soju, so good

"The trouble with America is that there are far too many wide, open spaces surrounded by teeth." -Charles Luckman.

And that, I think is fitting for the 4th of July. This year seemed especially anti-climactic for me. I'm not sure why, but I was very sleepy all weekend. Sean was off Friday and Sunday, and aside from some Soho and Halo, we really didn't go out much. We would have gone out Saturday night, but we got caught in a downpour and go soaked. Actually, it was kinda romantic; I had fun getting wet.
For some reason Sean and I got on this Korean kick after we had dinner at Mandu (which means "dumpling" in Korean) on 18th St near Lauriol Plaza. It actually used to be a Nepalese/Tibetan place called Everest - Margo and I ate there once. While I liked their soju (rice wine) menu, having visited Korea, I felt the food was definitely "Americanized" for Western tastes. For real Korean food you have to go to Annandale, which we did on Sunday. Sorak Garden is consistently good. And then we went to Lotte, the Asian grocery on Fairfax Circle that I love going to. If it's Asian and it's edible, they have it! Oh, and Sean and I went to a hookah bar. That's about my weekend - it was good to just relax. By th way - I still haven't grabbed a copy of The Advocate with Andy on the cover (see below). It's so going on my wall... no I'm not 14 years old.

GASP!

Quote of the Day 07/02/08

"The only people for me are the mad ones. The ones who are mad to love, mad to talk, mad to be saved; the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn like fabulous yellow Roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars." - Jack Kerouac

McDreamy Wednesdays : 07/02/08

Happy Canada Day!

Happy Canada Day to my friends in the north (in what may one day be my home). Cute hockey players, maple syrup, gay marriage, polar bears... what's not to love?

So here's some Canada Day pride with Shawn Ashmore for you all. Oh Canada!

Truth in Advertising

Oh the things you find on CafePress!

Not Only Can He Cook...

Random thought: Men who are good with kids are hot.

It occurred to me after watching my boyfriend around kids; he's very good with children and kids like him. I think he's make a great dad one day.

Men with kids: Discuss!

Fire Away!

First off, Happy Birthday, Margo!

Switching gears, I realize what I’m about to write will probably piss off a good chunk of my friends. In fact, the topic lead to the first political argument er, discussion I’ve had with my boyfriend.

I’ve tried to steer away from politics and keep things light on here. I haven’t even written anything about the California marriage equality ruling… I plan n getting around to my thoughts on that soon. But yesterday I was very happy when I read that the Supreme Court had overturned the District of Columbia’s ban on handgun ownership.

There, I said it. I am pro-gun ownership. I think self-defense is a right, not a privilege, and in violent times I think it’s batshit crazy to tell people they can’t defend their homes when criminals are mugging/shooting/raping/gay-bashing people.

Ok, now I’m waiting for the text messages of horror from my friends. And no Margo, I didn’t buy you a gun for your birthday : ) But if you want…

Best wishes to the witches

Oh gosh – I forgot to wish a) My friend F a great first day at his new job, and b) by friend P good luck at his deposition today!!

I love the term “deposition,” it sounds so dramatic! Last time I heard it was when Britney has fighting to get custody of her kids… which is so me in a few years when I’m in court fighting for my two out-of-wedlock kids. Anderson Cooper or Tom Brady could be the father, I’m not really sure. I’ll have to go on Maury or Jeremy Kyle to find out.

Murder on the Dancefloor

I actually don't have much for you today, so I'll leave you with some music. Sean is not feeling good today, so get well soon, baby!

The Ostrich or the Egg

So dinner last night was amazing – Sean made an Asian chicken dish in a spicy sauce that was very good. It’s nice having someone cook for you (who knows how to cook) and all I had to do was set the music and chill the sake.

So while shopping for ingredients at the Whole Foods on Leesburg Pike near Sean’s, it seems that location carries ostrich eggs in their produce dept. Yes, ostrich eggs. If you’ve never seen one, they’re almost the size of a soccer ball. I was thinking, first, I had no idea their was such a demand for ostrich products. How do they taste? And my god, how many omelets could one make from one?

Has anyone actually used one before??

McDreamy Wednesdays : Birthday Edition

This is a special McDreamy Wednesday, in honor of Margo's birthday this Friday.

My Personal "Top Chef"

So tonight my man is coming over to cook for me! I love dating a chef! I'll tell you all how it goes...

R.I.P. George Carlin

George Carlin passed away yesterday. In his honor, here's one of my favs: "Religion is Bullshit!" George, you will be missed. If nothing else, you always told it like it is.

Thanks for the Memories...

Pics from SLC are up now on my PhotoBucket album. Surprisingly all G-rated.

More on DC "Power Gays"

I had to laugh - I think P & F will get this... in fact, P, did you write this one?

From today's Washington Blade "Bitch Session" section...

"Why do realtors find it necessary to put their faces in their ads? Are they selling more than real estate?"

"I Know We're Cool..."

First, I want to wish congratulations to Fernando on his new job!!! Also, Happy Birthday (a week early, I know!) to Margo!! I’m looking forward to the celebrations!

I don’t have much else, except I’m glad the weekend is here. I’ve been very lucky and the last month has been all 4-day weeks. It’ll be hard to have an actual 5-day week! Sean and I are looking to take some time off this summer, actually, to go on vacation. Not sure exactly what yet, but we both agree another tropical beach type thing is in order. In the meantime, I’ll have to “settle” for the margaritas at Banana Café.

This song is dedicated to Stephen. He’s sort of the Anti-Drunky McDrunkerson when I think about it....

Have a Nice Trip, See You Next Fall...

So today while grabbing lunch I saw this lady trip and fall. She tripped on nothing but air, too, which makes it funnier. And I don’t mean just stumble, I mean she full-on ate concrete!

Ok, so maybe I had to laugh a little. The point is embarrassing as it is, the same thing happened to me several weeks ago. I was walking around one evening and found myself falling head over heels (though fortunately I caught myself before I ate sidewalk).

To make matters worse a guy came up to help me…and he was an attractive older man! I wanted to die! I thought he was straight until… in my humiliation I was trying to scramble away after a brief thank-you, but he stopped me to say: “You should fall more often, it makes a cute guy like you more approachable.”

By this point I’m sure I was blushing. But as you probably know, flattery will get you everywhere with me. The man kept trying to chat with me before I made some lame excuse about having to be somewhere. The point is:

a) Why does this only happen to me when I’m in a relationship!! Mr. handsome older man where were you two years ago when I slipped on ice?
b) Lesson for all of us: though your backside an egos may be bruised, next time you want to grab someone’s attention, try falling! Apparently it makes you approachable!

Oh Snap!

Having come back from the HRC dinner in Utah, I think that you have to read this response to your run-of-the-mill Jeebus freak bigot comment, courtesy of Phillip.

McDreamy Wednesday - June 18th

Don't Drink and Dive!

Seriously! After a weekend of not-so-wisely taking late-night drunken swims (and playing in that giant rubber ball - pics forthcoming) my body looks beat to hell. I still have bruises and cuts all over me! Drinking + swimming +rough/sharp objects = disaster! I'm surprised we didn't drown LOL.

Leaving Las Vegas Salt Lake...

Well you know when I arrived this afternoon on the flight back from Salt lake with F - we were greeted (of course) by a massive thunderstorm. What is it lately?

So the SLC was fun - it's always great to stay at the "Manoir du Verger" - thanks for everything, B. I have some pictures from the dinner event I'll upload later. It was nice just to spend a few days, aside from the dinner, just drinking black cherry cosmos and sitting by the pool (I've gotten some great color), or riding around in the Bently singing along to "Total Eclipse of the Heart" :)

Shit, now it's stuck in my head... "I don't know what to do, I'm always in the dark...."

Anyway, I'll leave you with some summer recommends:
Books:
"In the Country of Last Things" by Paul Auster - I read this on the trip, and really enjoyed it, though it's a bit depressing - not light summer reading.
"The Magus" by John Fowles - One of my favorite novels. I re-read it every few years because as I grow older, I discover more truths that I couldn't understand when I was younger.
Movies:
"The Strangers" - I saw this with P & F, and I think they can attest that I'm sure my nails left permanent impressions on the armrests. I like some horror movies - this one is worth a watch. Favorite line: "Because you were home..."
Music:
I actually need some new stuff for my iPod - what's good that's out and new?

Happy Pride 2008

Last time I was in Utah, whole swaths of mountainsides erupted in wildfires. I can’t wait to see what will happen this time! This evening I’m off to Salt Lake City for four days, and I realize I will be missing DC’s Pride Festival.

I’ve been to pretty much every Capital Pride since 2001, and I honestly think if you’ve seen one you’ve seen them all. I still love going, no doubt, when I am in town. But every year you see the same prehistoric fossils you see any other time at JR’s

Anyway, hAAppy Pride to everyone!!

McDreamy Wednesday - June 11th

Here's your weekly check-up with Dr. McDreamy -

Hello, Hello!

This is so me. Flash flash flash!

Quote of the Day 06/10/08

"She has slept with every male star at MGM except Lassie."

-actress Bette Davis on rival Joan Crawford

Blind Item - 06/09/08

Oh the things you come across reading political articles on Google News...

Which person was profiled in a hometown paper recently for his work here in the big city of Washington? They must be so proud...











(as one friend said to me today, the reporter forgot to add "that he was a raging alcoholic that [tried to] hit his boyfriend and enjoyed blackouts regularly....)

Editor, Edit Thy Self

You know going back through posts I realize I should use Spell Check more often; my posts sometimes have the garbled spelling and grammar of Courtney Love's Myspace blog (which is you haven't read you must! - I use the word "read" loosely because unless you're fluent in Crack no one can make sense of it.)

SPF 100

Staying indoors today has been, as has having air conditioning in the car! Sean and I did what any sensible person would do today when it's 100 outside- we went shopping! I got lots of cute new summer stuff. You know, I do feel a bit bad for Sean, I know shopping with me can not be fun for other person. It's probably very similar to how straight men feel shopping with their girlfriends. You know what I'm talking about, that bored stiff guy waiting by the dressing room, holding a purse and staring at his toes. Fortunately where we went there were lots of cooking-related stores, so being the chef that he is, there were stores to occupy him why I dealt with more important issues like shoes.

We put of "Sex and the City" because Margo's not feeling well - get well soon!! Last night I hung out with my friend from Richmond, Laura, and two of her friends who were in town for the night. Besides getting walloped with a flash storm that came out of nowhere, we had fun.

Oh, and I have to laugh - I was reading P's blog, and he mentioned a quote that referred to my hometown as "a faded seaside resort." Now being a native son of Virginia Bitch Beach I can attest that it is quite faded. And when VB isn't persecuting witches (no, not me, I'm referring to my predecessor the locally-famous Witch of Pungo) it is home to trashy people, who I won't name here, but one of whom tried to fuck with one of my best friends, a fellow witch. Say, didn't they have really bad tornadoes recently? LOL

"So I Got My Cappuccino to Go..."

Saturdays in the park...Or maybe not...it's hot as hell here this weekend. I have a friend from Richmond in town this evening, so I may hang out with her. Last night I went to Halo for the first time in awhile with F. I ran into Stephen and we ended up going to a few more bars together. It's funny to see him out considering when we dated he was such a hermit, and now he's all over the place. We got some much-needed food, too. I had a fun Friday. Oh, and tomorrow I am finally going to see Sex in the City with Sean and Margo :)

Hmm, I think that's all I have today, so I'll leave with some music. Everytime I hear/read something from Girls Aloud I think of Phillip, so here goes...

Quote of the Day - Friday June 6th

"No one laughed harder than Chevy Chase when the town of Chevy Chase tried to change its name to Not Funny, Maryland."

-comedian/writer Al Franken

The Converging of Storms

So, I’m looking forward to a weekend at home this weekend. Boston was fun – Tom Brady is like god there - his face is all over the place. It's a good thing I left Sean at home. And I got that eerie feeling when I hit the gay clubs, as I was in Drunky McDrunkerson’s home turf. It was like some disturbance in the Force, complete with rain and lighting lol. Next week I’m traveling with the other “witches” to Utah, which I’m looking forward to.

I found out I’m getting my stimulus check from the IRS, which needs to hurry and get here. It’s the only good thing Bush has done in 8 years, but talk about a day late and $600 short. And I know what my friend P thinks about Obama getting the nomination. Personally, I think I’ve become so turned-off by things (and I realize it’s rather self-indulgent) that I don’t really care which Dem. runs, just so long as they win. Either way, Obama/Hillary (let’s call them Obillary) are afraid to touch the “M” word. Instead they dance around marriage equality by saying “civil unions” or “domestic partnerships” etc. So basically I’m still looking at Canada or the UK for sooner-than-later emigration.

Things are looking up and up for Sean. I won’t jinx things but he has some great new opportunities I don’t think he’s interested in the LA chefing job, though, so you all won’t be losing us to SoCal. My friend M is of to SoCal, actually – safe travels M and I will keep posting McDreamy for you on Wednesdays!

Blind Item

Which former employer did I see yesterday? Not only did she not try to run me over (as I imagined she would – let’s just say we were not on good terms) she pulled over to talk to me! She told me I looked great (duh!) blah blah blah, glad to hear things are going well. Of course I immediately called the other two “witches.”

Maybe she thinks we’re on good terms again? Hold on dear, let me put another knife in your back. Smile and say cheese! LOL

McDreamy Wednesday

I think I'm going to start a tradition here. Unlike some of my sporadic ongoing themes (Trend Graveyard, Ex & the City, Blind Items) from now on Wednesdays on The Poison Pen shall henceforth be McDreamy Wednesdays.


So here's Patrick Dempsey, bringing the hump day pretty.

Happy Birthday Mr. Cooper!

Thanks to my friend F for reminding me that today, Anderson Cooper turns 41! How could I forget my own first husband's birthday? 

Happy Birthday, Andy!

Back from Bah-ston

Back from a weekend in Boston - I was there for the True Colors tour. I'm too tired to write much about it right now, but it was a lot of fun - saw Cyndi Lauper, the B-52's, Regina Spektor and a few others acts I can't really remember. Saw all the touristy stuff by day and even got to see a little nightlife. I just can't get past those accents - can you imagine being in bed with someone who talks like that. There's very little sexy about the Boston accent ::cringe:: 

Nobody Puts Adam in a Corner!

First Sean told me he had never seen "The Little Mermaid." Now he tells me he has never seen "Dirty Dancing?"

As a gay man, I have to ask, was Sean in a coma through the whole 80's?!?! I will have to rectify this situation soon with a movie night. You know you know the whole soundtrack, readers, don't act like you don't!
"She's like the wind..."
"Now I've had the time of My Life..."
"Hungry Eyes..."

McDreamy Time!

Because it's my blog and I can! (I'm dedicating this to Margo)











If "Dr. McDreamy" doesn't ease your "hump day" you have no pulse.

Living Lohan

You know, I always used to think that, scandal-wise, Lindsay Lohan was a poor man's Paris Hilton.

Who would have thought she (and by extension her crazy fame-whore family) could be so interesting?!

So is she a lesbian or not? Is she dating Freddie Krueger's lesbian kid sister (AKA Samantha Ronson)?

And am I a bad person for wanting to watch "Living Lohan?" - I feel like I know I should know better.

Love, Love Will Keep Us Together...

Since things have been going so well again lately between Sean and I, I felt like posting this...

Sigh. And remember, I will only accept pay in Euros.

Tuesday Afternoon

Well, first a hat-tip to Phillip who's over in the UK right now for the extra publicity for my blog :)
I hope everyone had a hAApy Memorial Day weekend! It was much-needed on my part. I had planned on going away for the weekend, but Sean and I have been spending some quality time together that we desperately needed. it was his first night off in over 2 weeks.
By "quality time" that means we were lazy, napped in the park, ate, went furniture shopping (I realized I had a new desktop but no desk to put it on!). We sound like a boring old lesbian couple, I realize.
I went out a few of the nights, I visited my family on Sunday. I went to a Memorial Day get together at my friend Ozzy's place yesterday.
Other than that Sean and I are planning vacation. I'm actually on the phone with him right now - we're discussing the idea of moving to Los Angeles together, he got a job offer there. Don't worry we're not planning on moving yet, though I do like L.A.

"Indiana Jones and the Curse of the DC Witches!"

The title I think would make a good screenplay - action, adventure, and our enemies respectively getting Bell's Palsy, alcoholism, or being forced to turn tricks.
(I wonder what someone who stumbles on this blog might think of all the inside references LOL)

So I saw the new movie last night. I won't put any spoilers here. I will say if you liked the first three, it's worth going to see. I think Sean, Margo and myself can agree the ending was a little far-fetched. I don't know, somehow I expected better, but it wasn't bad.

iAdam

Tonight I’m going with Sean and Margo to see the new Indiana Jones movie, which I’m excited about.
I also have to add I took a leap and bought a new computer. My new iMac will be delivered shortly and I’m can't wait to get it! I should've just gone to the Apple Store and bought it on-site, but I wanted some special add-ons, so I ordered it online.

"I love the male body. It's better designed than the male mind." - Andrea Newman.

So, things seem to be healed/healing between Sean and I. There was definitely some miscommunication. What I do appreciate is that (unlike some past relationships) we can talk through our problems in a mature way. So I am feeling much better about things this morning.

Crack the Whip!

Holy Photoshop! I don't know how they do it, but even though Harrison Ford is like 4 zillion years old, he's still a hot hot man. Maybe it's the fedora, I don't know. I am looking forward to seeing Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull this weekend!

I don't know about that Shia LeBoeuf kid, though. He could be hot, when he's not getting arrested at Walgreens. ha!

In my continuing series "Ex and the City" - today I had lunch with "S" (last week I had lunch with Casey) and it was really nice. I guess not much to report, but it's great being able to be his friend and have lunch together.

I admit in my personal life I've been sketchy with the details surrounding things between Sean and I, which I think we are trying to work on. In fact I'm meeting him in about 20 mins to have dinner and talk. Maybe I'll feel like writing about it in more serious detail later. Right now it's kinda hard to put into words. I am hopeful.

Monday

Trend Graveyard : Jorts!

I know this post seems out of place given my mood lately, but after a walk through Dupont Circle today, I feel compelled as a public service to denounce a clothing article that should be dead and buried with the 80's and 90's : jean shorts AKA "jorts."

What's even worse is I have seen young gay men wearing them!! Really, we are supposed to be the paragon of style. Even I have my "off days" but I have never sunk so low as to wear jean shorts. People, stop this travesty already.

I suppose "daisy dukes" are OK for trailer park women, but no man in his right mind should wear jean shorts. No. Put them in the trash. Don't even donate them to the homeless. There is nothing sexy or appealing about a man in jean shorts. The only thing that complements jean shorts are mullets and beer-hats. Don't be that guy.

Moving On?

I haven't really updated in a few days, haven't really felt like it. I'm having some relationship issues you might say. I'm really not sure what will happen; can things be worked out and differences resolved. I'm not sure. I'll post more soon.

Declined!

A hat-tip to my friend who posted a blind item about a certain "power gay" having his card declined at the bar the other night. Wa-wa-waaaa. I love it when people puff themselves up only to look more foolish - what's that saying, oh yes, "pride cometh before the fall." Indeed!

London Calling?

Well I think Sean felt my vibes all the way in McLean, not an hour after yesterday's post (which should have been more properly titled "I'm not mad at you - I'm mad at your schedule!") I got an absolutely beautiful bouquet of flowers. And now I feel slightly bad for being angry with him.

I have a deadline tonight to make a decision about my upcoming Mem. Day weekend - I may be in London, I may in Boston, I may in Rehoboth... where will Adam be?! (Of course I'm leaning towards London, but I have other expen$e$ to con$ider this summer).

I'm Not Mad at You I'm Mad at the Dirt!

So last Friday I did end up going to the Nats game. The evening cleared up beautifully, but the Nats sucked. They only gained 1 point by walking. It was so painful to watch Sean and I left before the 7^th inning was over. But they did a great job on the new stadium! It’s so weird to think what used to be there, and how different it looks now.

Sean is frustrating me lately; I know it’s not his fault, I knew when I started dating a chef that out schedules would be very different. But it seems like it will be several weeks before we have a weekend off together again. Actually, we rarely even have a whole weekend together. Maybe it seems childish to complain about it, but it’s hard for us to see eachother during the week, and I’m getting frustrated with seeing him once or twice a week.

The Mommy Dearest Mother’s Day was a lot of fun, despite a lingering cold on my part, and the dreary rain. Fernando came with Joan-red lips, and Phillip brought the fur hat and wire hangers! Other friends came as well, there was food (see tagine recipe below) and wine, and I can’t help it – no matter how many times I watch it I still crack up when Joan dragged Christina into the bathroom “Does this look clean to you???” There’re some people I wouldn’t mind beating with a can of Ajax.

I almost went to sHOwtunes last night at my “favorite” bar with F & P, but I stayed home to get the hell over my cough and rest (by the way, I highly recommend the Aveda mud masks – I guess you could say I had a Mommy Dearest evening of my own). I almost wish I’d gone – I hear “S” was there – another source of frustration lately as I’m not sure how to handle that. I want to be friends but there’s those moments when we catch ourselves being too close. Don’t fear – I have the other witches keeping me in check.

The cold, wet weather lately has made me cook more than I usually do, so here are two recent recipes I think are worth sharing.

Thai Pineapple Fried Rice
1 cup uncooked jasmine rice
20 oz fresh or canned pineapple bits
1 cup shrimp
1 tsp sugar
1tbsp Thai fish sauce
1 tbsp soy sauce
2 Thai chillies, chopped
Handful of Thai basil leaves
Handful of cilantro leaves
2 cloves garlic
1.2 chopped onion (opt)
Cook the jasmine rice per directions, set aside. In a wok with 1 tbsp vegetable oil, stir-fry shrimp until done, set aside. Add 1tbsp oil and stir fry garlic, onions and chilies until browned, then add rice. Add sauce (sugar, fish sauce, soy sauce) and cook several minutes, adding pineapple, basil and cilantro last.

After our experience at Marrakesh Palace, I am dubbing this hybrid recipe “Surly Apricot Olive Chicken Tagine”
4 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
8 dried apricots
8-10 kalamata olives
Pinch of saffron
Spanish smoked paprika
Sea salt / fresh ground pepper
Pinch dried parsley
Dash red pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 yellow onion, chopped
2 tbsp per pound meat, Morocco Road spice blend (available at Whole Foods) or individually:
Cumin, Corriander, Dried Mint, Tumeric blended to be added at 2 tbsp per pound meat.
1 cup chicken stock (NOT broth)
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
2 tbsp fresh lime juice
2 tbsp honey.
Mix honey, red wine vinegar, lime juice, chicken stock together, set aside. Cut chicken into bite sized pieces and season with salt, pepper and paprika. In tagine (or slow cooker) heat 1 tbsp olive oil, cook onions and garlic. Before they brown, add chicken and cook until done. Add liquid stock, and Moroccan spices, saffron, red pepper, parsley. If using a tagine make sure it is on LOW setting and cover for 1 ¼ hour to slow cook. Add dried apricots and olives in last 20 minutes of cooking. Serve with a surly attitude and don’t refill anyone’s drinks. ;)

"I am NOT one of your fans!!!!"

I haven't updated all week - I've been tired after work it seem lately. Last night I ventured out with F & P to Daddy-Complex Duplex Diner, which is always packed on a Thursday. It's filled with all sorts of self-involved "Power Gays" (note the quotation marks) but I figure it is a good place to meet hot older men if you're looking. And I swear, it's hilarious coincidence, but when we got there the TV screens over the bar blared warnings about tornadoes and severe thunderstorms! LOL, get the "witches" together and that's what happens! Of course, how dare the weather interrupt Grey's Anatomy that was playing! I have to see Dr. McDreamy!
Despite the thunderstorm (the lighting was pretty) we ventured to Omega and Apex too, I'm feeling a bit sluggish today naturally.

I have tickets for two tonight to the Nationals (they're playing the Marlins). I was excited about seeing the new stadium, but I guess it'll be canceled due to the weather today. As a back-up, I also was invited to my ex "S"'s birthday party in Chinatown, so I said I would probably go to that too. I love birthdAAys!

And this Sunday is Mother's Day - which means (aside from sending flowers to my mom) that it's time for the annual Mommy Dearest Mother's Day! It's been a tradition for 3 or 4 years now (?) to watch Mommy Dearest and other bitchy movies, drink, eat, drink!

Breaking the Spell

It's been a very international week in terms of blog visitors - I've had people viewing this page from Senegal, Spain, Belgium, India, Denmark, France, and New Zealand. Greetings to them as well as to my faithful (and fAAithful) readers!

So today after brunch with a neighbor, Sean and I went to Harper's Ferry to enjoy a beautiful day out. Now after a last unfortunate attempt at visiting there, the running joke was that McDrunkerson had put a curse on the place. Well that spell is broken because Sean and I had a wonderful time today! I'm only pissed I forgot the camera. We had a wonderful time - I know it's West Virginia but it's a nice little day trip and there are lots of wineries in and around the area. Speaking of which, I think it's time for another big group wine trip!

Changing topics from McDrunkerson to McDreamy!

The other day I was talking with a friend and she reminded me of Grey's Anatomy star Patrick Dempsey AKA McDreamy! Sigh, he make me feel all gooey inside like a soft warm brownie with fudge sauce.

I could never face the shame of actually going to see his latest chick-flick, Made of Honor. But I'd be lying if I didn't want to see it just a little bit... just an little, little tiny bit. Sigh. The man is like catnip.

A "Quest" for Adventure in Central Park

I’m posting this a bit late as I’m sure there are only 5 people on the planet who haven’t heard the sordid details of a certain CNN anchorman getting caught in cruising in New York’s Central Park with meth and kinky paraphernalia.

Now you know when I read a CNN anchorman got caught with a bag of meth, a rope around his genitals, etc., my first thought was “How Anderson?! What about me? What about our kids??”

Fortunately Andy was not involved, but the toothy Brit, Richard Quest. How embarrassing!

Pink Elephant

This is for Phillip... here's a clip that explains (skip to min 1:20) the lip-syncing phenomenon of "pink elephant." For use on your next world tour...

Your Weekend Update

What a week it’s been. I realized I’ve been out pretty much every night since last Thursday. If I go out tonight, that will make one week straight! I went with some friends to karaoke on Sunday, sHOwtunes on Monday with F & P (where I ran into ex “S” again…of course I ran into him at that place. At least coAAt check wasn’t open!). I’m actually going to “S’s” birthday party next week.

Tuesday night was Fernando’s birthday; we had food and cocktails at Russia House AKA Pусский дом (I love that place) followed by drinks at Cobalt.

Wednesday I spent with Sean. Last night I went with a bunch of friends to the Brickskellar – I forgot how much I like that place, in that it is what it is – a dive bar with dirty smoke-reeking carpet, but with more beers than one can imagine.

Let’s see…tonight there’s a special work-related dinner I am dragging Sean to. Poor Sean, I feel like he gets tagged along to all my events, but I really love his support in just being there for me.

Another Day Another Drama

This weekend friends and I celebrated Fernando’s birthday weekend (it’s technically tomorrow – Happy Birthday Fernando). Let’s see... Friday after work I went out with friends and ran into an ex that I get along with. He tagged along and came with us to a few places. It was weird, holding hands and laughing, walking down the sidewalk together and such. No before you think anything, nothing happened. It was just nice to be able to have that friendship with someone (“S” never pAArtied all the time like “P”). He’s looking really good these days, and it's really cool that we can be friends. I am very much in love with Sean.

Saturday I used my tagine for the first time, I made a wonderful Morroccan chicken dish with olives, apricots, spices… it was VERY good, I will post the recipe soon! Sean came over for dinner after work and I about fainted when I opened the door.

He buzzed his hair without telling me! It’s grown on me, it’s just hard to look at him as I’ve never seen his hair so short! But I have to say it suits him.

We went out to celebrate Fernando’s birthday at Alero and Town, which was a lot of fun (So many April birthdays!). Perez Hilton was apparently in DC, but it seems we avoided the paparazzi this time. I was secretly hoping to run into him, though… By the way, have you all seen the advertisements for Cobalt's attempt to compete, I suppose, with Town called "Flight 1639." Ha! Sounds like that flight is doomed before takeoff - if Town is first-class British Airways, this party sounds like economy Southwest. haha.

Plant Sale

I went to this last year with Margo and had a lot of fun (there was wine involved, no?), and filled my windows with more plants than I could take care of:

69th Annual Flower Mart - Washington National Cathedral (Mass. & Wisc. Ave NW)
Friday May 2nd, 10AM-6PM
Saturday May 3rd, 10AM-5PM

Half Your Age Plus Seven

I thought it was hysterical that I actually came across this:

"The "half-your-age-plus-seven rule" is one rule of thumb defining a mathematical formula to judge whether the age difference in an intimate relationship. The seven year rule is a pretty good yardstick. Pick a man who is half your age plus seven." Mathematically speaking, the rule is:



How old is Anderson Cooper again?

Happy (Belated) Earth Day

So I forgot to add on Tuesday (which was the real ED) a happy greeting or something. Seriously, did anyone actually do anything? I'd be curious to hear your comments. By the way, I don't hate the environment - I'm just burnt and bitter towards some useless folks in the green movement.

Album Review: Seventh Tree

Last week a friend gave me a copy of Goldfrapp's latest album, Seventh Tree. It is very different from her last work, which was very glam-pop. At first I didn't know quite what to make of it, but as I've been listening to it, it's growing on me. I say it's worth an iTunes download!

I've always thought Alison Goldfrapp has such a great aesthetic that complements her music. It's hard for artists to pull of what she does (which I can't quite put my finger on) but she does it well, without running the risk (as many artists do) of being more style than substance.

Once again (like the Sugababes and Sophie Ellis-Bextor) America catches on to a talent long after they've been popular in Great Britain and Europe.

Birthday / The Earth Day Disaster!

Oh where to begin? I'll start somewhere at random, it was such a nice weekend up until Sunday. I took Friday off just for the hell of it (I needed it after the night before). I went shopping got some summer clothes and a random Ben Sherman fedora I liked. What else? I made Sean watch the Little Mermaid for the first time. I'm not sure if he "gets" why friends and I are obsessed with it. It's such a great movie though! I love Ursula!
Sean and I ate on the rooftop of Straits of Malaya on Sat. before my party for dinner (it's across from Lauriol Plaza - a nice alternative if you don't feel like waiting over an hour for a table). We both really liked it!
So my party was a lot of fun - thanks to everyone who was there! Phillip really decked out his house and made it a memorable evening with tons of booze, food, and followed by dancing. Thanks everyone for such a great birthday week :) I will link to photos once I have them posted.
Among my gifts I got a tagine - I've been googling recipes all day for it, so excited to use it. I think I may throw a dinner party soon. I'll even have a surly attitude for that extra "Marrakesh Palace" experience, LOL.
So the next day, Sunday, was the Earth Day on the Mall celebration. Or rather, it should have been. Instead it was...

The Earth Day Disaster!

I still can't stop laughing about this! So yesterday some friends and I decided to go see the ED event that was "sponsored" by EDN. That is to say, a group called Green Apple Festival did all the hard work and booking artists, EDN just rode their coattails and added on their name as a sponsor. Slick work.
So I was all set to go down and mock them, but it seems our witch's brew was stronger that we imagined!! Not only was the event a dismal failure, but it seems (appropriately enough) Mother Nature had plans too. In what can be described as an apocalyptic thunderstorm, the whole event was washed out in more ways than one!!



Some on-the-ground exclusive eyewitnesses say:

"You should have seen it. The crowd was seriously running and screaming!"

"The crowd went wild running from the storm!"

HAHA HAHA HAHA... let me catch my breath... haha haha haha!

The Jubilee Continues...

I have to say this has so far beat out previous birthdays to be one of my best in memory! And it's not even over yet! (Note: the birthday party on Sat. has changed - it is NOT at Halo, it is now at my friend Phillip's house. Email me for details!). Maybe I should have a birthday on Wednesday more often!

So on my day itself, I had dinner at Banana Cafe with Sean, and then we went out with Phillip & Fernando to Halo, were I also ran into someone I knew from school. There was some drama between my friends and some skank... I swear sometimes I think a camera crew really should follow us around - it would make the BEST reality show ever! Seriously though, thanks Phillip & Fernando for a great night!

Last night two old-school friends, Monte & Ozzy, took me out too. By "old school" I mean they've known me since the days when I was dating Casey and had blond hair (yikes!!) Anyway, we went to the Red Derby in Columbia Depths Heights. I wasn't expecting much, after going with ____ ages ago to "Wonder"Lands. But The Red Derby was so much fun, and the owners were so sweet! Free bottle of champagne to celebrate, and I got to actually wear the namesake red derby (pics forthcoming). Thanks Monte and Ozzy for an awesome night out!!
Oooh ohhh! And for the first time ever I rode the bus in DC! Can you believe it? How many years have I lived in this area and never stepped foot on a Metrobus?!? It was almost a point of pride for me, like I've always been above it (I still am, mind you). But there's a first time for everything, see, I can live on the wild side!

And on a serious aside: My sympathies and condolences to Fred on his loss this week. (that was a harsh change of subject, but I wanted to include that)

Today is My Birthday!

April 16th is my actual (not necessarily observed) birthday! It seems everyone is here to celebrate - even the Pope is DC this week! (Oh, Benedict, you shouldn't have... no really, you shouldn't have!)

I won't even touch on what I think of that person visiting, trying to upstage me on MY week! And next week is Barf Earth Day. Where are my furs? Sean, gas up the SUV! Wait - the Pope and I can cruise around in the SUV together, perfect!

I'm still trying to think of what restaurant to make Sean take me to tonight to celebrate. I also have a big bottle of Framboise with my name on it chilling. I've already gotten some wonderful presents, so I told Sean all i want is him to model for me.

In lieu of the traditional b-day song, here is some OLD school Björk (from her Sugarcubes days) singing "Birthday"

Trend Graveyard : Kickball? Really??

Ok, it's time for another installment of my periodical posts "Trend Graveyard." Today I'm venting on kickball. Adult kickball.
This bastard trend seems to have entrenched itself within the ranks of DC's bored yuppies. Riiight. What was wrong with alcoholism as the DC pastime? Ok, so there are some people who I'd rather see playing kickball than drinking, but for everyone else, all I can ask is what the fuck?? Kickball?? Kickball??
Ok, this is not elementary school. Seriously, I think that's the last time I played that shit. I see these stupid yuppies hanging out with their kickball teams all the time now, and it's sad. Oh so sad. I think you'd see me beg to go to JR's before you saw me playing kickball.

As Icy as My Heart

I wish I'd found this back over Festivus - I love love love this cartoon. I remember it from my childhood, and I love how you can find the most random things on YouTube! Anyway, this cartoon probably explains why I turned out so warped and with a hatred of X-mas. Be patient and wait for the snowman to "transform." My favorite part is when the snowman breaks-up the penguins in church! ha ha!

pAArty time

So... I'm glad it's finally starting to get warm! Poor Sean has been working hard, so I won't be able to see much of him this weekend, so I've decided to go visit my family and celebrate my birthday a little early with them prior to celebrating it with my friends next weekend (btw, my birthday is this Wednesday!). Sunday I'm finally going to this place on Cap. Hill called Sonoma I've been wanting to go to for sometime, to make-up for missing Crystal's b-day. Not much else new to report, except my friend Kim showed me this great ecard company today...I have to share:











You know who I thought of when I saw this...

Turn Around, Brighteyes!

Total 80's ballad cheeze!! Does anyone know what the hell happened to Bonnie Tyler? I miss her 10,000 cigarette voice. I told Sean if we ever get married the one stipulation is he has to sing me "Total Eclipse of the Heart" ala karaoke at our reception.

On the personal side of things, I've finally started feeling better after a restful weekend. I felt bad I missed Crystal's birthday party among other things. I really don't have much to report at all except I slept a lot and stayed inside for the most part. Sean came over and I was afraid of getting him sick, but so far so good. I had coffee with Fernando briefly and that was about it. Reminder: my birthday is not that far away! I'm already getting very excited about it!
And now to close out with my other fav Bonnie Tyler song. I need a hero!!

Fucking Friday!

I would say I'm glad it's Friday except I am home-ridden with a cold/flu/virus whatever it is that I've had the last few days that won't see to go away. Seriously, ____, you can put the voodoo doll away now!
Until I get better, here's something for your pleasure:


Look out in the future for my upcoming video, "I'm Fucking Tom Brady (He's Fucking Tom Brady!)"

Happy Birthday, Crystal!

Happy Birthday, Crystal!!

Dan Abrams is a Hot Piece

So weekly I've been going over to the apartment of someone who lives in my building for their American Idol parties/gatherings. Yes, I know, I've been sucked into American Idol (it's actually not bad this season). By the way, can I get some of the pills Paula Abdul is on? She's always so nice and never has anything mean to say...granted she can hardly put together a coherent sentence, but still.
Anyway afterwards my friend was flipping channels and we came across Anderson Cooper. I mentioned how he is my "husband." I then got into an argument with said friend who happens to think Dan Abrams is hotter.
It pains me so much to say this, but he may have a point: Dan Abrams is hot.
Don't be angry with me Andy. You always have my heart. Dan Abrams just some ho!

Cherry Blossoms!

What a much-needed weekend it was! I wish I had tomorrow off too! That's one thing I hate about March and April - there are hardly any 3-day weekends.
I had a lovely weekend spent mostly with Sean, though I did go out with friends Thursday (see last post) and Friday night to Apex - hadn't been there in a while. Poor Sean had a long week, so we didn't do much except dinner and drinks, and we ran into some of his co-workers at Halo.
Today we braved the crowds and went to see the annual cherry blossom festival. It seemed a bit colder than past years, but the blossoms were at their peak. I have some pictures here.

Daddy-complex Diner

For some reason, the 18th & U Diner is the place to be on D.C., esp. for the worst trash that DC's gay "scene" has to offer. Now, as a guy who loves older men (paging Anderson Cooper and my side-fling Dan Abrams!) you would think I would LOVE the Duplex Diner (or as I refer to it, the Daddy-complex Diner).
But all the guys there seriously are so in love with themselves. Newsflash: you're only "A list" in this pathetic backwater called Washington. Try pulling it off in a real 1st class city like London and see how far you get. I only mention this because I went into that swamp last night with some friends. It's always rubbed certain friends and I the wrong way, so it was ironic I had a better time at JR's (I know, right!).
Speaking of which, someone told me that JR's used to be a church - no wonder I hate the place! It's like in The Omen when they tried to take little Damien to church! That shit burns!

Scout's Honor!

Seeing this magazine cover reminded me that my boyfriend is an Eagle Scout. (Isn't that so cute, right?!) He laughs when I ask him if he still has his uniform...

Happy Eastivus!

I hope everyone had a safe spring equinox/St. pAAtrick’s Day/ Easter. I think the “Easter Brady” visited me, LOL, I got an Easter basket filled with my beloved pecan eggs and Reese’s peanut butter bunnies. I also went over to my family’s house for dinner yesterday.

My mother has a new toy – a Spitfire convertible (if you can imagine my mom driving a Spitfire) so yesterday afternoon she took me for a ride in it – it’s actually a lot of fun to drive too. I wouldn’t mind borrowing it sometime! Anyway, we drove out into the country and we randomly stopped at a very old graveyard. Not sure why, but we did. We were looking around at these tombstones, all of them very old, from around the mid 1800’s… when I stopped dead in my tracks. There were several with our last name. Now, my last name is far from common, so when I see it anywhere it’s a bit of a shock. Who knows, maybe it’s an omen – either way it was a bit too morbid, so I got out of there.
Not to be morbid, but I only mention that story because it’s been a morbid week – Sean’s grandmother passed away (he is flying up to New York for the funeral), one of his cooks in the kitchen died yesterday.
I swear I almost joined those ranks yesterday – I’m ashamed to admit I slipped and fell – hard- out of the shower. I landed very hard on my arm and thought I might have to go to the E.R. Fortunately I didn’t. But falling in the bathroom, gray hair, it’s all happening way too soon! I need to stop singing along to my iPod in the shower - Britney it's all your fault!

Ok, let’s think positive now – the Cherry Blossoms are here and I’m excited to see them this weekend! Warm weather is coming soon! Oh, and check out the Washington Post's Peep Contest. Too funny!

And I'm so absent-minded: I forgot to give a birthday shout-out to my friend "B" who celebrated his birthday last week. We suprised him with dinner at Floriana, followed by Halo (they changed their menu, for the better - try the black cherry cosmo) and this wonderful champagne Phillip found from Moet made with nectar. I asked Sean to find me some and now he's added it to his restaurant's menu!

More video fun

I've been on a YouTube kick lately, but there's so many fun clips out there!
Bored? Watch the pickle-phobe girl. I love Maury Povich - I need to be on his show, stat!

WTF??

How appropriate for St. PAAtrick's Day! A town in AArgentina (wasn't ____ just there, too? LOL) is being terrorized by a gnome-like creature. According to reports, local teenagers caught it on film, and claim it's not a hoax. It is pretty creepy, and makes one wonder what the hell it actually is. Wait for the last ten seconds of the video clip....

"Green With Envy" - St. PAAtrick's Day 08!

Happy St. PAAtrick's Day, everyone!!

And remember, ____, today is the day to put down that pint of Guiness (ok, who are we kidding, more like pint of whiskey!) and get thee to your local 12-step program meeting! You can do it!

In other news in my life. I went out Friday and Saturday... Sean surprised me with an Easter basker (very cute).

Yesterday Sean took me to the outlet stores in Leesburg. The last time I was in those parts was for Festivus at "Natalie's" ages ago. I actually liked all the outlet stores. They had a lot of cooking places, I noticed. I got some new kitchen stuff along with some Spring clothes. It was a fun day of retail therapy!
I want to wish Margo a welcome back from Minnesota! And also a happy anniversary for her and Fred!!

The British Britney

Today I want to introduce my fellow Americans to our friends across the pond's answer to Britney: meet Kerry Katona.

This woman is a total trainwreck too, and I love her. Well besides the facts she was married to one of the boys from Westlife. [ and as a side story I'm ashamed to admit I know about them. I recall a certain former co-worker/friend "C" told me he was in love with Westlife and I thought I like this guy already. Though he prefers Nicky, I think Shane is cuter. ]

Anyway, my first introduction to Ms. Katona was in England last year I saw her on some commercial and recognized her from Perez always making fun of her. I was like "who is this stupid woman and why can't she pronounce langoustines! (really posh prawns!)" [my British friends will get the reference]. I'm not really sure what she's up to these days. Sorry to my American readers who are probably confused now.

Break the Ice

Oh Britney, I have to say I love your new video. Very "Anime." You know, I should be animated and have my own cartoon, seriously. Battling drunk alcoholic exes, environmental whackjob ex-coworkers, homophobes, seducing Tom Brady...



I'm sure they had to do animation because she was in the hospital, and the first two videos off of "Blackout" were so trash-tastic. I mean, stripping and dancing in a bathroom. That pretty much sums her up lately, actually. I miss the "pink wig" level of craziness. You always knew she about to have a meltdown when the pink wig was on. I think it's become almost an adjective amongst friends these day ie "He's having some issues... like 'pink wig' crazy." Come back to us crazy Britney! I'll buy you all the pink wigs a ghetto dollar-store can stock!

"A Touch of Gray"

So this morning while brushing my teeth I noticed in my red beard there was… a patch of gray hairs! Maybe it was just bad lighting! I’m actually not that concerned about it. Anderson Cooper is a testament that gray is OK. I just wasn’t expecting it so soon.

And speaking of hair color, as my friends P.B. and F.R. will remember a week ago at Halo, when a man asked “Is your beard red? That’s hot!” And then he had to ask, “So, are you red… down there?” Sigh. Now all that’s missing is Brandon Davis insulting me like he did Lindsay. In my defense, there are several men who I’m sure are ginger “down there” and are quite fine (paging my third future husband, Prince Harry!).

And a little St. PAAtrick's Day wisdom for you-know-who!

The XXVII Jubilee!

So in “upcoming events” there is some Irish guy and some guy who got crucified – but let’s talk about the important holidays – like my birthday!!

So save the date – Sat. April 19^th will be the day (my actual b-day falls on a Wednesday – yuck). I haven’t sent out my annual themed Evites yet as I haven’t decided where to hold court. Banana Café was a lot of fun last year, I could do that again as a starting off point. I was also considering Halo or some other place to begin the evening with good cocktails and comfy seating. Yes, even ____, if you’re reading this, can come. Make his a virgin diet coke!

Well give me your feedback as to where (no, JR’s is not an option). I think I might also have a pre-drinks dinner. If it’s anything like years past we will all need food!

The Blue Dog Speaks!

Louis says, read this blog!!

Irish You Were Sober!

[post-edit] I've decided from this point onwards to offer nothing but encouragement instead of (albeit funny) jokes at ____'s expense. Right now he needs encouragement this St. PAAtrick's Day season to quit drinking, lord knows he is surrounded by enough enablers. I won't even call him "Drunky" anymore. We're rooting for you - you can do it!!!

And speaking of seasonal HOlidaze, Easter is around the corner and that means my favorite seasonal candy - nougat eggs!!! I've been looking all over for these things. I sent poor Sean on a mission to find them too. They only come out once a year (probably for a reason) don't laugh at me!

Quiz Time! (A Blog Intervention-tacular!)

In an effort to be both fun and educational, I am including a link to the DC AA page, where certain persons can find AA meetings geared for gay men, conveniently located on P St. in Dupont. I’m just sayin.
But ____, you say you’re not an alcoholic? Well let’s see what their quiz has to say. And since you aren’t here (or probably wouldn’t answer honestly) I will answer for you in red. What’s that saying, “You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make it drink.” Oh wait, bad choice of words. Anyway...

Quiz: Are you an alcoholic?

1. You decided to stop drinking for a week or so, but only lasted for a couple of days...

YES! I can’t help but feel responsible, too. On that first fateful night at Lauriol Plaza you had been sober for months. And then I had to go an order a margarita. It was all downhill from there. It was stupid of me.

2. You wish people would mind their own business about your drinking- stop telling you what to do...

YES!! You get so annoyed, I know, when someone criticizes your drinking. Major red flag!

3. You have ever switched from one kind of drink to another in the hope that this would keep you from getting drunk...

Hmmm not sure. I’ll give you a free pass on this one. No.

4. You have had to have an "eye-opener" upon awakening during the past year...

No… I hope you aren’t at that point!

5. You envy people who can drink without getting into trouble...

YES!!

6. You had problems connected with drinking during the past year... Be honest! Doctors say that if you have a problem with alcohol and keep on drinking, it will get worse -- never better. Eventually, you will die, or end up in an institution for the rest of your life. The only hope is to stop drinking.

YES!!! Broken bones after a night of pAArtying – ring any bells?

7. Your drinking caused trouble at home...

YES! You’ve always had a lover – alcohol. End the affair now!

8. You have tried to get "extra" drinks at a party because you might not get enough…

YES!!

9. You tell yourself you can stop drinking any time you want to, even though you keep getting drunk when you don't mean to…

YES!

10. You have missed days of work or school because of drinking... Many of us admit now that we "called in sick" lots of times when the truth was that we were hung-over.

YES!!

11. You have had "blackouts"... A "blackout" is when we have been drinking hours or days which we cannot remember.

YES!!! Like threatening to hit me and not remembering the evening the next morning.

12. Have you ever felt that your life would be better if you did not drink?

Yes – you knew enough to try and stop before. Why not give it another go – this time with the help of a 12-step progrAAm. No, this doesn’t mean stopping temporarily. It means stopping for good! This may sound tough, but millions of people in recovery will tell you it’s the only way!
SCORE: The site says any score over 4 is a sign of alcoholism. Let’s see… your score is TEN! I’d say it’s time to go to a meeting. It can’t hurt.

Thanks to "P.B." for providing this useful PSA... (by the way, am I weird for thinking Dr. Drew is kinda sexy??)

"Just Like a Prayer..."

Hmmm maybe God does exist, after all. Read this.

Happy Leap Year Day, y'all!

Hump Day Entertainment

I thought this little movie was cute... and reminds me of just how surreal London with the right people ;)

3rd Annual Now Film Festival -Wk 19 Finalist - City Paradise

525,600 Minutes....

I realized today is close to my anniversary of leaving "BarfDay," and finding my new/current job. Funny all the things that happen over the course of a year. And that I went from being around green granolas to dating a guy who drives an SUV. Life is strange!

"Don't Drink for Me AArgentina!"

And a special shout-out to a reader, who from the magic of my daily blog IP address reports, I see has been reading my blog from Buenos AAires. Don't take my gentle teasing too badly, now. I tease because deep down I actually hope for your recovery one day. Have a safe and sober time in South AAmerica!

The Poison Pen

I’ve been thinking a name change is due for some time – you may’ve noticed small changes here and there, and now Adam’s Deep Blog has been reinvented as The Poison Pen.

The name came about, actually, last Tuesday night at a certain 80’s night. I was with a group of friends, one of whom asked “Why is it so dead here lately?” and others began joking about my blog’s rather blunt assessment of certain establishments,

“Adam’s poison pen… or should we say poison keyboard!”

I'd find it amusing if my words had that much power to curse, alas. The reference further extends from one of my/our favorite films, the wonderful All About Eve. Watch this gem staring Bette Davis if you haven’t – it truly is one of the bitchiest movies ever.

What’s been new in my life? I had a much-needed 3-day weekend. Sean and I spent time together Saturday and Sunday. There’s a great place we went for dinner Saturday called Sette near Dupont. They have great Italian food- I recommend it! On Sunday I actually got Sean to try Ethiopian – and he liked it! I guess he had a bad experience years ago trying it at some place in Maryland (that says it all right there LOL) so he was scared to try it. But I’m happy to report he liked the place I took him to, Meskerem, so much he wants to go back! I could eat that injera bread all day long.

A Happy Birthday to our friend Marc!! (also a speedy recovery on his injured thumb!) We are celebrating tonight at Marrakesh Palace. I think it’s really nice what they did with that place – do any of you remember when it was “Mr.P’s?” I realize the place had historical significance to the gay community, but I remember that place was scary – as is structurally. You could feel your feet sinking into the rotting wood floors as you walked across it. CREEEK! I heard it cost the new owners a pretty penny to gut the place. Having been there for dinner once already – it’s got wonderful food and belly dancing, and if you’re lucky you can get the Middle-Eastern style couches.

Oh, and last night was a lunar eclipse. I had no idea until Sean called me to tell me to look outside!

VD II

Happy Valentine's Day!! A second wonderful Valentine's Day with Sean - it's so great to be with a man as wonderful as Sean, who treats me so amazingly! I'm so happy I've found him and have him in my life!!

[Update 02/15/08 - Post-Valentines: What an awesome day yesterday was. Sean cooked for me last night - it's nice to have your own private chef ;) He made a lobster-stuffed sole with polenta and red wine-sauteed shallots for the main course - it was fantastic. And I love the cupcakes he had sent to my office - very cute. ]

"Mancrushes" and Tom Brady

A rather timely article I saw on my friend Mike Rogers' gay news blog PageOneQ. It's all about mancrushes...and Tom of course
[02/13/08 - Updated with better link]

The Tom Brady Man Crush

"It's a phenomenon called the Tom Brady Man Crush, and it has taken hold of straight male football fans - yes, even some Giants fans - all over New York City.

As defined by Urbandictionary.com, a man crush is when a "straight man has an extreme admiration for another man, as though he wants to be him." But Mike Philbrick, editor at ESPN.com's Page 2, offers a quick litmus test for diagnosing the Brady bromance: Would you turn down buying your girlfriend a drink if Tom Brady asked you to buy him a drink instead? "

"There's No Place Like Home" *Click Click*

I am so glad to be back home. I was in Detroit much of this week for the Creating Change conference. The conference was a lot of fun – it was great to network with all the faces in the GLBT movement, attend some great workshops, and even have some fun in Motor City (who knew!). As a side note, as our hotel was on the border – I had a lovely view of Canada – am I the only one who saw the irony in having a gay rights conference across from a country where we already have them?? Anyway, I also got to spend time with my aunt, uncle, and grandmother. It seems I also brought the cold back with me (it was 7°F when I left).

The flight though was terrible! I swear I had some of the scariest turbulence I’ve ever experienced. I started to worry when I noticed even the flight attendants looked panicked. Things were flying, people were puking. I have no illusions about any “afterlife” but come on universe! After all the shit I’ve been through I’m not going down in a plane crash! And if I do have to die in a plane crash, certainly not on NorthWest economy! At least make it British Airways first-class!

So I’ve never been happier to land, and there was Sean waiting for me, and I’ve never been happier to see him!!
I have to mention: for dinner we braved the wind and went to the quirky Mark’s Duck House. If you haven’t been there, it’s worth the experience. Their menu is about 20 pages of items in Chinese, some other languages, and sometimes English. It’s the real-deal Chinese cuisine, and it’s a sort of locals’ favorite in Falls Church, Va. Our duck was very good.

I’m still working on Valentine’s Day ideas (I know, it’s 3 days away!) and Sean seems to have something up his sleeve but I don’t know what. We shall see!

"Leave Tom Alone!"

Tom Brady, I don't care what they say, you'll always be the winner in MY book!

Sigh... anyway I have some pictures from this weekend. Margo, Fernando, his man Brandon, and Rebbecca went to the annual orchid show at the National Botanic Gardens. And no, we did not find the elusive chocolate orchid. The orchid show was great otherwise, and I had a fun day. Sean and I went to a really, really bad Mongolian BBQ restaurant - does anyone know of a good one in the area? They're almost as elusive as those damn orchids.