month there are some winners (two tomato soups, one tomato florentine and another, tomato, spinach, and basil). Don't know if I'll get soup there today or a sandwich or if a rep is bringing food to the office. I Would go over just to see Nick for a minute. They have moved him now to the middle school and a different kid to be a one-on-one with, since his original kid is now residential at Villa Maria. It's a shame really, but atleast he still has a job. Tonight is Top Chef, but there also may be a party at Phoebe's (whether this is out in the wilds of Baltimore Countyor on Calvert Street is unknown.). Have to read The A.V. Club's write-up from last week's episode, which I missed most of. As we were driving home last night, the mix that Nick brought along played The Lib's "The Boy Looked At Johnny," and said, "Well, one way or the other, made sure you got to hear The Libertines."

Nick ended up having a stomach virus, he got sick again Wednesday morning whilst trying to drive to work, so he called out. He felt better by Thursday, though, which was good. Went to dinner with Mom and Tony up in Gettysburg. Good as always. That evening, we went to The Wind-up. Was surprised that it wasn't more crowded. Thought Nick would be off, but he said he was going in Friday for a little bit atleast, since he had to pick up his check anyways. I took his suit coat to the cleaners for him, and we were going to meet up for lunch. When we did, he said that he'd already punched out for the day, since there was nothing going on at work, so we decided to go to Hampden for him to get film for his camera, then to Fells for fish and chips at Slainte. We had reservations for Abacrombie with his parents and his brother and Barrett for dinner, but while we were at Slainte, we learned that his parents and Sam were now struck down with the stomach virus. So dinner with them was out, but we ended up going to Rocket and meeting Christina and Cyntia, then over to The Wind-up, where Rob already was with his brother who was home for Thanksgiving. Lori came a while later, too. It was good to get to sleep in on Saturday. We went to Five Guys for lunch, before heading to his parents' to see how they were doing. Then we went to Best Buy and Wegman's, then to dinner at Crush, a new restaurant in Belvedere Square. The food was delicious, however, immediately after we were done eating, I started not feeling so great. I thought at first it was just the normal stuffed feeling, but then it hit me. I had to run in another restaurant on the way to the car to use the bathroom, and, well, suffice to say, it was not a fun evening. This is because we kept talking about how everyone except me had gotten the stomach virus. I went to bed, and slept throught the night, felt fine in the morning. I thought that would be the extent of it. Nick stayed at the house, which I wasn't expecting, but was very glad. Went to Chris' parents' on Sunday. Started to feel sick in the fourth quarter, and by the time we were driving home, felt horrible. Nick left when we got back, I went to bed, then I REALLY got sick. Throwing up, the runs, and these horrible fucking stomach spasms, excruciating pains. That was the worst part. Still felt like shit for most of yesterday, so I called out. Was able to get some soup and Gatorade down, though. Sorry I mised going to Club Charles last night, but Nick said not to worry about that, he'd rather have me healthy for tonight. Mom had her other hand surgery yesterday. Appearently this one was worse off than the first one, must have been overcompensating and that. Also, some fucker hit and run her new car parked in front of the house on Sunday--- can you believe that shit? I really hope when she goes back to the doctor's they can do something for her knees and weight and all. I will be glad to see Nick later.

Today is the day before Thanksgiving and we only have a half a day of patients scheduled, and I'm hoping that once they are finished, everyone in the office can leave, as well. Don't know yet. Went to The Ottobar last night. It was a short night, however, since Nick didn't feel well and got sick. Poor thing must have eaten something that didn't agree with him or maybe he has some sort of stomach virus (he does work in a school and kids always have weird shit going on.). He insists that it was maybe that he ate an entire package of tortolini, or maybe that it was undercooked, but I don't think that would make one throw up, but anyways, he felt so bad and had thrown up, that we left at midnight. I said that he really must have felt bad to leave the bar that early. I wished that he didn't have to go to work, that when he brought me home he could have just gone to sleep, he said, "Thank You for taking care of me," as he was leaving. That was nice. Rob and Angel left the same time that we did, but Lori and Victor had gotten there not too long before, with Kyle and Kristy, but oh, well. When you're sick, you're sick. Not sure if anything is going on tonight, other than Top Chef and all, although this is known as one of the biggest drinking nights of the year, right up there with New Year's Eve and St. Patrick's Day, I imagine on account of everyone gearing up to be with their families (and consequently, the night of Thanksgiving will be a big drinking night after everyone has DEALT with their families haha.). Had a terrible fucking migraine yesterday, left work about a half an hour early on account of that and went to bed. Didn't get to go to Curves, which I'm mad about, but this week is already not a regular week because of the holiday and all (and there will be so much eating.). Will try to stop on the way home today, if we get out early, it would be awesome, because then I could stop at Target and get to Curves, as well. Really hope that Nick feels better today.

Feel pretty much like crap today. Really wish I could have stayed in bed. Have a bit of a headache and just don't feel very well. Went over Mom's yesterday after Curves. She had her first carpal tunnel surgery, the other one is next week, and while she drowsed in and out, I did my laundry and ate too much, and then made her a Lean Cuisine when she woke up and we watched some television. Sam came home from Cornell yesterday for Thanksgiving, so Nick and him had been playing video games non-stop, and I ended up going over to pick him up. Went to Club Charles. Unfortunately the place was mobbed with Wham City kids, because there was a free show next door at the old Zodiac, although we did get to talk to Peter for a bit, which was cool. Learned that he is from New York, so there's a wealth of knowledge for the next time we go up. Matt Kelly was out, so we got the pleasure of his company. Some friend of his asked Matt if either of us had jobs, because everytime he was out, wherever he was, he saw us, and imagined that when he didn't see us, we were out then, too. That was amusing. Didn't bother playing anything on the jukebox, since it was so loud and crowded and the noise from next door kept coming in and out each time somebody opened the door joining the two buildings. Talked about work and the trip, and wildebeasts, and myriad other things. Nick says that he will try to make a reservation for Abacrombie for Friday for Sam and Barrett to go with us, that way we can use that gift certificate. That should be interesting. Realised that I don't have any cash, so no going over for soup for me today. Brought an apple, and would really like to go to bed when I leave here (and after Curves, of course. Can't see any improvement yet, but hopefully soon.). Tomorrow's a half a day here as far as patients go, but I don't know if that means that we actually get to leave early, too. Would be a fine thing, though. Two For Tuesdays tonight, will be glad to see Nick. Really hated haivng to drop him off last night. Will be glad for the four day holiday.

Oh, New York Ciry's Very Pretty In The Nighttime

Last Tuesday, as I was coming out of Curves, Nick called and asked me if I wanted to go to New York this weekend.This was completely out of the blue, and unexpected, I hesitantly said yes, I guessed so, and he said, "Good, I'm buying the tickets then. Robyn Hitchcock is playing Saturday." So, with no planning, no idea where this theatre was, no real knowledge even of Mr. Hitchcock's esteemed musical career, save a couple of songs (My Wife And My Dead Wife being enough to have me sold on him), no idea of cost, directions, staying over or driving back the same night, we were going to New York City on Saturday. Thursday we decided to stay over, and Nick found a hotel nearby the Symphony Space Theatre where the show was going to be on Hotels.com. This was totally his gig, he found the tickets, it was his idea, to begin with, he found the hotel, it was nice, since all of the other trips have been my masterminding. Anyways, Saturday, after many delays, as per usual (although this time, it was separately as opposed to our being together and just getting held up stopping for cigs or atm or gas or whatever before finally getting on the road, since Nick had to go for that thing he is participating in, that study where they put the GPS in his car.), at 12:45 p.m., we finally got on the road, blasting Gogol Bordello ("I am a wanderlust king!!") as we picked up speed on the road to New York. Got up there at 4, checked into the hotel, which was directly across the street from the theatre, and got settled in. I will admit that driving into New York was nerve racking, but I did better than I thought I would, granted, I didn't do too much driving into the thick of things. The Mapquest directions were perfect, and the garage where we left the car was right around the corner from the hotel. The hotel itself was lovely. It was old, which held immediate charm for me. I would say it was built in atleast the forties if not thirties, judging by the radiators in the rooms which were the same kind I have in my house, the small elevator with a window in its door, and the stairwell. We were only on the second floor, so we took the steps mostly, marble that wrapped around in an almost spiral. It would have been even lovlier were it not lit by a horrible flourescent light. The room was adorable. It was small, actually the bathroom was huge, almost the same size as the bedroom, and had no proper tub or shower, just two drains in the floor. There was a window which looked out to another brick building within spitting distance, with barbed wire around the roof. Lovely haha. We weren't there that long before deciding on a place for dinner (had done rather well. I had an iced mocha and bran muffin from Starbucks around 9 am. and Nick had only had a pudding cup before we left.). Grabbed a taxi and went to The Lever House Restaurant. This place was bizarre. It looked exactly like a space ship on the inside. Very modern, Swingin 60's Britain. Like the milkbar in A Clockwork Orange or something. The food itself was alright. We were the only diners for quite some time (it was around 6, early by NY standards.) Started with a butternut squash soup, Nick got sweetbreads, which are disgusting, gizzards or something, then I got cod and he got a steak. Both ended up being raw, although only Nick was pleased. My fish was uncooked the further towards the middle I got. I sent it back and just got some fingerling potatoes instead (hoping I wouldn't get sick from eating raw food.). Got some ice cream for dessert (malted chocolate rum and cinnamon--- needless to say which one I ate.) and Nick got a tawny port. Took the taxi back, after taking pictures of the huge Sanrio sculptures in front of the building where the restaurant was. No idea what that was about, but hey, I got my picture taken with a huge Hello Kitty!! I must say, it was lovely having no idea how to get anyplace, just hailing a taxi and having to give an intersection and away you go. I could get used to that haha. Driving in the back of those things was an adventure, too. It was like a ride, where it was scary and exhilerating. Got back to the theatre at the perfect time. We were rather close, too, and the performance was wonderful. Really enjoyed the songs and the in between banter. He's a very amusing character. Would definately like to hear more of his music. Would have been awesome if he had played My Wife And My Dead Wife, but no. Afterwards, we took a taxi to the financial district, all the way at the other end of Manhattan (we were staying in the upper west side.), but the bar we were trying to go to was closed, and as we wandered back to Broadway, trying to decide what to do, Nick noticed a place down a dimly lit, narrow street, Le Hailles, a French place, which Nick said he was sure was the restaurant where Anthony Bourdain got his start. So we went in and had some drinks. Actually, Nick had some drinks, I just drank an entire pot of French press, and we decided to come back for lunch on Sunday. After this, we took a taxi back to the upper west side to a bar called The Dead Poet. Very much a Fells Point kind of place and crowd, Irish themed, with literary leanings (capitalize on Wilde, Yeats, and Keats for both!!). They had a signature drink, The Dead Poet, which contained seven liquors and was a secret recipe, on the menu, which entitled you to a souvenier mug should you be brave enough to partake. Needless to say, we now have two souvenier mugs. It tasted exactly like grape soda, and we left there in a lovely sort of haze. Back to the hotel to finish the evening in style. Woke up sometime in the wee hours to find the television still on and Nick having dosed off whilst reading at the foot of the bed, which explained why I nearly got kicked in the face at one point. After rousing him enough to lay at the head of the bed, fell back to sleep, till close to eleven, started the day in the best way, got packed up, checked out, and put our bags in the car at the garage. Took a taxi back to Le Hailles where we had a very good lunch (although I did send back my main course. This time it was a macaroni and cheese, which was either made from undrained pasta or simply FLOATING in grease and OIL, and was bland yet. But prior to that I had had a delicious mesculan salad and we got very good pommes frites, so I wasn't too upset.) Nick tried rooster. Definately tastes different from chicken, even dark meat chicken, a much gamier taste, although I did tell him that now he can say he loves cock haha. Anyways, had another pot of French press, and subsequent stomach cramps, as we walked the short distance from the restaurant to Ground Zero. Incredible and horrifying. It was so fucking cold and windy this weekend. rEally, it was no fun being outside even for a minute. Got back to the car, where I was pleasantly shocked that the fee for parking nearly twenty-four hours was a mere $33. Left at exactly 2 and drove straight back, sopping at the end of the New Jersey Turnpike for gas, and got home at exactly 5. That was pretty incredible time we made. Saw the largest, completely silver Blessed Mother Statue on the other side of the Deleware Memorial Bridge. Have to go back and take a picture of that, then veer over to Philly next time. Teh Deleware Memorial Bridge scared the shit out of me, though, moreso coming back than going, for some fucking reason. It was a lot of fun, and I am very glad that even though we missed a really good Ravens game (B-more kicking Philly ass!!), Nick said he thought we had more fun and was glad we did it. Went to sleep around 7 or 8, slept through to this morning. Work was slightly better todya, although I still hate it and plan on looking for something else sooner rather than later. From the fryingpan into the fire was never a more fitting saying. Anyways, went over to The Falcon's Nest for lunch, tomato florentine soup, delicious. Saw that beautiful boy for a minute, will be glad to see him later and have some drinks.

Work was so busy that I had no time to get on here. Yes, this place is something else. Had a very good weekend, shame it was so short. Will be glad for the four day holiday for Thanksgiving. Dinner at Bicycle was amazing Friday. Had the salmon again, definately the best of the places where I have had salmon of late. Was a little torn between that and a couple of other things, I know that I have been getting salmon several different times, but I so enjoyed it when we went there for Nick's B-day, and this time was no different. Started with that spicy corn chowder with blue crab, that had been intriguing on the menu. Delicious, almost like a thin refried beans, robust and, as we have learned from Chef Ramsey, you could really pick out the ingredients in the flavours, which is a good thing. Nick got his sashimi tuna tar tar, of course. Still not trying raw fish, I'm so not up for that. He got a steak, shocking, I know, practically still alive, and I got the salmon. It was seasoned perfectly and came with the yukon gold mashed potatoes and their wonderful vegetables--- brocolli, string beans, red and yellow peppers, and, of course, asparagus!! We got a bottle of Gladiator wine, one of the $18 specials (which they have at the liquor store by the old apartment for $10, have to get some.) Got deliciously drunk on that with dinner (very similar to champagne drunk, lovely.), felt stuffed, but somehow, we found room for dessert. Nick got the coffee creme brule and I got the pumpkin pie cheescake. Actually, there were several items on the dessert menu that were tempting, the coffee creme brule being one for me, as well as a cappuccino and mocha tort with chocolate mousse, but I opted for the cheesecake, because, as is a well established fact, I am all about the pumpkin. The coffee creme brule was very good, the flavour changed as you ate it, very subtle and distinct, and since Nick doesn't like pumpkin or cinnamon (how can you not like pumpkin or cinnamon?), the cheesecake was entirely mine, and it did not stand a chance haha. A terribly good meal, which left me feeling ready to explode as we headed out of Federal Hill, up the long stretch of Charles into Station North, and to the waiting arms of The Wind-up, where I nearly fell asleep several times, on account of the wine. Once Rob and Angel, and some other people showed up, I had a second wind. It was also helped before they got there by the ridiculous movie that was playing. It was a blaxlpoitation movie from the seventies titled "Petey Poststrall, The Devil's Son-in-law." I kid you not, it was unreal. Big Afros, a magical pimp cane, and a cameo by Aretha Franklin. Nick insists that he is going to buy this movie. Once it started getting more crowded, they shut that off, and people started dancing, although they didn't play anything terribly good. Still, it was cool that it felt like a Saturday night, but it was only Friday. Saturday ended up being very busy. We were going to go to B for dinner, but then Nick's parents asked if we wanted to go to Tapas Teatro and see Vickie Christina Barcelona with them. They were good enough to pay for us, which was very nice. Before that though, we picked up Christina and met the rest of the Goucher Lesbian Brigade at City Hall for a protest against the Prop 8 legislation in California which basically retracted the same sex marriage laws there. I don't care what people do, if it makes them happy, so I have long been for gay marriage, or simply, not against it. It's silly to be so opposed to something that has nothing to do with you. Anyways, it started raining, and there was a tornado watch, and just as we were emerging from the Sonar parking lot, with the 83 overpass, it started raining torresntially, and we got soaked. But it soon let up, and we eventually dried out. Luckily it was pretty warm, and the protest moved down to the end of 83, at Lafayette and President Streets. We chanted and waved, and kind people beeped, and even though it isn't my fight, it was a good experience and felt good to take part in something like that. We got to Tapas Teatro first and waited for Nick's parents in the bar, having some drinks. Got a little tipsy straight away, since we hadn't eaten. The meal was good, got several small plates, and everyone pretty much shared what they themselves ordered, so it was good. Got grilled shrimp, spinach with crab meat, grilled chicken, and a salad with chilled asparagus. Also tried some baby potatoes, and delicious potato croquettes, which had to be horribly fattening. Went to the movies afterwards. I knew that Nick had wanted to see this movie since the summer, so I'm glad we finally went. It was alright, nothing incredible. It was no Happy Go Lucky, but it had its moments, mainly with Penelope Cruz. Afterwards, we set up camp at Club Charles and waited for Rob and Angel and Lori. More drama, that I don't even want to be bothered with. Sunday, we got up, after starting the day the best way, and went to Nick's parents for him to get his Ravens jersey, where he was able to convince his dad to come to Chris' parents' to watch the game with us. It was a lot of fun, even if we ended up losing. We had reservations for B for dinner, which proved to be a delicious experience again. Started with a salad, Nick got a squash soup, which I liked, since it tasted very much like pumpkin pie, but after a while, Nick realized this, too, and took a dislike to it. Anyways, the main courses were their house ravioli for me (without the sage brown butter, just the marinara, which made all the difference this time, awesome.) and sausage tortolini for Nick. We both enjoyed our meals very much and for dessert, pumpkin creme brule for me and chocolate tort for Nick. Had that cherry lambics beer I like, Kasteel Rouge, that we got so deliciously drunk on in Philly at Eulogy when we were there to see The Kills, as well. In fact, I didn't get my cappuccino on account of having two Kasteel Rouges and feeling very ready to explode.

Monday, we went to Club Charles, got in some interesting conversations with a random hipster at the bar, played some music, had some drinks. Tuesday was Smiths/Morrissey Karaoke at The Ottobar, old-school, singing over the records. Bill was there, of course. It was so much fun. Nick sung three times, I sung twice (I Want The One I Can't Have and Suedehead.), it was awesome. Terribly good fun. Wednedsay I met Mom and Tony for dinner at Outback and received a phone call whilst waiting for them from Nick telling me that I was missing a Quacker Factory Special on QVC or HSN with a live studio audience, that looked EXACtLY like you would imagine them to. Sorry I missed that haha. Hope they run something with Palermo soon. Watched Top Chef. The very dull girl from Red Maple got voted off. Thursday, we went to The Wind-up, where even though there was a cover for a jazz ensemble, which I could have done without, it was still fun. Rob and Lori came out for a while, and eventually, without even noticing, we were the last people in there save Russell and Jason. This was the night that my Mom went to see The Eagles in D.C., and she had so much fun. I was so glad. They upgraded her and Tony's seats and they were in the second row. It was really good that they had so much fun. Friday, by far the worst day at work this week, became an unintentional evening of rest for us both, as we took naps when we got home and Nick slept through my calling at the time we said that we'd get ready to head out, and my going back to sleep, as well, but it was alright, since we had the drive to New York on Saturday.

Addicted To Bad Ideas

So glad that it's Friday. Do have to say, the work weeks have been going by quickly here at the new job. This week will be my fourth one completed, so a month. So glad that I get paid this coming Wednesday, so I can pay my fucking bills!! I really want to join Curves. May check it out after work, although, I should really just head home and start getting ready, since the reservations for Bicycle are at 7, and with downtown traffic and that, we'll have to leave a little after 6. It's a shame that I feel the need to fork out what will peobably be $50 a month or so to get the exercise that I could, concievably, get in my own home, for free. The only thing is, I know that I will not stick with it, but if I have paid for it, and am out with people, and it becomes part of my routine, then maybe I will. I'm so mad that I did not stick with walking when it was summer and stayed light for so long. Now, it's dark just about when I leave work, and walking is just out of the question. Unless I went to the mall and did laps there, but then, of course, there are mall temptations, so what can you do? Went to Red Lobster with Tia Wednesday. That was my one meal for the day. Felt stuffed, maybe my stomach shrank a little. Had fried shrimp, a plain baked potato (just salt), which was surprisingly delicious for its simplicity, a Caesar salad, and two Cheddar Bay biscuits. Tia remarked that I got my hips and butt back, but that I look so much better than when I was so skinny following everything that happened. I know a lot of people said that I didn't look healthy being that skinny, but I like the way I looked. I guess now really all that I want is to lose some of it, maybe not go all the way back to twenty pounds lighter, but the way that I looked when Nick and I started dating, when I was so fretting about starting to put it back on, that's how I want to look now. Watched Top Chef with Carmin, and Nick and I discussed it last night. So far, the girl from Baltimore is painfully dull. The Finnish guy is pretty arrogant, but I think that he's my favourite so far. Nick came down last night and we went to The Wind-up. No show and pleasantly empty. Rob was already there, and then Angel and Lori showed up. There is so much drama going on regarding the whole Rob and Angel thing, of which I am thouroughly exhausted, and now there's Lori wanting to talk to me, and then Angel turning around and wanting to talk to me, and I really don't want any part of it. Anyways, had some drinks, never felt anything though. Nick wanted a snack on the way home. I totally didn't feel hungry and wasn't going to get anything, but he said that he thought that I had been doing good and that it wouldn't hurt (which I don't agree with, but was terribly nice to hear that that is his opinion.), so we each got a bag of Combos, although I ate only a few, so I atleast feel good about that. I am excited to go to Bicycle tonight and see that beautiful boy.

Only Anarchists Are Pretty

I am supposed to go to dinner at Red Lobster with Tia today after work. I'm excited since I haven't seen her in so long, but on the other hand, I was really looking forward to coming home from work and sleeping until the premiere of Top Chef this evening, and of not eating. I have to do something about this weight, but as I have been, I am at a complete loss. Even when I have been trying, no improvement. I am seriously considering joining Curves, for real, I just hope that I can afford it. Anyways, Monday night was a lot of fun. Went to Club Charles. Nick made a new mix, which is strange and wonderful. It has one of the World/Inferno songs that they played at the show, Only Anarchists Are Pretty, on it. Have to get those albums. There were melt-downs all over the place at school that day, including the teacher! The principal remarked that he was a sea of calm in the midst of all of this drama that day, which is really good. I am so proud of him. Discussed the myriad Ryan Adams albums there are, and where one should even begin in aquiring them. The end of the night found the entire bar up dancing to Boys and Girls, which was awesome. Saw Shay and Jess. Headed home, where it was a real shame that I had to be at work at 7:30 yesterday. Had to go with my manager to the corporate office for computer training in Owings Mills. Made that steam in the bag ravioli and broccolli and garlic bread for dinner for Nick and I last night. Got to see that Gavin and Stacey show on BBC America, hilarious. Welsh people are so odd. After that, we headed to The Ottobar. Victor luckily wasn't mad that I am not going to his show in Frederick tomorrow. If it weren't in Frederick, I'd totally be there, but fucking Frederick, on a weeknight, no way. Him, Steph, Kyle, Kristy, and Lori were out, it was cool. Dacnced to A Town Called Malice, sung along with Morrissey. The karaoke is next Tuesday. Marvelled at how many horribly dressed people there were out last night. Seriously, the fucking leggings have to go. Excited to see Top Chef tonight. There is the one contestant that is from Baltimore, so that's cool. Not sure if I am supposed to make the reservation for Bicycle for this weekend or if Nick is.

Well, I got my days mixed up, and thought that The Decemberists' show was Friday, when in fact it was Saturday, so we had to reschedule dinner at Salt, again, for earlier on Saturday, which luckily was possible and caused no problems with the restaurant. Nick had been planning on trying to do a guys' night with Rob after we had dinner on Saturday, so because the show was then, he and Rob went out Friday, and I went to Hampden to hang out with Lori. It was a lot of fun. This was the first time that just she and I hung out without any boys or Angel. We had a good time. I did get another parking ticket, though, this one in a bustop, so it's $52. I didn't even know it was a bustop, because there were like four other cars parked along that stretch, and when I saw the lady writing the ticket, I tried to apologise and move it, but she said that once she scanned my tag, the computer wouldn't let her back out of it. I saw an episode of Parking Wars yesterday which said the same thing, but still, I think that she was a hateful black woman. That's technology for ya, if it were paper, you could still appeal to someone's decency. Anyways, apart from that, it was fun. Nick came over after he took Rob back to his car.Very good to get to sleep in, although, by our standards, we were up and moving pretty early, by like 1. Went to his parents for him to do some laundry and hung out for a bit, before going to Wegmann's to look at their British food section, still no Walker's, unfortunately. We did get a few things, took that back to his mother's, then went to Salt. The food was amazing. Really enjoyed every aspect of the dinner, definately a place I would like to go back to. We each started with a drink, Nick got a German beer, Krotkiker or something like that, I got one of their house drinks called an Upsidedown Cake, which was pineapple and cinnamon infused vodka with pineapple juice. Fabulous. Downed that pretty quick. They brought out some bread, asiago cheese and olive bread. The asiago was really good, the olive I could have done without. It wasn't bad, but I had to pick out the actual slices of olives that were in it. They paired the bread with some sort of tomato and red pepper chutney. That was incredibly flavourful. Our starters were their famous duck fat French fries, which, as horribly bad for you as they are, are really worth it, because they are hands-down the best French fries I have ever had, with three different aoli's, and Nick got a (large) sea scallop with pork belly and a drunken apple. Of course he doesn't eat apples, so I got that, it was like a stewed apple, and the whole thing was like marinated in whiskey. We split the fries, which were worth every calorie. Our main courses were salmon and steak. Nick finally got me to try rare steak, although I did insist that it was the most done piece of rare steak on the plate. I did not get sick, and, yes, it was juicy and delicious. Still not jumping into rare steaks myself, although I did get medium well the last time at Abacrombie, and next time will try medium. His steak came with bleu cheese tater tots (who thinks up these things?) and Swiss chard with applewood bacon. My salmon was very good (I wish I could have finished it.), served with crab, sweet potato, and chive perogies, and kale. Really enjoyed the kale, which is nearly the same as spinach, although the perogies were not so great. But that's mainly because I have never liked perogies, or dumplings or gnocci's or anything like that. For dessert, Nick got a vanilla creme brule, oh yeah, it was suble and entirely wonderful, and I got their trio of mini ice cream cones. There was dolce de leche, mocha, and pumpkin. Nick ended up having the mocha one, just too much for me to eat, but they were all delicious. We each had another of our drinks, and all totalled up, it cost $124 before tip. Nick got this one, and we both marvelled that he is now able to do that, when at UPS, that would have been his entire paycheck, on a good week. Went to Ram's Head Live. The Decemberists were awesome, really good show. This was the fourth time I have seen them. Shame they are only releasing their new ep on vinyl and online, although, now that Mom is giving me her old laptop, I am planning on trying to use it just to get music. After the show, we met up with Rob, Angel, and Lori at Club Charles. Ran into that kid Bob who lived across the street from me at Foxhall, and actually had a face to face conversation with him for the first time. Was very glad to be out with everyone, Nick especially, although we did gross out Lori by me picking something out from between his teeth haha. No going to Chris' parents' on Sunday to watch the game, so after sleeping in till 11 or so, starting the day off in the best way, we went to his parents' to watch it. Got some beer, I actually found that the Sam Adams Cherry Wheat is good, rather like a cherry lambics, which is what I was hoping for. There was a lot of snacking, and Christina and Cintya came over to watch the majority of the game. We got pizza with his parents afterward, and watched some episodes of Parking Wars, which is amusing especially since it is in Philly, primarily South Philly, and we saw a number of familiar haunts. Totally want to go back up for a weekend in the near future. Drove back to my house for Nick to get his car, Carmin and Allen were watching that scary movie, The Strangers.

Want to get some stuff done when I get out of here. Would love to do laundry, if the washer has been hooked back up. Have to write out checks to pay those two parking tickets, my long-neglected car insurance, change my sheets. I will be glad to see Nick later and hit Club Charles.

"It's Coming Through The Walls!"

Yesterday proved to be very interesting, to say the least. I got a text form Carmin around 10:30 saying to call her immediately, and when I did, I was told that water was backing up and overflowing from every plumbing thing in the house, and that she didn't know what to do. So she called Jeff, and he called a plumber, and I called Mom and had her come get me. I told my boss that the pipes had burst at my house, and at this time, I didn't know for sure that that was not the case, left work, and headed home. There ended up being two clogs, one of which was from tree roots strangling a line outside towards the alley, and that caused the back-up of filthy, disgusting brown water and matter to back up and over flow from the tub, from UNDER the toilet (not out of the bowl, but from between the bathroom floor and the base of the toilet.), the sink in the bathroom, and the sink in the kichen (that was really gross.). It also leaked through the ceiling down into the livingroom and dining room, luckily avoiding all of the electronics and all. Once it was all sorted out and the plumber left (it cost Jeff $702.00, this is why I do not want to own a house.), we went to get supplies for the disinfecting and cleaning. First, however, we had to brace ourselves for the job by having lunch at Olive Garden (just the soup, salad, and breadsticks.), then oging to Target. Cleaned everything in the house and threw so much away, but everything is super nice now, and hopefully will stay that way. Took my shower last night and everything ran alright. Hope they hook the washer back up soon though, so that I can do laundry at some point. Nick came down and I told him all about it. I reminded him about The Decemberists show tonight, which he had forgotten about, and had made reservations for dinner at Salt, which was terribly nice, but is now going to call and try to move them for tomorrow night. Failing that he may make them for Bicycle. We went to The Wind-up, which was pretty dead, like it was when we first started going there, which was a fine change. Had fun, in our own little world for the most part, goofing off, making asses of ourselves probably. The only thing was I said something about not understanding why the kids he works with at the school are the way they are, and offended him, on account of how he was as a kid, and coming from a good home but still just being born with these problems, and I felt very bad, but we sorted it out. I love him so much, and don't want to put my foot in my mouth in any way. Very excited about it being the weekend, and seeing The Decemberists tonight. Nick said that he'll probably come down around 7, since doors are at 8, and I'd like to get a good spot up on the balcony so I can see something. He said that The Falcon's Nest is having Maryland crab today, so I am toying with the idea of going over there for lunch. I will be glad to see Nick later.

Monday night Nick came down and we went to club Charles, which was considerably less hectic than this weekend. Told Nick about the drama that ensued the night before. Put $5 in the jukebox and had control of the playlist for a good deal of the evening, although it jipped us of about three or four songs for some reason. Played the Neutral Milk Hotel cd in the car on the drive, really, really like it. Nick stayed over, which was especially nice. I was surprised that he said that he ended up getting up and leaving around 9:30 in the morning. Mainly he said that was because he had some really weird dreams, nightmares, really. Something about a Chinese girl with a faucet for a nose, who kept turning up no matter how he tried to get away from her. Very strange. Anyways, it killed me to leave when I had to go to work, it is so lovely sleeping there like that. Last night we went to Ottobar, which was running the election results, and having a dance party downstairs. So yeah, Obama won and we all have been part of history. It was such a celebratory atmosphere, and there were so many people out. Actually, the troops were all assembled, Rob and Angel, then Victor, Kyle, and Steph, then the Lezzie Brigade showed up, Christina, Cintya, Rachel, Haley, and Tyler (funny thing, Steph knows Rachel, small world. Extended lesbian networks). Lori got there later on. Saw Rob and Melanie, too, when we got there. I said hello, he looked at me funny. I can't be bothered. Anyways, we had a good time. I admit, I did cry a little bit during Obama's acceptance speech. I really hope he improves things. We danced on stage and rocked out, stayed till close, took a rather drunk and sedate Nick home. Ran over to the Falcon's Nest, little lunch room thing in The Forbush school, where some of the high school students work, that Nick is always raving about their soups and sandwiches. He said that I should come over and try it, so I amazingly was able to go over there, get some food, and get back here in a half an hour, but only saw him for a second, since he had to go right back to his class after getting his lunch to take back. But boy, if the food isn't good. Minestrone soup and half a tuna sandwich with a big piece of bread for the soup for $3.50. The tuna salad was good, and the bread was so fucking fresh, they must have just baked it that morning. Did very bad for dinner, though. Carmin had to take me to drop off my car for service for today, so after that, we went to the Pat's that just opened in Carney, and had pizza and cheese fries. So bad, but again, I feel like at such a loss with trying to lose weight again, no matter what I try, I can't even begin to see the slightest improvement. I am seriously thinking about taking something, just to get started. If I could make some headway, then I'd be able to keep it off, I think, but as it is, even when I've been only eating two bowls of Life cereal for five days in a row, I haven't seen anything. I'm at a loss. Anyways, there was nothing on television last night, and Carmin had to go in to do an overnight, so I went to bed at 8:30 and Mom brought me to work today and has to pick me up to get my car afterwards, and then we'll do something. I will be glad to see Nick later.

No One On The Corner Has Swagger Like Us

Halloween was a lot of fun. Kind of lasted two nights really, since it was on a Friday this year. Right as I was getting ready to leave here, Nick texted me to ask if I wanted to go to a 7:20 showing of Happy Go Lucky, which just opened this weekend at The Charles. I said yes, but realising that getting my hair cut and coloured would take atleast an hour and a half, decided to just get it cut and save the dye-job for next time. Even then, I still ahd a lot of rushing to do, to stop at the ATM, rinse the loose hair off of me, get my costume on, and make-up, but somehow, we managed to get to The Charles in ten minutes. Nick's costume was crazy. He really looked like The Joker, and with all the make-up and wig, if I didn't know it was him, I would have never known it was him. There were several people that night who didn't recognise him. Also, there were random strangers who came up and commented on it, some black people driving next to us on North Avenue, a guy in a car across from the theatre who pulled over to say something, the guy taking our tickets in the theatre, and then a girl in the bar. He did look spot on. Of course, it sucked that we couldn't really kiss eachother, and even when we tried to be really careful and barely touch, I still got the face paint on me (also got on his phone at one point.). Happy Go Lucky was really good, for the most part. It was not even like watching a movie, it was almost painfully real, like watching a renactment of your own life, or remembering conversations you actually had, but we both really enjoyed it and it was well worth the wait for it to come to The Charles. After the movie, we ventured across the street to Club Charles, where people were just starting to turn up, but it still wasn't crowded inside and we got a table. We ordered the fish and chips from the new "brought back," albeit limited, Zodiac menu, since we hadn't had dinner, and Jamie said that it was good, although, we both found it lacking in myriad ways. By the time the food got there, and Rob came in, Club Charles had blown up, and we left before 11:30 because Chrissy and some people were at Wind-up, and, honestly, it was miserable in Club Charles by this point. It was like a wall of people. There were some clever costumes, Joan of Arc, Little Red Riding Hood and The Big Bad Wolf, that fag "Mystery" from that stupid Pick-up Artist show on VH1, a Sarah Palin, complete with a beauty pagent sash reading "Miss Road To Nowhere" and an inflatable moose head. So we stopped in Hexagon on the way, didn't see Jamie, who was supposed to be working the carnival games, did see Creepy Paul putting on a ski mask, but that doesn't necessarily mean he was dressing up for Halloween, that could just be from his normal attire for the day. Wind-up was packed, so many people spilling out onto the street. Hung out with Rob and Chrissy and Matt Kelly, everybody said we looked good. My costume, of course, was a flapper, which isn't really that much of a stretch form my normal look, but it felt good to be able to show off my new ink. Thank God it was nice weather, much warmer than it has been, and no rain or anything. Angel showed up later on, on-going drama, whatever. It was lovely to sleep in, having nothing really to do other than go out in the evening for round two of Halloween, and going over Nick's before then. I wore my costume again, Nick was just going as himself, which kind of also was the 1930's gangster thing, which complimented my costume, but then at the last minute, as we were leaving, he thought of being Robert Mitchum's character from Night Of The Hunter, so I wrote "Love" and "Hate" on his knuckles, and we stopped at his house to get his suit coat and his mom gave him one of her scarves to wear as the droopy kind of bowtie he wore in that movie. It was very clever, and looked damn good. I got a lot of compliments on my dress, even though it was way too short and not at all historically accurate for length, but I was pleased with it as a whole. Went to Joe Squared, Rob and Angel and Lori were there. Angel was Rosie The Riveter, which was very cool, and Lori was Death, wearing her skelton-x-ray shirt and carrying a sickel. Rob played in two of the cover bands. Savory James did Nirvana, and were awesome as usual, and then he was in a Queens Of The Stone Age one formed just for that show. The Misfits cover band was fronted by that guy Peter who used to work at Holy's, now at Tattoo Museum and Ottobar, and we ended up hanging out with him after the show, walking down to Club Charles (after finding out that The Wind-up was closing early since Russell and Holly had had a really rough night). There was a moment of awkwardness upon finding out that he was a founder of Wham City and still friends with Dan Deacon, and I felt bad, because it was so nice talking with him, and I have know that guy for years, and he's obviously cool, so after both Nick and I apologised separately, and trying to explain our reasons, and him even acknowledging that there is a stigma to Wham City and he doesn't know how it happened (MICA kids, I said, and flourescent colours), I said, well it must have had decent beginnings atleast, and he said that it was cool. Stayed at Club Charles till the boss lady who owns the joint kicked us all out (it was later relayed that the liquor board had been around and she's on the warpath to make sure they don't get written up.) Oh, yeah, got pizza at Joe Squared (half plain cheese, half green peppers), and Nick got calamari. Honestly, the way people rave about it, I was really expecting something, but the two times I had two different, basic pizzas from there, they were alright, but nothing to write home about. I mean, they are known for their bizzarre specialty pizzas, but wouldn't you think that if that were the case, that their basic pizzas would be atleast mildly exceptional? It wasn't bad, but nothing to rave about. Had better at BOP and Bella Roma, hands down. Sunday was The Ravens' game against The Browns in Cleveland, so we watched it in Ellicott City at Chris' parents'. It was pretty intense. They had lasagne and homemade garlic cheese bread, and I brought Doritos. We ended up winning, but it got crazy for a while. It was a good time. Stopped by Best Buy and picked up the new Kaiser Chiefs and Neutral Milk Hotel, In An Aeroplane Over The Sea. I always heard people saying that I would like them and that they were rather like The Decemberists. Nick played a song or two that I did like, so I got the cd, and I really, really like them. Want to check out Soundgarden for World Inferno cd's this week, otherwise I am ordering all three of them off of Amazon, because they are fucking amazing. Anyways, Nick had to buy Zombie Strippers and a new Tiger Woods video game, so after that, we went back to his house for a little bit before he took me home to begin playing the game on the PS3, and after watching a little television with Carmin, we went to bed. She and I were awoken around 3 from the people next door above the beauty shop having an all out brawl, sounded like they were coming through the wall, screaming and yelling, and at one point the woman saying, "Let go of me!" so we called the police. Of course, nothing happened, they didn't even open the door at first, then said there were no problems, then once the cops left it started up again. Heard the woman say at one point that it must have been "those two girls next door that called the cops." Not calling the police anymore--- people can kill eachother over there for all I care. But they woke us up and all.

So that was how my weekend ended, up till after 4 in the morning listening to white trash drama. Looking forward to Club Charles later and Nick hopefully staying over since he's off again tomorrow.

My Word, That Was Fun!

Felt a little better yesterday. Wednesday was shit, felt so sick. Couldn't focus at work, kept fucking shit up, non-drowsy my ass. Cancelled my hair appointment (rescheduled for today), cancelled dropping off my car (rescheduled for next week), didn't drop Carmin's movies off (did that yesterday after work), just ran in Target to get Mucinex and tampons. Probably the most in and out shopping I've ever done in a Target in my life. I must have felt sick haha. Had two bowls of cereal, killing that box of Life when I got home, then promptly got in bed at 6 pm where I remained until 7 the next morning. So thirteen hours of sleep. Took a huge shot of Nyquil, which helped, too. Still don't feel perfect. Did go out last night. After we managed to tear ourselves away from the American Kitchen Nightmares, some of which we watched whilst on the phone with eachother, Nick came down and we hit The Wind-up, which is decorated for Halloween, although not as good as Club Charles. Club Charles just lends itself to this holiday, considering it's haunted all year round. Anyways, there was no cover or band, which was good, because they were playing pretty good music, nearly the entirey of Iggy Pop's Lust For Life. At first I though maybe they were playing the Trainspotting soundtrack, because I heard Lust For Life, Nightclubbing, and The Passenger, but all of those are on Lust For Life, too. We had fun, although I did somehow lose one of the earrings that Nick's mom brought me back from Puerto Rico while we were out. I had this high collar zip-up sweater on, and I'm sure that's how it got caught and got snagged off and dropped somewhere. I tried to retrace my steps, but to no avail. I am so mad. I really love those earrings, I mean I really like them in general, and it was so nice of his parents to bring them back for me. I wear them a lot. I guess I will have to take the remaining one to Beadazzled in Mount Vernon maybe to see if they can make another one. So mad. Other than that, it was a fun night. Angel was there for a while, although not with Rob, and mostly hanging out with her friends, who weren't in the least bit friendly, at the other end of the bar. Which was fine. We discussed going to New York maybe in December to see Gogol Bordello, and the next time we go to Philly for the weekend. Sung along with the enw mix on the drive home, after me sining my heart out on The Lib's The Boy Looked At Johnny, Nick grabbed me and kissed me saying seeing me happy and dancing around (albeit in the driver's seat of a car haha) inspired such a reaction, whcih makes me happy to no end. We had a hilarious back and forth regarding the passing of the tide this weekend, which Nick then said was the worst Abbott and Costello bit ever. I love him for thinking of things like that, it's so brilliant and obscure. I will be glad to get out of here today and get my hair done, and then get dressed up, although I know that I am going to be freezing. Going to dress up tonight and tomorrow night since that's when everybody will be out, for the show at Joe Squared. Hope my dress fits. Didn't strya too far from my diet this week, although I see no results and feel so shitty. Don't know what to do. Anyways, very excited to go out and see that beautiful boy.

I feel like absolute shit. The allergies were so bad yesterday, and this morning my nose is still stopped up and running, and it is so sore from blowing it. I need to get some more Mucinex because I can feel it running down into my chest. It makes me feel nauseated, too. I really wish I could have stayed home today. I wonder if there is any way I can leave early? I was waiting till 8:20 to be let in the office, I was really hoping they wouldn't show. Went to The Ottobar last night. Rob came out for a while, and I was surprised to see Victor and Steph, since Kyle had a show at Sonar, but they just watched his band and then left. Felt pretty out of it most of the night actually. This medicine is supposed to be non-drowsy, but I was ready to fall asleep right on the stool. I don't care for how it makes me feel if I am around people, because I can't focus or really be bothered. When we came home, Nick got his clothes from my car and lent me his copy of Notes From The Underground. This is the copy he said that he had with him when he was hospitalised. I'm supposed to get my hair done today after work. I also need to drop my car off for service for tomorrow and take Carmin's movies back to Video Americain, which I was supposed to do last night and didn't. Got to stop at Target. I don't feel like doing any of it. I may cancel my hair appointment. I'd like it to look really good for Halloween, but I also want to rest so I can feel better. Nick requested off Monday and Tuesday. I'm very jealous, obviously, especially because he keeps reminding me that he will be able to stay in bed, all warm under the covers, when I have to go out in the cold. Anyways, last night they played like four Smiths and Morrissey songs back to back, and we were singing, Morrissey hands in full-effect, it was awesome. I will be glad to get out of here and go home so I can take some medicine and go to bed. I'll be glad to see Nick tomorrow. He said he may try to book Salt for the weekend.

It's absolutely miserable out. It's cold and has been raining since yesterday. I was hoping that atleast it would have stopped overnight, but it continues, and is supposed to all day, that is till this evening when the dreaded word "snow" may be possible, so says WTMD. I'll have to check The Weather Channel. Came straight home from work yesterday, too cold and wet. Watched television with Carmin and had two bowls of Life cereal (also two pieces of chocolate and some of those damn peanuts, but other than that, that was it for the day.). Nick called me at 9, while I was taking a little nap. We went to Club Charles, remembering once we got there that Jamie said that she wouldn't be here last week, getting ready for her theatre thing across the street at The Strand, I guess. The place was fucking over-run with Wham City kids, the little bastards, and that fat fuck, Dan Deacon was pontificating and looking like a total prat. They have nextdoor, what was the Zodiac Restaurant, as their own little "performance space" now, why can't they have their clubhouse meetings over there and leave the bar for the actual Baltimore scene. Can't stand those little New York trust-fund babies and their charity shop clothes for the sake of it. Needless to say, Nick was on a roll, his blood boiling and acid dripping from every one of his barbed remarks, said with intention of being heard. After a while though, a good deal of them cleared off, and it was alright. That or the alcohol set in and it just didn't bother us as much. Nick played Tom Petty's "Don't Come Around Here No More," which we knew was for the MICA kids, even if they were too thick to take a hint. Shay showed up after a while, spoke with her, as well as Jess, the head chef from Abacrombie.

My allergies returned with a fury today, and I am trying to hold out on taking any Tylonal Allergy Sinus whilst here at work, on account of how it fucks me up, even though it's supposed to be non-drowsy. That and not wanting to eat till I go home and have dinner (more cereal, oh yeah. I could live on cereal, and I intend to, all week till the weekend.) and I would need to eat a little something if I took medicine. Anyways, I'd like to get my hair done so that it's in top form for Halloween, but I also just want to go home and get right in bed so that I feel decent for Two For Tuesdays tonight. Have to call Victor and try to assemble the troops as it were. Nick made a new mix last night, which he said is very "Kathleen happy." I will be glad to see him later and have a few drinks. I want to dance.

"I'm An Anarchist, Therefore I'm Not Voting."

Back to work today, starting my second week. Sitting out here on my own for the time being, hopfully having enough time to save and close this if someone approaches. I slept for twelve hours Wednesday, from 7 to 7 Thursday morning. I didn't eat till I went to Fire House with Mom and Tony for dinner, and then I had a bowl of Maryland Crab, a small Caesar salad, and maybe five or so of Mom's steak fries. Oh, and two vodka and diets, had to start early. Actually put a lot of effort into my appearence, wore some make-up, with positive results. We went to The Wind-up where there was a band playing, they weren't great, but it was tolerable, not that dischordant noise like last week. Again, if you're not The Velvet Underground, don't try to be The Velvet Underground. Nick's students had pretty much non-stop melt-downs this week, so I got to hear about him nearly getting bitten several times, and having to preform those "take-down" techniques that he learned. We had some drinks and it was fun. Had a nice conversation about books and stuff we read in school as kids, what we liked and what we didn't at the time, and what we changed our minds on upon re-reading as adults. Stopped at Subway and had some Walker's whilst watching a jewelry sale on HSN or QVC and the nonesense on Shop Erotic, switching back and forth to create some hilarious snippets of conversation. For whatever reason, on Thursday at work, everything just kind of clicked, and now I feel like I totally get it, or that I'm on the road to totally getting it, and I was zipping around like I was on speed, the time went by and I felt really good about being there, like I know what I'm doing. Anyways, Friday was pretty much the same, and when I was about to leave, I got a text from Nick saying that he got reservations for Pazo at 8:30. So I was really excited for that. Stopped at Reptilian when I left here to get the tickets for World Inferno, then got a new pair of black jeans at Target. Hung out with Carmin and Allen at the house before they went out and I got ready. Pazo is gorgeous. I had noidea that it was so large, the entirety of this converted warehouse in Fells, so beautiful and opulent, and Nick said that he knew that it would appeal to my 1920's aesthetic, and he was right. The food was pretty good, tapas, although not as many good choices as Kali's Mezza, I don't think. I kind of made a pig of myself on these fries, because I didn't know that there would be so many in an order, or that we would be ordering more rounds of small plates, so I kind of had a little bit of a breakdown at the table feeling fat and gluttonous, which would have been understandable had I been drinking, but I hadn't started yet, so this was overly emotional without real reason. I felt really bad and dumb after, I must have looked really upset, because Nick kept asking, "Baby, what's wrong? Clearly something is." I am committed to not getting upset like that, not complaining, to not being whiney or sulking. I mean it. Anyways, we ordered a number of things. First, they gave us these fabulous crackers, like graham crackers with pumpkin seeds on top. Then we got flat bread with goat's cheese, Nick got scallops, which I have never cared for, but they were on top of pureed squash, which was like a more subtle sweet potato mash. Very good, I was sorry when the girl took it prematurely. I got some garlic shrimp, which was good, although I could have done without the tomato creme sauce on top, Nick got some sort of breaded pork skewers, veal empanadas, and I got those fries, or "papas fritas," then "Spanish peanuts" with dried chick peas, sauteed broccoli, which was really good (olive oil and lime salt), and potato coquettas. I abstained from dessert, even though there was an espresso ice cream calling to me, and just stuck with a cappuccino, while Nick got watermelon granita, which despite being a slush, was so flavourful, and natural watermelon flavour, too. All in all, it was very good, and I definately would like to go back and try more of their selections. Following that, we made our way from Fell's up Broadway to North Avenue, approaching The Wind-up from the opposite way. There were a lot of weirdos out. Some people seemingly getting an early start on the zombie walk Saturday, some maybe from this avant-garde street theatre group I've read about, some maybe legitimantly fucking weird, you just couldn't tell. Saw Rob and Chrissy for a little while. Came home, had a lovely time. Slept in, actually got up early by our standards, 12:30, 1 o'clock. Started the day in the best way, killed some time around the house till the rain let up. Went to Tattoo Museum for Nick to get some ink. I wanted to get some more and all. He got his Utz girl, so now he's literally got a chip on is shoulder haha. It looks really good. Went to his parents' for a bit, where they showed me their wedding photos and pictures from when they were at Exeter in England. We then left to have dinner at Golden West. It wasn't as good as it had been when I was there on Monday, atleast my quesadillas weren't. I think Nick's bbq bacon burger was up to his standards though, as were the tater tots. Got a piece of cake, although it was yellow with chocolate icing instead of the mocha, which I would have preferred, but they were out. Actually, that was a little dry, so, it was alright, but I've had better there. Went to Fraizer's to have a drink and meet up with Lori before going to the Ottobar for the World Inferno show. Rob and Angel showed up, and went to The Ottobar, as well, but stayed upstairs. There were a lot of opening bands, so we were upstairs for a while, before going down. World Inferno Friendship Society was fucking amazing. I had never heard them before, but Nick had and thought that I would like them, and I really, really do. Absolutely incredible, caberet punk really is the only way to describe it. It's totally the kind of thing that I can see myself getting behind and into, like The Libs, something bigger than just music. We danced and rocked out, Nick got in the pit, luckily nobdy hurt his arm, and the last song of the encore, I got in, as well. I didn't get trampled, Thank God. It was so much fun. At one point, while we were dancing, Nick said to me, "I do love you," which makes me happy to no end. The band played one song where you waltzed, which I lead Nick with. We got the hang of it after a bit, although we stopped because he got dizzy haha. It was an awesome time. Nick went home since he had to get up to go to the Ravens' game with his dad. They won, which was good. I spent my day hanging out with Carmin. We went to Common Ground, but it was packed inside and we had to eat our bagels and have our iced mochas outside, which sucked because it was cold. Then we went to Walmart and Alko for me to get some more scrubs. Watched Shaun Of The Dead on television, which is still one of my favourite movies. In fact, Saturday night when we were eating in Gold West, there was a guy dressed as Shaun, and when he got up to leave, I said to him, "Excuse me, you've got red on you." It was funny. He got a kick out of our knowing who he was supposed to be, and Nick and I got a kick out of it because, as Nick said, that movie will always hold a special place in our hearts.

Trying to decide if I want to go straight home or make any stops after work. I will be glad to see Nick later on.