Thursday, December 31, 2009

New Year, New Decade

It occurred to me that the new year, which begins tomorrow, is also the beginning of a new decade, as well. Scary how ten years flow by like a swift river.

I had a wonderful Christmas at my family's with "Chef Tom" (pics below). One of the best Xmas's yet. I've been off work all week, savoring the time-off after an incredibly turbulent year. Indeed, the end of a turbulent decade.

Sean/Chef and myself are off to Mexico after next week, which I am very much looking forward to. Happy New Years to everyone!



Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Festivus Airing of Grievances!

I think at this point it's getting cliche, me starting each post lately with an apology for not posting in awhile. That seems to happen a lot of late... so all I can say is I'll update this blog when I'm able and feel like it. So check back periodically, you never know what I might post.

We had a beautiful snowstorm over the weekend here in D.C. It effectively shut the region down (though I don't think it was quite as bad as the one back in 2003). I like snow, my knee pains aside, and I think we're due for a snowy winter.

I got my holiday shopping done, my holiday tree is lit and pretty (I finally got a real one this year). Sean and I are preparing to go visit my parents tomorrow...

Most of all I am excited that 2009 is coming to a close. What a BITCH of a year! Let's examine the shiteous things that happened, shall we...

Adam's Festivus Airing of Grievances!
  • I got laid off my last job (though I got a sweet severance package and a new job that started the week after, so I made bank this year)
  • My new job, while paying significantly more $, also comes with more demands and stress.
  • Sean's job stresses him out even more.
  • My friend got arrested for something that wasn't their fault.
  • The national economy continued to fucking tank.
  • Sean and I went through a rough patch around Halloween.
  • Sean's condo was flooded.
Of course it wasn't all that bad. There were bright spots - the inauguration parties, a fabulous birthday party, a trip to Canada with Sean, a trip to Utah, New York City, Rehoboth.

At any rate, 2010 will bring great new things, I am sure, for all of us! Starting with a trip in early January to Mexico - a great start if I may say so.

Be safe this HOliday season (including you, Drunky, don't drink and drive!).

Happy HOlidays from The Poison Pen!

Monday, November 23, 2009

Good Morning, Baltimore!

Sean took me to Baltimore this weekend as a surprise getaway. He had told me, "It's something we've talked about" as a clue. That left a whole range of things open. I thought it could be anything from a bed & breakfast to camping.

He got us a very nice room at the Hotel Monaco, we had a fantastic meal at a seafood restaurant called The Oceanaire, hit the nightclub Hippo. The next morning I took him to the Baltimore Aquarium (see pics below) and to Fells Point.

It's been ages since I've been there - which is funny because it's so close. It was a great weekend spending time with Sean, working on things.




Kaiseki

Been working on things in my personal life, as readers may have been able to tell, so I haven't really written much lately.

Weekend before last Sean and I went to Sushi Taro. We tried going once before, but missed our reservations. Ever since the restaurant re-opened and extensive renovations, I've heard nothing but complaints that the place is now too expensive and pretentious.

So, I went in fully expected to be disappointed. And came out feeling like I'd had one of the top 10 meals I've had in my life.

First, I have to explain that yes, the menu has become very expensive. But, I must also stress the sushi is far more authentic, as are the other dishes. Let's face it - teriyaki and California rolls aren't exactly authentic Japanese, or very high-end for that matter.

We opted for the 11-course Kaiseki meal, which is arranged by the head chef every night based on fresh ingredients. I honestly wish I could remember every dish, but everything - especially the exotic, hard-to-find fresh fish - made it a very memorable experience.

I can't wait to go back... perhaps for a future special occasion.



Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Excuse My Dancing Skills!

This is why you should never invite me to your wedding...

Those other people are clearly just jealous of her pole-dancing abilities.

Sunday, November 08, 2009

Anniversary

Last night was Sean and my third anniversary.We went to dinner at the place we first had dinner at, Zaytinya.
We're taking it one day at a time right now, that's all I can really say. And I appreciate it if our friends can respect that process.

Saturday, November 07, 2009

Meshes of the Afternoon

A classic surrealist film from the 1940's - Maya Deren's Meshes of the Afternoon. (I remember watching this, and Salvador Dali's Un Chien Andalou in college)
There's a scene where she watching herself through a window. What made me remember this film was a dream I had recently...

Wednesday, November 04, 2009

November In Doubt

I haven't been blogging lately... my sense of humor is kind of muted right now. I've been going through some things I'd rather not air on this trivial blog.

Maybe I'll post about it all later, when things work out, or don't. I think this song explains sort of how I feel lately...

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

DILF Wednesdays: Michael C. Hall

Here's a "killer" DILF for this Halloween week which seems to be dragging... Michael C. Hall of Dexter fame. I fell in love with him when he played the main gay character on Six Feet Under, and he DILF-alicious on Dexter...

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Happy Birthday Chef Tom Sean!!

Happy Birthday, Sean!!! Can't wait to celebrate it with you tonight!

Friday, October 23, 2009

Self Control

I'd forgotten what a hot video this was (it's up there with A-Ha's Take On Me). I was shocked to hear Laura Branigan was dead, so sad! She's part of the reasons I miss the 80's!

Ghosts of the Past, and Things to Come

So today I am working from my laptop, sitting at Soho cafe. Just sitting here on my laptop - something which I have not done in a long time, brings back a flood of memories. All the times I was here through college, through formative years of my early 20's... this place, the bars, the street all are laden with memories.

I was talking with a friend this morning on email, and we were also talking about a tarot reading we did as a group. Some might not take much stock in such things, but the strange thing was that all of our reading said that the coming year would bring change.

It certainly did. Some good, some bad. But I guess that's the thing... you don't get to choose the hand that fate deals and sometimes it feels like the universe has a dark sense of humor. I guess it's funny sometimes how a simple fortune-telling can carry meaning that isn't apparent at the time. Only in hindsight do we see how much crazy change has occurred.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Spooky Readings

I've mentioned before that I love October, and Halloween ranks as probably my favorite holiday in the year (well, besides my birthday). So I've been looking for some good Halloween-season movies and books to help get in the mood.

Sean and I saw Paranormal Activity last weekend when it was cold and wet outside. I'm really, I mean really sensitive to motion sickness. These Youtube-ish movies where they can't hold the camera fucking still really bothers me. That aside, I thought it was a great movie right up until the very end, when they fucking ruined it. But I do recommend seeing it. You'll won't sleep so easy the night you watch it, I'm sure!

Anyway, what are some of your favorite seasonal reads? Any recommendations?

Friday, October 16, 2009

3

It took me two listens to Britney's new song "3" before I realized what she was talking about. I've only had one threesome in my time, and it was a dizz-aster. TMI? Anyway, here's the song from my favorite trainwreck from Kentwood, LA.

Sunday, October 11, 2009

La Roux

I love this video... mostly because I really like her hair! How much product does that take, I wonder?

LA ROUX 'BULLETPROOF' from soyo on Vimeo.

Wednesday, October 07, 2009

Time to Leave This Funhouse

Last night I overheard P!nk's latest song "Funhouse"

"This used to be a Funhouse / But now it's full of evil clowns / it's time to start the countdown..."

I learned from a close friend this weekend that he's chosen to move back to Europe, and while he will be missed, I can't entirely blame him, either.

Maybe I'm coming at this from a different perspective, but as a young gay man, the U.S. has consistently been a disappointment. My home country, yes, but you'll have to excuse me if my patriotism is in short supply these days. Or rather, if I had full rights, then I'd feel differently. But at this point any bones thrown to the gay community in the U.S. is "a day late and a dollar short." The U.S. had to be dragged kicking in screaming into the civil rights era - long after most other developed nations (excluding South Africa) had addressed the race issue. And so it goes with gay rights. There is a fundamentally reactionary part of this country I really, truly hate - mostly because they hate me, people who think like me, and they will do anything to stop us. They ban gay marriage, protest and blow up abortion clinics, and vote against health care.

Which brings me to my disclosure: it's been a quasi-secret that my boyfriend and I have discussed moving to abroad for awhile. At first it began as a an idea to toy with, the with time, and my disappointment with sweet-tongued false-promise Democrats, the more I've become committed to moving somewhere better.

My boyfriend and I have looked at many options, and are strongly leaning towards Canada. We've being doing research on immigrations categories and requirements, and learning what steps we need to take. It may be co$tly, but when I think about the future life I want to have, I want to have my civil protections and live in a place that is welcoming. To quote that stupid Paula Cole song from the '90's, "I don't want to wait for our lives to be over" before equality comes to the U.S. I'm feeling done with this place, done with these people who live in an imperialistic bubble, done with the religious fanaticism, done with the discrimination. I'm tired of Democrats telling me to wait and be patient. Patience left Adamtown about four years ago.

So - best of luck to my friend who is moving, and I am hopeful about my own move. It may take time (I am looking at at least a year to get everything in order!) and money, but it is something I/we want. This year has brought so many changes and eye-opening moments. D.C. has been a wonderful place to me - I am grateful for the experiences I have had and the friends I've made and hope to keep for life. But I feel this calling to leave, and it's time to start planning and packing and leave this "funhouse."

DILF Wednesdays: Clive Owen

I'm not sure if I've featured British actor Clive Owen before, but he's a total DILF. Pictures of hot men always help ease one through the work week.

Don't worry Sean - you're still my only knight in shining armor!

Friday, October 02, 2009

Season of New Things

It finally feels like autumn outside - the fall is my favorite time of year! It is "the Season of the Witch." ;) I always associate fall with new beginnings. Almost every serious relationship I've had, including my current one with Sean, has begun in the fall (so much for Spring being the season of romance). I think I always associate this time of year with new beginnings because it's when school starts. I've also always loved Halloween.

By the way, what should I be this year? What is everyone doing for Halloween?

Anyway, I guess my point is I really hope this season brings new (and by new, I mean good) things for all of my friends and myself! I was discussing with my friend M over dinner at Cava last Friday (and there's another story with her and the inept DC government, poor thing, but we'll save that for another time) . I was mentioning how 2009 has been a pretty rough ass year for all of us. I know you have to take the bad with the good, but really, I am hoping that good things are on the horizon for all of us.

Best Witches Wishes!

Monday, September 28, 2009

Now That He's Part of the Family...

I really owe Sean for being such a good sport about going apple picking and winery-visiting with my family in the Shenandoah Valley this weekend...



Political Identity as Fashion

On the Metro recently I got to thinking about flags as fashion statements. One thing particularly endemic to the U.S. is the American flag on everything. In my case, I found myself on a crowded Metro train full of tourists, all of them covered with tacky “I Love DC” shirts or, of course, U.S. flags.

I tried to think of any other country where one would see something like that. Canadians I’ve come across in traveling love to put the maple leaf on their backpacks and suitcases, (it’s as if they are trying desperately to say “I am NOT an American!”… and I can’t blame them) but somehow it doesn’t come across in quite the worshipful way it does when Americans do it. I think there’s also a parallel with Europeans and their national football/soccer shirts. But with us, I feel, it reaches patriotic overkill.

On the crowded metro train I found myself rolling my eyes at the tackiness. But then I realized I’m guilty of flags-as-fashion to a degree myself. It’s no secret I have a thing for Union Jacks. I think for a lot of non-British people it’s a fashion icon that transcends its literal symbolism… maybe our love of British icons has its roots in idolizing the “Swingin’ London” of years past? I have Union Jacks on rugs, belt buckles, shoes (thanks to Ben Sherman), shirts, mugs, etc. Thought I doubt it would be as fun or fashionable where I actually in the U.K.

What passes for an ironic fashion statement in one place has an entirely different meaning somewhere else. Just a musing…

"Adam, are you sure it's not a bit much? I mean, you're bathroom's lovely, but really..."

Friday, September 25, 2009

Productive Day

I've been very productive, both personally and at work today, which is odd considering it's Friday and usually it's a day I completely blow off, staring at the clock and waiting for the weekend to begin. Actually most of this week has been spent doing just that. Sometimes when I'm overwhelmed with stuff, I fall into an apathetic/catatonic state where I don't have the drive to do anything. Ask me again how I feel next Monday, but for now I'm feeling better overall.

Here's a soup recipe I want to try soon, from the guys who run The Inn at Little Washington. It looks very fall-ish, so maybe I'll be inspired during the day tomorrow... I'll finally get to put my Cuisninart food processor!

Apple Rutabaga Soup

1 stick butter
1 cup onion, chopped
1 cup granny smith apples, peeled, cored and roughly chopped
1 cup rutabaga, peeled and roughly chopped
1 cup butternut squash, peeled seeded and roughly chopped
(I'd use the pre-chopped squash one finds in stores nowadays, cutting butternut squash is a royal pain in the ass.)
1 cup carrots, peeled and roughly chopped
1 cup sweet potato, peeled and roughly chopped
1 qt. chicken stock
2 cups heavy cream
1/4 cup maple syrup
salt & cayenne pepper to taste.

In a large saucepan over medium-hi heat, melt the butter. Add the onion, apple, rutabaga, squash, carrots and sweet potato and cook, stirring occasionally until the onions are translucent. Add the chicken stock and bring to boil. Simmer 20-25 mins, or until all the vegetables are tender.

Puree the veggies in a blender/food processor. Strain through a fine mesh sieve into pot. Add the cream, maple syrup, salt & cayenne. Bring the soup to a simmer and serve.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Long TIme, No Post

Alright, it's been while since I bothered posting, so here's a pretty picture to make up for it...



Let's see... I went out on Friday with some of Chef Tom's friends to dinner at an oyster bar on 17th st (as a side, I love oysters. I know raw oysters turn some people's stomachs, but I don't care) and then a few drinks. I swear to god we saw a guy with a Kate Gosselin hairdo. For real... I'm still wondering if he was doing as part of a prank or some pre-Halloween thing. I really hope the poor guy wasn't really trying to rock that. Of course the bar was JR's. And no, it was Drunky McDrunkerson in drag. Man with a Kate Gosselin "hairdon't"... I'm an athiest and I'm praying for that dude. Help him, Jeebus! Anywho...

Sunday Chef and I went to the Ukrainian Festival out in Maryland to get in touch with his mother's side-of-the-family roots. There was borscht, pierogies and pivo (beer) to be had!

We also spent the later afternoon at the Mayorga Coffee Factory in Silver Spring. It's funny sometimes, the little things. Like just spending Sunday afternoon having coffee and reading the newspaper together. It was really... just really pleasant in it's own boring yet comfortable way. I can't help but feeling we've reached some turning point in our relationship. You know, the one where reading the paper together feels natural.

Friday, September 11, 2009

When Bears Attack! And other tales

Thankfully, it seems like Fall is here - my favorite time of year! I've always loved fall - even if it's partially because it's the best season for mens fashion.

Sean and I have both been really stressed at work, but we try to see each other as much as possible after work and on the weekends. We both are unhappy with our jobs, but trying to work on that. We try to have fun when we're together, even if our energy levels are low. I apologize to some friends for whom I've been sort of laying low. It's been a shitty summer, really, from the stress of douchebag former bosses, finding a a new job, finding myself less-than-happy in my new one, it's been a lot of strain.

So sometimes I like to get far away from the city with Sean, whether it be the beach or mountains, and we decided to visit Shenandoah National Park last weekend just to get away and spend some one-on-one time. We decided to explore the trails through the forest and everything was going fine until...

A large adult black bear stumbled into our path, about six feet away. Sean and I, needless to say, froze in our tracks. Now, one would think Eagle Scout Sean would know what to do in the case of a bear encounter... well since it's not something that happens everyday I'll forgive him. (Incidentally, this page tells you the proper steps when facing a black bear. )

As you can guess, we've both lived to tell the tale... the bear lost interest in us and sauntered off into the woods. I put up a brave front for Sean, making him get behind me and such. Let me tell you, if I'd been alone my ass would still be up in a tree somewhere screaming like a girl for help! Oh wait, black bears can climb trees. Shit.

Last night my friends and I went to a fashion/wine event at Sean's restaurant- and thank you for everyone who came, and the water witch for driving! I'm so glad it's the weekend now, though it never feels long enough.

Oh, and in a recent previous post, I was blogging about things I wanted to see in life, and mentioned, among other things, wanting to see the Mayan ruins. Sean reads this blog from time to time, and what does he do? He books us a trip in January to Mexico to go see Chichen Itza! It's very sweet - I love you, Sean! I can't wait!!

It just comes to show the power of blogging ;) I seriously need to get ready - I haven't been to the beach/pool as much as I normally do this summer, so I'm a little on the pasty side. Get me some of Lindsay Lohan's "Sevin Nine" tanning cream STAT!

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Summer and Everything After

First - it's about MFing time... Metro (which in itself is about an unreliable as it train service) claims that by mid-October there will be cell phone service in its underground stations for most carriers. I certainly hope so!

This past week I took advantage of Restaurant Week by trying three new places I hadn't been before...
  • On Tuesday I went to Blue Ridge in Georgetown with Sean. It's sort of re-imagined Appalachian cuisine, using produce from regional farms. We both really liked our dishes, thinking of it as sort of haute Southern, if that's possible. The service was great and the portions were generous, and we both agreed we'd definitely go back. The secluded outdoor patio was a nice touch, too.
  • On Wednesday I went to Fire and Sage (if only for the name alone!) with a coworker for lunch. It has some great contemporary dishes that where unique and tasty. I would go back, especially as it's near my office.
  • Last night I went with Sean to Ceiba. it's one of those place I always see but have never been in. The menu is fusion contemporary Latin/Caribbean, as it claims, "specifically Yucatan, Brazilian, Peruvian, and Cuban." The dishes we had were all really great - the service left something to be desired, but I really liked everything we had, especially the ceviche and pibil pork. I had some sort of tamarind martini which was quite nice, too.
It's been a month now at my new job, which admittedly stresses the fuck out of me some days. So after a long week I went out Friday night with the water witch, who is now back from London (yeah!) and a friend to Cobalt and then Town. August is a funny month in DC when it comes to who's out at the clubs and who isn't. Personally I'd love a vacation right about now, but I have "miles to go" on that one.

Last night after dinner Sean and I really didn't do much... he's stressed at his job, too. We missed M's new bartending over in the H St. corridor, though I hope to make one of the nights soon!

It's hard to believe it's going to be September in one day. Where did the summer go, really?

Friday, August 28, 2009

The List

Over the years when I was younger, I developed a sort of internal list of things I want to do before I die. Some of them I've done (some multiple times) and some I've yet to accomplish. And just seem strange and don't make any sense, but they are what they are.

  • Travel through Europe (yes)
  • Travel through Asia (yes, but I'd like to see more)
  • Travel through Latin America (yes)
  • See the Mayan ruins (not yet)
  • See the Aurora Borealis (not yet)
  • Fix my teeth (yes - don't laugh, that was on my list)
  • Live in a large American city (yes, clearly)
  • Be published in some form (not yet)
  • Go scuba diving (not yet - snorkeling doesn't count!)
  • Live outside the U.S. for at least one year (not yet, but working on it)
I'm sure there are others I'm forgetting I may go back an add here later. How about you?

Thursday, August 27, 2009

In The Waiting Room

So an ex boyfriend called me up tonight, out of the blue, and wanted to meet up. I was too far away at the time to meet, but we talked for awhile, reminiscing about years ago, laughing over some of the crazy stories we share.

He expressed to me how he feels like his life isn't go anywhere, or at least in the direction he wants it to go. It really touched on a creeping feeling I've been having lately. This sort of late-twenties life crisis of "now what?"

Like, I'm just not sure what I'm doing with myself anymore. Aside from Sean and my friends, I'm really not sure where I'm going, but I have this increasing feeling like these last few years in DC are just like sitting in a waiting room... waiting for what I don't know.

Anybody else know what I'm talking about?

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Into the Fire

Here's an old song that popped into my head one morning this week so some reason. I've always loved Sarah McLachlan's voice (and she hails from Halifax, a city near and dear to my heart), plus the song is about fire.

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Catching a Show, and Putting on One

I love days like this sometime, thunderstormy sleepy days, sipping tea, listening to BBC or CBC, catching up on sleep and all those other things I missed during the week.

What a week! A crazy business trip to Chicago (complete with delays at O'Hare coming and going) and lot going on at work. Sean got some free VIP tickets to a show at Wolftrap for last night. The opening band was Celtic-rock group Carbon Leaf, who I had heard of, and other a band from Newfoundland called Great Big Sea. They both put on a great show, and we had excellent box seats.

Last night, too, was a massive thunderstorm. I was worried the show might be cancelled, but when we pulled into the parking lot, the show was definitely on. The was a huge downpour, so Sean and I decided to wait it out in his car (being a diva, I can't get wet). So one thing led to another, that involved me putting my car seat all the way back... you figure it out. Rainy night, alone in Sean's car... or so we thought. Until Sean looked up and we realized there were people in this minivan watching us the whole time. I've never wanted to crawl under the floorboards and die like that before. Ugh... But I can laugh about it a little now. You want a show - we'll give you a performance!

Friday, August 21, 2009

No We Can't?

Here's a great article in The Advocate (hat-tip to my fellow witch F out in Colorado for sending this to me) about Obama's epic fail when it comes to gay equality. It even features the fabulous Bruce Bastian.

Read on...

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Bite Me

[As featured on D-listed]

Now, I'm a Twilight fan (it's a shitty vampire story, I know. Correction: I'm a Robert Pattinson fan). But this is over the top... a Twilight inspired sex toy. Lovesit!

The Vamp!

Updated by popular request... Yes the The Vamp retains hot and cold temperature. Toss it in the fridge for that authentic experience.

JUST IN TIME FOR HALLOWEEN! Who doesn't love those dark and mysterious vamps on the screen and in the books we all thumb through lustfully? That's what we thought. For those of us who fantasize about being spellbound and tantalized by the forbidden comes The Vamp. We promise this vamp won't be the only thing coming for you in the night.

The Vamp is a realistic form dildo based appropriately on our Sire's design but with a deathly pale flesh tone reminiscent of the new moon's glow. Since it's a Tantus toy, The Vamp is made from Tantus' own unique blend of 100% Ultra-Premium Silicone. Don't be surprised if this toy seduces you, its long sleek shaft and deliciously ridged head calling to you in the twilight. But don't save this for just nocturnal escapades, try taking our Vamp out in the sunlight and watch him sparkle.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Drunk(y) Driving

Attention pedestrians and drivers of the world...

I've heard it on good authority that Drunky McDrunkerson has purchased a car.

Seriously - where is a DUI checkpoint when you need one?!?!

And you know I am totally waiting for that drunk driving mugshot. Oh please, God, let that find it's way to my inbox, oh pleaseeee. I swear I'll go to church every day and stop being an athiest.

Actually, as the survivor of a crash caused by a drunk driver, I take this sort of stuff seriously. Be careful, Drunky!

Saturday, August 15, 2009

Chic-a-go

This Monday, I am off to a bizness trip to Chicago! Blog more when I get back. Or maybe I'll blog from there, who knows!

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

DILF Wednesdays: Brady Brings Teh Pretteh

Sean look-alike and third husband (behind Anderson and Prince Harry), Tom Brady, is this week's eye candy. He's back playing again for the Patriots this season after several knee surgeries (something I know all too well about) and having babies (not something I know too well yet). He's featured in this month's Details magazine where he blabs about football, some random Brazilian woman who claims she's his wife (whatevah). But mostly he just brings le sighs. Sigh...



Monday, August 10, 2009

Finally Getting with the Times

So I've finally decided to join the 21st Century and break down and get an iPhone! I don't know I hesitated for so long... I swear, if it was possible to have a rotary cell phone, I would've had one.

Alas, I'm looking forward to the new mobile - and don't worry, my number is staying the same.

Sunday, August 09, 2009

The Suburban Boring Couple

I've been absolutely exhausted lately with my new job and stuff, so while I've thought about blogging, I really haven't the last few weeks. It's August in DC, which means sticky heat and with the new job I haven't really been able to get away. Plus, I've had a convention going on at work, which was a lot of work, so it's over and hopefully things will slow down!

Admittedly these last few lazy weekends, Sean and I have been very "suburban and boring." Don't get me wrong, it's actually been quite nice. And that's not to say I haven't done anything on the weekends, though. Weekend before last I went with some of Sean's friends out to the mountains to visit wineries. His friend Scott introduced us to this wonderful places called Bluemont Vineyards. It's very picturesque, located on the slop of a high mountain, with views over the valley below. They had food and music - it was really nice! I would love to go back. I forgot my camera, but I'll have some pictures in the future!

Sean also introduced me last weekend to Afghan cuisine, which I'd never had before. He took me to this great place in Bailey's Crossroads called Bamian Afghan Cuisine. I'd compare the food to a cross between Indian and Middle Eastern flavors (which makes sense, geographically). I really liked it, and would love to go back! I wonder if I can mimic some of the recipes at home?

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Week One

I haven't updated in a few days - been busy, busy with new stuff. I had a wonderful weekend before starting the new job. I got to see my friend M's new place (very nice!). Saturday night, Sean and I had dinner over there for some wonderful fondue (M - I'm eagerly awaiting the recipe!) and I followed that course with a "Mexican-style chocolate fondue" I was inspired by from an Emirile Lagasse recipe (recipe below). Though, I forgot to use that fabulous electric fondue pot Drunky McDrunkerson gave me... I swear it was almost worth dating him just for that Cuisinart fondue set! I'm so shallow...

Sean took my mind off the impending first day at the new job by taking me to a great Vietnamese place near his house (Taste of Saigon) and catching the new Harry Potter movie at Tyson's. It was so-so... as typical I find myself rooting for the bad guys anyway, and Draco Malfoy is quite cute in this one, in that brooding bad-boy sorta way. Though the ginger one, Ron, is growing up to be quite cute too, and I usually don't say that about redheads (don't worry Prince Harry, you're still the #1 ginger in my book).

So the new job has gone very well so far! Granted, this is only week one and it seems like there is much work ahead, but I am glad to be moving into a new chapter of my life, and glad to be away from my last job (the the payout in the end was a nice little bonus! - Perhaps Sean and I will be in Costa Rica or Spain later for a winter getaway).

Mexican-style Chocolate Fondue

2 cups brewed coffee
1 vanilla bean (or, subst. w/ 1 tbsp vanilla extract)
3 cinnamon sticks
1 cup milk
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon ground chipotle pepper*
8 oz Mexican chocolate (or subt. w. semi-sweet dark)
8 oz semi-sweet chocolate

Heat the brewed coffee, vanilla, and cinnamon sticks in fondue pot and simmer on hi, bringing to a boil. Boil until liquid has reduced to about 1/4 cup (about 10 mins). Add the milk, cream, and chipotle to the pot. Lower heat to medium and simmer. Slowly stir in chocolate, and simmer and stir until thickened.

*In vising southern Mexico, I found that using chillies in chocolate is a very popular and ancient technique going back to the Aztecs and Mayas... it gives a characteristic kick that is quite nice. Trust me, it's good... just don't overdo it.

Friday, July 17, 2009

Relaxation and Detoxification

I've had such a great week of resting after leaving my last job. The week is flying by too fast though - I start my new job this coming Monday. I'm happy to be starting the new position, but I have to admit I wish I had longer vacation!

This week I went to Rehoboth Beach with Sean. So funny story I have to confess... I was searching for a good hotel on my last day at PFLAG, and colleagues kept coming into my office to say their goodbyes and such. I guess it distracted me, because I made the reservations not really paying attention. As many know, beach resorts fill up very fast in the summer, so it's always a pain to find vacancies.

So, fast-forward to the morning we were going to the beach, Sean calls me to tell me he was driving over to pick me and was 10 minutes away. Only then did I bother to look at the print-out of the reservations and realize... I had booked the wrong dates. So there I was in panic-mode, calling the hotel to see if they had vacancies for that day (I could almost hear them snickering as they said no). I was desperately Googling "Rehoboth hotels" in hopes I could find something, anything, with Sean none the wiser.

To my credit, I found one place that still had vacancies. Booked it, and had the whole matter settled by the time Sean pulled up.

Aside from the water being cold (it was no Mexico, let's put it that way) we had a really great time, and it was nice being away from here (even if half the DC "power gays" were there anyway). My only regret was coming home. I wish summer vacations could last forever.

Friday, July 10, 2009

So Long, Farewell...

Auf Wiedersehen!

Today's my last day at this job! I'm so thrilled. Now begins my time before I start my new job, a bit of a "staycation" though Sean and I may venture to Rehoboth at some point.

Hugs, and thanks again to everyone for their help!

Thursday, July 09, 2009

Fiest

In honor of a very pretty full moon...

Fiest's "My Moon, My Man"

Wednesday, July 08, 2009

The Thaim of My Life

I love Thai food, but for the longest time I’ve always had a hard time getting the flavors just right, or finding the right ingredients (like, for example, tamarind paste or fresh lemongrass). There’s one particular sauce at Thai Regent on 18th St that I love, called Kra Prao that goes nicely with seafood or chicken. They have a lovely soft-shelled crab in Kra Prao I highly recommend. Anyway, here’s a homemade version that came out very close in taste I was very happy with…

*Make sure you use Thai basil, not the European basil we’re used to in Italian food. They are very different in taste, and it makes all the difference, trust me!

Chicken Kra Prao

2 chicken breasts, cubed
1 handful of Thai basil leaves, washed
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 Thai red chilies, seeded and finely chopped
1 ½ tbsp Thai fish sauce
3 tbsp dark soy sauce
1 tsp sugar
3 tbsp vegetable oil

In a wok, heat oil and fry garlic and chilies until the garlic is golden. Add the chicken and stir-fry until cooked. In bowl, mix fish sauce, soy sauce and sugar. Add the mixture to the wok and stir-fry for about 5 minutes. About halfway through, begin folding in the Thai basil leaves. Serve with jasmine rice.

Tuesday, July 07, 2009

The Joys of Being a Lame Duck

So this is my last week at my current job. I start my new job on the 20th, later this month. That gives me a wondrous week in between to relax, detox... maybe go to the beach?

I'm already beyond "checked out" and am really doing nothing... it's wonderful! Except, I'd rather be sitting by my pool but I digress. It's really nice to not have the job-hunt stress anymore, and many thanks again to my friends and my very patient boyfriend for all of the support!

Wednesday, July 01, 2009

When Enablers Enable...

You know, this whole Michael Jackson tragedy from last week got me thinking. The more details emerge, the more it becomes clear Michael spent the better part of his life surrounded by enablers, who didn't really care about him at all. And that, I think, is the saddest part of all.

I mean, I see parallels with certain people I know... like, say, "Drunky McDrunkerson." He's surrounded by lots of "important" people and "A-list gays" - all of whom he considers his "friends."

But the truth, of course, is that if they were really his friends then they wouldn't let him sink to his present obesity, and they wouldn't encourage him to continue drinking as an alcoholic. They are not friends. They are enablers.

Real friends, the moral of this posting is, will help a friend get the help they need. They won't just stand by and watch a person self-destruct, be it drugs, booze, overeating etc.

Just a thought...

Happy Canada Day

To all my friends up north, Happy Canada Day! May it be filled with Mounties, Maple, and Molsons!

Friday, June 26, 2009

Michael Jackson is Dead

The universe just doesn't feel right... RIP

Attention Fellow Hos of DC/VA/MD:

Dreamy McDreamerson, aka Paul Rudd is apparently filming a movie in DC and has been spotted around Adams Morgan.

Paul, if you need a break after a long day of shooting, I can help you relax...


Sean, no need to get jealous, you'll always be my Top Chef!

Confessions of an Enabler

You know, it's been hard lately trying not to fall off the non-smoking wagon. I had a moment of weakness at a club in SLC this past weekend. Being buzzed enough around people who were all smoking gave me the bright idea to buy a pack of cigarettes.

Now, Sean was a smoker when I first met him. I quit many years ago, and have only had the occasional puff since then. These days, Sean tries to hide his smoking from me, which I find amusing since it's not like I don't know about it. Anyway, I made him take the pack because I can't have them around me or I will start smoking again. I've been fighting the urge to smoke all week since. Don't worry, I'm not going to start again.

Speaking of enablers....

I saw "Drunky McDrunkerson" walking down U Street a week or so ago. My friends and I were in shock. I couldn't even say anything, when I saw how far he's let himself go. Seriously D-Mac, you're breaking my heart (... if I had one to break). He clearly isn't being healthy, and it looks like more than just booze and pAArtying. It's really not even funny at this point. I can't even joke about it, it's quite sad actually. I hope he gets the help he needs!

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Flipping Out

Flipping a table.... so tempting sometimes.

This is basically me... if I was a housewife from New Jersey... (I love the fake orange spray tans, too)


Thursday, June 18, 2009

Just Because...

Because I can, and I need something soothing to the eyes...

Prince Harry is clearly getting the helicopter ready to personally fly me to Utah. Phillip and Louis - get the landing pad ready!


"I'm still drying my nail polish, Harry. Just wait, will you?"

Heading West...


I'm off to Utah this weekend to visit friends and attend the HRC dinner in Salt Lake City this weekend. See you all when I get back!

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Pride for So Many Reasons...

I am now home from a wonderful Pride weekend, and feel so much happier than I did at the start of this week. So many of my problems have found resolution (never underestimate the power of being a bitch when negotiating) and I have had Sean and my friends behind me lending moral support every step of the way!

Look forward to more frequent postings, and a fun-filled summer!

Friday, June 05, 2009

Turn Around Brighteyes, Turn Around...

I love this -it's a spoof of my favorite 80's cheese love ballad, "Total Eclipse of the Heart."

Thursday, June 04, 2009

Wake Me up When June Ends

So yeah, I know I haven't been keeping up with The Poison Pen the way I should have, having needed to divert my energies elsewhere lately. This does not, of course, means things have not been happening.

I've been a bit more reclusive than usual - though that is slowly changing. I have been spending a lot of my free time with Sean, as he's been a huge pillar of support (as have my friends, too). Honestly, sometimes I'm just so exhausted all I feel like doing is having dinner with Sean, but lately I've been coming around. I went out the other night with friends to 80's night at Cobalt, I've been out for dinner and drinks with friends a lot to.

Oh, and before I forget, my favorite Greek place finally did open up a location in the city, so it's no longer necessary for those of you in the District to trek out to Rockville anymore. The new Cava is on 8th street SE, a block down from Banana Cafe in Eastern Market.If you go anywhere for dinner this month, go to Cava, I can't sing their praises enough. Actually on second thought, don't go there, because you'll take up tables for me and my friends! ;P

I'll let you know how things progress, of course! Thanks to everyone who's had my back this last month! XOXOXO

Monday, May 25, 2009

Not My First Time at the Rodeo...

I'm sitting here admiring the roses Sean surprised me with this weekend. i want to say a special thank you to all my friends, and of course Sean, for all of their support and such through an interesting patch in my life... I will blog about everything soon once everything falls into place, one way or another.

In the meantime, I have a feeling this week is going to be a "channeling Joan Crawford" week...

Sunday, May 03, 2009

Stay Tuned...

Due to some major things going on in my life right now, I haven't had any time for blogging like normal - I'll be back as soon as I can. but in the meantime there's work to be done, and spells to be cast. Send me your good vibes!

Thursday, April 30, 2009

"Crazy Possesive"

Ok, so this is a bit of a Britney Spear rip-off, but Kaci's song "Crazy Possesive" has some awesome lyrics...

"Touch my man again and I'm a f*** you up!"

LOVE IT!

Monday, April 27, 2009

A Glimpse of My Future...

One day I will be doing a reality show with my adopted daughter... this is how I imagine it will go, plastic surgery face and all.

Saturday, April 25, 2009

I've Wasted Time in Worse Ways...


If you're bored, click here to go to an Adidas website I found today where you can click on men to take their shirts off for you... I think it has something to do with soccer. I dunno, it has some hot guys though!

Friday, April 24, 2009

"Just Don't Call it a Comeback!"

I’ve been very busy since getting back home so I haven’t been keeping up with my blog as much as I usually do. I want to say a HUGE thanks, first off, to Margo and Fred (or should I say Ursula and King Triton) for opening their house for my birthday party. They went so out to make it a special surprise. Thanks to all of my friends who were there – I love all of the gifts, including the AeroGarden which I am just setting up in my place. And thanks to Sean for going out of his way to cook all of that wonderful food.

Last week I spent my (actual) birthday with Sean travelling to Toronto, and the surrounding region including Niagara Falls, which I had never seen before. It was absolutely amazing. I love Toronto, as I mentioned before. Canada is like a mirror image of what America should be like. And Toronto, as Canada’s largest city, is a mirror image of what ours – New York – should be like. Clean, polite people, low crime. I think I sold Sean on the idea of maybe living there one day. Not that I had any side motives in visiting!

Sean kept leaving little surprises around our hotel room for me to find. For my birthday dinner, Sean surprised me and took me to this beautiful vineyard restaurant in the Ontario wine country called Hillebrand Estates. This really ranks up there with one of the best meals I’ve ever had. The service and food was outstanding... from start to finish every course was creative and intriguing, and I highly recommend it to anyone visiting the area. Also really nice were the ice wineries around Niagara-on-the-Lake. I love ice wine, and picked up some to take home for special occasions.

It was a perfect trip! Kind of unusual considering we usually go someplace tropical. It feels weird being back at work – I’m already looking forward to another vacation.

And in case I don’t get a chance to post it, an early Happy Birthday to my fellow witch, Hortencia Carter! All the best, chica! Missing you here in this blasted city.

Monday, April 20, 2009

Over the Falls

Sean and I are back from a relaxing and fun time in the Toronto area. Between this week and all the fun I had last week for my birthday celebrations, I am really dreading getting "back to reality." It's been such a special week...

I love Toronto... it's like New York, only cleaner and more polite.

Click here to see teh Canadialand photos.

What lies at the end of the rainbow?


We do!

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Off to Canadialand

Dear Poison Pen readers, Adam is off to Toronto & the Niagara region for my (actual) birthday with Sean, so I will see you all when I get back!

Love Story

Taylor Swift - "Love Story"

I think Sean and I have come to a consensus that, for better or worse, this is "our song." It's always on the radio when we're in the car together, and it's just cheesy enough to be a couple's song.

"You'll be the prince and I'll be the princess..." I'll be the princess, of course. LOL.


Taylor Swift: Love Story

Survival of the Fittest / Least Stupid

So this earlier this week a woman in Germany decided to jump into a polar bear habitat the zoo.

This is what they call "natural selection," folks.


HAHAHAAH. Hey, with all the global warming, I say the polar bears deserve to even the score a little, don't you?

Monday, April 13, 2009

Post-Party Pictures

I want to say a warm thank-you to all of my friends who made my birthday party weekend extra special!!! I had such a wonderful time, and for now will let the photos speak for themselves...

Click here to see all the festivities!


Friday, April 10, 2009

Could it be?

I was meeting Sean to join him and his friend Bok Dong for some Korean food yesterday, so I got off at West Falls Church metro station, and who should I see?

"Norma" is back in town... if in fact he ever really left!

Monday, April 06, 2009

Cherry Bombed

It was an absolutely gorgeous weekend - hence me not being around to blog!
I went to Crystal's birthday party Friday night (Happy Poison Pen Birthday, Crystal!). It was a wonderful party - thanks for inviting me along...
Saturday I got some sun, went to dinner at a Spanish place with Sean, went out for drinks, met F out too. Sunday Sean and I met up with two of his friends and went down to the madness that is the Cherry Blossom festival on the Tidal Basin.
Maybe it was a nice weather or something, but in all the years I've lived here I've never seen it that busy. I really enjoyed the day, but could've done without the excessive hoards. And the metro ride back to Sean's car was sheer misery - the metro was packed full of obnoxious tourists and the air conditioning wasn't working. Fun times. But enough complaining - the blossoms were beautiful, and this marks the third year in a row Sean and I have gone together...



Friday, April 03, 2009

In Praise of Nice Butts


I'm not quite sure what inspired me to write this, but I was reminiscing a few days ago with my boyfriend about this friend I have, who has a major foot fetish. (Guess where he works? In a shoe department!)

Anyway, I've never been particularly drawn to any certain part of the physique. But I have to say (and you can stop reading now if this is "TMI") my boyfriend has a really, I mean really nice butt!

I think I'm a little jealous, actually, as I really have no ass to speak of. But his is just so perfect, you could bounce a quarter off of it (I think I did one time just for laughs... I don't think he found it amusing).

So does any reader out there have a favorite part, or a partner with something really nice?

Thursday, April 02, 2009

It's My Hot Blog, I'll Write What I Want!


So an update finally... Last week was a very long week for me at work, one of those weeks that never seems to end. I caught up with "Hortencia" a few times at Halo after work to gossip and stress relief; not to mention I'm trying to make the most of time before he leaves DC.

I think when Sean gave me a ride home on Wednesday, though he gave me his cold, which lasted a week. Though I'm sure going out drinking didn't exactly help. On Saturday I made Sean take me to Outback... don't laugh I have been in search of the Bloomin' Onion ever since I tried to get the equivalent ("Awesome Blossom") at Chilis and got d-to-the-nied because they removed it from their menus! (Probably because it was too healthy, I'm just sayin.) Nothing wrong with a giant friend onion. Anyway where was I going with this?

So we went to Halo again Saturday night, and on our walk up 17th st we saw some of Sean's friends, so we went into Leftovers JR's. I know, I voluntarily went into JR's, right?! Jaeger bomb shots made the place somewhat more bearable, and I didn't see Drunky and his enablers hard-pAArtying. And truth be told, I always have a good time with Sean's friends.

The next day my cold, and seasonal allergies, caught up with me. I love seeing cherry blossoms and stuff, but Spring is always miserable for me allergy-wise. Sean took me to a Korean food place out in Anandale, because I swear by the magical powers of Korean food when you're sick. But alas, I was still pretty down most of this week, and stayed home sick on Tuesday.

I've bounced back since then and am very much looking forward to the weekend!

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Not Fair

My fellow witch "Whoretencia Carter" shared this with me today. I love Lilly Allen's music. I think in her personal life she's a total wreck (think unfunny British Britney), but you have to hand it to her, she has talent...

Monday, March 30, 2009

Don't Cry for Me, Washington...


Sorry I haven't updated in almost a week! I've been very busy, and then sick on top of that, so I haven't had time/energy like I normally do. I promise more is to come, to my loyal readers

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

DILF Wednesdays: Clive Owen

Speaking of "Snatch Ticklers"...

My confidence in my health care provider just plummeted...

I got a letter in the mail yesterday saying that I am overdue for my pap smear exam.

Discuss amongst yourselves...

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Guatemelan Snatch Ticklers All Around!

Here's a shot we learned over the weekend during our bar visit from the wine trip. It apparently has many made-up names, but this was my favorite:

The Guatemalan Snatch Tickler:

Southern Comfort
Grenadine
Red Bull (or Sprite)

I think that was it... it's hard to remember :)

Monday, March 23, 2009

"In Vino Veritas"

It’s Forcing Me to Believe it...

So Sean got me some samples of this new health drink called “Glowelle.” It’s apparently very popular with celebrities at the moment… so it must be true!

It has an… odd aftertaste. But it’s loaded with vitamins, antioxidants… I don’t know what some if it means, but it’s forcing me to believe it! It’s making me scientifically more beautiful.

Wine Weekend

This was a very pleasant weekend for me. The weather was a little cold, but I ventured with my friend Kim, some of her friends, and F to a winery near Colonial Beach, VA for a wine tasting and chili cook-off event. The place was called “Ingleside” and I really liked their set-up. Afterwards we went to the waterfront, ate lunch at a seafood place… and somehow ended up making “friends” at a bar where we proceeded to spend the next four hours. Fun times… it’s been awhile since I’ve been trashed in the middle of the day. This is why I love wine trips! I hope Kim had a good birthday. I think she did. (I have some pictures posted on the Facebooks).

Poor Chef Tom got sick and stayed home on Sunday resting for the most part. I did meet up with M/ “Gia” and sat in the Circle enjoying the beautiful afternoon. I needed all of this; for some reason last week felt very stressful.

I’m trying to plan some sort of get-together next month for my birthday. My friends know that in the past I make a big deal out of birthdays for some reason. I remember Drunky McDrunkerson hated birthdays… I always found people like that very strange (of course, if I had to look in the mirror and see Drunky staring back, I wouldn’t feel like celebrating either LOL). Anyway, my point is I’ll be in Toronto area visiting friends / sightseeing with Sean the week of my b-day, but I’d love to do something… another BanAAna CafĂ© night?

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Watching Watchmen

I realize the last few posts have been mostly pictures of hot men - not that there's anything wrong with that, of course!

Anyway, I wanted to do a film review of Watchmen, which I saw at the Tysons Corner theater with Sean last Sunday, basically because it was cold and wet outside. Sean - bless his heart - sometimes wants to see movies that are... shall we say questionable. So we settled on Watchmen as a compromise. (and I know certain friends who are probably shouting now that I have no room to talk after dragging them to see David Lynch's Inland Empire).

So, be warned that this movie is around 3 hours long. For a movie to be worth me sitting in a theater that long, it had better be pretty damn good. And in my opinion, this movie was. I give it an A-. It loses points with me for poor editing (the movie did not need to spend 2 hours on pure backstory, thank-you). Yet, for the emphasis on seemingly pointless backstory, the vignettes of each of the superheroes are very entertaining.

In fact, overall, the entire movie is captivating is only for it's very offbeat style. This is NOT like any superhero action movie you've likely seen. And that a good thing. Bear in mind it's a very noir and violent movie, to the point of being gratuitous. But I love watching a movie with morally ambiguous characters rather than cookie-cutter "good" guys, and movies that don't have happily-ever-after endings. I'm not sure if American audiences can handle that, but judging from the ticket sales, I think people are watching it.

DILF Wednesdays: Chris Noth

Sex & The City's Chris Noth was always kinda DILFy, I think...

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Green With Envy: St. Patrick's Day 2009

Happy St. pAAtrick's Day everyone!! Even Drunky McDrunkerson. Shamrock shakes and green beer all around! (they were the shit when I was a little kid. The shakes, not the beer).

Don't really have anything else, so here's a random hot Irish man. If you don't have any Irish in you... I'm sure he could help with that LOL