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A day at the beach...
The thing I really love about coming out to the OBX with JM's family is that there is not a lot to do out here but sit on the beach...eat...and drink. We've managed to mix it up with a trip for mani/pedi's at a place called Klassy Nails. That's right, with a "k." Tomorrow we may or may not get a boat or take a ride in a biplane.
August 30 at 3:31 PM | Comments (2)
OBX and beyond
It's time for the next leg of my trips. I'm off to the OBX with JM and I can't wait to see his 'rents and enjoy a relaxing few days on the beach with absolutely no plans or required action items! Happy Labor Day to me!! I hope you have fun plans, too. After that I'm off to the northeast for a few days of corporate meetings and then back to Austin.
I'm hoping the summer will be over by the time I return. (I can still hope, can't I?)
August 28 at 4:01 PM | Comments (0)
She did a great job
Senator Hillary Clinton did a great job last night. She was gracious, comfortable, relatable and unapologetic about being a feminist. She reminded her strong supporters that it is time to get over the fact that a woman will not be president...this time, but that it is time to support Obama for the future of this country.
I think it was her best speech ever. When she pulled out the Harriet Tubman, she got me.
By following the example of a brave New Yorker , a woman who risked her life to bring slaves along the Underground Railroad.Walk on, Sister! Walk on!On that path to freedom, Harriet Tubman had one piece of advice. If you hear the dogs, keep going. If you see the torches in the woods, keep going. If they're shouting after you, keep going.
Don't ever stop. Keep going. If you want a taste of freedom, keep going. And even in the darkest of moments, that is what Americans have done. We have found the faith to keep going
The fact that she spoke on the 88th anniversary of the women's right to vote was not lost on anyone. When she said, "My mother was born before women could vote. My daughter got to vote for her mother for president," it put into perspective the old Virginia Slims slogan, "You've come a long way, baby."
August 27 at 6:46 AM | Comments (2)
The ugly truths and the beautiful truths
Littlebiggerchris' latest vlog mentioned the ugly truths that no one teaches you and the only way you learn them is to experience them and then you learn the ugly truth, so it's passed...quietly and painfully to each of us. It made me wonder what ugly truths I have learned and then wonder how many more do I have to learn?
Here's a few:
-Just because you love someone doesn't mean they love you.
-Not everyone that broke your heart pines for you and still thinks of you, some go on happily with their lives and never look back fondly about you.
-Good work, hard work is not always rewarded.
-Not everyone gets what is coming to them.
-Count on yourself, because when you can't count on anyone, you're the only one that matters.
What are your ugly truths?
But, to flip that around and not be so "dark" there are also beautiful truths. It takes just as much wisdom to learn from those, probably more so, than the ugly ones.
Some beautiful truths I have learned:
-My heart can heal even when I think it will never recover from sadness.
-There are people in my life that would (and have) walked through fire to be by my side.
-The miracle of birth is the most amazing thing I've ever witnessed.
-There are moments when my Faith is so strong that I can feel the presence of God.
-Faith can bring you peace and serenity when nothing else will.
So, tell me some ugly truths but balance it out with a beautiful truth about life and the lessons we learn as we get older. The ones that no one can teach us, no one can make us feel until we do it for ourselves.
August 26 at 10:56 PM | Comments (1)
4 months: 3 months
4 months, not one. 3 months, just one. I'm proud of a few accomplishments this year. Two of those are: quitting smoking and the other is that I was determined to date and get out my rut of poor choices with men. I'm calling both of those things...done and done.
Well, you know...I got out there and dated and am dating someone and I'm happy...the poor choice thing is technically not "done" because you never know and if history is any indication with my relationships he may or may not wind up to be suffering from a fake terminal illness, be a grifter, drug addict, thief, prostitute or physically violent when under stress....but you know, we're just going to go with "done" now and reserve the right for "I told you so's" at some future undetermined date. K?
August 26 at 7:47 PM | Comments (0)
A pissed off gay...
I'm traveling for the next 8 days. I'll be gone on three different trips before I return home. It's work/beach/work so let me tell you why that's got me pissed off. I'm going to pack very light...one small carry on. That means many wardrobe repeats are in my future.
That pisses me off to start with. I'm very upset. Now...to compound that on the gay scale it's Labor Day on Monday..right in the middle of my trip. You know what that means...season change. So, I can't pack the white pants, the seersucker suit, anything linen or the white bucs. Screwed. All that summer wardrobe is freshly dry cleaned and in the closet until after Easter without one more chance to be worn.
So here I am staring at a small carry on and a large closet frustrated and angry.
This renews my gay card for a lifetime membership, btw.
August 26 at 6:17 PM | Comments (0)
Watching the convention
I'm watching the Democratic National Convention this week, and the folks at the webdesk of CNN.com must have some blackmail material on Anderson Cooper and Wolf Blitzer because they are telling us to go to cnn.com/politics every four minutes.
Senator Kennedy's video tribute and speech were an emotional start, but I agree with Anderson and James Carville...we are ready for the "red meat" of the convention. We've had 8 years of George Bush and an unpopular war and near recession. Come on, Dems...pull it together! Let's get this going.
August 25 at 9:21 PM | Comments (2)
No plans? I've got a cure for that.
What a great weekend! I called JM Friday as I was leaving the office with the usual, "eh, what are we doing this weekend? I'm bored. I'd like to maybe get a big hotel room and order a ton of room service and watch some movies. You game?" Game, we were! We went off to one of the country's top rated spas, Barton Creek, and ordered up just about everything on the menu and went down to the spa and bought them out of face masks and eye creams. We capped off that evening with two movies ordered on on our huge flat screen television. The first one was so scary I screamed bloody murder about three times. Thank God the second one was funny.
Saturday I finally picked out a new sofa and narrowed down the bed choices for the new place. Now, I'm on the hunt for a chandelier. I've got my eye on this one. The move-in date is still not finalized because I have no idea about paint colors.
That night we went to Cedar Street, a cute courtyard bar, and heard an 80's Glam Rock band. It was so very much like being back in Tuscaloosa that I shouted Roll Tide a few times. As the night got late we wandered over to OCH and talk about a letdown. The gays were all standing around staring at each other. It was like a fun vacuum in there. BORING.
All in all, a great weekend. Now I'm getting ready for the next hell of management retreats, strategy meetings, budgets, new technology training and oh yeah..a move.
August 24 at 9:41 PM | Comments (2)
A Gay Milestone
Awww, there's the moment in a gay relationship when you know it's serious. That's when your bf asks if you have deleted your gay "dating" profiles online. It's the equivalent to getting your own drawer at the bf's house in hetero-speak.
August 21 at 10:10 PM | Comments (0)
Genius Casting
Have you caught "Outsiders Inn" on CMT? Premise: Maureen McCormick, Bobby Brown and Carnie Wilson star in a show that has Maureen deciding to start a bed and breakfast in rural East Tennessee with the help of Bobby and Carnie.
It's only topped by Country Fried Videos that follows...a redneck extravaganza of stupidity.
August 21 at 8:30 PM | Comments (0)
You know your product sucks when...
You have to create a website and advertising campaign convincing people it doesn't. Microsoft is still trying to convince you that Windows Vista is a good thing. Still not biting.
August 21 at 1:34 AM | Comments (1)
He started strong, but midway the wheels fell off
That's how I feel about this week. I think Thursday will be a "mental health day" for me. Too much. Usually I can just push through when a week becomes tedious, but this week I'm deciding to practice some "self care" and re-focus.
I came home from the office and was so mentally exhausted I fell asleep on the sofa and did not wake up until about 9 p.m. That's not right.
August 20 at 11:13 PM | Comments (0)
In the dumb even after you're dead category
We have this man...who wanted to be "standing at his wake" so he was embalmed and leaned against a wall in front of his coffin. Complete with his bling and Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses. If he got to Heaven I hope Jesus slaps him.
Via E on Twitter.
August 19 at 9:57 PM | Comments (1)
Thank God I have a bf
Because this was in my inbox...
I'm a 53 year old Family Physician. My first partner died of AIDS in 1995. My second partner of 11 years is an unrecoverd Alcoholic, which led to our separation.......Thank you match.com, but along with sending me my ex-boyfriends and sad sack physicians you were never a help to me. Account deleted...for about the third time. I kept going back thinking I'll give it one more try.
August 18 at 6:25 PM | Comments (0)
That must have been one bitch of a mom
This obituary (click the extended to read in full) made me do a spit take. That's some ballsy children to put this in the paper. Loved it, though.
Dolores had no hobbies, made no contribution to society and rarely shared a kind word or deed in her life. I speak for the majority of her family when I say her presence will not be missed by many, very few tears will be shed and there will be no lamenting over her passing.
He who laughs last, laughs best. (via DListed)
Continue reading "That must have been one bitch of a mom"
August 18 at 6:19 PM | Comments (2)
I'm totally excited
Some people stood in long lines and couldn't wait for The Dark Knight to open...me? I'll be at the HSM3 opening night! That's right, y'all! High School Musical: Senior Year is almost ready!!
August 18 at 8:15 AM | Comments (0)
Say hello to the newest downtown resident...
So, it didn't take much on anyone's part for me to wind up on the 17th floor of the Monarch building.
I will be on the West side of the building and the view is unbelievable. I think I can see all the way to Dripping Springs. The retail spot in the parking garage will be the newest location for Vin Bistro and they will have "room service" for residents. FIERCE.
My apartment is over 1400 square feet with a 165 square foot balcony on the corner of the building. Plus, the master bathroom is a "wet room" with a glass wall and door that opens into the shower and then behind that the garden tub. (Here's the flickr photos of the empty place)
Now we have just one problem. Clearly grandma's furniture is not going to work. It's time for a fire sale at the 1924 charming bungalow.
August 17 at 2:16 PM | Comments (2)
Sweet Fancy Jesus!
It's gonna rain, y'all!! Maybe, just maybe, the 3rd hottest and driest summer on record is coming to a close. Rain! Glorious Rain!!
And look! Not a 100 degree high in the forecast.
Crankiness of summer gone. It is safe to contact me without fear!!
August 17 at 10:04 AM | Comments (0)
Credit score scam
I do not have credit. I do not have any debt, either. But, when I decided to get back in the ol' credit game I am just as aware that it is all a big con as when I did have credit. Three credit agencies have three different credit scores for me with 90 points between the highest and lowest. The highest score I have is with Experian, but my bank has already told me that no one uses Experian because they are always higher than TransUnion or Equifax. But, when I look at the three agencies reports...Experian is the most accurate. See how that works out? Fascinating.
TransUnion, by the way, is looking to settle a class action lawsuit regarding their shady practices.
August 16 at 6:21 PM | Comments (0)
Hot flash
Uhm, how come y'all have not introduced me to the show Burn Notice? Starring Jeffrey Donovan. Oh. My. God. Put this man at the very top of my "Most Beautiful" list.
I'm putting all of the episodes in my queue on hulu.com right now. Oh, the show also stars Sharon Gless as his mother...so it just exponentially gets better.
August 16 at 12:07 AM | Comments (2)
Was that an earthquake?
The road construction outside our building today was unbearable. Our entire building was shaking and the first time it happened we all kind of walked into the hallway and looked at each other like, "Are you kidding me? Is this an earthquake? No? Then are you kidding me? WTF?" Yeah, cause we're like that.
All day my office shook and rattled and pictures were knocked askew. It was just unnerving...that can't be good for the foundation.
August 15 at 6:43 PM | Comments (0)
Public Service Announcement
Never Never Never Shake A Baby.
August 15 at 8:22 AM | Comments (0)
Bigfoot!
This is my least favorite American myth...the legend of bigfoot. I am more of a Bermuda Triangle kind of guy, but there's a press conference today because some hoaxters (is that right?) claim they have found bigfoot in Georgia.
Nice.
August 15 at 8:10 AM | Comments (0)
Friday!
I love Fridays...from the time I wake up I start thinking about what time I'll get home this afternoon. The quiet weekends are awesome in between the craziness that is about to ensue for me. In the next 20 days I'll be traveling for 10 of them. And, during that time I am starting to look at new properties.
Oh, and just because it is Friday let's add some random-ness.
Quote of the Day: "Your opinion, although interesting, is irrelevant."
Song of the Day: Helen Reddy: You and Me Against The World
August 15 at 8:01 AM | Comments (3)
Interesting how that works out....
The owner of my house died. Just as I was looking online at high rise downtown living and having conversations with my bf about our future together.
The property manager called me and told me the news and said the house was going to go on the market...it would have to be a bargain for me to even consider buying it after living here for a year. I know what all is wrong with it. But, it also means they will let me out of my lease whenever.
August 14 at 12:04 AM | Comments (3)
Mystery Solved
We have been wondering what in the heck this building is going up downtown. All the other high-rise buildings have amazing PR folks that get them in the news all the time, but this one was so stealthy...and slow. Apparently they went down 65 feet below ground for underground parking before coming above ground. I think it's coming along pretty fast...
It was originally the Altavida, but now it's called the Ashton building. It will be apartments with live/work spaces for artists in some of the units. It has an amazing location and, at the very least, I'm glad I finally know what in the hell it is! Thanks Austin Skyscraper forum!
August 12 at 6:42 PM | Comments (0)
Well, at least they are honest...
Saw this bottle of wine in Whole Foods yesterday.
Here's a review of "Big House Pink" from Celebrate Wine.
August 12 at 6:15 PM | Comments (0)
Enjoying a couple of days off...
I just got back from taking B to the airport. It gets harder to part every time. We're going to have to do something about that.
August 12 at 2:47 PM | Comments (0)
Good weekend everyone? Good. Good. Glad to hear it.
B is here, so I've had a great weekend. We met up with EH and friends Saturday night at Key Bar and, although it was very hot outside, we did manage a fantastic night. I took B over to Barton Springs Sunday, but it was not for him. Usually it's a gas to see people try to get in that freezing water, but with B it was funny because he just wasn't ready for that much "Austin."
Today, I'm cutting out of work early and we're going to the IMAX showing of The Dark Knight. Can't wait! I haven't seen it yet, but I've heard that the IMAX version is fantastic.
Anybody else have a fantastic weekend? I know JM did. *wink*
August 11 at 8:45 AM | Comments (0)
My lucky day!
From:Mr.daniel chonk tong
Very urgent and important
Hello,
My name is Mr.daniel chonk tong, I trained and work as an external auditor for
the Development Bank of Singapore (DBS). I had taken pains to find your contact through personal endeavors.
A foreigner with thesame last name as yours, died here in Singapore,twelve years ago leaving behind an estate/capital (US$12.8M with interest) here in DBS where I work, till date nobody has come forward or put application for the claim.
I can confirm with certainty that the said investor died intestate 1996, no next-of-kin to his estate and no body came forward all these years. I am of the settled conviction that using my insider leverage, I,working with you can secure the funds in the account for us instead of allowing it pass as unclaimed funds into the coffers of the Government of Singapore. This is especially possible as you bear the same LAST NAME to the said investor, of course you shall be handsomely rewarded for your part in this transaction as me and my colleague are prepared to allocate a 20% of the total funds for your efforts and kindly get back to me via my email address;dtong777_dbs@hotmail.com.
Affirm your willingness and cooperation please,by replying me stating your FULL NAME, DATE OF BIRTH, TELEPHONE NUMBER, FAX NUMBER, AND CONTACT ADDRESS.through my direct email address;dtong888_dbs@hotmail.live.com
I do expect your prompt response.
Thank you,
Mr.daniel chonk tong.
August 11 at 8:05 AM | Comments (3)
There's always a silver lining...
So, here we are in the third hottest summer on record. Day 45 of 100 or above temperatures. My neighbors moved here from California. Like thousands before them they have invaded Austin and helped drive real estate values through the roof. When I saw them outside today they looked shell-shocked.
They are miserable in this heat and considering moving back to California. They said, "It is so hot! We can't stand being outside." I told them we were probably through the worst of it and to cheer up...by October it will surely only be in the 90's. (Cue evil music here) MOVE....leave... and take your hyper-inflated real estate prices with you! Bwahahahahahahahaha
Eh. What'd you expect...It's f'ing hot. Let me just have this.
August 9 at 6:39 PM | Comments (1)
The paternal side...
of my family has been somewhat of a mystery to us until just recently. I just received information from as far back as has been traced and read the DAR application from 1960 of my great great great great grandfather...fascinating. He was of English lineage and born around 1732 in the Colony of Maryland or the Colony of Virginia. He apparently fought in the American Revolution...and escaped from the Tories by dressing in drag.
Genetic. Clearly. Keep reading for the story of his escape.
Continue reading "The paternal side..."
August 9 at 4:36 PM | Comments (0)
Cranky? Who? Me?
Summer crankiness is near record levels over here. We are in our 3rd hottest summer of all time here in Austin. So far 43 days above 100. Check out the forecast and understand.
Seriously? Seriously.
August 8 at 8:13 AM | Comments (2)
How about a champagne lunch?
Anyone? I am so glad to see Friday morning! B will be here tomorrow! It's been a long week and I'm ready to relax and enjoy a nice weekend. How about y'all? Anybody got any fun plans?
August 8 at 8:09 AM | Comments (0)
Obama Hoaxes
I got an email forward today about yet another lie regarding Senator Obama. I took the time to read it, and it's just unbelievable what people are doing to smear this candidate. I went over to snopes and saw there are more than 50 email lies/smears going around about him. They are the "top" urban legends right now.
Read my professional and polite response in the extended entry.
Continue reading "Obama Hoaxes"
August 8 at 7:38 AM | Comments (0)
I'm not paying for your mimosas
HA! Loving this show you guys...I'm all over hulu.com.
August 7 at 9:11 PM | Comments (1)
Have you ever...
...been late to work because every pair of pants you put on were too tight? I went through three different pair of pants this morning before I gave up and put on my blue jeans.
August 7 at 10:52 AM | Comments (0)
Tarrytown: A Dickensian ghetto?
Austin is reporting cases of Typhus, a disease not found in Austin in over a decade. Most of the cases are being reported in the gorgeous neighborhood of Tarrytown.
How interesting that this gorgeous neighborhood is being compared to conditions in a concentration camp.
flourishes under conditions of poor hygiene, such as those found in prisons, concentration camps, or refugee camps, amongst the homeless, or until the middle of the 20th century, in armies in the field. In tropical countries, typhus is often mistaken for dengue fever.Ew.
August 7 at 7:51 AM | Comments (0)
Well said, Anderson
Anderson Cooper ripped into the TV show "Living Lohan" yesterday. For some reason he was on the Regis and Kelly show...why I don't know...but here's a clip of him being honest and Kelly sort of freaking out that he's doing it.
August 6 at 9:32 AM | Comments (3)
That's a really great show
Ok, so I love hulu.com, right? Their video player and user experience is among my favorites on the web right now. Since I love the site, I'm always looking for new things to watch there. I finally succumbed and started watching It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Uhm...have you watched this show? Genius. Love.
August 6 at 12:47 AM | Comments (0)
Edouard, you suck
I was so hoping we'd get some rain. I've entered my annual cranky phase due to the heat here in Austin and I'd been hoping that it would be dark and rainy all day and nope...barely any rain at all...a few clouds...nothing. It all went north. Like Waco can appreciate rain like I could.
BITTER. The bitterness and crankiness should peak with my August electric bill and then gradually subside as September comes to a close. You know, if past years are any indication as to how this will go down.
August 6 at 12:44 AM | Comments (1)
Olympic Fever...
The Summer Olympics opening ceremonies are Friday. I think Austin will probably be watching a lot because there is something like 20 UT students over there competing. KXAN NBC sent their sports anchor and some photographers over there and in addition to the regular coverage, they are blogging and making YouTube videos of their trip.
(Disclosure: I kind of made them do it) BUT...it's totally sucking me in! I'm watching the videos and getting to see things you'd never get to see or know about the Olympics if you just watched them on television.
So, do me a favor. Read their blog and encourage them in the comments. The guys are new to this whole "blogging" and telling a story using their "voice" and not telling you the facts. But, it's cool to see them embrace it and I know it's going to be how I keep up with the Olympics this year.
August 6 at 12:03 AM | Comments (0)
Live from the newsroom...
I talked to the weather team before they headed out to Galveston to report on Tropical Storm Edouard. Love Mary Lee. Here's the video.
August 4 at 6:51 PM | Comments (0)
104 today?
Today will be our 42nd day this summer with temps over 100 degrees. Thank GOD there is a big ass storm in the Gulf headed our way. Bring it!
August 4 at 7:54 AM | Comments (0)
I don't care how you get here...
In a long distance relationship, I find myself singing this song. I'm sure it will be top of mind until I pick him up at the airport on Saturday.
August 4 at 7:50 AM | Comments (3)
Your house is so charming...
But...
This 1924 bungalow is indeed charming, full of period details, including the original single pane windows. Unfortunately, it's also full of period wiring and no insulation. That means that in the winter it is drafty and in the summer it is impossible to cool. For example it's 9:00 p.m. here in Austin and still in the upper 90's outside. My central a/c is working hard to keep the house at 78 while the two window units I've put in are cranking. I put clothes in the dryer and about ten minutes later the house went dark.
Tripped the circuit in the fusebox. Which is outside. Which is so old it is nearly impossible for me to actually "flip" back on. And it's dark.
Downtown brand new high-rise building anyone? Anyone?
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