A post in which it is the day after

I had to be up at some point today. Cole was in town for the weekend, and I wanted to see him. I had told Dad and Eve I would take him to the flea market this morning, but good boy that he is, he decided he should go to church. I would have loved to see him, but I was rather grateful for the change in plans when I woke up. I got up, cleaned up, and ironed a shirt. The revised plan was that we would go to brunch. Since we were going some place nice, and they were coming from church, I didn't want to embarrass them.

It turns out I needn't have bothered. They over-slept and ended up missing church. Eve, who has lectured me on appropriate clothes for most of my life, was wearing a fancy sweatsuit. The brunch was nice. I didn't get to spend much time with Cole though. The service was slow, and he had to be home, plus he and Dad were going to get some driving practice in today. But I was pretty wiped, and needed to lay down for a while. On the way back, AI heard about their adventures in car shopping. Dad is doing his best to buy the boy a car, but he's so shy he won't tell Dad what he wants, or pick one out. Sigh. I gotta have a talk with that boy.

I was glad to have some time to lie down. I wasn't hung over, but I was feeling pretty drug out. A short nap put me pretty much to rights though.

The plans for tonight had changed several times during the course of the weekend. I told Nicole that I would spend the evening with her, thinking I would just take her to Spartanburg with me. Then I was told that Amanda was having a party tonight. I love Amanda, and I like her house and all, but she is really far out. Her house is a good hour from mine, and 6:30 comes early on Monday morning. Plus I wasn't in stellar shape from last night really. Billy is still in the show tonight, and Russ said he wouldn't be able to make it up. With all that combined, I just decided to stay in town tonight. I took Nicole over to Russ's and we went out for pizza buffet.

But Russ and Billy have a friend staying with them at the moment. It's a long and complicated story, but he's having electro-shock treatments. He's a nice enough guy, but he's straight. And odd. He ended up going out to supper with us. Nicole apparently felt comfortable with Russ, and I was glad about that. I was less thrilled when she went out to smoke with Russ and left me at the table alone with the Guest. While he was making sexual comments about the waitresses disturbingly muttered under his breath. It was kiiiinda creepy.

But we got back to the house, he went on to bed, and we spent the rest of the evening relaxing and visiting on my favorite back porch. Lovely. It was just over too soon.

A post in which it is the night of the big party

We had made all the plans last night for the party tonight. But I couldn't lay around all day today. I really wish I had gotten moving a little faster today, but I did get up and get going eventually. I decided what to cook, made a list, and went to the store. When I got home I turned on the creepy movie marathon on TCM and made my lunches for next week. I got the kitchen all cleaned up, ate lunch, and had a little time to rest before it was time to get ready.

Fortunately, Russ and Billy really came through for me on the costume. They had a full fireman's fall-out suit they told me I could borrow, and it fit. When I got to the house though, Willie was running late. We hung out and waited until he got there. His friend John was going too. I was kind of sniffing around him. He's about the right age, and a nice looking guy.

When Willie got there we went to Miyako for sushi. It was excellent, as always, and I thought it had been far too long since we had been over there. Russ was passing out candy to people and telling them Happy Halloween, since I had brought two bags over to the house, and they never have any trick-or-treaters. I thought that was a great idea, and everyone smiled when they got candy. I found out over dinner that I have actually gone out with John before, years ago, before I met Michael. I don't remember, but he was nice about it.

Then we headed for the party! We were too late to help set up, but we got there shortly after the party started. The house was decorated to the nth degree, as usual, and in fact I think it was better than usual this year. There were more regular light bulbs than usual this year and it was easier to find your way around. The light was needed though - there were even more people than usual this year and the house was very crowded.

The weather was gorgeous this year, perfect for a Halloween party, and we enjoyed sitting out on the deck meeting people as they came through. In the fireman's outfit I was quite comfy, and didn't even need a jacket. The costumes were great. My favorite was a guy dressed as a kissing booth. I thought it was very clever, although I understand the guy wearing it isn't the nicest person. It was quite a make-out event this year and several guys asked for kisses I was quite glad to bestow. They were mixing the drinks really strong too, and some of the guys were blitzed. John seemed to relax some later on. I would like to go out with him again, and told him so. He seemed amenable. We'll see what happens.

I saw a lot of people I hadn't seen in years, including a man I knew that I asked about his wife, only to be told he'd been divorced for 16 years - and is gay. There was just no way to salvage that.

Eventually, though, we were partied out. The fireman's boots, which I had thought fit so well when I put them on, felt as if they were full of bloody hamburger. We waited for a taxi to turn around to carry some folks off, and passed yet more inebriated guests saying goodnight to the cars as they pulled out, and headed home. I had a good time, but I was profoundly grateful to get in my bed. It was pretty late.

A post in which plans change

Alan sent me another creative idea for yet another weekly Power Point presentation that he thinks will be a good idea. As usual, it landed in my in-box this afternoon with no backup, no example, and a fairly vague outline of what he wanted, but apparently I'm just supposed to be able to psychically intuit how to do this. This after the week from hell, and inheriting a ton of accounts that haven't been worked for a year. Sigh. Not a good way to end the week.

I had looked forward to tonight all week. I was supposed to be having a pizza night with Miss Kat and dana, but they weren't able to keep the date.

It turned out fine though. I called Russ. He was free because Billy's still in the show. He invited me over to hang out and drop in on a party. Well the hanging out part we have down, but the party proved to be a bit of an issue. We couldn't find it. After driving around for a while (I was quite enjoying the ride, but Russ was getting stressed out) we were both hungry and decided to get some Japanese take-out.

When we came out of the restaurant though, Russ's car wouldn't start. We hit a really bad speed bump while we were lost and apparently it turned off the fuel pump. We thought we were stranded, and Russ texted Billy to leave the show to come get us. There was a re-set button though, and in an unexpected burst of butchness, I was able to find and use the button to get the car running again. Russ said "You've been spending too much time with dana." I found that incredibly funny.

The evening salvaged, we went back to the house and finished out the evening hanging out - our specialty. It turned out to be a nice evening after all.

A post in which I spend the evening at home

When I got off work today, I had things to do. I’ve been out every night this week. First I went by the pet shop to pick up stuff for the cats. I decided to top spot them. I bought a rug at the flea market the other week, and I am afraid it had fleas in it. The cats are driving me nuts – you’d think they had the plague. Of course Jinx hasn’t had a flea in at least nine years, so she’s losing her mind. If that’s what it is.

Then I went by the grocery store for vegetables. Since I was so lazy last weekend I didn’t make lunches, and I’m out of stuff from the freezer that is homemade. I picked up some broccoli and some Halloween candy. Whether I’m home or not, I’ll just give it out where I am. I almost forgot to do that. I was wandering around the store, knowing I needed something, but unable to put my brain on just what it was, while at the same time trying to resist the call to by yummy fattening stuff I didn’t need (I was starving). I finally gave up and got in line, but then overheard the checker say something about Halloween, which reminded me.

I got home, put in a load of laundry (the hamper was overflowing), fed the cats, ate a huge salad, and put the broccoli on to cook. I have some saffron rice in the freezer I’ll pair it with for lunch tomorrow.

There was a great old movie on TCM tonight, called Dead of Night. It’s a frame tale of stories of the supernatural, and I guess pretty tame by today's standards, but I enjoyed it. I had seen part of it before, but this was the first time I had seen it all the way through. A creepy part with a talking ventriloquist’s dummy had put me off of it before. I can’t stand stuff with clowns, dolls, kid’s toys, or dummies in it. Bleah. Gives me the willies. But I enjoyed it, and it was perfect timing. They never show Bette Davis stuff in prime time, but they’re showing Whatever Happened to Baby Jane this Saturday night – while everyone will be doing Halloween. I have it on DVD, so I guess it doesn’t matter to me.

After that, Rebecca came on. I love that movie, and went to sleep watching it.

A post in which I have supper with the rents

Work continues to be horrible, but at the end of the day I got to see the little kids come in to trick-or-treat. The company has employee’s children in every year, and we decorate our cubicles and give out candy. Of course part of it is people trying to make sure their child is the cutest. There were some really adorable children through tonight.

I stayed for a bit, and then headed out to meet Dad and Eve for dinner at Portofino’s. I just love that place. We went back to the house afterwards and visited and talked. The visit went well tonight, and Dad and I didn’t get into it. I’m trying to see them once a week. Part of it is loneliness (although that certainly hasn’t been an issue this week), but part of it is wanting to do the right thing and spend some time with them too. I’m trying to decide if I get any altruistic credit for doing it, or if it’s just selfish. I can’t decide.

On the way home Michael (the new guy on the coast I’ve been talking to) texted me and we talked for a bit. He’s three and half hours away, but he seems like a nice guy.

A post in which I go to a party

I had another beastly day at work today. Alan is back from Beijing, but didn’t come in to the office. I really can’t blame him. I had three yellers today. That’s an unusual number. By the time I got off work I was ready to get the hell out of Dodge.

Not that that was possible. The traffic near the office was even worse than usual. I also made a wrong choice. It took me about 20 minutes to get to the freeway, a distance of about a mile and a half. That’s aggravating, but I’m used to it. The problem today was that I was on a tight schedule. Billy wanted me at their place by 6 to go to Brian and Vince’s Glee party tonight. Since there is no way I can make it to their place by that time if I have to go home first, I negotiated out until 6:30. Since this was a second-hand invitation (the party was for the cast of the Warehouse Theater production of Rocky Horror, which was how Billy was invited) I really felt that I could at least be there on time.

I rocketed home, stressed out all the way, and screeched in to the driveway, only to be confronted by a panhandler. In my own front yard. This is one of the great drawbacks to living on the wrong side of the tracks of late. There was another guy who actually came up on my porch and knocked on my door to ask for money this past weekend. I understand when I’m out in public I have to put up with public stuff. That occasionally involves a beggar. I HATE it when they ask me for money. If I give it to them I feel like an idiot, and if I don’t I feel like I’ve just told Jesus he can’t have a dollar. Not that she was asking for a dollar, mind you. She wanted ten. I was aggravated and in a hurry. I just gave her the money, since that was the easiest thing to do. Even if she did have French tips on her pedicure. So I don’t even get a star in my crown in heaven for it. The Lord loveth a cheerful giver. I was a notably put-out giver tonight.
That done, I raced into the house, changed, fed the cats, and hit the road. I was on time for Billy.
We ran by the grocery store to pick up some dessert, and when we got to the party I found out that I needn’t have rushed. The arrival didn’t even start until 7 and everyone was late. The party was to watch the Glee version of Rocky Horror, which was cute (with the notable exception of some awful changes to the lyrics of the song Touch-a Touch-a Touch-a Touch Me), but really it would have been just as good to watch the movie if not better.

Russ and I didn’t fit in too well with most of the theater people (who all knew each other from weeks of rehearsal), but a couple of them were quite nice. The smokers always bond across lines of mutual persecution. But it was raining, and of course there was no smoking in the house. Shortly after the program was over, so was I. It was very nice to have something to do, and I always enjoy seeing Brian and Vince, plus I was dying to get a look at their condo since they did extensive re-modeling; but between the crowd in the house and the rain outside, I was just ready to be home. So I went there.

A post in which I get my costume

The BIG Halloween party is this weekend. We went last year, and it is amazing. It’s like a party that you see on television or something. I suppose it should, since the hosts have spent literally thousands of dollars on decorations. The price for going to such a party is that you are required to show up in costume; even the straight guys. It does make for a great party, but I hate wearing costumes. When I’m at a party I want to be able to move, eat, drink, and smoke in an unrestricted and comfortable fashion. There are notably few costumes which allow for this.

I spent a lot of time last year working on my costume, only to have the rest of the gang show up in a pretty lame group-theme thing, so this year I was determined that it would be easy. Billy got in touch today and I asked to borrow one of their togas. He and Russ have a costume closet with all the stuff for numerous outfits. They’re always off to one event/gala or another that requires fancy dress. Billy said that was fine, and invited me to come on over tonight to get it.

Willie was going to be there already, and we were cheerfully going through the costumery when Russ came in from work. I was sorted out quickly, and Willie, Billy, and Russ all had work to do on their costumes, so we just adjourned to the garage for a work session. Billy wore me out working with very sharp knives and thick cardboard. He has had so many hand injuries in the past year it was all I could do to watch him work with a blade.

We ordered in some pizza, of which I ate a shameful amount. Then we just hung out and talked and visited while they worked. They were still hard at it when I left for home.

A post in which I waste a Sunday

I was shamefully lazy today. I woke early and breakfasted on left-over shrimp aspic, then lay down for a nap. Miss Kat and dana called to invite me to breakfast, but of course I had already eaten at that point. I was disappointed about that. But they called (I was still comatose on the sofa) and came by after they had breakfast. That at least got me up enough to open the blinds. I really enjoyed seeing them, but after they left I was lazier than ever.

It was hard to get motivated, plus I just plain felt tired. Part of it was drinking last night. Part of it was that after fluffing the house yesterday it looked good enough that I couldn't get a good head of disgust worked up. Most of it was that Jeff and James had texted yesterday to tell me we weren't having our Sunday dinner this week. I really look forward to that. As hard as I remind myself that no one had an obligation to entertain me, and that I'm responsible for my own happiness, I really hate to spend Sunday evenings home alone. It is the worst time of the week for loneliness, because most people are home with their families then.

I watched TV and drowsed off and on for a while, and eventually got the motivation to get cleaned up myself (in case I was invited somewhere - I wasn't). After a while I made myself get up and change the bed, wash the sheets, and fold the towels I washed last week. That was the least I could do. I didn't even make lunches. I'll take some out of the freezer to eat on this week.

The Fox Sunday night line-up had even been ousted for a baseball game. It was pretty much a bust of an evening. It was worse because there were so many things I could have used that time productively. But that happens sometimes I guess.

A post in which I see Jennifer and Christina*

I was really looking forward to tonight. I haven't seen Jennifer and Christina in eons. But first, there was stuff to do.

I was fairly lazy in the morning. That wasn't helped by having a buddy come by. I finally got my coffee though, and that got my carcass moving. It would probably work better if I had it before noon.

I loaded up the car to run errands. I hauled off the recycling, and then was off to the grocery store. I had decided to take a shrimp aspic (one of my favorite recipes) with me to the party tonight, and needed to lay in supplies. This is one of those 50's recipes where you have to start with a half pound of cream cheese pretty much whatever you're making. The new Trader Joe's opened here yesterday to much fanfare. I decided to go up there and check it out. I was a bit apprehensive because I knew it would be really crowded, but I was curious enough to brave it.

I had underestimated the craziness. Apparently Greenvillians have been universally panting for a new grocery store because half the town was there. Or maybe it's true what my Dad says; Some people will show up for a one-legged ass kicking. There was a line to get in. There were many lines to get out. After weighing my options, I got a cart and pushed into the hubbub. I wasn't able to get very far though. Take the usual public-stupidity factor and magnify it by about five, and that's what the average Trader Joe's customer was exhibiting today. I was able to get the cart into an aisle, but I was then unable to get out of that aisle. The front was blocked by numerous snarled checkout lines. The rear was blocked by a back-up of all the other people trying to get down the aisle I was in. After some time that I couldn't move, I finally made it out, put my cart away, and skedaddled the hell to Publix. The little bit I saw was impressive. I figure I'll wait a month or so and go back when (hopefully) the worst of the madness is over.

I got home with my groceries, ate lunch, made my aspic, and decided to straighten up the house a bit while it chilled. I dusted the bedroom and most of the living room, gave the green room a lick and a promise, and vacuumed all the carpets. By the time I finished that, it was about time to get ready. I got cleaned up and rested for a bit.

I didn't want to be the first one there, but I was. I was so excited about going over that I made myself wait for a bit before I left the house. Still, Christina seemed pleased to see me. I guess someone has to be first, right?

Jennifer, unfortunately, was on the phone with the cable people. They had ordered the game, but it wasn't coming in. Charter was of course helpfully offering to send someone over next week, which would do absolutely no good. We ended up watching part of another game, and mainly visiting, which of course was the real reason I went anyway and suited me fine. Kimbley and Laura were there, and brought Jody with them. He's 14. He's a very nice young man, but he had to be bored half to death. Then another guy showed up with a three year old. A very sweet child, but of course he was all over the place, and they stayed until 11:30.

But I did get to see everyone, and there was a bit of excitement when we set the deck on fire (we got it put out and everything was fine). I enjoyed seeing and visiting with everyone. My aspic wasn't quite the rage I had hoped it would be, but Jennifer kept part of it for them to eat, and she asked for the recipe. Overall it was a nice evening.

A post in which it is Friday!

Since I was finally worked forward to the place that I thought I could do something about Canadian write-offs, the system of course crashed today. I did get through to one of them eventually, and began to plumb the labyrinthine depths of their write-off procedure.

When I got off work today I met Billy at the house so he could pick up my leather corset, which he's using for Rocky Horror this week. As I was lacing him up, dana called with the go-ahead for the Friday visit. I had offered to order pizza, but they were already eating when she called. Still, after a quick meal at Long John Silver's (a guilty pleasure) I ran on over.

Chance was up from Atlanta for the weekend, and we all had a nice visit. Chance made a run to the store for nibblies, and we had a decadent dessert buffet of cream horns (my fave), egg custard pie, and cherry turn-overs. Yeah. My new plan is to starve myself during the week, and then eat to the threshold of pain on the weekends. That sounds like it will work (rolling my eyes at myself).

A post in which I go home

When I got off work today I didn’t want to go home. I called Laura, but she and Kimbley had plans tonight. I didn’t want to mess myself up for going to Miss Kat and dana’s tomorrow, and catching Russ and Billy on the spur of the moment is pretty much impossible.

So I want home. Grumpily.

I dutifully ate stuff out of the fridge, and to keep from feeling completely worthless I washed a load of towels. But I wasn’t happy about it.

A post in which I do a few little things

When I got off work today I could go home, so I did.

I ate dibs and dabs out of the fridge for supper. I needed to do that, after I ate so richly yesterday - especially eating meat and all. I balanced my checkbook while I watched I Remember Mama. I'm not a huge Irene Dunne fan (although I do adore the old Showboat she starred in), but that is a touching movie. I think she's very good in it. It's exactly the type of movie that could never get made today, unfortunately. I can't imagine a modern audience waiting around for that kind of story.

I also washed my bath mat, which I meant to do all week last week. I folded the load of clothes I washed Monday, cleaned up the kitchen, and watched Swamp People until time for bed with a ridiculously exaggerated sense of accomplishment.

A post in which it is the short week

I was dead this morning. I was crabby too. People weren't in 'holiday mode' today as I had expected. But the reports had to be gotten out. I got through the day.

When I got off work, I was pretty wiped. I went home and went to bed.

A post in which I get a 'free' lunch

I decided this morning that I didn't feel like having coffee. I started having it every morning when my E-B was so bad, and that's when I started smoking every morning too (I didn't used to). So I didn't have coffee or cigarettes this morning, and I was sleepy all day. But I didn't have a headache. So I may be dependent, but I'm not addicted to the coffee. Or so I'm telling myself.

Today was the annual "client appreciation" lunch one of my agencies throws every year. I had two people who were supposed to go with me, but one backed out, and the other is out of town with a death in the family. So I was left to lunch with strangers on my own. I hate stuff like that. I loathe small talk. To make things worse, my friend at the agency, who usually comes down, didn't make the trip this time. His boss came. The boss decided that it would be great if we had a "informed discussion" and class during our lunch. This was a new and unwelcome development, especially as it mostly consisted of his talking for an hour and a half. If I had known, I wouldn't even have gone. The lunch was good, but frankly just wasn't worth it. Lunch is my time. I don't get paid for it. I would have rather eaten my packed lunch and read my book.

In another interesting (to me) aside, the sales rep who tried to kill me getting back from lunch the last time (it's like riding with Mr. Magoo, but not nearly as amusing) has a new car. Apparently it has many space-age conveniences, among which are sensors which tell him if he is positioned incorrectly in the lane, or too close to another car. Usually I think stuff like that is fairly worthless, but I can't think of a guy who needs it more!

During lunch I had a text from Dad that Eve was out of surgery, and that it seemed to have gone well. They were releasing her today, so I offered to bring supper in for them if it would help. She wanted Capri's, which was fine, and I ran by to get it after work.

They let me down tonight. My spaghetti had meat sauce on it. I haven't eaten any meat in a while, but it really wasn't what I wanted. But I didn't want to cause a fuss when Eve was so poorly (she's apparently in a good bit of pain) so I ate it. I wasn't thrilled about it; but I ate it.

We spend a pleasant evening chatting and visiting. Eve drifted in and out of sleep because of her pills, but that was fine. I hope they got her fixed up today. Both sides of her chest are cut open right now. That is just no way to live.

A post in which it is work time again

I'm working my patootie off on all those Canadian accounts, but I'm making some progress.

Usually I don't do anything after work on Mondays, but I've been so lazy the last couple of weekends that I decided to make an exception. I went by the library and CVS on the way home, running errands. When I got to the house I put a load of laundry in. I then gave myself the rest of the evening off. I could have done worse.

Dad called tonight to tell me that Eve has to go back in for more surgery tomorrow. Apparently her initial reconstruction (which started all of this) isn't healing properly. They just can't seem to catch a break this year when it comes to their health.

A post in which it is Sunday dinner*

Again, I got nothing done in the house today. I did manage to pry my sorry ass of the sofa a bit earlier than yesterday though, but mainly because I wanted to go make a visit after falling into the Manhunt vortex. Afterward I went to the flea market for veggies, and put on a pot of smother-fried garlic vegetables for lunches next week. While that was cooking I washed and changed the sheets, did the cat chores, and got cleaned up.

Jeff got in touch to ask me to pick up some kind of fancy seasonal beer. OK, the county is dry on Sunday. Some stores within the city limits can sell beer on Sunday, but they have to buy a special license. I was able to run one down without too much trouble, but when I got there, they were sold out of the kind Jeff wanted. They had every other kind, of course. After calling Jeff, I got some different beer.

We had fish tacos tonight, and James had made a wicked chocolate-mocha mousse topped with cherries. It was gorgeously delicious. Amanda's hand is on the mend. She was in a smaller bandage today. She gets her stitches out this week. Morgan and Andrew were there, and Amy and Erin were down from Charlotte. We were quite a merry party, despite the fact that Russ and Billy were out of town. It was a very nice evening, and a great way to top off the weekend. I certainly can't complain about a lack of company this weekend!

A post in which I see Russ and Billy*

I really intended to get some stuff done around the house today, but I just couldn't seem to get motivated. Oh well. I'm going to have to do something eventually. Mom is coming to stay on the 8th of November, and I can't let her see how I'm living at the moment. I did manage to find time for a brief visit, however.

I had talked to Russ earlier in the week and commandeered him for tonight. He and Billy are in town because Billy is doing a play for Halloween. I went over early and went to supper with them so Billy could go on to the theater, and then Russ and I settled in to relax and visit. Miss Kat, dana, and Chance came over, and we all spent the evening hanging out and visiting. By the time Billy came in we had decided to go get pancakes. We usually don't do anything like it, but we were off to the IHOP (I felt a little guilty because the veggies are angry at IHOP right now because they refuse to use humanely grown eggs, but I went with the flow). Of course I needed pancakes like I need another hole in my head, but they sure were good. I really love spending time with my friends.

A post in which I visit with Miss Kat and dana

It was Friday at long last, and I had been looking forward to going to Miss Kat and dana's house all week! Work couldn't be over quickly enough today.

As soon as I finished, I jetted out the door, home, changed clothes, and rushed right on over. dana had ordered food from Silver Bay. I love that place - there are few places better for getting something fried when you just have to have it. Their portions are legendary, but even knowing that I was surprised at the amount of food dana brought in! She had ordered a family meal. It could have fed at least two families. The five of us ate and you couldn't even really tell any of it was gone.

It was a great evening visiting and talking. dana's friend Chance was up from Atlanta, and that was just extra enjoyment. What a great time.

A post in which I have dinner with Dick and Eve

I had set up to have dinner with Dad and Eve tonight. We went to El Matador. I just love their food. Supper was delicious. Dad and I got in to it a bit over dinner. We're usually pretty careful around each other, but he's on some kind of new medication Eve says makes him more talky than usual.

He was describing his theory for how to solve the problem with illegal immigration ("Just set up some machine guns on the border and mow 'em down!" was the general gist), and I foolishly rose to the bait. I was like "Really? That's what you want? Wholesale slaughter at the border?" Of course he had the bit in his teeth by that point. He accused me of wanting to give universal amnesty, and I told him that I thought the correct place would be somewhere between universal amnesty, and wholesale killing. Of course that makes me a bleeding-heart liberal to him. But I'm used to that.

I went back to the house, and the rest of the evening went better. They even left the TV off tonight to talk to me. Things were fine by the time I left. Eve blames his meds for the flare-up, but color me skeptical. He's my dad, and I do love him, but he's been a cranky ole so and so for the last twenty years. Without the new medication.

A post in which I have yet another unexpected visit*

My spanking boy came by to see me this morning. It's been a while. I usually am reluctant to tell him to come on these days. I seem to be losing my taste for casual visits of late. But I'm always glad to see him, as I was today.

It seems like the fates have decided to make up for the kind of disappointing weekend I had by showing me directly how lucky I am to have such great friends. I got home and started supper, and was fixing something for lunch on Friday when the phone rang. It was dana, and she needed me. Of course her call was as welcome as flowers in springtime, and I went right on over.

Again, unexpected pleasure. I spent the evening with them visiting, and was invited back for shrimp on Friday night! Yay! I have something to look forward to the rest of the week. Happy happy.

A post in which I have another unexpected visit

Nicole called me today out of the blue, and we made plans for her to come over. It was so lovely to see her. We went and got Chinese food and drank a cheap bottle of wine. We watched a movie too. A while back Who Is Killing the Great Chefs of Europe? was finally released on DVD. I love this movie, but almost no one I know had ever heard of it. Nicole was the exception - she was almost as excited as I was. I had decided to save the movie until she came to visit, and I was so glad I had!

We had a lovely evening visiting, laughing, and making fun of a great old chunk o' 70's cheese. What a great evening. She even helped me clean up the kitchen before she left! You just can't do much better than that.

A post in which I am back at work

Well this was what I spent my efforts yesterday preparing for. The Canadian files aren't going to work themselves. I resolutely went in to the office and put my nose back to the grindstone.

It seemed rather grim to do that after spending so much time by myself this weekend (despite seeing so many friends, I was feeling resolutely left out for no good reason whatsoever).

I came home, did a bit of wash, chatted online, and tended to some overdue personal things I've been meaning to see to. Yep, it's the life of an internet stud.

A post in which I receive an unexpected visit

I was resigned to a lonely day at home alone today, made somewhat more poignant by the fact that it was my own fault I was home alone, and the knowledge that my friends were off together having fun. But it didn't turn out that way. I was just getting ready to fix breakfast when the phone rang. It was Justin, and after a brief conversation I invited him over for breakfast and coffee.

Sometimes pleasures are the sweeter for being unexpected. Such was the case. I got out the Wedgwood and made a pot of coffee. We had a lovely chatty breakfast, and the weather was so pretty we sat out on the front porch and drank almost another whole pot. When that was done, we decided to go antiquing for a bit, and hit a couple of places before he went to meet Chad for lunch.

I really kind of squandered the rest of the day, I'm embarrassed to admit. I did some really simple lunches for next week, and got cleaned up in case someone called me to go do something, but no one did. I had seen Miss Kat and dana for the last two days and it really didn't seem fair to impose upon them again. Russ and Billy would probably get in late, as would Jeff and James. I just watched the Fox lineup and went to bed.

A post in which it is Fall for Greenville

I was lying around the house with more than my usual sense of entitlement to be lazy for a bit when dana called and told me to get ready to go to Fall for Greenville today. I haven't been in years because of the crowds and over-priced food, but it is fun when you're with friends.

I was lying on the sofa being lazy (yeah, act surprised) when dana called me to tell me they were leaving shortly for my place. It was about 11am. I had eaten some breakfast, and was surprised to hear from them so early, but I was game. I ran through the shower and was mostly ready when they got here.

As we were discussing leaving, I told Miss Kat that it was actually a good day for me to go to this, because I was in the mood to eat. Fall for Greenville is basically a fair where the rides are food. All the restaurants set up booths and sell little over-priced smackrels of their best stuff in the hopes of luring new customers.

dana then told me that she had just made a huge breakfast. It never crossed my mind that they didn't know the nature of the event. Since I didn't think this was gonna be dana's kind of thing anyway, I wondered how long we would last. But onward and upward.

We set off in Charlie's car. Charlie is a friend of dana's. He's a really nice guy, but he's a bit loud. Underneath it all he's a very sweet man, but sometimes he covers that up rather vociferously. So we're walking through an increasingly crowded throng of clueless straight Greenvillians (some of them with children) while Charlie discusses, at volume, sexual escapades that one would hesitate to request from a professional. We got some interesting looks.

dana got the first and last thing she would eat that day. She's a pretty finicky eater, and a beef sandwich dipped in au jus did her in. It was soggy, and she was done. I, you will be completely unsurprised to learn, was having no problem finding something to nosh. I actually got Charlie to try a samosa, which surprised me. They would have been better if they hadn't been prepared in advance, but I can understand not wanting to lug a deep fryer downtown.

We were about done and heading back towards the car when Charlie tripped over one of the enormous SUV-like stroller some yuppie had parked in the middle of the street. They got into it, and he was yelling stuff at her half-way up the block. She had been rude, but I just soothed him as best I could while I shepherded him away as quickly as possible.

We got back to my place and visited for a while, but eventually they had to head out. I was veeeeerrrrrrry lazy after they left, and mostly just draped decoratively over the furniture for a while. But the night was coming on, and I wanted to do something. I started calling.

Everyone was busy and/or gone. Russ and Billy were on the way to Charlotte. They were going to stay overnight there before going to RenFaire tomorrow. I had been invited to go, but driving to Charlotte and back in a day, plus doing an event like that, was a bit more than I wanted to bite off. Kimbley and Laura were headed for Fall for Greenville. Jeff and James were headed to Charlotte, and invited me to go up with them, but they were leaving at 8am. Yikes.

So I decided I might get something actually done around the house tomorrow, and resigned myself to staying in tonight. Which I did. Since Jinx had helpfully thrown up on the bed again today (which is getting really old) I had plenty of time to wash all the bedclothes before I turned in.

A post in which it Friday at long last

It's been a rough week, but I'm making some progress with the new accounts. I was able to start placing some of them today.

On the way home I got the call from Miss Kat that she and dana were free tonight. I went home, changed, and hit the Taco Bell on the way over. The unusually nice and chatty counter girl felt sorry for me I think. She helpfully talked to me and suggested soda combinations (they have a fountain in the dining area) while I ate. After all, I had only a book for company. Of course a burrito pooped on my clean shirt, but at that point I didn't care. I had wanted to be at their place all week. It was so good to finally get there.

We had our usual Friday night visit, and if anything it was more welcome even than usual after the week I've had. They're going to Fall for Greenville tomorrow, and invited me to go with them. Looks like the weekend is shaping up.

I got home, destroyed the kitchen eating like a pig-tailed hog, and went on to bed. You can't win them all.

A post in which I do some shopping

I didn't have the Canadian reserve back in my in-box today, but that may have been because all the managers were apparently tied up all day at the sales summit. Having found yesterday that there was a bad debt territory for Canada (this was apparently news to everyone) I spent most of the day today sorting and coding accounts.

When I got off work I felt both wiped out and restless. It was weird. But I couldn't go straight home today anyway; I had some errands to run. I dropped by CVS, and then went to Whole Foods to pick up some soda. While I was there I picked up some cheese and ciabatta bread for a treat. While I was looking at the bread, I had that strange feeling that someone was watching me. When I looked up, one of the bakery guys was. He looked familiar, but I couldn't place him. "Do I know you?" I asked. "No." he said. So I walked off. It turns out he was a friend I hadn't seen in a while, but he had grown a beard and was wearing his uniform. It was still pretty embarrassing when he walked up to me later. As soon as he said my name I knew who he was.

Then I went on to the regular grocery store before heading home. I had a decadent and forbidden supper of cheese toast to reward myself for being so good this week.

A post in which I work on the reserve

I spent most of the day today finishing what I could do on the Canadian reserve, one of my new duties. It was pretty awful. I got a lot of it done, but some of it was beyond me. It's like a worksheet designed to torture your employees. But at least I am through with it - I think. I really hope it isn't back in my in-box in the morning.

I finally got access, after getting my boss involved three times, to the drive where the backup for my new accounts is stored. What a red tape nightmare. So work in earnest on the new accounts starts tomorrow.

I had dinner with Dad and Eve tonight. I finally got the Portofino's fix I've been craving. Eve seems to be doing well with her surgery, although she is naturally sore. While we waited for Dad at the restaurant, she asked me about Cindy. I guess she doesn't talk about them around Dad either if she can help it either. It was good to see them though. I was pretty wiped out - it' s rough week at work. I went back to the house and visited for a bit, but didn't stay late.

A post in which work sucks

They are trying to kill me with stress, but not succeeding so far. I started working on that awful reserve for Canada today. I was glad to go home when it was 5:30.

A post in which I am back at work

I really dreaded coming in today, but there was so much usual month end stuff to do that I didn't get to do much with the Canadian accounts. It's the national sales summit at work, so there's a lot going on this week.

I felt pretty good when I got off work, actually. The EB has backed off enough for me to feel pretty good these days. I didn't feel floor-scrubbing good, but then I so seldom do.

A post in which it is the Sunday dinner

I was a good boy today and cooked my beans, cleaned my squash, and packed the beans all up for lunches in plenty of time to meet Russ at 4pm as he had asked. It's a good feeling to have the chores done so I can enjoy myself.

I got to the shop, though, and no Russ. He had told me we were getting haircuts tonight, but I guess thought I would come to the house. I walked around a bit, and visited the little exotic beer shop near his while I waited.

He pulled in with Billy, James, Jeff, and Amanda. Amanda was poorly. She had cut her hand open this weekend and had to have 8 stitches! She was pitiful, so I petted her a bit since she was hurt. We hung out at the shop for a while, all got haircuts, and then they washed Amanda's hair. By the time they got done she was pretty wiped out on pain meds, and didn't even braid it back. Since her hair is over five feet long, I hope she doesn't have too much of a mess tomorrow.

Russ had put a pot of delicious veggie chili on before he left, so when we got back to the house we had bowls of that with all the fixings. It was great! We sat out on the deck visiting for a while, and went back in to halfway watch a Betty Davis movie. The real party was outside. I was sorry when I had to leave. It was a great time. I love them all so much.

A post in which it is a gorgeous day

I woke up to one of those beautiful, crisp, golden fall mornings today. Just beautiful. I should have been out somewhere biting in to a crisp apple, crunching through leaved, and throwing a stick for a fawning retriever. Instead, I ended up lazing around on the sofa.

Eventually I felt disgusted enough with myself to get up and go out and do something - anything. It wasn't like I didn't have stuff to do.

I dropped off some books and a shirt at Miss Kat's that she wanted to borrow, and then dropped off a small load of stuff. I went in and looked around, but that place was picked over. Sign o the times I suppose. I went to Old Navy and exchanged my pants, which for some reason involved a surprising amount of paperwork. Then I decided to grab a bite for lunch. I'd had a crappy breakfast, and only some cookies since. I went into Atlanta Bread company, and apparently lost my mind. I turned into one of those mouth-breathing idiots I hated when I worked with the general public. They had to tell me where everything was. I was so embarrassed. Then I sat down to eat my $8 sandwich and bit a huge chunk out of my tongue. That really hurt!

While I was out, I tried to get in touch with Kimbley and Laura, since I missed them last week. Neither answered, but Laura sent me a text back and told me to call Kimbely. Kimbley of course doesn't answer her phone, so I just left a message. I also got in touch with Russ and Billy (even though I have dinner at their place tomorrow already), but they had a family party with Billy's family tonight.

I went on to the farmer's market. I hardly ever go to the farmer's market because it sucks so badly here, but in the fall they get in winter squash and stuff. They didn't disappoint. I expected that the limited selection would at least be all local, but then I saw the bananas. Interesting. I asked the guy at the register how much of the stuff was local ("As much as we possibly can." he replied, which of course told me nothing). He said I would be surprised how many people thought those bananas were grown locally. If I hadn't lived her for over 20 years, I might have been, but you get to the point that all you can do is shake your head resignedly.

I had plenty to do at the house so I would be free to play all afternoon tomorrow as planned, so I headed back. I did some laundry, put my winter squash and some white sweet potatoes in to bake, and then washed and strung some snap beans (which were certainly dirty enough to be local).

I wanted to do something tonight, but had a bit of a quandary. Russ and Billy had a family function, but were going out later with Jeff and James. I was trying to decide which was more pitiful - me in a bar, or me home alone on a Saturday night. Fortunately I was presented with a third option. After trying to get in touch with Kimbely and Laura all day, I finally got a hold of D'relda, who was going over there tonight to make salmon stew. He just invited me as his 'date'. Mark is working out of town these days.

I stopped on the way over and got a pie from the grocery store (I really hadn't had enough notice to make something homemade). I was a little apprehensive about going over because I hadn't met Laura's nephews yet, but that turned out to be unfounded. They were super nice boys. There ended up being four of them because Kimbley's nephews came over for the evening, but they were all just as nice as they could be.

After talking and visiting for a while, we decided to put in a movie while we ate. They have a DVD projector and a movie screen in their back yard. It's really nice at a get together. Kimbley decided we would put in Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?. Now I love that movie, but I never thought for one second that those boys would sit down and watch it.

They watched every frame! I was agog. Laura's younger nephew was particularly into it. He was talking to the screen and stuff. It was funny and very cute. About halfway through the movie I cut the pie. Every one of those boys thanked me for bringing a pie. They were so sweet. I was touched. It was a very nice evening.

A post in which it is a busy Friday

Month end was yesterday, so of course today was a zoo at work. I didn't get a chance to talk to my Canadian contact, and today was the last day. There were still no tutorials from her when I left. She works later than I do, but it's all over now. She'll either send them or she won't. I'll deal with it next week, one way or the other.

I did have an interesting call today. A guy named Randy, who I have been seeing off and on for a couple of years, is finally out of a relationship that wasn't working. It hadn't been for some time, but he couldn't see a way out. He's finally about to get free. He asked if he could come stay with me for a bit while he gets things sorted out. Well of course he could. I'll be really glad of the company. And maybe things will work out another way... It's something to look forward to at any rate.

I had left a message for Miss Kat and dana because I really wanted to see them tonight, but hadn't heard from them. For some reason I've been really restless all week this week, so I put the wrong-sized pants in the back seat of the car this morning to use as a back up tonight. I was on the way to exchange them when I decided to call Dad to see how he was feeling. He hadn't been to the doctor today, but was feeling much better. They were at dinner and invited me to join them, which was how I ended up at Red Lobster.

After an interminable drive across town (of course, because I was in a hurry) I got to the restaurant, where the people were even slower. I mean unbelievably slow. It was like watching geographic formations take shape. I know old people are supposed to have good insurance rates because they are so careful behind the wheel, but after watching a couple of them take a half hour to back out of a parking space, I have to say the temptation to just ram a couple of those huge Chryslers out of the way was almost overwhelming. Of course hitting one of them with my car would be like swatting an elephant with a paper cup - it would just smear down the side like bug. While some fjords were growing in the parking lot, I was able to get a space. Eventually I made it inside and had some supper.

While I was eating, Miss Kat called and invited me on over. I finished up supper, said my goodbyes, and then tore across town as fast as I could. It was so great to get to Miss Kat and dana's house! Truly one of my happiest places. We didn't really do anything, just hung out, visited, watched a bit of TV, and enjoyed each other's company. I had thought I was being smart by leaving the remnants of the snack food from the game at their house last weekend, but they were still there, and I ended up making a pretty bad dent in a bag of Wise Honey BBQ chips. Those things are freakin addictive.