"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.