Category: holidays

Over

Well, the three big gay holidays of the year are over.  Pride, Dore Alley, & last but not least, Folsom have all come and gone.  And while I had fun, Folsom was a mixed bag for me this year.  One might even say too much fun. [1]Yes, there will be a separate post for that.  You’ll need to be logged in to see it.  That said, I discovered a couple of old demons still lurking in my id.

The Big Muscle party on Saturday was exceptionally fun.  What can I say? So many beefy menz, so little time.  Actually, with the exception of the fair itself, everything else was almost a let down after the BM party.  Nothing else really seemed to measure up.  lol  And, I like it because everyone is still relatively sober.  I usually find the guys are often very friendly and more sociable than other events throughout the weekend.  I guess you could compare it to a Tea dance.  I also met more guys from online this year than I ever have before.  Moving on…

The weekend went great.  I was with a great group of friends, ran into some old ones and definitely met some new ones.  That said, I remember this nagging sensation gnawing at me several times.  Not about to let it ruin my fun, I tucked it away and made a mental note to crack it open later.  *g*  Well it is later and I’ve realized the nagging feeling was me feeling inferior.

Don’t get me wrong, I doubt anyone really noticed.  One thing you learn about me, when I’m nervous or intimidated I tend to act more gregarious than normal to compensate for it. [2]I know, you are asking, “is that even possible?” LOL  Call it a defense-mechanism from my childhood, whatever.  I originally chalked it up to not having worked out in over a month.  And lets face it, these events do sort of cater to the more shallow side of our nature. 

Now I’m left wondering if my lack of gym time is the real culprit?  I’m a little ashamed to say I don’t think so.  Instead, I think I’ve become so accustomed to working out it has allowed me to bury my old feelings of inadequacy.  It really shouldn’t surprise me not being able to work out just allowed them to surface.

So yeah, I had a great time at Folsom.  But, it also gave me a chance to see myself a bit more objectively.  Never a bad thing, IMHO.  I guess the point here is I realized I’ve been neglecting the inner me and focusing primarily on the outer me.  And while neither is in that bad of shape, I need to remember they both need work. *g* 

References

References
↑1 Yes, there will be a separate post for that.  You’ll need to be logged in to see it.
↑2 I know, you are asking, “is that even possible?” LOL

Yes?

After several inquires, I figured it was time to update le blog.  Like I said, I’ve been extremely busy loafing on the sofa.  It is Gay High Holy Day #3 [1]Folsom St Fair weekend and the city is awash with visitors.  As mentioned, my buddy Frank arrived today.  Rob & Chuck came over this evening to watch the Presidential debate with us (a whole other post unto itself).  Afterwards, roblog, Adam & Brad, my neighbor Chuck, and myself all trekked down to the hood for some sushi for dinner.  It was great to get out of the house and socialize. 

Tomorrow is the Big Muscle party and random oggling of da menz.  Sunday, of course, is the fair.

Several folks have asked how my shoulder is doing.  So far so good.  I’m healing up quite nicely so far.  I’ve regained about 80-90% of my motion back.  The wound itself is starting to lose most of the purpleness from the surgery.  I still have some numbness around the edges but it is better every day.  I go back to see the Ortho doctor on the 8th.  I find out then if & when I can start working out again. [2]Cross your fingers for me.

I’ll try to get some pics in but you know how absent-minded I am.  😛

And what are your weekend plans?

References

References
↑1 Folsom St Fair
↑2 Cross your fingers for me.

Survivor

I survived the 4th at work.  The day started off very slow and ended in a blaze of drama.  The last two hours of my shift, I processed just over a 100 calls.  While most folks looks forward to holidays, there are a couple that I absolutely dread in my line of work.  New Year’s eve is always a total cluster fuck.  People are often just drunk and stupid.  The 4th of July comes in right behind that as a minor meltdown.  Not so much from the noise but from the increase in crime.  We also get a lot of false calls for gunfire.  We have to respond accordingly however, it takes services away from other areas.  On the other side of the coin, we also get a real increase in shootings and gun play.  Criminals know they have a higher chance of getting away w/stupidity on such nights. 

People are always indignant from the noise which is a total surprise to me.  You know the holiday comes every year.  You know it is going to be noisy so why act so indignant?  I can understand frustration over noise however, have you ever heard of ear plugs?

As for me, The 4th of July has never been a big holiday.  Frank commented on twitter about holidays becoming less important as we age.   I agree to an extent.  As kids, I think every holiday is exciting.  As adults, we come to pick and choose the holidays that mean a lot to us.  For me, the holiday itself isn’t as important as being w/friends and loved ones. 

Anyway, I was a total slug today.  The one bright spot was my roomie’s guest made us a very delicious pasta for lunch.  hehehe. 

Weekend Roundup

Well, Gay High Holy Day #1 2008 has come and gone.  It was a busy weekend but very enjoyable.

I had an off day Friday so hung out, got errands done, etc.  I was still feeling a little blech but managed to make it to the gym.

Saturday day was pretty laid back.  My buddy Frank made it in from Phoenix.  I wasn’t too sure he’d make it but glad he did.  He is a good egg and more than a little handsome.

Frank

“Ray”, Frank, and myself all headed for lunch at Firewood.  It was the most crowded I’d ever seen it.  Every single table was full minus two.  By the time we left there was a line forming out the door.

Ray & Frank

Saturday night we went over to Adam & Brad’s new place for an intimate get together.  The boys got the new pad all decked out and looking great.  I think everyone involved had a great time.  I also got a chance to play on their Wii.  I was really impressed w/the design and layout of the console. [1]Mine is now on back order  I also got to design my own avatar which everyone said bore a real resemblance. heehee   Anyway, the evening was a success in my book.  Between playing Wii bowling and the straight Irish boys that appeared out of nowhere, I think everyone had a great time.

Brad & Frank Gaming

Someone told me not to bring food so we all ended up practically starving to death.  That is until Dominos delivered at 12:30 am.  Afterwards, we all sat around feeling fat and sassy play Smash Mario Bros.

Sunday was parade day.  I’m sad to say I made it a bit late to the festival.  Frank and I both slept late.  We got there about half way thru the parade.  Adam and Brad were starving and I got to watch them devour some hot dogs within seconds. [2]In true Southern fashion, they can put away some food when properly inspired. lol   We also ran into Victor, Tony, and little Bruno at the festival afterwards.  Bruno is so adorable and growing like a weed.

Tony & Vic

On our way out, we stopped by Faery Village and saw masturbator 1 & 2. lol  I’ll never understand the lure of standing in front of hundreds, if not thousands, of complete strangers having sex.   As brave as I am, I couldn’t just stand and beat off in front of thousands of unknown people.  There was the one guy who is there almost every year.  This year he was lying down.  I can report his ass wasn’t so attractive.  The other guy had a fantastic bod and cock but was wearing a very dorky distracting Skeletor head mask.  They were both just wanking away.  There were other naked guys [3]Side rant: Why is it always the fat fugly guys that parade around butt naked? but none worth mentioning.

Afterwards, we scarfed down a meal at the food court in the new Westfield mall before seeing Wall-E on the big screen.  Brad commented this “was his new favorite mall.”  Anyway, I highly recommend the movie.  If you like the Pixar franchise you will love Wall-E.  The plot was wonderfully engaging and thought-provoking while still maintaining a high level of entertainment.  Definitely worth the money to see it on the big screen.

Today, Frank and I were slugs.  We had lunch, a movie, dinner, and a nap all before he had to fly back home to Phoenix.  I definitely need to him the gym again tomorrow.  I could write more but I’m flat bone tired and sleep is about to take me.  A few more pics posted on the flickr account if you care to see.

And how was your weekend?

References

References
↑1 Mine is now on back order
↑2 In true Southern fashion, they can put away some food when properly inspired. lol
↑3 Side rant: Why is it always the fat fugly guys that parade around butt naked?

Pride 08 Cometh



Pride 08 Cometh

Originally uploaded by ibod8x5


It is that time again. The time of year when San Francisco opens its bosom to the world at large and says “welcome”. The supposed mecca prepares for the onslaught of daddies, queens, dykes, fags, queers, and freaks. And that’s just the locals. LOL

I snapped this shot on the side of the bus stop in the ‘hood. This particular poster is not just in Castro, it’s all over the City. [1]Pride is the #2 money making event of the year for SF.

The City is already abuzz with excitement and anticipation of Gay Pride 08. I may not be fresh out of the closet or even questioning my sexuality but I still celebrate. Many see Pride as a spectacle because of the more flagrant folks. Not me. Sure, some do it for shock value, some do it for attention, and some. . . some actually do it because they are living openly and honestly for the first time ever. No matter where I’ve lived over the years, I’ve always run into someone during Pride celebrating their very first. The mixture of feelings can be overwhelming. Relief is often felt by many. Relief they are not alone. For others, it can be surprise, shock, confusion, and conflict. This little tidbit is for the latter group. You don’t have to fit. You don’t have to mold yourself into a stereotype or squeeze yourself into a sub-culture. You don’t have to have anything in common with all the revelers. But…you need to remember you do have one thing in common, oppression. It is still a crime in some states to be gay. It is also illegal in many more states for gays [2]when I say gay, I include everyone up/down the Kinsey scale. Where ever you fit, you too. to marry. Something as fundamental to society as marriage is still denied us in most places. Don’t even get me started on World events.

So, I’ll continue to celebrate with the freaks and fairies. I’ll continue until my rights are indistinguishable from those of my straight counterparts. When I can walk down the street in middle America hand in hand w/the man of choice w/o fear of reprisal, then and only then, will I give up the celebration. We all know that ain’t happening anytime soon so until then….the beat goes on bitches!

References

References
↑1 Pride is the #2 money making event of the year for SF.
↑2 when I say gay, I include everyone up/down the Kinsey scale. Where ever you fit, you too.

Bloody Christmas

(full story) A tiger escaped from the zoo today and attacked 3 people.  One person died, 2 others were injured.  I was on the channel when it happened and lord did the quiet evening take off. [1]Actually, it was the only excitement in the day.

I can’t say much more out of confidentiality rules however, it is still unknown how the tigers got loose.  I feel sorry for the victims but also the poor animal.  The officers had to shoot one and kill it after it attacked another person.  It was probably scared and just reacting to its natural instincts.  Frak, they are predatory animals after all. 

I love zoos but it gives me pause to wonder if caging wild animals is such a good idea.  Most zoos tend to hold animals in tight quarters.  And while they do make a very good effort of maintaining animals physical and mental health, it is not the same as being loose in the wild.  Animals like tigers need room to range and exercise their skills.  In this latest caper, I’m sure it had more to do with the animal being scared and threatened than anything else.  I’m guessing of course.  I can’t shake the feeling that we hold some responsibility though.  We take these animals, who were never meant to be tamed, and introduce them to an environment of confinement and denial of their basic instincts.

It is worth mentioning this particular tiger was the very same tiger from last year this time that attacked a trainer.  Some would say maybe the animal deserved it.  I’m not so sure. 

References

References
↑1 Actually, it was the only excitement in the day.

Christmas Smichmas

Like a dolt, I’ve managed to misplace my mailing list for last years Christmas cards. I think it got lost in the dead hard drive I wiped at the beginning of the year.

Anyhow, if you’d like an Christmas card from me this year send me your info again [1]Even if you got one from me in the past Click the little globe icon (lower left column) of the ole blog and email me your mailing address. If we already chatted on twitter about this year, I still have your info.

I’m such a ‘tard I know but you gotta love me right?

References

References
↑1 Even if you got one from me in the past

Eat It Biayatch!

For those who celebrate it, Happy Thanksgiving. If you don’t happy wiki-ricki-wing-ding-dong or whatever floats your boat. Take a moment to celebrate your life and those around you.

Oh, and the email reply I sent below to TFA had the desired affect so all is still good in that area. I’m incredibly good spirits today.

Folsom St Fair 2007

Like a tard, I ran off and left my camera at home. Sadly, I do not have a single picture to share. I know I know, I’m already annoyed about it.

Friday. I was busy running around getting errands done. I got almost everything before my friend showed up. I’m still missing a desk in my bedroom. I found one I like so far but still keeping my eyes open. Actually, I found several I like but they are full size desks. I just need a nook or corner desk. Since Ikea was a bust, Officemax is taking a close 2nd.

Saturday, Julian and I got up early to go score him a Magnitude ticket. I didn’t realize he hadn’t gotten that one so we had to traipse all over looking for it. My buddy Matthew finally helped us out as we were getting nowhere fast. Later, I left Julian with his friends to go hang out w/TFA. I felt a little guilty leaving him but I shouldn’t have worried. The dirty huzzy didn’t get home till 6am.

Sunday, the fair was good. Lots of eye candy. Some pleasing, some not so pleasing. hehehe. [1]Why is it always the one you don’t want to see naked that go naked? It was nice being out and walking the fair for a change. I’ve worked the fairs for the last few years. That said, after about 3 hours I was over it. I left Julian with his new found tour group and headed home. The rest of the evening involved me bouncing between the xbox and the PS3.

Monday, we just laid around most of the day. Julian was dead tired and slept well into the afternoon. I dragged him off to sushi and then a movie. I finally got to see Stardust. It was very cute. A nice feel good movie. As expected Michelle Pfeiffer was flawless. Robert Di Nero turned in a very hilarious performance as a swashbuckling captain who was secretly a “whoopsie”. I laughed so hard I spilt my soda. If you haven’t seen it, catch it before it leaves the theatre or add it to your watch list.

References

References
↑1 Why is it always the one you don’t want to see naked that go naked?

Cunt-inental

Remind me to NEVER fly with Continental airlines ever again. Both flights coming/going have been late. I’m sitting in IAH waiting, waiting, and waiting for my plane to arrive. I just heard the plane finally landed an hour and half late! So much for trying to get here on TIME. It could be worse I guess. I could have missed the damn flight all together.

The wait did give me some precious down time to work on some of the pics from the weekend. I had a really good time at the GBS (gay blogger summit II) this past weekend. The pic below should give you an indication of how it went.

mobyadamtn

Click here or on my pics link in the tidbits on the left for more. I’m only about halfway thru so you’ll have to come back for the rest.

The plane has apparently been douched and is fit for human travel again. I must be going…