The Cure For What Ails You

As we were discussing our lunch options today I had a hankering for a hot pastrami sandwich with yellow mustard. Now, I don't generally crave pastrami. In fact the first time I had it was only about 3 years ago (after I figured out what animal this odd meat came from) and the last time I had it was over a year ago. Regardless, I wanted pastrami and since it was the first sign of an appetite in four days, I went with it. I am now happy to report I'm on my way to feeling human finally. I can attribute this to one of two things. Either all my bitching and moaning about being sick finally beat the illness down into submission or the pastrami sandwich I had at lunch kicked the germs' butts. More likely it is a result of the vast amount of TheraFlu I drank this weekend combined with 40+ hours of sleep....but wouldn't life be better if all things bad were made good by pastrami?

Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired

So I've been battling the flu or whatever the hell this is for about a week now. It's awful. No fun at all. Made me miss not only Smithsonian Saturday but also a concert last night that I was really looking forward to for two reasons: two bands that I like were playing and it was a date with Paul. Before you start to fret, I did get to spend time with him. He came over after he got back into town (after checking in on me regularly while gone), made me dinner (which I promptly threw up - illness, not cooking), found a friend who could go with him at the last minute (thanks Jorge) then had said friend drive him to the store so he could get me ginger ale and saltines. I figured he would bring them back with him after the concert but no, he ran them back before going. Such a sweet guy, which usually means pushover, but he's not. Still doesn't let me get away with anything....the bastard. It's weird. I feel like I've known him for years. It's just so comfortable (not in the bad, we're in a rut kind of way) and natural to hang out with him. Kinda scary, but mostly good.

See You In April

Paul and I just figured out we won't be seeing each other pretty much the entire month of March. Which really kinda sucks since we've been having such a good time together. Figures I finally find a guy I enjoy seeing more than once every week or so and between both of our travel schedules (more his than mine) we won't be spending any weekends together until April. Ugh.

What Are You Five?

Yes, apparently we are. Two coworkers and I braved the weather and went shopping at lunch. As we were walking down the street with our heads down and hats pulled low, Heather lobbed a fistful of snow at my chest. I of course retaliated by pelting her on the side of her head. Our other coworker, not used to our antics (she's new - she'll learn) asked us how old we are. We told her to wait until spring when we splash each other in puddles after work.

Stupid Snow

Had a good time with SAM last night. After getting out of work far too late for my taste we commiserated over a couple bottles of wine. Amazing how some vino and laughter can make stress go away. It was nice. I did find out he was packing heat via an ankle holster the first time we went out. Not because he considered me dangerous - because he came straight from work. Can't decide if that's hot or scary.....

Considering it's been a whole 3 days since I've seen Paul, I'm really looking forward to my date with him this evening....that is unless the snow makes it impossible for us to meet up. This is when the many times I've said "I really want just one more big snow this winter" come back to bite me in the ass. I think Depeche Mode got it right - "I think that God has a sick sense of humor".....

Just Say No?

SAM asked me to meet him for drinks tonight and I'm going. He's a good guy and we have fun, so why not, right? What else am I going to do after I get off work at 7 (if I'm lucky)? Watch bad television? I think drinks with a handsome man is much more of a draw. Plus, this way I can tell him in person that we probably won't be seeing each other much more. Yeah, I know - keep telling myself whatever makes me feel better.....

Best Drunk Email Ever.....

Lo and behold I am very drunk. Been drinking since I don't know when... hours, days, months since clarity you've been gone and i don't reckon verily. Sorry for the rhyme I just have no reason. I'm sure you've got a man so I'm committin some sort of treason.

I have been listening to irish punk. Alone I think I've become some sort of drunk .Definitely. Women hit on me in the bar but I don't give a damn. You don't believe me I'm sure you think I'm full of some sort of sarcasm. Like alakazam.
You ever hear of the Pogues I love em. They speak to me. Did you know that Shane MacGowan is on the streets and I am sometimes like him.
Maybe you'll gall me at (number has been deleted to protect the drunk). maybe you won't. Maybe I'll be sober maybe I wont'.
Love ya and alls.
I did enjyoy som of the times and I really do miss you when some girl reminds me of ya.,
Have a good won.
love ya hon.

Another One Bites the Dust

After spending the majority of this holiday weekend (3 nights out of 4) with pool guy (hereafter referred to as Paul) I think Secret Agent Man is history. He's just not as much fun. It also feels nowhere near as comfortable hanging out with him. So, now we're down to two. And I want you all to be proud of me - I'm not freaking out about spending so much time with Paul. The secret appears to be to not think about it, just enjoy the time with him. He's nice, funny, has great taste in music, doesn't let me get away with crap, plus he's pretty cute so it's easy to spend the time with him and enjoy it. Ryan is a good guy too, but as Charlie put it - if he doesn't have a nickname, it's not a good sign.....

Fear and (Self) Loathing

"There's no such thing as paranoia, the truth is, your worst fears always come true."

Hunter S. Thompson shot himself Sunday evening. What a great loss.

Are We Dating or Going on Dates?

I had a conversation with pool guy last night about the difference between dating someone and going on dates with someone. I've never come up with a hard number as to when the label becomes "dating" as in "I'm dating this guy John" instead of "I have a date with John tonight". For me if someone says they're dating someone it usually means they're at the point where they're sleeping together. For him, it appears to be four dates....which I suppose could mean the same thing. I should find that out before date four....eh, I've got time tomorrow is only date two.

Return of the Mark

It's been pointed out that one of my best traits was left off the list of things I have in common with pool guy. How could I have possibly forgotten modest?

A Male Version of Me?

I must really like me. I had a really great first date last night. We met at Buffalo Billiards for a few games of pool and pints of Guinness then moved on to another establishment for a few more games. It was instantly comfortable probably because we have tons in common - he's sarcastic, intelligent, even more into music than yours truly if you can believe that. A guy at the second place told me what a great couple we made and asked how many years we'd been dating. He didn't believe me that it was our first date. Keep in mind he was wearing a shiny, shiny grey shirt about a size too small, earrings numbering into the 10s, a thumb ring and way too much hair gell. The other young man we were playing pool against looked exactly like Elijah Wood - it was creepy. I kept expecting him to call the cue ball precious.

Secret Agent Man

One of the gentlemen that I've been dating is an agent with Homeland Security. He's just what I look for in a guy - tall, handsome, great dresser, sense of humor, intelligent and I will admit, his job makes him even hotter. I played a part in making him late for work the other day so last night we kept the date short. Would have liked to spend more time with each other, but it was a school night. It's tough doing my part to keep our country safe.

Saturday at the Smithsonian

My friend Katie came up with the brilliant idea to do "Saturdays at the Smithsonian". The plan is to pick an exhibit or few each week and visit all the Smithsonians this year. Yesterday was the second, but the first I was able to go to. I picked a National Geographic portrait photography exhibit at the Natural History Museum (photography exhibits generally have fewer children). The NHM also has the Orchid Experience right now so we decided to combine the two. Katie was running late so Heather and I met at two and went through the photography exhibit which was fantastic and then headed down to the Orchids where we painted on silk, planted our very own orchids and origamied an orchid. We still hadn't heard from Katie and her friend so we went strolling on the mall for a few minutes trying to decide what our next move would be. My eyes landed on the carousel and Heather agreed it would be great fun. Just then the other two girls showed up so the four of us were off to the horses. Let me just say - it was much faster than we expected and no, we are not bad people for partially wishing the 8 year old boy climbing up the pole of his horse would fall and teach his parents to ride these things with him instead of letting him go alone. After the ride we hoofed it over to Rosa Mexicana for some pom margs. Delightfully refreshing and very addictive. After a couple of those each, we went our separate ways and I continued my evening with a date that was not as exciting and fun as the day I'd had with the girls.

Keep Up If You Can...

Ever hear the phrase "it's either feast or famine"? I have been feasting off the dating buffet lately and I am exhausted. I'm not complaining mind you, it's just getting difficult to keep them all straight. Age, job, home town/state, name - it's becoming a jumble of facts. I can only hope I'm charming enough for them not to notice I've asked the questions already. On a positive note, I have not had any more undergarment malfunctions since TGLNG.

Best Breakup Story Ever

A friend of a friend got home from a very long business trip and his boyfriend did not meet him at the airport. He called the bf and asked what the plans were for the next couple days. Said bf had three or four things to do and said
"Why don't you pick which one you want to go to since you can't do all of them?"
Foaf replied "I'll pick the concert"
Bf says "Oh, I'm taking Jeff"
Foaf says "Are you going to be home for the next 1/2 hour?"
BF "Yeah, why?"
Foaf "Because it's going to take me 20 minutes to get there and 10 to break up with you"

Better Than Quintuplets?

I got into work this morning and was greeted by an email from my "friend" Mark. After knowing him for about 16 years one would think I'd learn he likes to be mean to me and expect it. But no, I was surprised (albeit mildly) by his email:

'After dealing with reruns the past week, all we get is "there's nothing like sleeping in your own bed?" Even "According to Jim" will get better ratings than that.'

Keep in mind....this is the guy who told me I'm the only brunette he knows with blonde roots.

Back to the Grindstone

After a week away, I am back in DC. Never thought I'd say this, but it's really good to be back...at work, at home. I was ready. Don't get me wrong, it was nice to be away, but there's nothing like sleeping in your own bed.