Disclaimer, If You Will

I realize that my posts read like a cheap, rambling, redundant, and shallow recounting of bars hopped and meals consumed. Rest assured that the introspective shit is simply not making it on here. The eyes of the world (or potential for people to read it, I don't actually think that anyone does, but the fact that someone, stranger or not, could stumble upon it) need not know all the inner musings. This coupled with the fact that I am now in a position where when I get the chance to update, it has to be quickly and consisely. It's really to serve me, anyways, to aid me in remembering experiences, to provide a little something to jog my memory, and access everything stored there.

Last Thursday, went to The Wind-up, however, they had some African drum jazz sax beat poetry crap, so we left after one drink and went down to Club Charles where we met Rob, and randomly Steph and Kyle who were there with Stu and Tyler. Had two delicious Jeremy white Russians, Nick drove my car, slept there, then left when he went to work, slept at home till 10:30 when Carmin got up and we took all of that stuff to the Good Will. After dropping that off, we got a bagel and coffee, then purchased a new dish drainer (crazy times). She had to get ready for that event from work that her and Allen were going to that evening. I bummed around at the mall till it was time to get ready for the 60's Girl Groups thing at the Sidebar. That was a lot of fun, although it started out ridiculously packed and unbearable. Bill came out, but wasn't feeling it, so he left early on. I felt bad, since this was my idea, and he had been excited about it (there were a lot of older people there that knew Matt from The City Paper, so atleast he felt good about not being the oldest person there.). Rob and his brother came out, as did Lori. Nick and I danced so much. Once The Motorettes played, the place cleared out enough where one could dance comfortably. Rob and Melanie showed up, I think just because of City Paper people. Whatever, we were there because we are actually into that kind of music. Hit The Wind-up afterwards, saw Angel and that guy George and Chrissy. Went back to Hampden, slept in. Saturday got coffee and then lunch at Soup's On. Still haven't had a soup there that I like, but eh. Took a walk, hung out at mine, went to dinner with Nick's parents at Annabelle Lee. Really, really good, once again. We got some appetizers for the table to share (the crabdip pizza and sweet potato fries, both delicious.), Nick got a bowl of their soup of the day (corn bisque with duck and chicken, very good for the corn, not crazy about the idea of the duck.). I opted for the crab and corn quesadilla, which was very nice, although I could have done with some sour cream, and Nick got his Kobe beef sliders topped with pulled pork. Everyone enjoyed their food, and I began my meal with a nice, big Raven cocktail, which didn't hurt. Nick and Rob did a guys' night and I hung out with Victor then went back to Hampden. Sunday was a nice, lazy day, although we did one productive thing in walking to the Giant and getting stuff to make lunch (Italian sausage filled cheese tortolini with white truffle olive oil, marinara, and parmasean, and garlic bread.), then watched Spinal Tap and more MST shorts. Ate dinner at Golden West, but I was a little underwhelmed with the food. I called out of work on Monday (very bad, I know.). Went to Vogue, hopefully I get some money for those clothes. Got coffee and a bagel at Common Ground. Went to Club Charles that evening. Rob met us, we got the V.I.P. Room. They went to a Capitals' game in D.C. yesterday, but got back in time to go to The Ottobar. Carmin and Allen came out, which was a real treat. They said that they had fun, and it was just really nice to have them there. Christina came out, too. Right before we left, they played A Town Called Malice, so we had no choice but to dash to the dancefloor. Rob kept giving us a hard time for making out. Had gone to dinner with Dad and Mary to Bertucci's. They gave me $300, which I really appreciate, but then my dad gave me shit about my tattoos, and an couple of other things that bothered me. Even after he tempered it with explaining and saying that he just doesn't want me to have any disadvantages, it still bothered me. Anyways, new Top Chef tonight, it is the finale. Hope Stefan makes it work (to quote Tim Gunn and combine my reality favourites.). Will be glad to see Nick tomorrow. Have to get those tickets for The Kills in Philly in May, too. Nick is going to get the ones for Robyn Hitchcock in D.C.. Hope they are all still available.

Uncorrected Personality Traits

Last Thursday was Smiths/Morrissey Karaoke. It was fabulous, atleast as far as we were concerned haha. Bill was there, of course, in full Moz regalia (got new NHS glasses for the occasion.). There really wasn't a whole lot of other people who sang, a few, but for the most part, it was Bill, Nick, and myself, which was alright. I sang I Don't Mind If You Forget Me and then I Want The One I Can't Have. It was a lot of fun (more fun than usual, actually. Don't know why.). Nick sang The More you Ignore Me. He wanted us to sing Interlude, but they didn't have it. They had this stupid recreation of the Assasination Of Abraham Lincoln, which took time away from the karaoke, then a cover band from D.C. played, and soon after, we left to go to The Wind-up. I didn't drink anything there, because I had already consumed enough at Ottobar during their $2 rail drink time. By the time we got back, he was well gone. Rob came out to karaoke, which was fun. I think he is just glad to go someplace so as not to have to run into Angel and George. Anyways, Friday we went to Club Charles. Met Lori. She was very cold to Angel when we saw her and Rob later. Things kind of came to a head about that. It was a fun night otherwise. Nick and I went back to mine, slept in on Saturday. Went to Hampden for lunch (had the WORST broccoli and cheese soup at Soup's On, they were good enough to take it off the bill.). Got coffee first, then walked to St. Mary's Cemetary. Saw some awesome tombstones, really old ones, angel statues, and one with the name that Nick says he wants to use as his alias, Osbourne P. Uppercue. It was fun. Plan on going back and taking pictures. We had dinner reservations for Abercrombie for 9:15. Initially, it seemed like it was going to be a disaster, since they were out of my first and second choices on the regular menu, and then the prix fix Valentine's Day menu didn't have the mac and cheese on it, but I wanted that one wy or the other, and nothing really jumped out, but I ended up selecting the halibut. It ended up being such a blessing that they were out of everything else, because this was one of the best meals I have ever had there or anywhere. Nick started with foie gras (gross), I got the mac and cheese (which was great, but less cheesy than usual). They had bacon wrapped scallops, so needless to say, he devoured that, my halibut was cooked and seasoned perfectly. It came on top of a garbonzo bean mash with spinach. So Good!! Nick's came with an apple fennel puree (the foie gras came with something like stewed apples, too. Surprised he ate and liked them.). For dessert, Nick had chocolate pound cake with cherry preserves. A little dry, but alright. I was thrilled with the raspberry pistashio tea cake. It was not too rich, very good. That came with a little shot glass of Chamborge Italian soda. We had a bottle of wine, and then Nick surprised me at the end of dinner with Champagne. It was an absolutely awesome dinner. Then went to The Wind-up, met Rob, then home. When at Common Ground on Sunday, ran into Carmin who was waiting for Dainty. Chatted for a bit, then to Five Guys for lunch, then Nick's parents', then on a quest for a nose hair trimmer which took us to Target and then an Ultra Mega Walmart Supercenter, and we were scarred emotionally and came out shellshocked. Back to Hampden, Christina came down and joined us for dinner at Golden West. Don't normally do anything on Sundays, but there was supposed to be a Britpop Indie Dance Party at The Depot that night. Went to check it out, reaffirmed why I go in that dubious place like once a year. Club Charles Monday night, lovely time sitting at the bar. Made it an early night. Came over early yesterday to watch Man On Wire. Ridiculous, I am so scared of heights, this blew my mind! Then to Ottobar with Rob, Vic, Kyle, and Kristy. Nick and I danced a good deal, pretty good music. Would have loved to sleep at Nick's, but had no work clothes. Got the new Morrissey album yesterday. It's pretty good, some real gems and strong lines. Definately better than Ringleader, although that had some terribly good songs scattered throughout, as well. Thinking of purchasing the Robyn Hitchcock tickets for D.C. today. I am loathe to go to D.C. in general (Ok, so 9:30 and The Black Cat aren't too bad, but still.), and this would be on a Thursday, but, it is a cool opportunity. Maybe I can take off the next day. Nick really liked that I got him I Often Dream Of Trains and the first Gaslight albums for Heart Day. I'm enjoying hearing them, too. Top Chef tonight. Down to the final four, I believe. Will be glad to see Nick tomorrow.

Slipping, I know. Internet police at work. Last Thursday, Wind-up. Met Rob and Lori. In a rare change, Nick and Lori discussed Top Chef whilst Rob and I talked about Elliott Smith. Had reservations for Bicycle on Friday. Fucking amazing, as usual. Got a bottle of Chardonay to start, the roasted corn and blue crab soup, Nick got his sashimi tuna tartar, then their fabulous salmon with mashed potatoes and veggies (asparagus, baby!!), Nick went with meat trio (barbequed short ribs, Blue Moon braised tenderloin, and Yukatan pulled pork), with mac and cheese (good, but still not Abacombie.). For dessert, there was the vanilla creme brule and a chocolate cannoli (from the Taste Of Ullswater menu.). Anyone who uses the word vanilla to mean "boring" has never had this creme brule. The flavours change as you're savouring it, and the aftertaste changes yet again. Incredible. Intense vanilla, complex. Cannoli was not Vacarro's, but it was no slouch. Would be second to Cinghale's panna cotta with the "Multiple Orgasm Cookie." Yes, the meal was outstanding. The wine, however, made me very sleepy, so after going back to Nick's parents' to let the pups out, he drove us down to Annabel Lee to meet Rob and Angel. Had one Masque Of The Red death and one Raven cocktail, somehow ended up not drunk, but normal and not sleepy like I had been. It was a lot of fun and at one point Rob was imitating this guy he knows and said the funniest line, "I did a line of blow from here to Arbutus." Maybe you had to hear it in context. Anyways, back to Lutherville to sleep till noon, Nick made lunch (seriously, too much damn eating.), then in classic, healthy style, I went back to bed (well, sofa) till three when we went back out my way to buy beer for the moving in party at Racer's and for me to get ready. Back to Hampden to The Wine Source then Chinese (again with the eating!!), then a nap in the livingroom while Nick read and we waited for people to start arriving. Ended up being a small gathering, but it was fine. Lori was the first one there. Finally got to hear about her date from Thursday (eh). Got ridiculously drunk, broke the cardinal rule about beer before liquor (never even drink beer, but this was Kasteel Rouge, the only kind I like, then champagne, then more champagne, then a superfluous and erroneous bit of vodka and Coke.). Nick was ill and all, but this was after everyone had left and felt fine by morning. Stumbled down to Common Ground for coffee and lunch, then proceeded to do absolutely nothing all day. Watched every episode of Sunny Season 3, bit of fun, then took Nick to his mom's to get his car and he made tortolini. Stayed there till midnight watching The Grammy's and Granada documentaries on rare medical conditions. Monday Annabel Lee with Christina then Club Charles. Nick trying to convince me to apply at Sheppard Pratt for what he does, although I'm not convinced that I could or would want to do what he does. I just feel like I need to maybe be in a different field and definately in a different environment (one where it's not like Nazi Germany and I don't have to feel like I am one person at work and one person when not.). Anyways, stayed in Hampden. Tuesday I met Mom and Tony for dinner at El Salto then hit Ottobar. Started drinking vodka and tonics, and I intend to keep it up (have to cut out the caffiene from Diet Coke.). Thought it would just be us holding it down, since Rob was busy, and Lori and Vic were both not feeling well, but Christina, Cintya, and Tyler showed up later. There was another weird crowd, more hipster douchebags and people in ridiculous get-ups, so much so, that Nick says a couple more weeks of this, and Twofer may have to be abandoned. Hope it doesn't come to that. They played a lot of soul and motown, danced a great deal. The weather has been fucking amazing the last couple of days. It's been warm and wonderful and I honestly feel like I am coming back to life. I know that it will get cold again (it is only February), but it has been a welcome respite. Yesterday, watched Top Chef. Got a little scary, Stefan in the bottom again, but he didn't get eliminated, which was good. Finally Leah is gone, and I severely underestimated Carla. She is a dark horse and really coming into her own. Tonight is Smith/Morrissey karaoke. Very excited. Think I may do I Don't Mind Of You Forget Me. Have to remember to charge my camera battery when I get home so I can take pictures. We saw on Tuesday that World/Inferno is coming back to Ottobar again on April 24. Bought tickets yesterday, yeah, baby!! Have to wrap Nick's Valentine's pressies (first Gaslight album and Robyn Hitchcock's I Often Dream Of Trains.). He gave me my pressie on Sunday. He saw it while we were in 9th Life and said to wrap it up before I saw it. It's a necklace with the tradidional tattoo motif of the anchor with a banner that says, "Stewed, Screwed, And Tattooed." I was very happy, that goes without saying. I will be glad to see Nick later and "sing my life" at the karaoke.

That's When I Reach For My Revolver

Hating work, feeling very much like I want to do something--- anything, outside of healthcare. Convinced though that I will never be able to break into any other kind of business since this is where all of my experience lies and I don't know anybody who can help me to get my foot in the door to do anything else (and that's what it really comes down to, knowing somebody.). Also the lack of the ubiquitous and unnecessary four-year degree. Kind of wish that I had just set my ass right where I was at the hospital, in my nook, but I am convinced that they would have gotten rid of me with one more minor bullshit slip-up, or maybe with the cutting more positions that they are doing again. I don't know. I wish something wonderful would fall in my lap or somehow I would get a lead on something (I have no problem doing the leg-work or searching around, I just would like to find something to begin with.). That, or win the lottery. I very nearly walked out again yesterday, in tears, and considered not going in today (hoped that the snow would be more substantial, but as it turned out, got here about 8:20.). Living beyond my means as it is, couldn't very well be unemployed without an immediate and definate replacement, but, God, I really want out. Carmin has been expressing similar concerns, hers for the economy and the eliminating of hours and things within retail, and the fact that she, too, feels unqualified, or that she would be deemed unqualified, for anything else since all of her experience is in retail managing (specifically the book industry). It's a shite state of affairs. Felt very bad yesterday, after watching a tiny bit of television whilst eating (polished off about a third of a box of Honey Nut Cheerios for dinner--- that's what we call "spite eating."), I went to bed, and when she came up to ask if I wasn't going to hang out with her, I apologised, but ultimately stayed in bed. Overslept to go over Nick's for Twofer. Didn't even feel like going really, but like Nick said when I was lamenting to him, we always have fun when we go there, and it is true. Monday found us at at Club Charles discussing the trip to Philly and hopefully a full week sometime in the summer there or New York, or ideally (and least likely), England. Jamie made us flaming shots of Goldschleiger, for free and out of boredom. Never had that before, but it was very good. Somehow managed to be the last people in there again, then back to Hampden where things got a little ridiculous and furniture was damaged. Not even as a joke, and it sounds so cliche, but somehow we actually managed to break the new bedframe. This is hilarious and should be able to be fixed, but it is kind of embarassing (which is why I chose to broadcast it here!!). Diet has been piss-poor this week. Somehow, the scale here in the office now says an abominable 128. Haven't started those Acai Berry pills yet. A little leary, even though the pharmacist said that they would not interact with my med's. Nick was talking about maybe doing HydoxyCut. Last night at Ottobar, Victor and company came out, along with Rob, saw some other characters, more examples of "Small-timore." Going to dinner tonight with Mom and Tony for Tony's B-day. They are going to lunch with Miss Joanne today, too. I really should hang out with Josh some time soon, especially now that he is twenty-one and can go out. Finally supposed to see Dad and Mary tomorrow for dinner, as well. Top Chef tonight. Will be glad to see Nick tomorrow and be closer to the weekend.

This One's From The Heart

Back to work today. Some snow supposed to be later and an inch or so's worth by tomorrow. Will determine whether I come in or not. Regretted bothering last Wednesday after no one else came in and it was as bad as it was out. Wondering if there are any jobs available with The Pennysaver. This publication provided numerous laughs for Nick and I yesterday, and spelling errors were the source of several. That and their arbitrary bold letters of the first three words of the ad no matter what it says. For example, after skimming down several blocks advertising sofas and entertainment centers and exercise equiptment, there was an ad for "Erectile Dysfuntion Can." Nevermind that the ad actually read, "Erectile Dysfunction Can be corrected, try this product, blah blah blah." Hilarious. That was how a good bit of Sunday was spent, a Myth Busters Marathon and golf watching at my house, with simultaneous Penny Saver perousing, before heading to Chris' parents' for the Superbowl (Pittsburgh are a bunch of cheaters and dirty players and the NFL refs are clearly on their payroll--- this from a novice. Nick said that I have learned quick this year and that he is very proud of me haha.) Friday went to Fletcher's for their Underground thing. It was so much fun, very much like the original. Bill came out and even danced quite a bit, which was great. Music was spot-on, Rob came out and had fun, I think, in spite of himself. Nick and I danced, and even though I only had three vodka and diets my standard nightly intake, really), I got obliteratingly drunk, we both did, and had to stop at Brick Oven Pizza. It was good though, since traffic in Fell's at closing time was ridiculous (reminding me again why I rarely frequent that part of the city at night), and B.O.P. is always delicious. Saw in there, of all people, Pittsburgh, what a douche, fatter and older looking than ever. Makes me shudder. Think he saw me, neither said anything, and why on earth would we? After two amazing slices of pizza, I was feeling much better, headed back to Hampden. Saturday we went to Common Ground and Soup's On then to my house for a little bit. While I do like Rob's house and I adore Nick's room there, my initial feelings of jealousy have subsided, and now I am entranced by how fucking huge my house is, and virtually uncluttered (for the most part). The open space is very accomodating to fits of wrestling and terrorizing eachother. Ventured to Nick's parents' house where he made a new mix on the computer and I hung around while his parents played with their new I-Phones. Went back to Hampden then to Paper Moon for dinner. Grilled cheese, how I love thee!! Convinced Rob to go to Annabell Lee with us. Good time, I guess I should be grateful for things that were said and not get hung up on other things. I am trying to not let things bother me in such a way. Had some nice cocktails, the Raven and The Maque Of The Red Death, then cut across the city from Highlandtown to Hampden. Slept in, then for coffee and bagels. When I came home last night, there was a very drunk and disheveled Allen sitting in the livingroom, soon to be flanked by an exhausted Carmin. Allen was particularly gregarious and I tried to hurry him along if only for Carmin's sake so that she could get some rest. Club Charles later. Feel like a lot of my posts are just recounting barhopping and lacking any real introspection that crosses my mind throughout the day. Weighed myself this morning here at work. Shock and horror. The weekend really was ridiculous, mainly the Superbowl Party yesterday.