Yup. I came. I saw. I met up with Shelly, the D. and the fearsome Wong clan, and we conquered.

So whatchu gonna do about it sumbitch?

OK enough Texas posturing. But it’s true, I did spend an entire long weekend as the proud guest of Shelly down in Houston. I had a fabulous time. Among the highlights:

1) visiting the porn/BBQ shop that had no discernible quantities of either? Just porcelain cats …

2) Food! Real mexican across from the gay porn shop in H-town. Sunday brunch at Mercado, Bangers and mash on the riverwalk in San Antonio. Bbq at Goode’s under a buffalo head. Pasta at the art museum.

3) I remember going on, I mean to, the Alamo! Five times! Started a mean stamped penny collection.

4) a night of partying with the Wongs in San Antonio. A $38 bottle of Chilean wine.

5) random conversations with S. about life and the state of the world. Dueling to a conclusive draw in Trivial Pursuit. Chilling out, watching movies with S. and D. Playing with Scout and Sappho.

As I walked out of BWI airport after flying home, it was 15 degrees, 0 with wind chill. As I wandered around the long-term parking lot, I texted S., "can I come back?"

Thanks again S. It was a blast. Come to the northeast sometime soon, y’hear?

Hook ‘em horns!

Clearly being diligent in my blog posting and maintenance was NOT one of my New Years’ resolutions. But no worries. I’m sure there were no cancelled subscriptions ;-) Nobody beating the doors of the editorial offices here in Columbia. I’m not getting paid so f* it, I can be a lazy sod if I damn well please!

About the pictures — a mixed bag, some experimental, low-light, long exposure stuff mixed with some X-mas in Sparta/Lennon’s 1st b’day pics. Nothing too earth-shattering. I’ve been thinking of redoing the site. But that takes time, which is usually in short supply these days …

New years’ eve was highly uneventful, no booze, no women, no friends immediately accessible … In other words, not much fun at all! Even dick clark was AWOL from his own show. Fortunately an 11th hour phone call to an old friend saved me from a mild depression. Thank you M!

New years day was better. After spending the previous day helping jenel’s friend Charles move (displaying u-haul loading skills worthy of a tetris master, thank you), on the 1st I went over to B’more to help esther pull up carpet and staples from the floor of her new place. We ate at the "Cafe Hon" not once but twice! Have to say I’m really becoming a fan of Baltimore. Esther’s (and Kevin’s) neighborhood, Hampden, is a particularly charming enclave of Charm City. In fact, the next weekend I went back to help out a bit more, and the next day brought my dad to the city, this time to the area known as Canton (and dinner at "Mama’s on the Half Shell" — favorite of "the crab cake boys") and he was equally impressed with the area. Said it reminded him of the old ethnic neighborhoods of Boston where he grew up. Interesting. Lots and lots of rowhouses.

Tomorrow I get on a plane headed for Houston to visit Shelly. I’m really psyched. After a brief H-town tour we’re headed for San Antonio for muddy river walks, mercados, the Alamo, and some nighttime antics with fellow SIRLS grad Sonya and her man Craig.

No sooner do I get back home than it’s time to head out to Jacksonville FL to see the Dews (Shannon and Kevin) and the Imries (Gordon, Francine and the kids). Also psyched about this. Some nice ocean air will be just what the doctor ordered. Relax.

No beltways. No buses. No Bush. No bullshit. Wake me up when it’s time to go back to work.

I just really wanted to say that.

Three days into the New Year. I suppose I could give a blow-by-blow
rehash of the holidays. But my motivation is low. So I’m just going to
toss off some phrases from my pop-culture addled brain.

No soup for you! Leggo my Eggo! Mikey likes it! Thunderbirds are go!
Big bucks, no whammies … Stop! Survey says! Elizabeth this is the big
one! Whatchu talkin ’bout Willis! No Raj no Rerun no rent! Nerds, nerds,
nerds!

Whaaaaaarrrrr’s tha beef? By the power of grayskull! Now we know, and
knowing is half the battle! I love when a plan comes together!

Whasssuuuppp! Move over bacon! Set it and forget it! Is that freedom
rock! Yeah maan. Well turn it up maaaan!!!!!

Brilliant!