Cleveland still rocks!

By now most folks know that i am in the midst of a career transition. My final day at work was yesterday, in Columbus, OH. I need to be in Erie, PA on thursday morning in order to start the new one. so I rented myself a car, and took myself up to Cleveland. I have family up here, and thought I might take advantage of the time to visit them.

Before i really take off, I should take a minute to really shout out to Budget rent-a-car in Port- Columbus Interntaional Airport. I have a ford fusion at home, love it, and when i made my reservation that is what i requested. When I got to the airport, I was devastated to hear that that is not what they had for me, They did however have a chrysler sebring. i uttered a very simple and under my breath "i dont like those" and the lovely lady, called Beverly, behind the desk jumped to find something else. I ensures her it wasnt so serious, but she replied with "we dont have what you ordered, and we will find something you like." Well it must be a busy day in Columbus, because she had nothing else. She then walked over to the Avis counter, where she secured a BRAND NEW Dodge Charger, a serious serious upgrade from a ford fusion, i said "i couldnt possibly!" she said, the upgrade would be free, and then further sweetened the deal by throwing in a free navigation system, and free fuel service, i can return the car on empty, and they will refill it! By the way, this car is a moving wet dream, and im likely going to buy one.

So now I am in Cleveland. My cousin and her husband are working for the morning so I decided I might just go downtown. Of course it a disgusting, cold, rainy day. But I like those. Cleveland is a large city, right on the southern shore of Lake Erie. There are a lot of banker types moving about, and a lot of "emo" artistic types.I came to the starbucks in Public Square, and even the suits seem to have a more laid- back tone about them. I was lucky enough to get a window seat, and busted out my laptop. With my trusty apple infused chai, and perfect oatmeal, i can type away, listen to the music, and stare out at the misty skyline, as I look up the buildings, my eyes dont get too far before the clouds and rain take control. Still its nice, thoughtful. I think after this I may just return my computer to the car, and walk over to the lake. it could only be so bad. well everyone seems to be having a reasonably lovely thursday morning, and I am too. I cant wait to start my new job, and am really enjoying this day of nothing here in Cleveland, OH.

Drag Brunch?! OK!!

Wow, so I got home from the birthday extravaganza around 8 AM, just in time to grab a quick nap, and get up again for drag brunch at Godfrey's with Aimee and Cheryl. We were meeting some of Cheryl's coworkers. (they are bartenders at Sidelines in Chester) Might I say, I hadn't been to the drag brunch in years, and I really forgot how much fun it really is. Aimee drove us all, and surprisingly, we made it on time! seriously, that's a feat in itself! we took our table, and ordered our drinks. that's when the entertainment began! the place was packed as usual, and the crowd was the typical mix. There were birthday girls, brides to be, and cutsie little straight girls dragging their all too willing, I meant to say hesitant, boyfriends! Oh my goodness, there were some hotties up in there!! and seriously, they got a lot more from a day at the "gay- establishment" than you should expect! The food was sensational, and the drinks, naturally Delicious. I had such a great time with Aimee and Cheryl, and was so glad I didnt bail out from being tired. I was also very excited to hear that one of my favorite drag queens would be performing, from Raleigh, NC Kirby Kolby.











This is a video of Kirby Kolby i dug up on youtube

Three Monkey's, And A Bowling Alley

No its not another crappy sitcom coming this fall. Yesterday was a triple birthday celebration. Terri, Nicole, and someone else, whom I don't really know, all celebrated their birthday's last night. Our night began with dinner, Terri, Aimee, Jessica, Cyndi and I all met up at 3Monkey's on Main St. for a fabulous dinner. we shared appetizers, and got some entrees, a few beers, and head on out for BOWLING!!


In typical fashion, the night progressed to take a more energetic tone. We arrived at the Shrader Lanes Bowling Alley, I must say, I hadn't been bowling in a long time, and I was expecting a smoky, trashy bowling joint, Not the case. Shrader Lanes is actually quite a nice place. We had a huge group by the time Nicole's party and the other group joined. and we quickly donned our shoes and balls, and got to work!


Pitchers, shots, and lots and lots of bowling. What a blast!!
Still, it doesnt end there! The ended at 1 a.m. not long after Nicole and Terri danced around to "Thriller" the Michael Jackson classic



Once again, in typical fashion, the night once again moved on. This time to Nicole and Kevin's house. Nicole, was passed out, but that didn't stop us from a good time. More drinks, and some various conversations, Steve serving Red Bull and Vodka, and eventually Steve and Kevin on the floor in a good ole fashioned Jujitsu match. I couldn't tell if it was more like watching UFC, or a mildly homo-erotic bonding ritual.






No matter your interpretation of how it all went down, how drunk you may have been, or to the fact that we were all up till at least 8 AM, there is no doubt that it was another truly sensational evening.
On a side note, who actually talks to the person at the urinal next to them in the mens room? I didnt think so!!!

Like Any Mardi Gras Party, Nobody Forgets The Guy With The Bird In His Hair

Holy shit. I went to the Mardi Gras party this weekend at Nicole's house. It was a damn good time. I am almost glad I didn't have a job to go to this week, because that could have been the absolute worst hangover ever. What more could you expect the morning after a party where an anatomically correct "female" cake is being falated and motor boated? That's right, motor boating a cake! We met up at Terri's house and donned our masks and I ended up with a bird in my hair! yes, a bird. I'm not sure why there was a bird, but my hair was a hot ass mess, so the bird did actually bring it all together! We hopped in the car and got to the party. I wasn't sure what to expect, but i knew it would be a good time. my goodness was it ever! that was such a lovely party. Never a worry about going hungry or thirsty. the "bar" was well appointed, and the food was truly decadent. Everyone was in a lively mood, with choice beads, masks, makeup, and a fur coat for good measure. I'm not sure how we planned our evening, but I'm quite sure we didn't plan to stay until 3:30 am like we did! I don't think I have ever gotten as drunk as I did, I started with beer, thinking it would just be a light evening. Of course as soon as i walked into the kitchen, before i could even turn the corner to see who was in there, there would be a shot in my hand. All I know is that there was a TON of red bull, of which i am not a fan at all! well I drank it, liked it, got devastatingly drunk, and definitely knew it the next day! Thank you to the Kessler's for throwing such a lovely party, and for finding my keys the next day!


Aimee and I in our masks


Steve motor boating the cake!







Nicole and Terri

A Dog Bit Your Face? what a lowsy birthday!

Well I just haven't really known how to address this particular evening on the town. But I can't not address! It was Saturday, February 14th, V-Day! Aimee, Jessica, and I decided, since we hadnt been to the city in so long, that we should hit up McCormacks. We arrived at our destination sometime around 11 p.m. and imediately started slamming hard liquor drinks. I told Mac about how I was laid off, and he suggested that I drink Long Beach Iced Tea's. Holy Jesus they really were effective!! It didnt take long before I realised I would not be very useful driving home! Anyways, moving right along. Danielle and her friend Emily were celebrating their birthdays and swung by Mac's for a few drinks too. I was sort of reluctant to hanging out with them, seeing as the last time we "ran into them" they slapped ALL of their drinks on MY TAB!! having just lost my job, I could not have that now. So Emily rushes right up to me and tells me "A dog bit my face!" I must have seemed like such an asshole because I just stared her down for a very icy moment. What do you say to that?! HELLO...!! we got to drinking, and the bar finally closed. I had never allowed myself to get so drunk in the city before, and it was a totally new experience for me. Plans were made between Jessica and Danielle, for all of us to meet up at Danielle's apartment, which is just down the road from mine. Sometime around 3 a.m. we get back to the suburbs, and I RAN across the green and up the stairs into Danielle's apartment, I was in a hurry to pass out! I knew the only real purpose in going there was so massive amount of coke could be consumed, and I really wanted NOTHING to do with that stupid ass shit. I had just made myself comfortable enough to die. and Jessica starts blowing up my cell phone, Aimee had faceplanted on the sidewalk, and Jessica needed help! We managed to steer a VERY intoxicated Aimee into the apartment, and really thats all I remember until I woke up the next morning, somehow in my own bed.
A follow up, Aimmee went to see her doctor, and due to her fall, she had a contusion, and water on her knee!!



Mac owner and most excelent bartender: McCormacks



Jessica and Danielle

The Tuesday Crew

I have had my job for just over 1 year now. There is a group of my co-workers, who tend to be in the same office on tuesdays, and over the years some came and went, and the hangers-on became a close group. Antics always ensue and big lunches are always had, and payed for by the company. Last week our contract was bought out by a rival company, and of course the company was left with few options, offer transfers or lay offs. Last week began round 1, 30 out of 60 got the boot. I got into the office around 8 this morning, and the mood was very, well out of the ordinary. It was like going to a Funeral. No more banter, dirty jokes, or completely inapropriate for work pranks. A few of us were asked to take some equipment to our company's other location in East Brunswick, NJ today, where we would all get together in a minivan and ride back to VA. While on my way to NJ, I got the word that it would be my last job here, and to expect a meeting in the morning regarding my "options." It wasnt until we stopped in Philadelphia for some cheesesteaks that I realised just what was to happen. These people whom I had avoided\ grown fond of, were all in a fine blance, I know many of them will be looking for new jobs in this wonderful economic climate, and I have no idea what will happen to me. I was a very somber drive from there. We tried to keep spirits high, joking and not getting too serious. I just couldnt help but feel a sort of sickness in my stomach. More than just knowing how hard it will be to find a job, worying how the bills will be paid, or am I going to have to move out of state, it was knowing that there would be no more tuesday crew! to add to all of this, knowing that you will lose the comradarie you have grown to love when you have a job you actually like, is probably the worst part of it.

How Do You Not Notice How Bad You Smell?

Saturday night, Im falling apart with bronchitis, and just an overall hot ass mess (H.A.M.) So of course that means it is time to go out on the town!! or well, at least another night out on the suburbs. So Aimee called me up to see if I wanted to join her at this bar in chester called Sidelines. Typically i have some ground rules about going out in the Richmond area, the first of which being, I DO NOT go south of Hull st. So I was thrilled at the idea of going to Chester (pretty south of Hull st)! I was enticed to join her by rumors of an 80's night. An 80's night at a sports bar in Chester?? I could not miss! WOW!! this was really something, it was as if I had stepped right into 1984, and Im not sure how much of the big hair, mullets, and super tacky clothes was costume! Aimee is friends with the bartender Cheryl. The bar happened to be throwing a birthday party for Cheryl and a few others, hence the 80's theme night. Cheryl was wearing a smashing rendition of something Madonna would have worn. We had reserved seats at the bar, and promptly claimed them, and got to the beer, Miller Lite for Aimee, and Bud Light for me. I noticed in this rather large crowd of patrons, a super fowl smell coming from somewhere on the other side of the room. the smell of NASTY FUNK!! It was overpowering, I was gagging, and there was no escape!! After nearly and hour I discovered the culprit, IT WAS A GAY!!! oh my god, no wonder there are bans on gay marriage, and why so many straight people think us gays are just wrong! THIS IS THEIR EXAMPLE! its bad when you go to a sports bar in Chester, VA and the scariest person in there is the only other gay, if the smell werent enough, maybe the flowing cascade of back hair, spilling over his shirt would be. This was really embarassing! He was dancing, and moving around, and kept getting closer and closer. He also had the "fag hags" with him. People have long joked that "fag hags" were just girls who were so lonely or whatever, that the only guys they would have would be some swishy gay guy, and that is that, well these girls really must have been the definative example of desperate. They werent horrible looking girls, so they must have just been so desperate for, and the very last in line to get a gay at the Gays R Us box sale. How was it that EVERYONE in the bar found this scent absolutely intolerable, and they were all over it? Well on to better things, there was a costume contest, which I must say, was very disapointing, there was a girl who looked just like Heather Duke as played by Shannen Doherty in the 1988 classic Heather's. But some other thing won it, I dont even remember who, cause her costume was that bad. But she got the loudest crowd response, leading me to believe she was probably just easy to get with. All in all, I had a really great time!!


Cheryl (bartender at Sidelines)