Category: travel

Coffee, Tea, or Me?

*this was written while on the plane home and it’s a long one…*

I’m out of movies on the flight. What better time to catch up on some blogging eh?

While I was out at Ranch Moby (catchy ain’t it? teehee), we went to see my dad’s grave. This is the first time I’ve actually been to the grave. If you remember I didn’t go back for the funeral since I’d just gotten back to SF from seeing him when he passed. After discovering they still haven’t put a gravestone up yet, I was more than a little mad. It’s been over a year and still no gravestone. As expected, the unity we found after dad’s death has evaporated. Both of the older siblings have stopped sending my little brother money. I told my little brother to start looking for one and get it installed. Even if means paying for it all by myself. I may not have been overly close to my father but this is just plain disrespectful. I find it ironic the one son who has the least reason to look after his affairs is the one making sure they are carried out. Ain’t that a pisser?

My brother is also going thru some domestic issues. I offered him my heart felt advice and it seems he actually took it. He texted me this afternoon saying he stood up for himself. Course, he also implied that meant the relationship was over. I’m proud of him either way. I only mention it as I am heartened to know, gay or straight, there are some experiences that crosses the divide and can be shared between us. It made me feel that much closer to him.

I also took a survey of the land and my youngest sibling is right. It is falling into disarray. The tractor was repossessed because the other 2 brothers have stopped making their share of the payments. The good news is it was in my dad’s name so it won’t fuck up my little brother’s credit. I’m too far away to be much physical help. Of course, this only serves to make me feel guilty. Especially, since we were originally supposed to spend my visit replacing a barbed wire fence. A fence in much need of replacing. I compromised. I told him I’d come back in October/November when the weather was cooler and we’d get it all done in one week. We’ll have to get some help. Fifty acres is too much for the two of us even if we had a tractor. Luckily enough, he and I both have friends that will pitch in. We’ll pay’em of course but they’d do it for free.
Continue reading Coffee, Tea, or Me?

Texas – Day 5 – Headed Home

Well, I’m back at the airport getting ready to head home. Things wrapped up way sooner than expected so I’m here early. Thankfully, there was very little drama involved w/this trip (so far). The only exception being BofA randomly blocking my debit card again. I think it’s time to switch banks. They rate top of the list in convenience but the rest of their service is going downhill.

Overall, the trip was successful. I didn’t do the bars or the nightlife this time around. The main focus was to see the brother. However, I got to renew one friendship and put to rest another that was sort of dragging along. I did squeeze a little shopping in as well so mission accomplished. I did come away w/some observations regarding the status of things w/the family. I need to sort it out before blathering on about it here though. The Galveston leg of my trip was a nice surprise. Completely unexpected and I think I’m still absorbing all of it. I have the feeling someone is trying to tell me something. And I’m doing my best to listen!

Tomorrow, I’m off to the Pride parade in SF to help w/the BCC booth. If you are gonna be in town, stop by and say howdy!

I Really Am…

. . . a big ole slut! I’m on day two and I’m just finished from an interesting encounter at Cafe Express. Cafe Express is a local joint I swore I’d never eat at again after getting a case of food poisoning about 8 years ago. If you read w/any regularity, you’ve heard mention of the first time I got salmonella poisoning. Well, I got it at Cafe Express. The manager was a complete ass when I politely tried to inform him two weeks later. Yeah, it took me that long to recover. I was a sick puppy. So long story short, I showed him who could be the bigger ass before I left. (In my defense, I was a bit younger and prone to loud outbursts of anger to get my point across…oh wait, I still do that, nevermind.) Anyway, after driving around for 45 minutes trying to decide what to eat for lunch (sometimes too many choices is NOT a good thing), I decided to give’em another whirl. I almost didn’t recognize the place. Different interior and different menu all together. The meal was good. And the chicken was definitely cooked so no worries on a repeat case. It’s after the meal that’s the “meat and potatoes” of this post.

I’m sitting at my booth w/the laptop out catching up on some work from the BCC. (Yes the committee chair FINALLY sent me some work to do.) I glance up to see this rather strapping fellow looking at me. I didn’t think much of it and went back to work. A few minutes later, I see said fellow still looking and his hand is mysteriously absent below his table. Of course, being the opportunist that I am, I couldn’t let such a good opportunity go to waste. I’m giggling at this point thinking to myself, “only me”. Fast forward 20 minutes later, I’m at his place (which just happened to be around the corner) giving him a pickle tickle. A fun spontaneous encounter. In a word, HOT!

The only minus was afterwards he wanted to ‘get to know me’. Ugh! I had already explained I was visiting from SF and just in town for the week. What was he hoping for? I sorta tuned him out while getting dressed but in all the hubub I hear the words “long distance relationship”. *battle sirens noise* Red ALERT – ALL HANDS TO BATTLE STATIONS! Why did he have to go and ruin it? Here we just had a nice fun encounter doing the horizontal mambo and he goes and mentions the R word. Run Todo Run!

Oddly enough, I got more errands done today than I did all of last week at home. How’s that for comedy? I got some laundry done. Yes, I did the shameful act of packing dirty clothes. You know how much I love doing laundry. However, I also packed very light so I could get some shopping in while I’m here. I got 6 new pair of undies and socks, courtesy of the local Marshalls outlet. I also stopped by Radio Shack and pick up an adapter for the phone. So now, I’m back at Starbucks getting my updates in. Trev is off soon and we’ll head off to the gym. I haven’t been in a few days and I’m itchin’ for a good workout.

Texas – Day 1

I’m coming to the end of day one. I made it safe and sound and the flight was uneventful.

My day started at 5:00am pacific coast time. I often end up running late for one reason or another but this time I was right on time. I found myself sitting down to eat a very over priced breakfast after going thru security at the airport.

Barring that, it was actually pretty good. Fresh croissant, eggs, bacon, and potatoes.

The flight, while full, was very uneventful. I sat toward the back and watched movies on the laptop the whole way.

Of course, right off the plane, I had to have me some Whataburger. I loves me some Whataburger. Kel? I’m having some for you too!

And then to round off the day, Trevan and I had dinner at Barnaby’s, one of our favorite local restaurants.

Does this sound familiar? For all my pretense, I really am a creature of habit when it comes to eating out.

So day one is fast coming to an end. I’m off to meet some friends for a drink and then calling it an early night. Oh and thanks for the frappr pics!

Trip: Pics

Ok so finally got the pics all edited. Some are pre-trip. And w/o further ado…..

Bobbiesha (aka Bobby) and I, prior to heading out to see “The Thing” on the big screen in the Castro. Yeah, I told you he was a scifi geek. More than me even!
Possessed!

Here we are scared shitless in the theatre just before the movie.
Scared - NOT

So while waiting to board at the airport, I was a little disturbed by this picture. Exactly WHAT did he hit that put the big dents on the top of the windshield? And was this midflight or during landing? *g*
What I hit?

I hate to say most of Texas is poor but when stores advertise they accept WIC on their street signs you kinda get an impression of their customer base.
I'd like my cheese please.

Here is moi getting ready for the Halloween. It’s a cheesy costume but it was put together in less than 20 minutes cut me some slack. I was supposed to be Zorro but I saw several better Zorro outfits so I reduced it to The Gay Blade.
The Gay Blade

The full costume.

Trip : Turbulence

Taking a break from the festivities to catch up. I’ve been going thru computer withdrawal. hehehe. I seem to be in a bit of a funk. I can’t seem to shake the feeling of disappointment from not being able to go to Ft Lauderdale. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve enjoyed myself and I’ve certainly been popular w/the boys (they like the new pics too). And, I got to see some friends I haven’t seen in ages. I shouldn’t complain, I know. I think next time I have to cancel a trip, I’m just gonna cancel, not go somewhere else. Last time I was here I had the best time. I guess I keep comparing my experiences here to what I was hoping to do in FtL. Anway, that’s enough about that.

I went down to Galveston for a day and hung out on the beach and saw my friend Curtis. I haven’t seen him since I moved away. For a tidbit of info, I’ve known curtis since I was about 20 years old. I always sorta suspected he was gay however, he wasn’t out about it and I never felt the need to question him. He was and still is a good friend. So back to the point, he came out to me the weekend before I moved to SF. And while he did come out to me, he isn’t overly open about it to anyone else. It’s been really hard on him I think. He is in his late 40’s. And while that is not so terrible in itself. Galveston is a very small community. Curtis grew up there and he knows absolutely everyone. Add to that, he was heavily involved w/choir and singing for quite some time. I think he feels trapped by his life. I’ve tried to encourage him to get out of there but as long as his elderly (and frail) mother is alive I think he will stay close to her. I could tell he was hoping I could spend more time w/him. I feel a little guilty for not doing so but a day in Galveston is more than enough for me.

Saturday, was group day. We did lunch w/the gang. Afterwards, I got in some shopping, (what? you think I’m not shopping?), did some errands and some sight-seeing. One of the things I had planned to do while in FTL was pick up some new blades. I figured might as well do it here since they are cheaper here anyway. Very happy I did too. I picked up a nice pair of K2’s for dirt cheap. Couldn’t believe how much they’ve come down in price. I was so tickled I spent the rest of the afternoon skating thru my old stomping grounds. LOTS of flat smooth streets here to skate on. While my skills weren’t lacking, my muscles were. My poor legs and butt are sore today. I haven’t been skating in quite some time. If you are a skater, you know what I’m feelin’.

Saturday night was the big party night. More on that later. My food is here and I am hungry!

Big Ole Houston

Well, I made it safe & sound. The only drama involved the rental car but it’s all good now. Just getting in, I’m tired, and still getting settled.

On the flight over, I got to thinking about my life and how much it has changed over the years. Human beings really are amazing creatures. From my own experiences, I’ve grown so much as a person over the years. I brought one of my very first journals from while I was living here in Houston w/me. I get so much insight into myself from reading my old journals. It just proves that all wounds can be healed w/time. Some of the problems in my life now are paultry to the troubles I had to survive back then.

I think I’m jet-lagged so more later.

Trip : Revisited

After some grumbling and quick call to my friend Trevan, I’ve decided to go home to Houston instead for the vacation. I spent over an hour on the phone w/Southworst only to discover they only sent me half of the reservation. Another 40 minute call and I got it all sorted out.

Ft Lauderdale it ain’t but I figure I can try for FTL again in March. Still very warm w/o being in the heat of summer. The beaches in Galveston definitely don’t compare but at least I’ll have access to a beach w/warm water.

I’ll be talking the camera and the laptop of course. Lots of pics to come!

Bad News

Its offical. I’ve had to cancel my trip. While Ft. Lauderdale wasn’t too badly beat-up from the storm, they are still dealing w/some large power outtages. I think it would be very unwise to fly into the situation. The irony is it will probably clear up within a week but that is beyond my available window. The owner of the hotel called me persnally this morning to apologize for not being able to accommodate me. They don’t expect to have power again until late tomorrow.

The airline still show my trip as “on schedule” however, they just resumed limited operations this morning so I doubt my flight would have left the ground.

Yes, I’m disgusted, yes, I’m upset. However, there are people dealing w/bigger issues right now over there so I am trying to keep things in perspective.

I’m off to the gym to work out some of my disappointment. There is a tiny hope I can reschedule for November but not much.