Uncle Donks

Back from NY already...that was a fast trip. Amazing how I look forward to heading home for Christmas every year and then it comes and goes so quickly. One of my resolutions is to get home and see my family more often...my nephew is growing up so quickly and since he is adorable (unbiased opinion of course) I'd like to be able to see him more and not just be Uncle Donks who lives far away.

You only get one family in life and memories are what you make them.

Happy Hollandaise

Its one of those times when I'm glad I followed my intuition! I was on my way to work this morning and realized that it was my last day in the office before Christmas. I always get my boss a little something for the Holidays, but somehow it slipped my mind until today. I thought, well, maybe this year will just pass and no big deal...since for the past two years, it’s always been me doing the giving. But, no, I appreciate what she does for me and know that she loves Starbucks so off to Starbucks I went. I didn't realize what dirty looks those Starbucks people could throw at ya. Damn. I guess me drinking Dunkin' Donuts coffee in line pissed them off. But DD coffee is so much better. Anyway...so I got her a Starbucks gift card. And it's a good thing...she just left my office after giving me a great bottle of vino! Happy Hollandaise to all and to all an appropriate non-secular greeting! Fuck it...Merry Christmas!

Stupid Questions

Have you ever found yourself in a meeting at work where people ask the stupidest questions? I have always wondered about this. All through-out my time in High School and College, I'd be sitting in class and people would ask damn, stupid questions, which, to me were very obvious. I'm not a non-participator or a genius...I will ask a question when it is relevant, but why do we as a Society hold question askers in high regard? My grades were often hurt in College by my Participation Grade. Teachers would say..."You need to participate more and ask more questions." Man, I always hated that bullshit. Instead of giving points for questions, regardless of quality, put that shit on a sliding scale and take away points for ridiculous questions. Even in the Corporate meeting rooms, we still find these people. You know who they are...the type that literally just likes to hear themselves talk. Shut up. I guess that I should just get in the game and join the stupid question askers. They always tend to get promoted...move up quickly...were the teacher's pet...but I can't join them. I'm a card holding member of the anit-bullshitters. Maybe that's why I hated being in Sales so much. I can still remember being in 9th grade and thinking that Jennifer Clute was such a loser for her obvious kiss-up antics. It's almost 20 years later and all those Jennifer Clute's may have grown up, but damn if they don't still exist. I'm standing my ground...relevance has been lost in our Society and I'm making it a one man mission to bring it back.

Proud

I finally figured out how to download pictures off my digital camera onto my computer and then upload from my computer to the online Kodak Gallery. It is a fucking miracle. I get so proud of myself when I can actually figure these things out. It's the little things in life y'all. Tonight is Christmas Karaoke at Mary's? Anybody in?

Every Road I Take

The Weekend was lots 'o fun. I discovered that I am in fact getting older, that I still got the goods and know how to use 'em and that crushes die hard long deaths, if they ever get buried. Friday night was spent with good friends drinking way too much red vino. We then improvised many Christmas songs with my favorite being Little Drummer Boy with a few choice words. We will probably be struck down very soon, so don't stand too close. Friday night ended with a trip to The Chair and the 'Tic. Then to after-hours. Then to my couch. Then to my hangover. Thanks to Ms. Howard who so kindly classified my hangover as "Damn, you look like shit". After a full afternoon of sleeping, I was back and ready for more. Went to Chrissy and Jennifer's for a very nice Christmas party, were I met one of the Indigo Girls, who was more generous and friendly than I ever expected. I mentioned that my Sister was a huge fan who lived in Upstate NY...she immediately told me she would give her tickets for a February show up there...amazing. Hit the Cannon Ball, along with about 500 other people. Sunday was lazy, but included a great run...26:21 for 4 miles on the treadmill...~6:35 pace. I almost fell off twice; I think that is my limit. At one point I was running 6:00 pace...that's too fast for a treadmill. I also bought my first Country music CD...Rascall Flats...they are pretty good. The evening wrapped up with dinner at the Biscuit with Twon and Ms. Howard. Looking forward to heading home to see the family this week. NY here I come.

The Bandwagon

This Thursday is dreary...it's one of those days you wish you could just stay in bed and listen to the rain outside. On my way to work this morning it was 33 degrees with rain. I''d much rather have snow than a cold rain. I had my annual review today. Seems like I am meeting my job expectations. That's a good thing and the raise was nice. I have been very anti-social this week. I'm always this way when it becomes Winter-like...it gets dark early, its cold...I'm becoming a hermit! But I see the light of the weekend beckoning me...I'll do my best to head out tonight and then the parties this weekend will be fun. I'm really looking forward to heading up to NY for Christmas...I don't see my family enough and Albany isn't that bad of a city...ok, it's not that good either. I am going to my 15 year high school reunion while I'm home. Absolutely crazy that I've been out of high school for 15 years. Insane. I miss seeing my friends in Atlanta and am going to make an effort to see them more...I've heard it's the most wonderful time of the year - I need to get on that bandwagon!

Brokeback Mountain Earns 7 Golden Globe Nominations

Brokeback Mountain is already gaining critical acclaim. This movie is more important then we know. It will finally put a gay themed movie into the spotlight and not because the gay characters are funny or nelly or easy to point a finger at and say, 'oh the gays'...but it finally portrays gay characters without focusing on the stereotypes. I really feel this is huge. Not to mention the critical acclaim which will help this film reach a broad audience...all the way to Middle America. I also am fascinated by the reviews, which really don't focus on this film as a gay themed movie, but rather a love story. I can feel a sense of change and acceptance for this movie. Will this movie change the way most Americans view gay people and the gay community? That will be hard to measure. But what is not hard to measure is how many people are talking about this movie and its content. This would have been impossible 10 years ago. For how messed up our country is, this movie is a silver lining. Film reflecting life. I can't wait to see it...I hope it lives up to my expectations. This is not just a movie, it is an opportunity to shift American culture and viewpoints that will effect generations to come.

And the nominations:

• Best Director (Ang Lee)
• Best Actor in a Drama (Heath Ledger)
• Best Supporting Actress in a Drama (Michelle Williams)
• Best Screenplay
• Best Original Score
• Best Original Song
• Best Picture Drama

A Full Week

How quickly one week can pass on by...a full week since my last post. In that time I've only spent two nights in Atlanta with the rest split between LA and Florida. I'm trying to avoid all this cold weather. I'm in Atlanta for a while now and looking forward to hanging with the boys and hitting some Christmas parties. I was in Orlando over the weekend and went to a party on Saturday night. It included two "straight" Santas walking around giving out jello shots with whipped cream licked from their chests. I don't know how many times I heard "dude, I'm not gay, but go ahead". Interestingly enough, as the evening wore on, the two Santas ended up wrestling in their boxers on a bed. Hummm. It was very homoerotic. Is this what straight boys do? I'm thinking no. Or maybe I'm wrong. Since they were roommates, I'd love to have been a fly on the wall of their apartment later that night. Spent the weekend with Charlie. This kid is honestly one of the sweetest guys. What to do. He is graduating with his Master's degree today, quite a smart one. MS in Engineering. Congrats boy. Glad to be back in the ATL for a while!

Tis the Season

I'm feeling like crap today. Probably because I was at a party with an open bar. That always does it. Last night was the first party of the Christmas season here in Atlanta...the Toy Party. It is always a great event and last night was no different. It is held at the Old Train Depot in downtown Atlanta, which is huge, but this party packs it full. Always a great time and for a good cause. The after party was at Red Chair which turned out to be fun as well, I actually finally told my crush about the crush. It went over well, I think...Twon was also working it; its our new Buenos Aires attitude. Atlanta is a great city for events like the Toy Party...for those of you from out of town, mark your calendars, next year's event is on December 3rd, y'all come on down and have some fun with us and give a toy a good home.

New Year's Resolution Trial Run Update. I did make it to the gym both Saturday and Sunday this weekend. Had a great run on the treadmill...4 miles in 26:42 ~6:40 pace. I don't know if I can get any faster than that, I always feel like one false move and I'm getting thrown off the treadmill to the amusement of the entire cardio section. I'll probably just keep the same pace and increase mileage. I'm also trying to eat better. On Sunday - fruit for breakfast with Soy Protein Milk. But of course I binged last night at Johnny Rockets and then late night tacos. I'll have it all down pat by January 1st!

Scooter Boys and Argentineans

The Obelisk of Buenos Aires, on Avenue 9 de Julio (the widest avenue in the world) is covered with a giant condom to commemorate World AIDS Day December 1, 2005...ah those crazy Argentineans:

It's Thursday

Almost the weekend and I'm glad. Not that I don't completely enjoy coming back from a vacation with over 200 emails, but you know...it's nice to just focus on the weekend and relaxing. So a list if you will, Frank Green style.

• I miss Argentina...the culture, the city, the chicos
• I'm pissed at myself for becoming complacent...with work and with working out
• I need to remind myself more often that I'm a go getter, so get going
• The brisk mornings are cold, but refreshing
• Heading to the Aquarium this Sunday and to the Toy Party...should I get another Black Barbie for da girls?
• I hear the after party is at Charlie Brown's...should be an eventful Sunday
• My truck is leaking some sort of liquid, good times...I think I'll bring it to the Lesbian Mechanics near my house. Anything boys can do, they can do better
• I'm already set on 2006 being a great year. I think I will start my New Year's Resolution today, December 1st, instead of January 1st
• Oprah is on David Letterman tonight for the first time in over 15 years...