Dashing Date

HAPPY 2011 EVERYONE!!!!

It's been more than two years since I broke up with Rock. I've dated here and there and hooked up more times than Blanche Elizabeth Devereaux (BED...hee) on her sluttiest night. Well it wasn't that frequent and my sex life has mostly been famine but there were times when it rained, it poured.

But I'm coming to the point now where I'm ready to find boyfriend #2. My limited ways of meeting guys haven't been working. I'm looking for an alternative method.

With that said I've looked into the possibility of a speed dating service. The concept is that a group of folks are together in a room and you have anywhere from 1-5 minutes to spend getting to know someone before moving on to the next person. At the end of each session, you would mark yes if you're interested in that person or no if you're not. Then at the end of the night, all mutual yes pairings would be identified. I've heard of the concept mostly for heterosexual couples and wondered if such a service existed for the homosexually inclined.

As luck would have it I did find one. It's from a company called Date and Dash. The company claims a 90% match success rate. But I don't know if they just mean two people mutually saying 'yes' to each other, in which case I'm sure most folks would have a mutual match initially. Whether it leads anywhere is a different story.

I keep having this thought that I'll be told that nobody was interested in me. I don't know though. I think it should be fun. If nothing else it would be a different avenue I haven't tried before. So I might sign up. The one gay 'Date and Dash' they have in Chicago is on January 21st at a bar on Halstead. If I do it, I'll definitely let everyone know how it goes.

Arrows On A Map

My 37th birthday is in a few months and typically since I'm still working at the place I was supposed to escape years ago (but we won't talk about that), I usually take my birthday week off to travel.

Last year of course I traveled to Honolulu, Hawaii.    That was a total blast aside from the head cold I had to endure on my flights.   I swear the last half hour of landing were the most excruciating.   If I were a baby, I'd be crying my head off.    And Norris aside from the regular 15 minute rainouts and a nasty burger I had, the rest of my trip was much better.   I can't believe I didn't blog about the rest of it.

2007 now that I think about it, I didn't go anywhere for my birthday.  I was seeing Rock of course and I remember that month being particularly rocky.  

2006 was the year I found myself going to Raliegh, NC to be a wallflower followed by a few days in Vegas with an associate I no longer speak to.  (Gosh maybe looking at my past trips wasn't such a good idea...*LOL*)

In 2005 I flew to Seattle.   That was a funny trip especially my time spent with Jerome.   It was  a blast overall I remember, especially at Muckleshoot Casino.    Chaka-chaka-chaka Khan.

I honestly don't remember what I did in 2004.   That might've been a stay home year too.   I do know I flew to Denver at some point in 2004 for a silly rendevous but I don't think it was my birthday weekend.

In 2003 I flew to Vegas for my birthday.    That was my first trip to Vegas and that was definitely a nice time.    I met a guy and his partner for half a day while I was there and spent the rest of my time going up and down the strip.

So where am I thinking of going this year?   I have several possibilities:

Albuquerque, New Mexico -  At first I'm like what the hell can you do there.   Rock actually suggested that as our possible first trip when we were together.    We wound going to New York, of course and having a wonderful time.    Honestly I can't recall what they're famous for.   I remember seeing they had some annual hot air balloon event, which will pass by the time I visit, if that's where I go.    Every city has something famous, right?    I'll find out.   But it would be a totally different adventure to go there.

New Orleans, Louisiana  -  I believe if I go there around my birthday, the area will still be in Hurricane season.     But I've always wanted to go there and felt bad that I didn't prior to Katrina.     But Eugene went this year for a conference and had a blast singing karaoke at some bar on Bourbon street.    And you know I wound up finally going to Honolulu due to Eugene's going.    I'd love to try some authentic cajun food and it'll be interesting to see the area post-Katrina.

Phoenix, Arizona  -   This was another place that I've always wanted to visit.   All the folks that I've talked to said that Phoenix is boring.   But for some reason I want to see it for myself.   There was a guy that used to follow my blog (not sure if he still does since I've fallen and gotten back up only to have to fallen again and again multiple times...*LOL*) that moved there a year or so back.    If I do decide on Phoenix, I may have to look him up.

Las Vegas, Nevada -  Yeah I've been there twice before but there's something about the "sin city" that is such a draw.   And maybe this time I could step away from the sin and check out the  Grand Canyon.

Altanta, GA -  I've been to Atlanta before a couple times as well.    One of my old college friends that I came out to recently lives there and if I recall, his birthday is also sometime in October.   It'd be cool to visit him and also hang out with Norris.

Decisions.   Decisions.   Maybe I should think international too...like maybe Toronto, Montreal, or Vancouver.   I guess Canada's on the brain.     There's time to decide.

Taking Candy From A Baby

You've heard the expression "it was like taking candy from a baby" before. The baby is obviously defenseless in keeping a thief from stealing his candy. And the thief marvels over how easy it was to do so.

A lot of us plays the role of the baby in various scenarios. A senior citizen for example may unwittingly answer the door to a stranger whose intention is to do harm. A new investor not privy to some of the risks involved in stocks may fall prey to a broker whose intention is to unload some crap stock for a quick commission. A new home buyer may be convinced by his mortgage broker that a balloon loan is the best loan to take because of the low interest, not realizing that done the line the same monthly mortgage could shoot up as much as an additional $200 a month.

Yes, in life a lot of us play the baby.

(Why did those that last paragraph and sentence above sound like something Mary Alice would say during the intro of a Desperate Housewives episode. Speaking of which, Edie noooooooo!!! Go to hell Marc Cherry.)

Hemingway I've been the baby most blatantly in relation to my dealings with men. I've found myself compromising principals I've held dear all for the sake of keeping the peace. I came to that realization in the last couple weeks with Midas. Going into this newest venture with him I knew it would be nothing more than a "friends with benefits" thing. But over the next month or so, I began noticing that it was more "benefits", less "friends". Yeah I know that goes with the territory but I guess it started bothering me. I mean we would chit chat here and there but we never did much. At the start, we at least had breakfast before or after the sex, but even that went away. I never got to meet any of his friends other than the ones I had my threesomes with. Even doing the threesome was a compromise for me. Granted I enjoyed that compromise...twice...*LOL*.

The last straw for me was when he mentioned that next time I stay the night, he wasn't going to let me sleep on the bed with him. He's a big guy and basically he sleeps in a full size bed. In the past he had complained that he felt like I was pushing him off the edge. I tried to suggest that I would move closer to the edge so he'd be comfortable. He didn't go for it. I suggested maybe we should cuddle. He didn't go for that.

Basically similar to my situation with Rock, I found myself compromising more than Midas did. I couldn't really think of a time when Midas compromised for my sake.

So the last time we had sex, I ended up sleeping on the sofa. And yeah, my black ass should've just gone home, but I wanted to stay in the hopes that we'd do breakfast and hang out the next day. Turns out Midas was exhausted from his week at work and just wanted to sleep. After wasting half the morning watching cartoons and texting Eugene, I finally left. He did get up to at least see me through the door.

Since then I hadn't felt as inclined to call Midas (even for just sex). He would call every so often to check in on me (keep the sex line open...*LOL*) and such but I never really called him. I only did so to return his calls.

Finally this morning he texted me basically asking if everything was okay since I don't really call him anymore. A minute later I text back that I was sorry for not calling him but I had some things to think about over the last few days. Finally I sent him a message saying that things were more benefits than friends between us and that I needed more. His response was that it's been like that for weeks (wasn't sure if he meant the benefits over friends or my lack of calling him). He also told me to take it easy. I mistook this for meaning don't get upset but after I explained feeling low after sleeping on couch even though I said I knew that wasn't his intention, he told me I had to do what was best for me and to take it easy. In other words, have a nice life.

I guess basically he wasn't willing to try and focus on doing things as friends. On the flipside, though, he wasn't ever my boyfriend so he really had no obligation. So I hold no ill feelings towards him. But it's amazing to me how I've compromised myself time and time again to please him and when I ask for compromise (albeit indirectly....hence my other issue I guess...*LOL*), he's not willing to and chooses to end the arrangement altogether.

But I know he didn't ask me to compromise. I just did (a weakness of my personality unfortunately). I guess had I not we wouldn't have had our arrangement as long as we've had.

Even Rock reminded me that I did the right thing ending things with him last December. We had been chatting pretty good for about a month or so. Unfortunately I've been bad at blurring the lines between friendship and hooking back up. I found myself back to hugging and kissing on Rock as he made his "pitstop" back from his weekend trips to see his family in Chicago.

During a recent chat, I mentioned that my blood pressure had been taking a turn for the worst recently. He admitted to gaining 15 pounds since we broke up. For him, that put him back over 240 at least. He suggested that we both should work out together whenever we see each other again. It just so happened that he was heading to Chicago one particular weekend. I suggested maybe we could go to the gym near me on the way back to Rockford.

I honestly wanted to draw some lines (even though yeah it was pretty much too late) to avoid us just having another makeout session on the couch. We were texting the night before our meeting and basically he asked if we were still getting together that day or not. I told him it sounded good and to have a good night. He asked pointedly if we were meeting or not. I said it's fine and made the suggestion of just meeting in the gym. He asked why we had to meet at the gym. I told him why don't we try something different (as far as meeting in public place instead of at each other's homes). He said we needed to talk, to which I didn't respond further.

I wound up cancelling the meeting and telling him that I wasn't up for company and I hadn't heard from him till a few days later. He sends an inane text referencing his friend Ned. I wasn't sure what to make of it since the message was cryptic. I didn't know how to respond but he sent another message basically saying that the earlier text was meant for his friend Regine. He didn't say anything else and I didn't respond.

But basically Rock wasn't willing to compromise his plans at all. He figured he'd come to my house, we'd make out, and then probably forget all about the gym. And it was like that throughout a lot of our relationship. And as always, I found myself compromising more and more for the sake of the relationship.

I know I have a problem. I need to stop being a baby in all aspects of my life. Easier said than done of course.

Hit The 3-Way

Or maybe I should title this entry Nasty News 2...*LOL*.

I knew going into 2009 that I was planning on having a wild ride. Little did I know two Wednesdays ago was going to be one of those times.

It started out with a crazy project day at work. But at least I was working from home that day, like I normally do on Wednesdays. I was just coming off my latest cleanse and days earlier was sharing with Midas some of the details surrounding what ingredients were needed to do it.

Midas actually expressed interest in doing the cleanse for himself and we made an evening date to run to various stores to obtain the lemons, cayenne, maple syrup, and sea salt.

So this date of course was made on Wednesday. So I swing to his place and we then make our way first to Whole Foods then to Jewels and for good measure, the last stop was Bed Bath and Beyond. Those trips for the most part were uneventful save a solicitor using some kids (not sure they were his) to get Midas to donate to some charity that may or may not be bogus and later on a hottie night guard at BB&B that both Midas and I were salivating over.

So we get back to his place and kind of talk for a bit and he mentions that his friend Damien was swinging by for a three way. Midas had mentioned to me before that he does enjoy a good three way and has half-joked (I thought) with me in the past about having one with me.

I was thinking at first he was joking again but minutes later I heard a knock on his door. I remembered my heart skipping a beat as I watched Midas walk towards the door. I nervously gulped as Damien and Midas walked back towards the entertainment room. After Midas took Damien's coat, I sheepishly greeted Damien before he sat down in the middle of the carpet. Moments later Midas asked us if we wanted something to drink. I was like...'hell yes' as I requested some red wine (so gay...*LOL*).

I was quietly sizing Damien up as Midas and he were conversing. Damien was a mere 25 years old. He was a bit husky and short (about 5'7 I'd say). He looked younger than his 25 years. I was thinking about my dilly dallies with men over the years and only recalled one guy around 24 that I've had relations with (I was 32 at the time). Everyone else I've had was typically in their 30s or 40s, though I had one hot 50 year old (even though he lied and said he was 37).

I would occasionally chime in a word or two during their conversations, which included a discussion about the whole Flavor of Love industry on VH-1 and how it's spawned off so many other shows.

But Hemingway I felt a bit surreal, not believing that I would actually be participating in my very first three way. I can't say that I didn't fantasize about it before, though in my fantasy I usually had two studly muscle hunks. But you can't get everything you want.

In a funny twist of fate, I actually got a text message in the middle of our three way ... conversation from Rock. I smiled to myself as I read his greeting imagining his reaction if he knew what I was moments away from doing.

I went to get more wine and then cracked up at the label. It had the words 'Ménage à trois', you know Love For 3. Yeah Midas definitely planned this in advance.

Years ago I would've been singing an old Angela Winbush side song going...'Ménage à trois, love for 3. Love for 3 is not for me. Why can't one lady (man) be enough?' But a couple glasses of Ménage à trois later, I was all 'Love for 3 is just the ticket for me'.

But the loving was going have to be put on hold. Apparently some work issue on this nightmarish project was so distressing my user that he insisted on having a 10:45 PM meeting. I saw that my onshore co-ordinator was beeping me 911 on that. So I wound up going in another room to make the conference call.

I was so buzzed but had to do my best to keep my composure during the meeting. Luckily most of the talking was done by one of the offshore folks and my user, so I didn't have to talk much but just take notes. The call took nearly an hour.

So Hemingway I finally got done with the call and headed out of the room to pee. Next thing I know I see Midas and Damien butter ball naked looking at profiles on A4A. I didn't even want to know what they were doing while I was in my conference.

I pissed and then remained in the bathroom for a minute longer wondering if I should leave. As I finally left the room, they both were still focused on A4A and I was still thinking of making a hasty retreat. The only problem was my coat was on the chair that both guys were leaning against. Plus I was still coming off my buzz. So I parked myself on a nearby sofa rolling my eyes at my predicament.

About two minutes later Midas came up to me all kissy-kissy. Damien stood off by the computer still. Initially it felt weird and I was resisting Midas's advances. I was thinking did I really want to do this. The thing is I know that Midas and I aren't boyfriend/boyfriend (and I'm not sure where things are going since I know it's a bit soon to even think about that coming off of my relationship with Rock) but I felt a twinge of jealousy seeing the two of them naked together and likely doing other things while I was in my conference. Part of me was pissed that I had to share Midas with another guy. (Come on Angela...take it away with that song girl.) But Midas was so sexy and was making me feel so good that I eventually gave in and slowly stripped down to only my underwear and a jock strap that I was wearing earlier.

Eventually Damien joined us (that took me a minute to get used to) and the three of us were pawing and making out with each other. It turned out that I was the lone bottom so that turned out to be the makings of a wild evening.

It may sound weird but while I was being worked over (thanks Whitney for that term) by Damien, I felt closer to Midas as the two of us were wildly kissing and making out. Eventually Midas took his turn working me over as Damien and I made out. There was all kinds of sucking and kissing and exchanges going on between the three of us and eventually it all culminated into some explosive endings.

Yeah I needed a cigarette.

Damien left moments later and Midas and I sat down and basically talked about the experience. Midas really made me feel at ease while doing so. I was feeling better and knowing that I had another early morning conference call, I made my way home early that Thursday with a huge smile on my face.

Even though I fantasized about it, I never thought I'd actually have it be a reality. I guess it was so good that Midas wants us all to hook up again, possibly tonight. I'm such a freak that I think I may just go for it. Peace out.

The Midas Touch

HAPPY 2009 Everyone!!!

Another year, another chance for renewal. It's that time of year when a lot of us make resolutions to do things differently this year. In my case it's no different. I have the typical resolutions to continue to stay healthy and trying to enjoy life even more. I've slipped a bit on my working out sessions but I'm working to try and get those back on track, much like everyone else around this time. I'm actually doing yet another cleanse. I'm about halfway done with it.

I'm back on the dating scene as well. Actually there's this guy that I've chatted with and befriended a few months back that I hooked up with on New Year's Day. On paper, he's (let's call him Midas) got a lot of qualities that I like. Lookswise Midas is like an Adonis. He's 6-foot, 295 lbs. He is one of those guys that carries his weight very well. Sort of like Young MC when he made his appearance on Celebrity Fit Club a few years back. Young MC if I recall was 275 pounds but IMHO looked very hot. Midas has very broad shoulders, nice big hands, nicely shaped thighs and calves. His face is very handsome as well. Personality wise, Midas seems to have a heart of gold. In our conversations, he comes across as being the one that tends to help his friends out in a bind. He's mentioned running errands to pick up items for his close friends. He also mentioned the time he went with a friend to pick up his car at the impound after it got towed at 3am. And then when said friend didn't have the money to pay and get his car out, he paid for it himself. He even offered to pick me up from the train station when I got back from Detroit over the holidays when I worried that I might miss the last Metra. Basically he likes helping folks out that are in a jam.

But I'm definitely taking things slow. Midas and I continue to chat with each other every now and then since our hooking up. Who knows where it'll go?

As for Rock, we've been maintaining friendly terms. But I noticed that since prior to New Year' s Eve, we haven't spoken. I know this New Year's Eve was different since the last two New Year's Eve were spent chilling with Rock. This past one I actually took the CTA (which I had no idea was free on that day) to meet Sally at her friend's place. I was the only guy among a group of ladies but it was cool. When 2009 came in, I texted Rock to wish him a Happy New Year. He wished me the same and then I mentioned that I was hanging 'with friends', not specifying who the friends were. It's possible he may have drawn the conclusion that 'with friends' meant a guy. And maybe that's why he's been incognito. And actually he wasn't that far from the truth since later on after the party, I hooked up with Midas.

So Hemingway that's been my year so far. Here's hoping we all have a great 2009. I really need to get back to a regular blogging schedule. Till next time.

Naughty E

You know the drill....

Okay, here's some quickie random updates on what's going on with me.

1) Rock and I broke up a couple weeks ago (well I broke up with him). Basically I came to conclusion that with the way things were going, that we were better off being friends. He was upset as was I but since our breakup, we've actually been continuing to talk to each other and the weird thing is I feel like a weight has been lifted off both of our shoulders.

2) Work is still hell. Hence...you know the drill.

3) I am Trina's Secret Santa for the second year in a row. And it's been so busy, I haven't had time to think of what to get her. And I'm totally stuck. I guess I have about 7 more days to figure it out. Still can't believe how fast Christmas is approaching.

4) It took me five hours to get home yesterday from my hellish job due to the hellish weather. I had left at 3:15PM too. Parts of I-53 and I-290 were literally at a standstill. It was horrible.

5) My exercise routine has all but fallen apart due to point #2. I try to get a little bit of a workout by taking stairs when at job but I'm not working out with the intensity that I've done months ago. I need to get back on track. I'm so scared to weigh myself these days. Somebody help me.

6) Is Noni really as beneficial as folks say it is? Or is it just another shill of an item that manufacturers are trying to get folks to spend money on? My parents have bought it and I've heard from others about its benefits. I bought some 100% Noni but the taste is revolting.

7) 2008 is coming to such a quick end. I still can't believe how the year has gone by.

8) I'm wrapping up on swimming lessons that I've been taking from an instructor I found via Craigslist. The inspiration for finally getting off my tush and learning was due to my not being able to swim while in Hawaii. The lessons have gone pretty well. I'm not a pro but I think I can at least swim a lap in the pool.

9) And yeah I think I've pretty much forgotten about my Hawaii adventures (okay not totally....damn I need to get my thoughts together)....but here's a horrid pic of me to remember my final moments in paradise. That pic was literally taken moments before I boarded Robert's Shuttle to make the sad trek to the airport. Aloha!

It's Your Birthday

I officially turn 36 today. Yay! I'm also off from work today but it's no rest for the weary. Today I need to prep for my upcoming Hawaii trip. I have to run a few errands today, including stopping at the post office and buying a couple last minute knick knacks. I need to pay a few bills before I leave too so I don't get any nasty threats to cut off service while I'm on vacation. I also need to get some laundry done today and most importantly, keep my latest attempt at getting a cold at bay. Can you believe that? It's like the universe is conspiring against me. But gosh darn it (Hi Sarah Palin.) I'm going to fight this attack because I'll be damned if I get sick during my vacation.

The nicest thing about this vacation is that I don't have to worry about work for at least a week. I tried to extend my time off until the 29th, but that caused a stink by the business, so I had to cut it short a few days. Bastards. But I plan on enjoying my week not logging in or thinking about work. Who knows? Maybe all the issues will magically go away by the time I get back. Yeah right...:-)

Hemingway Rock and I met at a half-way point last night to have dinner. It was the same area we met last year around that time. We were even going to meet at AppleBee's but I decided to change it to Lone Star. So other than a minor quibble over time of meeting, the dinner went well. I had a combo 6oz sirloin with salmon, which wasn't half bad. Later after dinner we hung out in his car and he gave me the movies Saw and Saw IV, since I'm a big horror movie buff.

As we sat in the car, I couldn't help but think of my upcoming trip and wish Rock was able to go along. Unfortunately circumstances with his job and cash prevented him from going. But he told me that he wanted to spend more time with me, which would be a good thing since after almost two years together (our anniversary arrives next month), we still don't hang out nearly enough. We're nowhere close to even contemplating moving in with each other. To tell you the truth, there have been times I wanted to end things since it doesn't feel like we're progressing. And I've given up trying to encourage more time together. So I'd like to hope that Rock's wanting us to spend more time together wasn't just lip service.

So Hemingway let me get ready for my trip. Hawaii, here I come!

What's Up E?

Oh my gosh. I have been so bad in keeping up with my blogging and blogs. I just haven't felt like typing much with everything still being insane at the job. I think I'll pull a Norris and just provide a list of random events or things that have caught my attention in the last month. I reserve the right to ramble on a few.

1) I've been enjoying Season 1 of Dexter on DVD. The title character is a Miami blood forensics expert who moonlights as a serial killer with a twist. He's a killer of other serial killers. I admit it's an interesting dynamic since taking a human life is wrong but at the same time he's taking the lives of those who takes other lives and slip through the system. Plus it's so cool seeing Lauren Velez in another television series. I still have fond memories of her from her New York Undercover days. That's really old school. I also keep hoping Erik King takes off his shirt one day and preferably just wearing briefs. Tight briefs. That brotha is so fine.

2) Has anyone heard of the ROM machine? It claims that you can get a workout the equivalent of 45 minutes on the treadmill in just 4 minutes. I read an AD on the machine in Popular Mechanics, though I vaguely remember seeing the same AD a year ago in another magazine. If you click on the website, they'll send you a free 45 minute DVD or VHS tape on their machine. By the way, it only costs $14,615. They try to justify the cost when compared to long-term gym membership costs and time commitment required. I ordered the DVD, though I probably won't be buying a machine anytime soon. At least not with the way the economy is right now.

3) I went to see Janet Jackson in concert this past Thursday with Sally. Sally was using the concert as a last hurrah of sorts in light of her present financial situation. The concert was the bomb. The majority of the songs played was from her previous albums with a brief snippet of her recent song Feedback. I ran into Rock's bff Ned and his boyfriend NDrama in the hallway while Sally was in the restroom. Of course they got seats near the stage but I wasn't complaining about my lower level seat, which actually gave a very good view of the stage. LL Cool J was her opening act. I was hoping to see a little skin from LL but he kept his shirt on. Overall it was a great concert....now getting out of the parking lot, that was another story.

4) I so need to get ready for my Hawaiian trip. I totally need to contact fellow blogger NeenaLove to find out when we can hang out. Part of me hopes she can hang out with me during a luau, even though that's so touristy. And I need to buy a Spacebag to see if those things really do hold more items in less space. I think I've talked about it before.

5) Any other kefir lovers out there? A co-worker of mine turned me on to the drink a year or so back. I remembered liking it that initial time but not really thinking much of it afterwards. So Hemingway in my continued quest to eat healthier (even though some days that falls to the wayside...*LOL*), I read up on kefir and recalled drinking it before. The main benefit is that it provides good bacteria to your digestive tract, which helps improves digestion. It also helps in absorbing the necessary nutrients that your body needs. Plus it tastes so good. I've been drinking a glass every morning.

6) My one-year anniversary of owning my Nissan Altima is coming up. I still enjoy driving it as much as the day I took it from the lot. I want to get it professionally cleaned soon. I saw the immediate benefits of doing so when cleaning up the Cavalier before giving it to my father and figured an annual cleaning wouldn't be so bad. Of course when I told my bff Eugene about doing that, he had to counter with why I don't do the same thing for my house. I should but sigh...*LOL*.

7) I'm looking forward to the newest Saw movie coming out this Halloween. It seems to be an annual tradition now for those to come out. My only question is why is Lyriq Bent, the fine ass brotha that was in Saw 2, 3, and 4 (especially his prominent role in 4), not listed in the credits for 5? Hopefully he makes a cameo appearance and they are just hiding his name from the credits. After my fiasco last year with trying to see Saw IV with Eugene and the subsequent issues I had with Rock, I think this year I'll opt again for seeing it on my own (like I wound up doing anyway). Besides it's coming out the day after I get back from Hawaii.

8) I went to Detroit last weekend for Tasha's housewarming. I wound up getting her some Partylite candles and holders for her gift. I got to see a few of her friends and co-workers and it was interesting hearing how one of them said that Tasha talks about me all the time. A good interesting, of course. I must admit I was flattered. I got to see Trina as well when she came over after work. Of course I spent the rest of the weekend with the 'rents (heh). Their cats had a bad case of fleas when I was in town last time but luckily the population is under control now.

9) What a mess this country finds itself in. With all this talk of the government bailing out Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and even the auto industry wanting to weigh in on getting help, my question is who's going to bail American out? I was wrapping up my workout (which I so needed) at work and making my way home when the first presidential debate was airing. Luckily I was able to catch a transcript of the debate from CNN's website. It was a shame I missed the historical debate between the two as from the way it read, it sounded really intense. I'm sure it'll be on Youtube soon. But I really looking forward to next week's vice presidential debate with Palin vs. Biden.

There was an interesting article from Washington Post columnist Kathleen Parker where in the last few sentences she says in regards to Palin: "McCain can’t repudiate his choice for running mate. He not only risks the wrath of the GOP’s unforgiving base, but he invites others to second-guess his executive decision-making ability. Barack Obama faces the same problem with Biden.

Only Palin can save McCain, her party and the country she loves. She can bow out for personal reasons, perhaps because she wants to spend more time with her newborn. No one would criticize a mother who puts her family first.

Do it for your country." I wonder if that'll be bought up in the debate.

10) I can't think of a point 10....but thought I should have 10 points to make things even. (Although it looks like based on the labels assigned for this post, I've covered almost every category.)

Motivated Blob

I so need to log into work after this post, so it'll be relatively quick.

But Hemingway (haven't used that term in a minute) I just back from a quick hour work out. I had extra motivation from a picture Eugene had me look at this morning. Nothing like looking at hottie Daniel Jacobs to motivate you to go in the gym.





Only problem. The workout today was an extra struggle. I didn't quite reach my 10,000 strides on the elliptical. It was more around 8300. I think my splurging on a whole pound of plantain chips was to blame. Bad E I know. So good but so bad. So so good...wasn't even hungry for lunch. So pretty much yesterday that and some gummi worms was all I had to eat. Bad bad bad.





But hey. At least I did something. I wish I were in Cancun like Rock (it was a trip that his bff and he had planned a year back) but it's okay. Well back to my personal work hell.

By the way, a tip I learned from Sally while she was job hunting. Not sure if I mentioned it but she found a new job working at Home Depot full-time and Eddie Bauer part-time. They're not her ideal job but it gets her out of the house and some income in her pocket. But Hemingway the tip. She said that you can apply to get a certificate in substitute teaching. Once you have that certificate which is good for a year, if you get laid off, you can apply at different school districts to get a job subbing. If they select you, they pay you at minimum $100 a day (even if you don't teach). I printed out an application from the Illinois School Board of Education and am in the process of mailing it out along with a transcript from my University. You have to do what you gotta do in this market. Best thing, at least you can say on interviews that you have a current job. Just passing it along.

Hemingway let me log back to work before I get in trouble. Ciao.

The Big 8 8 08 Post

I'm alive.

I just had to post something today since it's all eights. I wonder if there's a lot of weddings today.

Work has been insane. I'm conflicted with feelings that I wish they'd lay me off already and the whole 'thank goodness I have a job' jazz. This project is trying to do me in. I don't think I can take it anymore.

But I went jet skiing two weekends ago in Lake Geneva with Rock and his best friend Ned (and his boo...*LOL*). In between freaking out about drowning (and the making a joke that if I did, at least I didn't have to deal with work), I actually had fun.

Well I got to get ready for you know what.

I'll try to post more often and visit my fellow bloggers. I've been bad at doing so these last few weeks. Ciao.

R.I.P. Estelle

I was working out Tuesday night at my work gym and was shocked to see the streaming news on CNN announce Golden Girl Estelle Getty passing away at 84. I wasn't shocked in the sense that she passed. Estelle was sick for a very long time with Lewy Body Dementia. Estelle was also a big supporter of gay rights from what I've heard. It was indeed sad to hear of her passing. But if nothing else, she's in peace now.

I spent tonight consoling Eugene and Rock, who both stated Sophia was their favorite character. We were reminiscing over some of her best one-liners on the show. Remember these?

Sophia had quite a few fart jokes:

"Oh, I thought I was safe backed up against these pillows."

"Hey! Who told you to feed me cabbage?"

"That was me, and thank you for calling it to everyone's attention!"

Zingers on Blanche:

Blanche: "I think I'm going to sit in the tub with just enough water to cover my perky bosoms."
Sophia: "You're only gonna sit in an inch of water??"

Blanche: "...Sophia."
Blanche's Date: "You must be Blanche's sister."
Sophia: "You must be blind."

Blanche: "I'm gorgeous. I'm going to have to meet men lying down."
Sophia: "I thought you did."

Blanche: "I'm abhorred."
Sophia: "We know what you are Blanche. I'm glad to finally hear you admit it."
Blanche: "Sophia, I said abhorred."
Sophia: "Abhorred. A slut. A tramp. It's all the same thing."

Zingers on Rose:
Rose: "He's a very heavy sleeper!"
Sophia: "You could light firecrackers in his nose, he still wouldn't wake up!!!"

Sophia: 'You know Rose, I'm really enjoying this. You and I having a quiet cup of coffee together."
Rose: "Me too Sophia. Because you know-"
Sophia: "I said quiet."

Dorothy: "You don't get cramps once a month. You don't go on eating binges once a month. You don't get crazy once a month."
Sophia: "You just grow a beard!"
Rose: "I never grew a beard!"
Sophia: "You never grew brains, either!"

Rose: "Dorothy's the smart one, Blanche is the sexy one and Sophia, you're the old one, and I'm the nice one. Everybody always likes me."
Sophia: "The old one isn't so crazy about you!

Zingers on Dorothy:
Dorothy: "I don't want two grown men fighting over me."
Sophia: "Pussycat, how many chances are you going to get?"
Dorothy: "Proceed."

Sophia: "Dorothy, when was the last time you had sex?"
Dorothy: 'That's a very personal question."
Sophia: "That long, huh?"

Dorothy: "We are not jealous, Ma. We are angry. You left us sitting in jail."
Sophia: "Jealousy is a very ugly thing, Dorothy. And so are you in anything backless?"

Dorothy: "If I had lived with Stan before we got married, I could've spared us both some very painful times...and a bitter divorce."
Sophia: "And possibly had given birth to reasonably attractive children."

Sophia: "What the hell are you doing home? I thought you had a 4 o'clock beauty parlor appointment."
Dorothy: "I did. They finished with me early."
Sophia: "On Christie Brinkley they can finish early. You need every minute you can spare."

Rest in Peace, Estelle. Your body of work on the Golden Girls will live on.

To Be 60 And Gay

I got back an hour ago from meeting this older guy for dinner. I still have an account on A4A and whenever I can hold a guy's interest, I like just chatting and stuff. So Hemingway a 60 year old traveling salesman hit me up Monday night with the illicit message...'like older guys? nearby hotel - here.' I basically told STS thanks but no thanks. I felt a bit bad so the next morning I sent him a message telling him if he wasn't able to get some other action that I could meet him for dinner that night. STS mentioned that he was actually traveling in other parts of Chicago later that morning and wouldn't be in my neck of the woods. He tried doing the whole 'let's meet for coffee before going to work' jazz but I was going in that morning in the opposite direction so that was a no go. He mentioned possibly being back in my area on Thursday but likely not. I was like, cool whatever.

So I'm working from home today and after logging in to A4A he sends me a message saying he's back and if I wanted to meet him for dinner or drinks. I didn't have any plans so I was like sure. My plan was simply to have a nice dinner and a quick dinner. We wound up going to Big Bowl in Schaumburg, which was quite crowded. As a result we wound up just sitting at the bar.

Just as I arrived there, it was storming a bit and the rain was coming down. I called STS to see if he was there yet. He was basically pulling into the parking lot when I called. I happen to be sitting in my parked car and I saw what looked like an older guy getting out of a Volkswagon. So I made a run for it in the restaurant. We shook hands and quickly made our way to the bar. He was every bit his 60 years. He may have even been 62. We chatted for a quick minute before he wound up taking a fifteen minute call with someone (likely planning a future rendezvous). If this were a "date" date, I would've been pissed. But since I was just meeting to hang out, it was all good. The only annoying parts were every time I said something, he'd go 'pardon me'. So I had to repeat myself. Every single time. That got old fast.

So towards the end of dinner, I was ready to go home. But he asked if I wanted to stay for a drink and against my better judgment I did. It wasn't that anything bad happened. But STS decided to go for the kill and ask me if I wanted to go back to his hotel with him. I politely declined. He then lamented about dating being an older gay guy.

It is true that gays are a fickle bunch and ageism is alive and well. I was reminded of all the bad dates and non-dates due to game players that I had prior to meeting Rock and could totally relate...aside from the age factor. He then mentioned that he was actually married with two grown kids and he uses his job as his chance to satisfy his urges with men but with his age it's harder and harder to do so.

STS's being married aside, I kind of felt for him. After I left and drove home, it hit home that if I live long enough, I too will one day become 60. Shocking, huh? I'd love to think that Rock and I will be together forever but I'm a realist and know the odds are definitely stacked against us. So one day I could be STS and face the same hurdles he's facing. And he reminded me that the sexual desire doesn't diminish with age (at least in the 60s that is...the 70s, who knows...though I do remember my Grandma - lord rest her soul - having a gentleman caller well into her 70s). I can only imagine now when men and women in their 60s and 70s look at younger folks, they may be mentally undressing them with their eyes. Scary thought...even scarier thinking one day being on the other side of that equation.

So that got me thinking about the future of 'virtual sex'. Sure there's cyber sex and phone sex currently. But maybe 'virtual sex' where you can put on a pair of goggles and visualize the ideal man or woman specimen and having them do whatever you want may become a reality. It would help curtail the current trouble of hooking up. At least I'd like to hope such a reality exists by the time I become 60 (in 2032).

I wonder if I'll still be blogging in 2032. Maybe there will be another form of expressing oneself. Who knows? And speaking of blogs, of course there's a blog out there that focuses on the future of virtual sex. Interesting stuff.

Stop. Rewind. Play.

Things have been going downhill for Rock and I during the last month. It seemed like both of us were going through the motions when calling each other. But my heart wasn't in any of the conversations. I aired my grievances with Rock in regards to us not spending time together but it didn't seem like Rock had any problems with it. I basically told Rock that I wasn't going to bug him anymore in regards to planning anything. He complained about how he has all these obligations to work and family and his challenges in juggling all that and a relationship.

Every time we called, it seemed we would get into an argument. It got to the point that I was dreading talking to him. Yet something seemed to compel us to continue going through those motions.

So three weeks ago when Rock and I finally made time to see each other (this after the debacle that was IML 2008), we called it quits. Okay. Here's the lowdown on my experience at IML 2008 since I didn't discuss it before. Basically Rock made a stink about me going to it and didn't want us to go together because he wanted time to hang out with his friends (Ned and Regine) there. I went anyway because first off, it's a public event and even if we weren't hanging together, why should I stay home? He wound up seeing me (I went alone) and we hung for a bit even after I told him that he didn't have to hang with me. Seeing him at the IML on the morning of May 25th at that time was the first time I had seen him since Iron Man. To say that morning was awkward was a bit of an understatement.

It was even more awkward when Regine seemed to be grilling me on why I was there. It didn't seem to her that IML would be my thing. My running theme of the evening was that I've attended IML once before and aside from my brief "after school special" moment, had a good time.

Things especially came to blows between Rock and I when he mentioned two weeks after that his plans to hang with Ned and Regine because of how things were ruined at IML. That set me off. I couldn't understand how my coming to a public event, which he had no right to forbid me from going to, would ruin his time between his friends. But he concluded that my reason for going was to check up on him and make sure he wasn't up to no good. IMO that was not true especially since I had expressed a desire to attend this year's event regardless. Needless to say that led me to the decision that I needed to end things with Rock.

Which was what we did that next day in my basement. They always say that it's best to break up with someone in person as opposed to by email or over the phone. I was debating on the best place to do it. I really wasn't keen on doing it in a public venue. Not that I was expecting fist fighting, hair pulling, clothes tugging, and stuff. That would just be gay (no offense...*LOL*). It's just that I wasn't sure how the conversation was going to go and our reactions. I really wasn't keen on crying in public. So that's why I figured it'd be better to do it at one of our places.

After I told Rock that we should break up, he agreed with me. We sat there for a few minutes just in a daze. I couldn't believe we finally went there after weeks of playing the 'Neither One Of Us' by Gladys Knights game. We ended it all just a little over the nineteen months mark.

I looked in Rock's eyes and I saw that he was starting to tear up. I reached for his hand and he then hugged me. He expressed sadness over what was happening and mentioned that Regine and Usha had also broken up the night before. That set off the tears that I held back. We both expressed sadness that we were each letting a 'good guy' go.

Minutes later we were suddenly making out. It was getting a bit surreal. Both of us were questioning what was happening. I knew one thing that couldn't happen, though. I didn't want us ending up having sex. We went from breaking up to taking a hiatus to getting back together again. It was all very confusing.

But in the end we agreed that we'd make (yet another) go at it. He told me if I wanted to date other folks that I was welcome to do so but that he wasn't planning to. He promised that he would make a better effort to try and spend time with me.

Over the last two weeks, that hadn't really happened. He had a few more family and work obligations that he needed to take care of. But our conversations became civil again. This past weekend I went up to see Rock at his place. The funny thing is I told him that i was planning to meet a guy at the Chicago Pride parade to hang out with. I didn't solidify those plans with the guy but Rock made sure to foil those plans by making plans for me to spend half the day with him today. We woke up in each other's arms (it was our first time since April when we went to St. Louis) that morning and then went to Bally's together to work out. Afterwards we went to a JcPenney's outlet to buy some clothes. On route to this outlet, we passed the "lovely cities" of Loves Park and MacHesney Park. Rock joked to me to never say that he didn't take me places. Later on we had a late breakfast/early lunch at Subway's before parting ways around 2:30PM. He made tentative plans for us to see each other again next weekend.

So yeah we're not giving up just yet. We'll see if we can get through these hurdles. Of course I'll keep everyone posted.

Moore Love

After a nearly seven year absence (at least solowise), Chanté Moore finally released a new CD entitled Love The Woman (came out the 17th). I had found out about the release a few months ago on her official website and definitely looked forward to her upcoming album. I decided to purchase the CD during my lunch hour today for $9.99. The last time I went out and bought a CD the day of its release was in September 2005 when Toni Braxton released Libra. Chanté, along with Toni and En Vogue, is among a select few artists that I go out and buy their CDs on release day.

I remember falling in love with Chanté's voice from the moment I first heard Love's Taken Over. At the time I would hear it playing on the radio and unfortunately it was never during a time when they'd announce who the artist was. So for over a month I was struggling to figure out who Chanté was. Fortunately one day I finally figured it out and immediately bought her CD at K-mart.

I swore back then (1992) that I would marry her one of these days. That was when I was trying to do the 'straight thing' during my college years and remember being pissed when Kadeem later scooped her up. A few years later I was pissed to hear that they split up, presumed due to his cheating.

So Hemingway how does Love The Woman stack up against her previous works? Well for one thing, Chanté doesn't seem bitter anymore. I suppose the love of a good man (I admit to questioning their relationship at first.) has been good for her. The one song where she laments over a cheating mate (Guess Who I Saw Today), she's more coy about telling her man he's caught, unlike Exposed single Bitter, where she jarringly repeats the N-word over and over. Guess Who I Saw Today is a clever jazzy talky tune reminiscent of Vanessa L. Williams jazzy tune titled What Will I Tell My Heart. Overall Chanté's voice sounds as lovely and strong as ever, even if a lot of the song choices aren't that memorable. But I've only listened to the whole album once and a couple of the songs a few times. I enjoy her sound overall and I would say that she strikes a happy medium between her first album Precious and her previous album Exposed. Fans of either album will find a few songs they will like. Her first few songs are catchy mid-tempo songs that slightly remind me of Exposed but is less for a lack of a better phrase 'her trying too hard to get street cred'. The first song Always Gonna Be Something starts off with a lovely piano solo before pulsating into a nice R&B jam along with synthesized claps. Her lyrics especially hit home for me in relation to Rock and I. "You had a hard day at work. She had a hard day too. And now you both have an attitude. But just remember that you both love each other very much. So go 'head and make up." And yep, it's always gonna be something.

Another song Special finds her uplifting sisters in general unlike her single from her album This Moment Is Mine titled Chante's Got A Man, which appeared to be poking fun at sisters who had no good men.

Chanté even manages in a bonus track (supposedly exclusively available at Circuit City) with the long title This Could Be The Start Of Something Big to incorporate some slight scat jazz that's quite catchy. She uses her infamous high pitched scream sparingly unlike Mariah, which makes the few times she uses it such a treat.

If you love Chanté overall, I would definitely recommend getting her CD. It's an overall good listen and it's nice hearing in Chanté's voice that she's truly happy again.

Hey, It's Me...Remember Me?

*LOL*...Eugene used to utter those words to me whenever I overextended myself to certain people. There were times when every time I see someone, I felt compelled to say hi, even if the other person could care less to be bothered. Hemingway...

Miss me? Anyone even notice I was gone. That's me....Mr. Cellophane. Mr. Cellophane. Shoulda been my name. Mr. Cellophane. Cause you can look right through me. Walk right by me...and never know I'm there. Hmm...I could so be The Mole. Like I think Clay Cauley is. He's so under the radar. I so could do that. I bet he's the Mole. Hopefully the fools at ABC won't yank it off the air before I find out if I'm right. Unfortunately the ratings haven't been all that great for the show. Though I'm not sure what idiot thought it was smart to put the show at 10PM EST on a Monday after the dreck that's currently called The Bachelor(ette).

I didn't think The Mole would ever see the light of day after the bastards at ABC canned it four years back. But thanks to the uncertain writer's strike and some behind the scenes magic, The Mole has managed to make its way back to TV. Needless to say I've been really happy to see it since I still think The Mole's the best reality TV show out there.

Rock has a thing for the new host Jon Kelley. He says that he's his "one allowance" if he had to step out of the relationship. Personally he doesn't do anything for me. Then again my current "one allowance" is Terry Crews, a guy on a totally different spectrum. I saw Crews on White Chicks this past weekend and damn was he exuding sexuality.

Speaking of relationships, Rock and I are having a bit of a rough spot. Same issues keep creeping back in. Control issues primarily. I don't feel like talking about it anymore. The relationship's limping along but I feel like we're both dancing around ultimately calling it quits. It's like that classic Gladys Knight song 'Neither One Of Us'. We'll see.

In happier news, Tasha mentioned that she's in the market for a new home. I was so happy when she told me the news. I know the biggest reason my parents have held on to the old house we grew up in was due to Tasha still living there. The neighborhood they are in is unfortunately on its last legs. Drug dealers are on the block selling their poison a few houses down and the police aren't doing a damn thing about it. I'd swear the police are in on it. It's a bit of a sham actually since it'll only be a matter of time before the 'white folks' start moving back into the city. But basically they want the remaining folks on the block to kill each other or move out. Besides being a homeowner will give Tasha a good taste of independence and responsibility that she needs. The market is definitely in her favor as there's a lot of homeowners desperate to unload their homes. So she could be closing on a house before the end of the month.

Speaking of which, I found myself visiting Detroit two weekends in a row. Originally I was planning to take week off from work but due to work being a mother (don't even want to talk about that...*LOL*), I was only able to take a couple days here and there. The first weekend I was in Detroit, I primarily came to watch Tasha take part in Race For The Cure. I didn't get to see her walk but I met her at the end of the route. She later treated me to dinner at Famous Dave's.

The following weekend I went to Detroit primarily for my parents. My sisters and I helped my folks celebrate their wedding anniversary. To find out what we did to celebrate, look for all the letters in my entry that are highlighted in red and put them together.

Hemingway till next time.

Ironed Out

My work life has been hell. I was transferred to another project a few months back as part of our reorg. Not only am I learning the current processes of the project but I'm also slated to make major changes to how the process works. The business user is very demanding as well, throwing question after question to research on in the midst of maintaining and learning the current process. We have offshore staff that also works on these requests as we receive them but the changes have been coming fast and furious. It's gotten to the point where I'm working 10-12 hour days some days.

Fussy has expressed displeasure in the output he's received from our group so for the last four weeks we've had 6:30AM conference calls every other day with offshore to discuss updates. I'm not a morning person at all so it's been a bit rough. An added complexity is that I've started another Master Cleanse (don't judge me...*LOL*) and on the days I have the 6:30AMs, I have to wake up at 4:15 to drink my salt water. I'll be on Day 7 on Sunday. What's worse is that Fussy has been demanding face-to-face meetings with me on days that I work from home. Unfortunately to accommodate him, I've had to go along with these but in the last week it's meant having to make my limade drinks on the fly and then driving the 50 minutes or so to the job.

The worse thing about it is that he still won't be satisfied and I already know I'll get a negative review next year (in the unfortunate event I'm still working at my current company...you know that four year and counting plan to leave the job is still on...*LOL*). The upshot is that management knows he's demanding. But nonetheless I know I'll need to try and find a way for him to be somewhat happy.

My work situation has been so stressful that it's affected my relationship with Rock. The thing is I don't like talking about work once I'm off the clock. But Rock knows that work is the source of my stress. Since work's been on my mind, I haven't really thought about much else. He expressed concern that our relationship was getting stagnant since we hardly talked about much. We were having a "discussion" over the phone last week on this and I told him that I don't like talking about work because I don't want to come across as whiny.

I also temper the I hate work talk because my friend Sally is still trying to find employment. It's that whole 'I hate my job but I'm glad I have employment' syndrome. Who am I to sound ungrateful when Sally would love to be employed again?

Rock texted me on Wednesday after our "discussion" telling me that he's there for me to vent at. I don't know if it was the cleanse or the fact that I was struggling to answer another one of Fussy's queries but I felt myself tear up. Luckily I was working from home that day...*LOL*. I called Rock in tears confessing to him that I was frustrated at my work situation and feared that the company would have grounds to fire me since I wasn't satisfying Fussy's queries fast enough. I also told him that I'm supposed to be the calm, collected one (everyone at work sees me that way) and I can't fall apart. Plus being a black man means working over 110% and I couldn't afford any perception that I couldn't handle the project. Rock told me he's there for me and everything would be okay. He had to get back to work himself so we hung up. He checked on me later that afternoon to make sure I was fine.

So Hemingway I'm actually going to drive up to see Rock tomorrow. Since I'll still be cleansing I'll need to bring my drinks with me for when I get hungry. He'll also eat breakfast ahead of time since I can't eat any.

It'll be interesting to see what he thinks of me. Will I be looking scary to him? He's never seen me during one of my cleanses. I've done three of them since we've been dating and should be wrapping up this one by Wednesday.

We're going to see Iron Man. He's excited about that since he remembers the cartoon series. He's a cartoon junkie so I'm sure he'll enjoy it. It'll be great to spend time with him. Last weekend he was in Springfield hanging with his crew while the weekend before I was hanging with my blogger crew.

So I'm definitely looking forward to seeing him. It'll be great to take my mind off work for a few hours as well.

Oh well. Let me finish my laxative tea and go to bed. I have another round of salt water to look forward to first thing in the morning.

B'more Random Musings

This past weekend, I was one of twelve bloggers who attended the first annual Blogger's Family Reunion. I was nervous about attending since despite my blogging for over three years, I felt I'd be the most unknown entity. I'm the only blogger of the twelve that has no form of identification on my blog. My initial reason for not disclosing my picture was fearing someone I know would recognize me and my gay secret would come out. After a while though, that fear was gone (especially when the ladies I came out to both said they knew) and I enjoyed the idea of hiding behind a cartoon. It mirrored my life perfectly. I'm the guy behind the scenes that is rarely noticed and is always trying to blend (not always successfully) with my surroundings. It's my preference since I tend to avoid a lot of drama (aside from my own manufactured drama) that way. Sometimes I'll try to be more adventurous and carefree but that's usually after cautiously weighing out the pros and cons.

I realized that by coming to Baltimore I would no longer be able to hide behind the cartoon. Sure some of my blog family has seen me before. But none of those visits were big planned events where lots of photos would be taken and posted on their blogs. I knew I wouldn't be able to stop that from happening. I wavered back and forth over whether I should go or not. But I decided to fuck it and just go. I knew it'd be great to meet everyone else and also visit the Baltimore area again. I used to live outside of Baltimore years ago before moving to Chicago. Of course I was young and naive back then and was in deep denial about my gayness. I wasn't doing much in the straight arena either. But that's for another entry. *LOL*.

I'm definitely glad I took Friday off since work has been ten kinds of stressful. I'm adjusting to a new project and manager and both have been challenging. Not to make light of women having babies but this project has bought moments when I wished I were nine months pregnant so I could take a three month leave.

So Hemingway I packed lightly (too lightly) and after Southwest's usual delays, eventually arrived in Baltimore around 4:50PM. The first blogger I met was Norris. Norris had the distinction (at that time) of being the only blogger of the remaining eleven that I've met personally when he visited Chicago. He was nice enough to pick me up from the airport and hook me up with a sweet hotel deal at Hammond Inn. (Unfortunately I had gone to hotwire and booked another hotel at Westin that I couldn't get my money back for. But I figured since I wouldn't be renting a car while in Baltimore and the deal I got wound up being about the price I'd pay for a rental Hemingway that it was all good.)

Norris dropped me off at my hotel and promptly went back to his hotel to take a nap. I stepped into my room and chilled for a bit. I chatted with Rock for a few minutes, who himself was at his Mom's place putting together her new Bose surround sound system while she was visiting her sister in Springfield. I was telling him how nice the room was and how I wished he could be with me. The room was even nicer than the one Rock and I stayed at when we visited St. Louis a couple weekends ago (I have to blog about that too...so behind in blogging..thanks to my stressful job).

I received a text later from Norris telling me that Cocoa Rican was also staying at the Hammond and he gave me his room number to call. I promptly called his room, curious to chat with him. He didn't pick up however. I later learned that he was with Mr Jones getting all the party favors for the night.

I entertained myself with logging into my laptop and surfing the Net. Eugene called to shoot the breeze and we killed time talking about various topics until my stomach started to rumble. I told Eugene I needed to go find out when dinner was happening. I only had Rice Krispies cereal and Chex mix for food that day. I called Norris but he was still sleeping. I totally understood since he drove ten hours from Atlanta to be at the event. I realized that I would have to take matters into my own hands and made my way to the Harbor, which was only three short blocks from my hotel.

Figuring that we'd all go to dinner later, I simply bought a greasy pizza from S'barro's. I also beforehand stopped at The Gap for a t-shirt but balked that there weren't any real sales (even if they're perceived) to be had. As I finished up on the pizza, I got a call from Norris that he was getting ready to pick me up. I made my way back to the hotel and quickly showered and got dressed.

I met Norris outside in his car and he mentioned that we're also waiting for Cocoa Rican. The man himself eventually came and we greeted each other. My first impression of him was that he's short and fiery. I could definitely pick up on his New York accent, which made me think of The Nanny. I got the impression from his banter that he could be quite the character.

We later arrived at Homewood Suites and made our way to the 11th floor. We walked towards a corner suite and as were were arriving, a friend of Mr. Jones, Nia was leaving. I saw Mr Jones and another blogger (I assumed) that I didn't immediately recognize. I introduced myself and immediately went for some chips and I may have had a rum and cranberry. A question on where the other blogger was from led to conclude that Lauderdaleboi1500 (Andre) was in the house. My first impression of Andre was that he was a very friendly guy. He seemed to be in awe (like I was) of the guys in the room. He looked like he was about 18 and I held that assumption since I didn't recall him fixing a drink.

I enjoyed the variety of banter that mostly Norris, Cocoa, and Mr. Jones were giving. Nia soon came back as well. I was curious if we were still going to dinner but gave up on that idea when remembering that more guys were coming and it was hitting close to midnight (though truth I lost track of time).

Two more bloggers came into the mix, neither of whom I immediately recognized. I introduced myself to Joey Bahamas and j_shanlin (Jared). Joey was quite the fashion plate, appearing like he could walk the runway. Jared as I would learn was the youngest of the bunch and I swear I've read his blog before but couldn't find any comments from me. Jared was cute and goofy and his various antics were among the evening highlights. He later left to go get Promiscuous X, who I was mixing up with another "X" blogger (who's blog is defunct and replaced by another weird blog...so I guess he's not blogging anymore).

Then the guys termed as the "Jersey Crew" arrived. All three blogs I've recalled and I was excited to meet them, especially ShawnQT, who reminds me of a smaller Rock. I also remembered ShawnQT's better half Fuzzy and their friend Ty. Both Shawn and Fuzzy displayed a playful nature and I enjoyed seeing how they took care of each other. Ty came across as very level-headed and the brains of a successful corporation. Fuzzy made a comment that Ty and I dressed almost similarly and as I looked closer I realized that he did.

Jared returned with Promiscuous X. I think I responded to an entry he had mimicking the popular Who Wants To Be A Millionaire game. He straight up had the dl-thug look going for him. He did exude a certain swagger about him and it was cool seeing him interact with the rest of the crew.

Eventually the last of the bloggers, Darius, showed up. It was cool finally meeting since we've talked of meeting in our hometown but never materialized.

The conversations ranged from different experiences certain bloggers were going through to the numerous clubs that bloggers have gone to. As one of only two older bloggers (I won't reveal the other one...*LOL*), I felt a bit old and behind the times of the twenty-something majority. Of course I know you're only as old as you feel.

I was extra excited seeing snippets of a couple reruns of Half & Half. I "let that be the reason" I named my blog Half & Half, Tit & Tit. It made me angry again remembering how the show got killed before its time. I can only hope they release the entire series on DVD eventually. It might take another twenty years, though.

It got quite loud at different points of the evening and I started wondering when we'd get the knock or phone call from hotel security telling us to keep it down. But neither came and it was hilarious seeing Mr. Jones remind everyone to use their "inside voices" every fifteen minutes and then proceed to be just as loud. Guess in our group it was the only way to be heard. That could explain why I wasn't heard...*LOL*.

It was close to the witching hour (actually way past it) and we needed to decide as a group what was happening tomorrow. Mr. Jones suggested we all get together at noon for a "communal breakfast".

It was 12:30 PM on Saturday when the first group got together. It comprised of Mr Jones, Norris, Cocoa, Andre, Darius, and myself. After a debate between eating out and buying breakfast foods, it was decided to do the latter. So the six of us walked a couple blocks to where Mr. Jones parked his rental. We drove to a "Whole Foods" like store (can't remember the name) where we proceeded to buy eggs, breakfast sausage, bacon, OJ, and potatoes and Darius picked up a few extra things that he felt would make breakfast complete.

Before arriving back at the hotel, Mr. Jones got a call from the other blogger half stating that they were at the hotel. We arrived a little bit after 2PM. There was a bit of debate over who'd cook breakfast but Fuzzy immediately stepped up to the task. I went searching for pots and only found one so Norris went down to the front for some more. Eventually I quietly stepped up and with Fuzzy's assist turned on the portable grill and cooked all the sausage and bacon. I'm proud to say that I didn't burn any of the bacon...*LOL*. I texted Rock afterwards and told him that I owed him a cooked breakfast. Fuzzy cut up some potatoes and onions and cooked those up to rave reviews.

We then spent the afternoon watching the Phoenix Suns against the San Antonio Spurs. Ty mentioned having a crush on Tim Duncan but nobody else was really feeling him. He'll be happy to know that the Spurs beat the Suns 117-115 in double overtime. Of course the discussion centered on the difference between straight men watching the game versus gay men, with the latter instead of focusing on gameplay and scoring focusing on asses and who got the sharpest look.

It was decided to meet back in Homewood around 8:30PM and head out for dinner. I had just enough time to run back to the Harbor to pick up a couple t-shirts and some socks. We wound up going to Burger King's instead where I was forced to buy a Whopper (mostly cause I was hungry...*LOL*). Norris was nice enough to get me a wrap from McDonald's earlier that I was hoping would tide me up for a real sit-down dinner. We got that sit down dinner but little did I know that sit-down wouldn't happen until 3AM...*LOL*.

The game plan was originally to go to a club that I can't recall the name. We wound up not getting in due to Jared being so young. ShawnQT cracked me up with his description of the guys being too "DC looking" (or something like that). I took it to mean ugly and I got that confirmation when I asked him how many drinks it'd take to make them attractive and Shawn said none. I was pleasantly surprised when Fuzzy gave me his phone and it was Soldier. I had forgotten that Soldier was friends with Fuzzy and ShawnQT. Soldier was basically checking in with me to make sure I was having fun. It was totally cool hearing from him.

We wound up going to a sports bar thanks to the suggestion of Joey Bahamas. He wound up having a hook up there who made sure we had our drink on. I was even surprised when my glass had an "E" shaped piece of ice on it, which I had Ty capture in his still shots. I swear it was a sign from above. Ohhh...I guess you might see a picture or two of me in there as well....*LOL*.

Joey Bahamas came to the rescue again suggesting a great 24-hour breakfast diner spot. By then, though, I was thinking that my early morning flight wasn't sure a great idea. I was just hoping that I wouldn't fall asleep and miss my flight. I was feeling a bit cranky by then and it showed. But the morning picked up when a drag version of my favorite character on Half & Half BDD made an appearance. He even had an entourage of really hot B-boys around him. I would've said something but luckily the rest of the crew interacted and I believe Mr. Darius managed to capture a picture of him in his stills (among other pictures). I swear that put a smile on my face and eventually my hunger returned as Joey made suggestions on what to order.

My medium-well steak turned out perfect, though Darius and Mr. Jones's similar ordered steaks weren't to their liking. Luckily things were eventually fixed to their satisfaction and eventually we exited the restaurant.

By the time we got back it was after 5:30AM. Knowing that I might oversleep, I sent Rock a text around 2AM telling him to call me at 5AM his time (6AM mine) to wake me up. He wound up calling just as I was exiting Mr. Jones car. I chatted with him as Cocoa and I made our way to our respective rooms.

I wound up staying up since I didn't want to risk falling asleep. The original plan was to have Norris drop me at the airport but since Norris needed to drop different folks off himself and had the pleasure of driving ten hours back to ATL, I told him not to worry about it. I had the hotel call me a taxi and by 7AM I had checked out and made my way to BWI.

That ended my adventures in Baltimore.

I smiled a bit reading a few recollections of the weekend and how I was perceived (or not perceived at all...*LOL*) by a few bloggers. For the most part, I am a low key individual. I enjoyed listening to everyone banter and occasionally when asked, throwing a few words or two. I just am not an overly animated person that needs to be heard (and actually when I did speak I couldn't be heard anyway...*LOL*) or perform antics to get noticed. Not that there's anything wrong with that. It's just not my thing. When things got really loud, I definitely wasn't up for shouting myself. I was too worried about the people trying to sleep in the other rooms around us...*LOL*. And the fact that I wasn't shouting or performing antics wound up getting me noticed anyway. Promiscuous X a couple times came up to me asking how come I wasn't speaking and at times seeming shocked when I did. Mr. Jones and to a lesser extent Cocoa (except on his assessment of me on his blog...*LOL*) also kept checking to make sure I was okay. But I was just fine. If nothing else, Norris and I from time to time nonverbally communicated with each other in between his own antics with the group...*LOL*.

Sigh...back to work hell. I so need to play the lottery.