Dec 31-Jan2 - Happy New Year and You Will Never Party Alone

Despite upheavals in the world, grand discoveries and more news than you can shake a stick at there are many contstants in my life. If I am in NYC, I will enjoy my weekend and I will enjoy my weekend with my friends and be out and about the town. There are so many choices and so much to do but the tried and true seems to do the trick every time. So it goes...

Despite a midweek hang with my coworkers (I only had one drink, a Blue Angel and got home by 9:20) I was full on set for a full fledged hang out throwdown come New Years Eve and Weekend. Everyone let out of work early on Friday and I headed for home. I actually got home by 6:15pm and was so psyched I mixed my new high speed (bordering on rave music) mix for the guy who sits next to me at work. This was just to prove that I could mix something so fast and chaotic but sound of it does make for great driving music for the city. I then trimmed the hair, broke out the CK tee and Black Ecko shirt with red and white piping and the ever useful cargo pants, Nike black sneaks and we were ready to head into the city. The Jimmy showed up at 10:15 we hung out in the house and after first saying we were going to head into the city with car service we decided to drive in (had to send the cab lady on her way, she didn't get the msg). The roads were pretty clear but the revelers were out in force as we entered into downtown and made our way through Union Square and then across 17th Avenue. We parked the car one block over and then walked over. Thankfully we did not have to wait on the line, which stretched down the block, and we were at the cash register and checked into Splash at 11:30pm. We made our way downstairs, checked the leather coats and Pais picked up our first round of drinks from barman Brett. The place was packed and I decided to do my first bathroom break after the initial rush at 11:50. I was in and out (thanks to the well timed bathroom attendant) and back in front of the screens so that we could see all of the TV screens downstairs awaken at 11:58 and we watched the final countdown of the last minutes of the year. We watched the green tinted ball descend and then the lights ignite to light up the year 2005. Kisses and hugs all around and pictures of Brett in his tutu, like all of the downstairs bartenders (Pourquoi?). And music by DJ Max Rodriguez. The guest performer sang some unrecognizable hits (except for the last one, some radio hit from 2 yrs ago). We had fun, we hung out and I avoided drinking any gift drinks from strangers. I went upstairs hung out with the crowd, danced to a whole gaggle of feel good hits from the past year and before as we danced to Deborah Cox, Whitney Houston and dance remixes of "Auld Lang Syne". I presented Brett with a copy of my new mix CD "Technorati" and traveled outside to walk to the pizza place for a bottle of water 3 times. Of course I was entertained by the various inebriated revelers, especially the black girl in the packed car who yelled "Happy Motherf...N New Year", twice. While dancing on the stage I tried wearing the lights on my wrists but ended up losing them when I wasn't holding them in my hands. At least the person they fell on was nice enough to give it back. We did not stay long enough to truly enjoy the extended liquor license but we did get our last drink just after the usual cut-off and enjoyed the new larger drink cups and well mixed drinks. We said our final goodnights at 4:50 and made our way back home to BK. Everyone turned in and tuned out and caught their next 40 winks with much need and longing. Nighty Night.

Saturday morning we awoke to the brand new day. We called down the street to inquire if Lindos was open (it was and busy too) and we then ordered a delivery of burgers so we could get our lunch on. The weather outside was excellent but we stayed in for most of the day, watching football and watching Hellboy on DVD. We finally headed out early evening and picked up some faux mexican from uncle moe's. I was not a fan of the mystery meat and the unseasoned mixture that was their idea of a platter and despite not finishing the meal it stuck to the ribs and made me feel full for a while. I dozed off and then got a call from Mom. Said hi, caught up on work stuff, family stuff and talked about all kinds of stuff. After the phone call was over, I dug into the closet and found the blue pants, pulled out the Ecko white reflective shirt and the white shiny sneaks and the outfit was laid out. We then did the face, the teeth and then showered, deodorized and scented before suiting up and preparing to step out. We watched the greatest hits of "Help Me Howard" on channel 11 and then prepared to head out after making sure of the nightttime temperatures.

We stepped out at 11:35 and headed into the city once again. Once again the traffic was light but we took no chances as we headed up Hudson street and past the different lights and places. We dodged the few slow pedestrians and found our way through the mostly clear streets. We found a spot fairly easy as most drivers had braved the city the day before and were sleeping it off, or just hunkering down for the beginning of the year. The club line grew some but since it was not too cold but we didnt mind the short wait. Talk of Paris Hilton and the tau creating a the line outside the club to garner passerby interest were spoke of as we stood there and then as the line moved we said hi to doorman Derek and wished the staffers we passed Happy New Year as we made our way inside. (The holiday amounts to an automatic conversation starter with all staff and new friends). We stepped inside Roxy and took in the look of the crowd. A lot of new people in town for the holiday and some extremely shiny decorations from the party from the previous night. A giant white 2005 over the front bar reminded everybody of what year it was and barman Barker regaled us of stories from the night before. (The party was busy but not too busy but got hectic as different bartenders ended their shifts and the extended liqour license meant he was busy for a long time. The party ended at 4:30pm. He just had time for a nap and was back at the club for our Saturday night hangout). The first DJ of the eve was Steve Travolta and he was happily spinning the same flavor of uptempo house music that hearkened back to the days of classic Roxy. I stated to Pais that the music would be perfect for the main floor of the black clubs that we go to and it would really have the boys moving. The crowd was already on the dance floor at 12:10 am and the place only got more full as the night progressed. Some of the tourist crowd were not into the music at first but the DJ gradually won them over as he kept the boys totally into the music and peaked his set as I took to my first speaker of the night over in muscle beach as I danced to the hard mix of "Pass that Dutch" by Missy E. I took over the space from a slower moving big guy but he didnt seem to mind too much as I danced for the boys right next to the stage and enjoyed the lightshow over the floor as the whole packed place erupted to the music. We couldn't cross the stage space but ended up pretty much staying in the front as you could not see the dance floor from the back bar due to a strange layout of the draped material around the dancefloor. We bumped into our friend Dwayne (my friend from my Roxy rollerblading days) whom we had not seen in a few years (a couple of black parties ago) and said our hi's and how you do's. We will hopefully see him again soon. We also saw our friend Duane from NJ who just got a new place just outside of the city near the Lincoln tunnel. Another new HomeOwner. We congratulated and bought our drinks at the front and discussed. I eventually heard the change in the DJ that signalled that DJ Peter Rauhofer had taken over the decks and a quick glance over to the booth told me it was true. He was supposed to premiere 10 different Peter flavoured remixes this eve and the beats came out hard and fast. We met up with Darren and after checking out the scene and we were inbetween good tunes we headed upstairs to the crystal room to see what DJ Danny Echi was doing. We walked through the room to tunes of Madonna and "Holiday" but went out the balcony to see the crowd below. Just then the live performer of the eve, Lea Lorien took to the stage and sang "Can't Forget You". I was practically accosted by a tweaker person who wanted to know who was performing and when I told him who it was he didn't know who I meant so I told him the name of her hit song, to which his response was "I love her!" He disappeared as quickly as I had been accosted and I decided to take Pais downstairs also as I wanted to see her from downstairs as well as hear her. We headed back downstairs just as she launched into her hit "How Would You Feel" and I stepped up and over to the speaker in the asian section, right in front of the stage and stood in front of the boys on the box and sang along and danced as she performed. She was a very gracious performer, thanked us all and wished us home safely. I finished off my drink and I started to dance as DJ Peter Rauhofer picked up the pace of the beats once again. After a nice turn on the speaker I stepped back down and made my way back to the front. I spotted the first half of the night DJ hanging in the front and he seemed a little depressed that he only was doing a short set this eve. I introduced myself and told him that I loved his set and had especially enjoyed the set from the week before when I had one of my truly enjoyable moments dancing before the crowd. He hugged me twice and thanked me for my appreciation and I hopefully left him happier than before. Pais and myself enjoyed plenty of bottles of water as well as our always well made drinks and saw the party well into the night. We prepared to leave at 4:15 but the call of Destiny's Child and "Lose My Breath" called me back up to one more speakerbox appearance near the front door. I finally stepped down and we bid our goodnight to the Rox. Our poor coatcheck girl was dealing with left item drama so we got the attention of one of the other checkers and dressed for our trip outside. We picked up the car and made it up to the diner. In through the door and sat at an empty seat and waited for our food. The table next to us was filled with the entourage of some drama queen who told the story of how some boy in the club did her wrong. Anyway, back to the burger, we enjoyed each truly juicy bite and finished off the very necessary meal and headed back home. The drive home was uneventful and we pulled into the parking spot and called it a night. I had stated that I was guaranteeing myself a good time this weekend. I guess I made true on my promise to myself. It was a definitely a great time.

We woke up to a phone call from Pais sister but were able to fall back asleep and finally rise up around noon to clean up and dress up so we could head out and visit with the family in NJ and see the family and exchange gifts. We headed over to Atlantic center and Target and made sure that the gift card and the pillow for Amy were picked up before our trip out to NJ. After that stop and picking up Amy at the train we headed through the city and then up the west side. The only traffic we ran into was in crossing Canal street which is the usual state of things in the daytime, and headed up the West Side and 10 Ave without any issues. There was the usual volume going through the Lincoln Tunnel and then we made it over to NJ with no other problems. The family welcomed us in and we finished up making various recipes and then settled in for lunch. The steaks, salad and pasta shrimp salad were all good and we settled down for some interesting afternoon conversation. We later exchanged gifts and enjoyed the traded outfits and books but finally had to leave to make sure we beat the stadium traffic as well as the returning vacationers. After our goodnights we were on the road again and headed back into the city. The trip back over to the NJ turnpike was okay even with the traffic approacing the exit toll (made better by the new high speed express lane) and we were up to the GW Bridge rather quickly. However the traffic turned for the worse once on the bridge as we stayed in the same place for 10 minutes before finally moving over 2 lanes and heading up the west side and a drive past the cloisters rather than brave the awfully backed up cross- bronx. We drove up into the Bx and then up the Moshulu taking the round about way but were glad we were out of the traffic. We dropped off Amy and then then headed back to BK over the Triborough and over the BQE and back towards the Prospect Expwy and Park Slope. After arriving at home we watched the Sunday Night football on channel 7 and watched the come from behind win by the Giants.

The New Year is here and we will await what the times have for us as the days grow longer and the nights keep coming. Have to take care of some family issues next weekend so we take another road trip. So we begin a year again. I welcome the challenge. That is to push the feeling on and keep it fun. When the fun changes to something else, we'll see what to do when that happens. But until then.. We continue to bring it.

Dec 23-26 - Families of Friends and Friendly Fun for All

Came home from work on Thursday and began my normal decompress. I was planning on staying at home and going to work the next day but personal issues and family matters conspired to keep me involved with the family on Friday so when I was invited out by friends to hang on a Thursday night I jumped at the chance. A quick switch to sneakers rather than shoes and it was into the city for us. We arrived at 11:30 at the door and made our way inside. The place was packed with city boys and people on vacation for the week and I started off the night with a nice drink. Pais chose to stay downstairs and hang with Barman Brett while I headed upstairs and hung out with the rather impressive Thursday night crowd who were there listening to DJ Joe Espinosa. The mood was happy and even though the downstairs lounge was not too packed the upstairs had all of the energy and all of the music. At one point during the evening around 1:00am on the stage a young italian guy asked me if I would hang with his young black friend (with a wide white belt) and show him how to be more butch. (As If), Instead we just danced had fun and enjoyed the beats until 3am. I retrieved Paisley downstairs and we decided it was late enough and it was time to go and get some rest.

Next morning I arose late and dealt with different domestic issues. Fielded phone calls from family and friends and pretty much kept the chores low key. Thankfully no shopping to be done and no crowds to deal with as the day rolled through with no issue too big to surmount. As we had a standing dinner invitation so we ate nothing late afternoon but looked forward to heading out to LI. Around 8pm with friends Steve and the Jimmy in tow we piled into the Murano and made our way out to exit 23 and Freeport LI to see the place that Ernesto had told us about. All of the neighborhood friends and family were over for a christmas dinner and the house was full and warm. The food was good and the family was friendly as we discussed Long Island, dogs, and the weather. After all of the introductions I found myself sitting in the kitchen and eating chips as I was no longer involved in any pressing conversations. The O/C individual introduced himself to me 3 times and despite the clipped speech and the out of breath delivery I was able to answer affirmatively and nicely, yes and and thankyou. Paisley later returned to find me vegged out and thinking about nothing on the sitting couch in the livingroom. The young kids karaoke of "Feel Like a Woman" was not all that impressive. Afterwards Ernesto let us see his landscaping work in the backyard while viewing the canal and the other houses up and down the street. Billy later returned home after his run of the houses up and down the block on his caroling tour. After hearing "Grandma got run over by a reindeer" and "The Christmas Donkey" I was entertained some but after having been entertained by the family for 2 hours I guess I did not have the patience or the inclination to continue in the family party vein. We said our goodbyes and gathered up our own and we were back on the road at midnight. I enjoyed the experience but it made me appreciate being closer to the city. The house was very beautiful but it was 29 minutes from the highway and once on the highway it was 35 min to the pad in BK. I enjoyed the trip but could not deal with it too often. Some things are best done on holidays.

We rolled into BK safely and easily but I was not ready to turn in (one drink over the course of an evening does not a night make). I discussed my options with Paisley and while he decided to call it a night and Steve and Jimmy both went to their parts of the city, I changed clothes and readied myself for a lone ride into the city. The cab driver was one of the regular drivers who knew the way into the city so well I was there in 15 min. I stepped inside shed my coat, had my first drink in hand and was back upstairs to make my locational call to Pais around 1am. After confirming my safe arrival and my plans for the eve I then turned around and headed back inside away from the cold front door and joined the boys inside at Splash. The DJ for the eve was Eddie Elias and the crowd was happy to be there. The crowd was not as heavy upstairs as the night before which was pretty impressive but the downstairs crowd was in effect and passing through with all the usual levels of fanfare. I commented to Brett how the screens over his bar had been dimmed so the casual bar sitters could not lounge and take up space unless they were there to talk to him or get a drink. It was a good thing. He stated that after the beginning of the year he would be moving back upstairs. I liked the sound of that as much as I enjoyed the music. I headed upstairs to dance more than once and showed up on the stage to dance and once again headed across the floor to light up the box. The energy in the place lasted well after 4am and I stayed in house until then. After goodnights to Grace and Carlos I headed out into the night and picked up a car out front. The ride home was swift and I was able to settle into bed by 5:30. Night.

I awoke Saturday morning to a crisp bite in the air on the day when all the stores and most restaurants were closed. However a call down the street confirmed that the diner down the block was open so a quick dress up and then it was breakfast at Lindos on Christmas morning. After passing the walking wino sleeping while standing on the bridge we stepped inside. The place was busy and the breakfast bacon omelette was good. Afterwards we were back upstairs to watch movies (King Arthur) and then watch the Lakers/Heat game as well as football. Afterwards a dinner of chinese and then a nap was enough to recharge one for the eve. After cleaning up and and picking out the regular accoutrements it was all green for a trip out. The Jimmy and Stephen K. arrrived at 10:30 and after some house drinks and some football highlights it was time to head out and join the people in the city. We rode into the city at high speed and with much confidence as the streets were pretty empty and the mood was simmering as the cold air and the holiday seemed to keep most inside. We arrived at the block at 11:30 and sat in the car for a bit before heading inside. Thankfully the security at the front was all about letting us in and there were no velvet rope posers. We got in out of the cold quickly and made our way inside and checked in with no probs. We met the up with Steve inside and got our first drinks. The DJ at Roxy for the eve was Steve Travolta. I had to explain to several different people that the normal route for the Steve Travolta party was to follow the beat and the party would come eventually. I was used to the slow buildup myself and was ready to dance whenever the need and the beat arose. Our friend Body stated he was moving to Tx and gave us a signed limited edition of his latest calendar. After showing it off to Pais and the guys in the front I went and checked it with my coat. We circulated through the place saying hi to our different friends as we went around but found the back bar was very low key and not too busy. At one point I danced on the speaker in the asian section and had the main box to myself. I was asked if I had glow sticks to give out but again that is not something that I do as I danced on the middle speaker. There were also boxes on either side with people sitting but I had danced on the box while waiting for Pais and Jimmy to return from a trip outside. They had dressed in layers to enable a trip outside without too much of a chill. I however had no need to set foot outside so I waited and danced. After they came back in we hung out in the front with Jimmy and Stephen K. At one point we said hi to friends Andre and John and talked and said hi. We separated and reformed as a group and at one point were invited by Andre to check out the DJ booth. We stepped up to the door and we were waved in. We were just instructed to make sure we slammed the door behind us (slam lock) and step up the narrow stairs to see the area. Inside was a nice raised area with the usual selection of security, groupies, and technicians. There was another velvet rope to keep the little group from spilling into the DJ area and messing with the spinning. After we had checked out the area and I had the lay of the space I decided it was time to head back out to the dance floor. Me and Pais went back down the stairs turned the lock and made out way back out to get another drink. I made my way back out into the crowd and saw that the same lack of decoration for the night made it easy to see the place had filled up nicely. I headed back to the speaker and I had to do my part by saving a young man from his own moment on the speaker. He was looking good and exposed up there but I told him that maybe he needed a break before someone came for him. He rushed off the speaker to be immediately be mobbed by the hawks who thought he seemed vulnerable but he extricated himself well and made his way up to the front. Meanwhile I proceeded to light my hands and dance at high speed to a deep house tune I had never heard before. The vibe was right and the music was right and I was definitely in my element. I settled down after the beat changed once again and returned to our crowd of friends. I was extremely happy with how the evening turned out and knew that despite the late hour (5am) I knew that nothing would end the night better than a nice burger at the diner. After saying goodbye to our our friends we headed up the street to the diner near 23rd Street. Small but nice and not too bright we sat down and ordered our burgers. The food was good and fast and we ended the meal and stepped out and flagged down a taxi on 23rd street. We said goodnight to Steve and headed back to BK. Took the vitamins and drank some water and then it was time for sleep. Ah sleep.

Sunday I woke up at noon but then turned over and slept some more until 1:30 and then finally got up to watch some television. After watching the Jets get waxed by the Patriots we headed out and picked up some KFC and some nice chicken and honey bbq. We lunched and then chilled some more reading magazines and watching DVR programming of Saturday Night Live. After preparing a dinner of sweet sausage in tomato sauce over linguine we watched episodes of "Malcolm in the Middle" and then on-demand to watch the final two season episodes of "The Wire". The evening would wind down at the usual pace and as weekends eventually do it comes to an end. Looking forward to the end of the year next week and the beginning of another with all of the usual fanfare. We will see how it goes. Until then. See you next year.

Dec 16-19 Martini Nights and Friends from All Over

We work so hard and then we play hard too. Its all good as long as you have partners ready to hang and places to run to. Thursday got off work and took the PATH into the city. Instead of heading downtown I headed uptown and got off at 14th Street. Picked up a Popeyes dinner and then headed over to Splash to see what the guys were doing. Pais was at another office party so I was staying in town so we could meet up before heading back to BK. This Thurs. I got into the place before 10pm so no 5 dollar cover for me. I said hi to one of the guys hanging out in the lounge and he asked me if I was going to dance upstairs, I said I would probably make an appearance but soon headed over to the bar to start off the night with a Smirnoff Ice. I hung out with barman Brett and he told me how he was still enjoying the CD gift. I knew the music was going to be a hit and still like it myself. A drink later I was joined by Pais and I decided that before we would leave I would check out the dance floor. I headed upstairs and danced on the mostly empty floor. Only the dancer on the box and about a dozen people were taking advantage of the floor but the beat was good so I danced out the tune and then returned downstairs to retrieve my coat and we stepped out into the night. Unlike the week before when the taxi situation was desperate we were able to get a car over on 5th Avenue (even though two girls from across the street had the nerve to ask if we wanted the taxi, as if we would hold the door for them across the street). Directed the cabbie back to BK and the first night of my weekend was a wrap.

Friday I did not have to work but woke up anyway. I was making use of my funpass and doing some shopping. After hitting 5 different locations I decided I really did not need a DS before Xmas and would wait until the supplies picked up after the gift rush was over. I did make the trip worth it however by stopping at Modells and picking up some kiddie tracksuits for family gifts and even a gift shirt for a friend. They really are pushing the Modells credit card this year but I avoided their charms and remain store card free. I headed back into the city and arrived downtown in time to have lunch with Pais at the Wendy's on Nassau St. After lunch I did a quick run through of the Century 21 but despite the rush of tourists looking for something to get I saw nothing I desired. Picked up some stuff that Pais wanted and then we headed back to BK. A rest up, then a work out and then some video games as Pais made another Holiday party appearance. I stayed back in BK, redid the haircut, cleaned up, and then headed in on mass transit. Unlike my usual easy trip into the city, the train halted on the way in and stayed in the tunnel making the trip more tedious than usual. At least I had something to read. Anyway I arrived in Chelsea and made my way up the street. I said hi to the doorpeople and the cashier and headed downstairs. Who did I spy on the coat check line but Pais who had arrived only moments before myself. I checked the coats as he got our first drinks over at the bar. We hung out downstairs for a while as Splash DJ Alex Lauterstein let the party start slowly. I chilled and chatted with Pais and our friend David talking about music and hanging out and the funny people we saw downstairs. For some reason we kept on getting strange smells in the area but we chalked it up to the funny people. Anyway I eventually headed upstairs and hung out with the dancing crowd for a bit. When it was time to head up to the stage I lit the hands and proceeded to dance at full speed. When that was not enough I extinguished the lights, crossed the floor and stepped up onto the box (something I had not done in quite a few months). As I was able to dance up there for a whole song and have fun at the same time it was all good if I do say so myself. Afterwards we put the wraps back on and stepped out to the curb. The taxi waiting right out front brought us back across the Manhattan bridge and all the way home.

Saturday I got up and had a breakfast of eggs and bacon on a roll and watched TV. In between football games and videos on VH1 the afternoon was kinda lazy. We eventually left the house to have pizza at Lenny's before going shopping but the slices were not up to par with what we usually get and weighed heavily on the stomach for a few hours. We visited the Century 21 in Bay Ridge but the heavy crowd of holiday shoppers and the lack of variety meant that Pais just found a few hats and I left empty handed. No biggie, I guess I'll just have to wait for next season for the stock to turn over. As evening arrived dinner was ordered and consumed and it was time to clean up and prepare for an eve with friends.

Our friend Steve was in town visiting and we planned on meeting up at the Rox. We headed into the city with the full crew and arrived with not a moment to spare and found a parking space right next to the lot. The line was short and the way in was clear as we made our way inside. We found out that Barker was at the back bar for the eve so after we gathered together we headed to the back and started out our eve. Before I could finish my drink ordering I was surprised by Steve and also got the surprise that he had dragged Ernesto along and into the club. So not one but two extra friends were in attendance. Ernesto made do with seltzer water but the rest of us got started on the first drinks of the night. Before I could start another drink DJ Manny Lehman started into "Lola's Theme" at around 12:40. The place was filling up slowly but the music was very upbeat with a nice mix of classic and new. I circulated between my friends and the dance floor throughout the night. The crowd never really packed into the place (maybe drawn off and resting up for the party at Crobar at 5am) but the lights and the music kept it fun. Barker loved the shirt and the crowd at the back bar loved when he modeled it for us. Everyone had a good time. It was too cold to spend any time in the smoking section outside but people were out there any way. Two speaker appearances a dancefloor walkthrough and several rounds for the crew and the night passed along as it should. We stayed in the place until about 4:30. A short walk in the night and then we arrived at the diner around 4:40 and Steve joined us soon after as we had a late night burger (it just tastes so good). We got a taxi ride home soon after and made it back to BK nice and easy.

I awoke on Sunday to the watching of football and ordering in a breakfast of a bacon omelette. We hung out for a while and waited for the arrival of The Jimmy so we could head over to our friend Larry at his house in NJ. We left after 4pm and headed into the city. We picked up our friend Daren downtown and continued up to the Lincoln Tunnel. The traffic for a while was ok but as we passed Giants Stadium we picked up heavy congestion all the way until right before we were about to get off the highway. The traffic had been caused by an accident involving trucks but the RainX on the windows left our sight of the road clear and we arrived safely despite the delays. The house was nice, the food was great the company was better. We hung out, me and Donnie made an ice run after we used up all of the refrigerator ice. The neighbor walking outside warned us about the ice and then returned as we sat in the car to scare me as he asked if we needed anything for the party. Donnie warned me that we weren't in the city anymore so I didn't have to be so jumpy but I always think the exact opposite. Suburbs are always a little too quiet but I guess its the city in me. During the course of the eve we watched snatches of The Wizard of Oz as well as Desparate Housewives. Eventually around 10pm it was time to head back home to the city and we said our goodnights. The trip back home was much easier to manage than the trip out and we got back to NYC and then to BK most quickly. We bid goodnight to the Jimmy and drew our weekend to a close.

As always a great time and good friends make the nights and days all good. However I will endeavor to leave the martini drinking to Pais. Those Belvedere martinis are too strong and do not mix well with the other easier to deal with drinks I like. I'll take the more colorful mixed drinks any day. Even Barker stated to never let me drink the martini again. I will be a good boy. I promise... Until next weekend.

Dec 9-12 - The Escalating Weekend and Friends on Stages

Work is just work but I was able have a day off on Friday so one day less for the week is a good thing. I left only a little early on Thursday and made my way towards home. I could not decide whether to go straight home or hang out in the city to await the ending of Pais and his office Christmas party. When I got to my train station at World Trade center I saw no train and decided that I would do the hangout thing instead of waiting for the train and going into BK right away. I took the train up to West 4th and had a Taco Salad at the Wendy's. The rain outside was not that much for the short distance but after I was finished with dinner I didn't feel like walking 12 blocks in the rain so it was back to the train to travel to the next stop of 14th Street. I came out of the station and walked up the block to 17th St and Splash. I said hello to the doorman and the cashier and then went downstairs to verify that my bartender was in before checking my coat. I showed up at the bar and stood watching Sir Brett until he finally noticed I was in. His first words to me were that I was not supposed to be there on a Thursday. As if something like the calendar was supposed to stop a person. Anyway we said our hellos and I sat down at the bar and started to hang. Brett was already entertaining a few seated patrons and after several traded comments we introduced. John and Andrew said hello and I let them know that I usually only came to Splash on Fridays but today made an exception because I had off from work the next day. Before too long (and three different drinks later) Pais made his appearance, so I said my goodbyes to the guys and we headed out into the rain. There were no cars in front of the place so we walked down to 6th ave. There were no rides there either so we walked down to 14th Street. When there were still no rides at 14th Street we walked over to 7th Ave to try and get a car there. We finally got a cab ride home about 15 minutes after we had left the club. A little wetter and a little more ready to get home we rode back home over the Manhattan bridge. After getting home Pais went to sleep and I chilled playing video games. Eventually it was time to sleep and so I succumbed and went there.

I awoke on Friday as Pais prepared to leave. He was going down to NC to visit his fam, and had only started to pack Fri morning. As he was only going for a few days he was able to get everything packed and ready fairly quickly so he did that and rested up before the car service came to pick him up. It was quiet in the place first and then I went into the office and remixed my newest CD to get rid of some of the quiet points and blasted my mix CD while watching cartoons. Eventually I deemed it fine to listen to and started off my afternoon playing video games. Pais called when he arrived at his destination and I wished him well in his adventures down south.

I left the house to do some shopping in downtown Bklyn. The ghetto Macy's hadn't seen me in a while so I made a rare appearance and wandered through the place. After picking up a few shirts I made my way through to the back exit to avoid the perfume and cologne pushers near the front. (Escalator up and down #1) After I was outside the fact that it was raining meant I no longer welcomed a walk to the next store. Instead I headed back to the train and used my unlimited to head 2 stops down to Pacific Street - Atlantic Avenue. Out of the station I headed across the street to Atlantic Center and the new Target. Unlike the one laid out over in NJ this one was on two floors and kinda jumbled. I eventually found what I was looking for and was able to catch the express checkout line out. I made it back through security and back out to the train station. (Escalator Set #2)

After getting to the station I first went down to the wrong track and had to change sides to head back towards home. I was carrying too much stuff to stay out any longer so it was back to home we headed. After picking up dinner I headed in and enjoyed a nice sit down while watching TV. It was time to clean up and change clothes before I made my way outside into the night. I walked down the street and made a stop at the Neergard Pharmacy for some Spearmint Altoids, cold medicine and some Zicam. Then I went a block over to the F train and headed back into the city. A book to read and my ipod were all I needed as I headed into Manhattan. The Friday Night was upon us and I needed to make all of the regular appearances. I arrived at 11:45 down the street and made my way into the club easily. I had already brought a bottled water with me so I did not have to stop before heading in. After the coat check I ordered up my first drink from Brett and got into the vibe of the place. Splash was hosting their Tribe party with DJ Eliot Dehoyos and I was ready to dance. I said hello to David and his friend AJ and talked to the guys about the crowd that frequented the downstairs lounge. After two drinks I headed upstairs and checked out the show. The music was high powered and the light show was under the direction of the mistress of lights, Liz Ligouri. I made it up to the booth and said hello once again and told her that I had not seen her there in a while. It was good to see her out and about especially without Susan or Frankie. She was totally keeping up with the lights and making sure we kept seeing something different. She said that she likes coming back but everytime she shows up she finds out something is different or out of order on the board. I told her that no one else would even notice. So many of the light guys just do a limited repertoire and don't change much or just do the same thing over and over. You just know the difference between the extremes when you see it. After that I headed out for a bottled water and back in again. The heat was on me so the outside didn't feel so bad. At least it had temporarily stopped raining. I headed back into the heat of the club and kept on dancing. When I headed back downstairs I picked up another drink and handed Brett his present CD. He thanked me and looked it over. I noticed that my new NB sneaks did not hold onto the floor as well as I would like and endeavoured to watch my step, especially on the stage. On one of my trips to the front I bumped into Grace and helped her with the door as she put her coat away in one of the closets. We then headed up to the stage and put on a dual flag show and light show. They even shined a light over us so you could see us from across the club. It was a cool effect under the red lights. We took a break as Grace stepped out to have a cigarette and I headed back out to get us each another bottle of water. After rehydrating we headed back into the club and listened to more of the tribal beats. When "Love Story" came on I headed up to the box in front of the stage and danced my last dance of the evening. All alight and ready to ignite. Afterwards I said goodnight and made my way to the front. On Friday it was much easier to get a car and I rode home in the cold rain happy to get back to BK. Sleep was calling..

I woke up the next day to a quiet house and a nice bowl of berry berry Kix. I watched VH1 for a while and "the fabulous life top 40" but then I was pulled into the high drama of "Americas next Top model" marathon. The antics of the girls made me laugh so that even when I had to step out to do some more shopping I taped the episode I was watching and the next one too and headed out. Since I had already hit up BK on my shopping trip this day I headed all the way into the city and 34th street. First I headed over to Old Navy but could not find enough to justify standing on the long lines. (escalator set #3) I turned around and made my way back across the street and into the Macy's. I made my way through the crowds and shopped until I found something nice. Waiting on the line everyone else gave up and looked for some shorter lines but the lady in front of me worked for the store and knew her way around the register. She also made sure I got a discount on my clothes so it was worth it for me to stand on the line behind her reading my book. (escalator set #4). I headed out and made my way further down the street to have an early dinner at the Wendy's up the street and a big bacon classic. After finally finding a seat I had to weave through the tables to enjoy my eating. Making my way back out was just as tight but I made it back out to the street and back into the shopping crowds of Saturday. Crossed in-between and on the green and got back to the train station a several minutes later. The crowd was not as bad going downstairs as when I arrived and I made my way to the R train platform and caught the train back home to BK. Then it was time to change up, prepare and get ready to step into the night once again. Watched a few more cuts of "Top Model" and cartoon network and then it was time to to don the new Ecko jeep shirt and catch the train.

Just after 11:20pm I caught a "D" train which I was able to take up through BK, across the Manhat Bridge and right to West 4th. I transferred to the E Train and got off at 14th. Two blocks up and two blocks over and I had arrived at my destination, Roxy. A very short line wait (forgot to take my ipod buds out) and I was in. I said hi to the wristband givers and paid at the cashier and breezed through the coat check. I said hi to a few as I stepped in but soon made my way to my bartender Barker for my first drink. And who should I find waiting for me at my place but my boy Chris. Carlos and Chris had made another trip into the city and were hanging at the Roxy once again. My night went from alone and all for one and looking for a bunch to hang with to having a pre-made gang just like I'm used to. I got my first drink and we headed out to catch a drag in the smoking area outside and make fun of the boys outside. As the evening progressed the drinks kept flowing and the energy kept building as DJ Peter Rauhofer finally made his appearance and took over the decks around 1:00am. We hung out with Barman Brett and his entourage of about a dozen as they shuttled between the bar and muscle beach. The tribal beats and music kept giving it to the crowd as the floor filled with more and more happy club going people. After 2am the mood shifted into high gear and I took to the speaker in the Asian section to dance behind two listless guys on the speakerbox. After they finally gave up and left simultaneously, leaving me alone on the box, I ignited the lights in my hands to match my leg and began to really dance. Starting with a pose during the pause in the music I began a full routine that lasted most of the next song (one that I had never heard before). While dancing I ended up with a crowd 3 people deep on the walkway behind the asian section and plenty of smiling faces on the dance floor. After that set was over it was off to see what had happened to Chris but he had left the boys of muscle beach and was no where to be seen. I checked the outside area but again no sign of the boys out there so I headed for a circuit of the dance floor and looked for them in all of the usual spots. I finally caught up to them on the stage right in front of the DJ booth. After dancing for a bit I made a run to the bar and came back with a drink for myself, an orange juice for Chris and gave Carlos one of my bottles of water. After a moment of that I noticed the music changing again and I made my way up to the speaker right between the stage and the steps and began to dance. Right at that moment the lights went down again and with the whole dancefloor in darkness I could see that two other speakers across the floor had lit up dancers at well. The boy with the white glow sticks on one and another boy with spinning red and green wands on the last speaker. I ignited my hands as well and with a simultaneous show on 3 speakers it was definitely a high point for my night. After that song was over I made my way back over to the stage and we headed back to the front as the boys went to smoke once again. I hung out dancing and waited for them to return. We made one quick passthrough of the upstairs lounge to chill in the cool before heading back downstairs to the hard beats. Chris wanted to get his coat to check his train schedule but Carlos already knew that the train was not avail until well after 4. Chris ended up chilling on the couch near the front bar as I danced and hung out with the boys as they seemed to be staying for the party well after the drink cut- off. At 4:35 am I was still out at the front bar telling the bar mistress that her theme song was playing remixed, "What You Waiting For" by Gwen Stefani. The boys bid good night shortly after to catch their train and I stayed until 5am and thanked Barker on my way out. I headed out to the front and found myself a taxi right away. The driver brought me back to BK fairly quickly and I was able to get into the house before 6am. Now to take valerian, 5HTP and St. Johns wort and fall all the way to sleep. Yes sleep.

Sunday was spent in the house. Playing Lord of the Rings - The Third Age on my Gamecube and watching cartoons I had on the DVR. Thank goodness for the DVR. When nothing was on TV I always had something to watch. I chilled out for most of the day and passed out in early evening but jumped up to make myself a pasta dinner (macaroni, home-made tomato sauce, chopped meat and mozzarella cheese), the casserole that everybody likes. Of course it came out most excellent and three plates later I was full and ready to bring the final night of my weekend to a close. I watched Cartoon Network some more and adult swim and was finally tired enough to call it a night. I did the shopping thing, the hanging out thing and the traveling all over the city by train and taxi thing. Let's see what else we can do with the return of the Pais and another three-day weekend waiting in the wings. No need to take it to the next level. The level we are visiting right now is just fine Thanks. Keep it coming.

Dec 3-5 - Chilly Outside but Hot Inside.. My Coat

Thank goodness for another short work week. Plenty of stuff to do and not enough time. Too many words, not enough rhyme. (as Redman would say). Got home to finish off a steak dinner. Pais was sleep but awoke pretty quickly. I did the self-barber and got my coif done correct (it was getting downright unruly). I then cleaned up, changed and prepared to launch into the night. The trip into the city was quick. We listenened to the radio while riding, dealt with some traffic on 6th but got to a parking space with plenty of time. Walked through the lot in the light misting rain and then went to the door. The doorman let us in before the handstamps and the undercover mgr (short, hispanic doesn't say much) handstamped us and let us in. We made our way downstairs and separated as I checked the coats and Pais ordered drinks. The first one for me was a surfer which while good quickly wears on the stomach when more than two is had (a fact I was reminded of the next day). The DJ for the eve at Splash was Max Rodriguez who while a fun DJ and is upbeat seemed to go off on a strange tangent of new music that did not exactly click with the more hardcore of the clubgoers wondering what the party was doing. The masses of the crowd did seem to be staying and dancing but the party never seemed to take off. I had to put forth too much effort to stay interested and awake and I expected more fun while there but I kept waiting for next song. Nothing like the parties Max had DJ'd over the summer and early fall. Anyway I did dance on the stage, I did hang with Pais downstairs but we left around 3:20 before the party could wind down. I said goodnight to Brett and met Pais back upstairs. There were no magazines to get but I knew I could get those the next night. The trip back home was quick and without issue. There was a new day to wake to but I had to sleep first. So that's what I did.

I awoke on Saturday to a cool morning. Watching VH1 and then sports while cleaning the house. Finally finished unpacking from last weeks trip to FL. Vacuuming, washing dishes and room cleaning. Finally a trip to the storage facility in Bay Ridge to put some bags in storage (forgot the darn toaster oven). On the way back picked up lunch at KFC and then stopped to buy some soda at the Met. Got home and called my pal Denise. She was feeling very good and we had plenty of news to trade as we conversated for almost an hour. But eventually we stopped the phone call as she had to go to Mass and I had to finish my latest remix CD. After the song selection the CD came together rather quickly and though the finished product seems to have more than its share of dramatic musical pauses the CD as a whole is very strong and full of some great gems. We watched basketball and test listened to the CD before preparing to go out for evening. The Jimmy was supposed to arrive at 10:15 but did not end up in place until 10:30. Meanwhile I choose the outfit, cleaned up, and had everything in order when the guests arrived. We hung out for a bit and then Pais and I, the Jimmy and Stephen all headed out and into the city at 11:10.

The traffic was good and the roads clear as we arrived at our destination around 11:50 and found a spot just two blocks away. There was virtually no line out front and we made it inside easily. We breezed through the coatcheck and I made a circuit of the place just as barman Barker made it back to his normal habitat at the front bar. We had our first round and began the night. The DJ for this set was Tony Moran who I had not heard spin since the early summer. The crowd at Roxy came in a steady stream and while the dancefloor was empty around midnight it grew steadily more full as the crowd packed into the place and looked for the next new thing. We were awaiting the arrival of Chris later on that night so we stayed near the front of the bar. After a few drinks I did the meet and greet and saw who was out and about. Chris arrived around 1am with Rob T in tow. Rob appeared to be vibrating he was so happy to be out with the boys but we quickly calmed him down with a good drink. I promised the boys as they were going to go and smoke that I would be waiting in the asian section but on the way said hi to different groups of friends and even saw the boy who performed last Monday at Twist in FL. I did the meet and greet with different entourages and headed into the asian section at a later point to walk up on a speaker and walk around two boys who decided it was time for a love in on the speaker. They were woken up and quickly left but were quickly replaced by some tourist chicken who decided the stage was the place for her to show her flowing tresses but do little in the way of dance. I left them to that and went back to the boys in front and discovered poor Chris coming out of the mens room in his coat. I guess he had been ready to leave but detoured to the bathroom. I did not realize his destination at the time but told him he looked too hot in the coat and brought him back over to the boys at the front bar. About that time Rob T reappeared and motioned that it was time for them to go. I guess 2 hrs is the extent of a night for some. The rest of us still had plenty of party time left so with plenty of waters and even more drinks we proceeded to do just that. In the midst of hanging at the bar I saw the stage alight and realized that the show for the evening had already begun. Deborah Cooper was performing her new song and I made it over to the wall across from the stage in time to see the end of the performance. After she left the stage we were treated to a performance of "Power" by Kevin Aviance, done up in feathers and black. After he was over the stage was kept clear for another 5 minutes but nothing else happened. No CD giveaways, nothing else just darkness and back to the music. I was a little disappointed especially remembering how I had gotten a copy of Peter's CD at his release party at Roxy. I guess they spent all the funds to get Deborah and Kevin and had nothing left to give away a few CDs. I'll wait to see the reviews on Amazon then. A few more circuits of the floor and some more dancing with the boys and then back to the bar for a drink. I had just stepped up towards the bar and then headed straight downward as a spilled drink made for a messy area and my no slip soles were no match for the wet tile. Somehow my slightly inebriated state caused me to curl up faster than I fell and roll forwards so only glancing blows to my knees and then i caught myself on my hands. I was up even faster than I fell but Barker immediately called for the cleaning crew and he made sure I was OK. Off into the party again, I had more fun listening to DJ Tony go all over the place with the party but I will say that the beats were strong and mood was fun as the party moved deep into the night. We finally said goodnight around 4:10 and then made our way up the street, and with the heat of the party keeping us going, to the diner. We headed several blocks up 10th towards the good diner, the one with all the bright lights, and were seated and put in our order in fairly quickly. The burger arrived quickly and tasted heavenly. We finished it up and headed back out into the night. We caught a car on 23rd fairly easily and made our way back home. The sunrise was not for a few hours yet and almost-vampire self did not want to see the sun anytime soon. Off to sleep we go.

Sunday came early around 11 and breakfast was once again delivered. Different football games on television and a slow afternoon. A call from my sis out in rockaway was an invite to dinner and we had something to do for later on. Pais had a mid afternoon nap and I caught up on some reading, finishing up my copy of Magical Thinking. The book is highly recommended by myself and full of just the right brand of self deprecating and ironic humor. Just like I like. We headed out the house at sunset and made our way over to my sister who was hosting a turkey dinner. I finally met the mother in law and said hi to my brother and mother who were over for dinner as well. A light round of chips and dip and deviled eggs followed by the arrival of Nadia and her brood. Plenty of hugs and kisses all around and we hung out and talked about the babies. The house was overly warm with that real good heating that some complexes pump out and we were forced to open multiple windows and leave the door cracked (with chain on). Dinner was good, Turkey, macaroni and cheese, greens, string beans, yams and stuffing. I even went back for seconds. We began watching "Bulletproof Monk" but everyone had to get home before it got too late. Nadia and Roberto said goodnight first and then Pais and I headed out also. I did get to take some cake home with and had some for dessert later. We listened to the new CD in the car but the trip seemed much faster than last time I visited and I guess it was a combination of the completion of the roadwork on the Belt Pkway and time of day. I ate the cake when we got home and had a nice glass of milk. The weekend drew to a close as I watched tv and lounged on the couch. I was happy that I had gotten out and seen so much over the weekend and glad that so many others got to share it with me. There is still a lot to look forward to. Hopefully I will stay healthy and happy enough to keep up with it all. But thats what the calcium, glucosamine-chondritin, milk thistle and mega man vitamins are for.

Bring it then.

Nov 24-Nov 30 - The Longest Weekend and Warm, Sunny Days in November

The short work week is a good thing. I don't usually take the day after Thanksgiving off of work but going away on vacation is a very necessary distraction to the day to day grind and the need for a change in scenery. With plenty of work during Wednesday to handle the group was not able to take off from work too early but once we brought the level of problem tickets and expedite requests down to a reasonable level we were able to finally take a break and go downstairs to have a drink with the coworkers down at bar in the building. With some that had already been in attendance for a few hours I arrived late to the drinking but quickly downed two drinks to try and catch up to the early starters. Since I still had to go and have dinner I knew I couldn't have too much before eating a full meal but had plenty of fun eating fried calamari and having all kinds of conversations with my quick drinking coworkers. I finally left around 8:30 and was able to get the PATH train pretty quickly but ended up waiting an inordinate time for R Train. I retrieved a voicemail from my friend Denise and endeavored to call back but was foiled by the station interference and the oncoming train. I eventually got home and had a nice dinner for party fuel in preparation to go and be out and about once again. We got underway late but found plenty of others had the same idea and were heading into the city. Pais and I arrived just after midnight surprising Brett with our appearance on a Wednesday night. As Pais' cousin stated however the Wednesday before Thanksgiving is one of the biggest party nights of the year especially because so many people are going to get up late and eat one meal on Thanksgiving day. Might as well get the sure fun of the hangout done before the fun with the family begins. Splash was hosting another Tribe party with DJ Eliot Dehoyos and the crowd definitely packed into the place to dance and drink and be merry.
The place was packed both upstairs and down and the mood of the music while tribal was more upbeat than the darker sound at the previous Tribe party of a few Fridays ago. The weather was warm enough however that I was able to go outside for a bottle of water in between dancing on the stage and even lighting up my hands once while on stage. I thoroughly enjoyed the evening, enjoying the warm weather and the happy crowd before we picked up our coats at coat check and left the party at 3:45. We rode back into BK tired but happy with the night and awaiting the promise of much food the next day.

We woke up around 11 cleaned up and after deciding to pick something up on the way we stepped out into the daylight. Having already seen the weather forecast of rain but currently seeing the sun and noting the current temperature we decided to bring the leather jackets with but not wear them. Yet. We picked up a breakfast at the gas station during a fill-up and decided on a bagel and coffee for Pais and an Arizona 100% coffee and milk for myself. The drive up the BQE was uneventful, discussing prank phone call names and the only real traffic was at the Koskiusko bridge. The finished road work closer to the turn-off for the Triboro bridge looked nice as it had seemed like an endless round of construction but now the final stage appears to be taking shape, with noise barriers for the roadside and nice brickwork and astroturf at the different overpasses. An ezpass toll and a hopscotch of Bronx highways later we were able drive up to pick up Amy. We spoke with a friend they grew up with, something about phones and old ones vs new but in the end we said we would think about it (not) and be on our way. We had some traffic on the Cross Bronx before heading for the GWB and the holiday drivers along the way. We made the turn off to head towards Giants stadium and Rutherford NJ but as we followed the turn a little too closely we ended up turned all the way around and heading for the Lincoln Tunnel and NYC. Thankfully a well placed turn off and we were once again headed in the right direction. Just as the fam started to wonder as to our current location we made the final exit and drove up to the site of family dinner. This year the family next door was also hosting so we arrived simultaneously with another car but went to different houses. We left the umbrella outside in the light mist and went inside to say hi to the fam. Pais' family had us over for Thanksgiving dinner and we enjoyed a fabulous repast. A well cooked turkey, homemade mashed potatoes, stuffing, and all of the rest of the fixings and 3 separate family tables and a short time later the dinner had elapsed and we awaited dessert. Several conversations and some coffee later we were ready to enjoy pumpkin pie, cheesecake (chocolate and a strawberry) and brownies. A few more conversations later we were ready to return home and digest. We said our goodnights put on our coats and stepped out into the much cooler night. The ride home was uneventful, dropping off Amy and heading back home to chillax. We rested at home for a while and made sure we were all packed for our trip the next day. A nice list makes it all easier as we made sure we were not leaving anything behind that would be necessary back in the warm. After I packed I found that the dinnertime lethargy had worn off and I was ready to stay up rather than catch a 5 hour sleep before leaving for the airport. Pais stayed in to nap while I was going out to hang and dance once again. The car company did not answer the phone so I walked down the street and picked up a car at the dispatch. The ride started ok but construction traffic on the highway drove us onto side streets and then across Brooklyn Heights and eventually across the Brooklyn Bridge. The driver got me there pretty fast despite the mishaps and I got in to hang with DJ Billy Carroll and the boys on a Thursday night for the college party. While the place was not as full as the previous night when more people had off for the next day it was still had plenty of guys out to have a good time and dance some more. I stayed downstairs with Brett as various party goers found different ways to amuse themselves and enjoy the party beats. I promised Brett a new mix CD before Christmas to pressure myself to complete it before taking too long. I danced on the stage and even spoke to the DJ to pick his brain on the play list "Tribal Madness" and "Get You High" were some of the tunes I found out about that night. I stayed until 4 which happened to be closing time when the crowd dipped below a certain density. I said goodnight to Brett and put on my coat and walked out to an empty street. With no cabs in sight I walked down to the train station and made my way home on the train. That was when the night took a turn for the worse and I discovered after falling asleep on the train, waking up in the middle of Brooklyn, and starting to walk home that my sense of direction was shot. I walked in the wrong direction twice and finally called Pais to let him know my predicament of being stranded mid- Brooklyn. After making sure I would stay in one place, Pais drove up in the Murano and brought me back to Park Slope. We then got the bags together and ran out to the car service car and made our way to the airport. After check in, security check and getting on the plane I seemed to have picked up some sort of allergy, either to impending Florida or something someone was wearing but I sneezed like 12 times before finally blowing my nose and then falling asleep. My long night finally caught up with me and I slept like I was in a sleeping contest. Thankfully I awoke when we landed and we headed down to baggage claim to get our stuff and check in with Enterprise rent-a-car. We picked up the Toyota Camry and rode up to the hotel which was like right up the street from the rental place. The shuttle from the airport had taken us halfway to our destination. The check in was quick but then we did not read the directions on the keys and could not get into the room (wrong end). The room was the same as always with the difference that it housed a rolling shower which meant there was no sides of the tub to walk in. You just pulled aside the curtain and stepped in. I liked it and I'm sure its much easier to clean than the tracks of a shower stall. We rested after the trip and then dressed to go out to the softball fields. We were finally going to hang in the Florida sun. We met the team in the lobby and after gathering all the troops we headed out to the fields in three cars. We were only 20 min from the fields and after driving through city hall area of Ft Lauderdale (scene of the election protests of the year 2000) we drove up to the fields, paid our 6 dollar entry fee and parked. The team got together, found out where they were playing and did some warm up throws in the outfield. I even put on a glove myself and warmed up pitching, catching with pitcher Ken. The first round-robin game was close but ended finally in a tie. Nobody won but nobody lost either but then we waited for another hour and played the second game. This one the team won, not easily but nicely and with a good record the team awaited the games the next day. At the fields we ate hamburgers, cheeseburgers and hotdogs and did our best to not get any sunburn. After the games they even had a stand with mixed drinks and between those and the beers we went back to the hotel nice and toasty. Chris met a friend from back in NY, Bob F. and back at the hotel the Woof party was meeting so there were plenty of big guys to see back at the Hotel. For dinner we decided to get together and go to Wendy's, something fast but good. Afterwards, with a brief rest, we piled into two cars and drove down to South Beach to spend our Friday night at club Twist. Since the teams next games of the tournament were not supposed to be until after 1pm, there appeared to be enough time to hang out, get back and get some rest in. There was a nice size crowd in town and every club on the strip on Washington Avenue seemed to be hosting a party. We ended up parking in a parking garage a few blocks down and walking past all the clubs on the main drag. There seemed to be another party every few feet with security guards out front and people handing out flyers and invites. We finally walked up front of the club and headed in. We circulated to a nice mix of songs from the hip-hop room, to the Deep House in the main room and the packed dance floor. The dance room is small but they pile in and dance to the hard beats no matter what. We went to the back bar to pick up our drinks and wander through the 2 level-2 side club. I ended the night dancing in the Dance music room near the wall with hand and leg aglow. We headed out of the club around 4am and made our way back to Ft. Lauderdale. The drive back was uneventful, despite the Florida driver penchant for changing lanes without signaling, driving at high uneven speeds in all lanes and coming so close to neighboring vehicles they can change the color of the car paint.

We woke up at 11am and found that the team had already left for the field so after a quick shower in the walk-in we ran down to the car and headed out to the fields. Myself , Pais, Chris and the Jimmy stopped to get some breakfast at a gas station on the way to the fields to grab something to eat. While they didn't have Arizona coffee in a bottle, I did get a Starbucks Frappucino and Pais found the last bagel in the place. Outside Chris was confronted with the aimless homeless but I avoided the trap myself while going back to the car with the all purpose headphones on head (my own personal force field). This way I can ignore people professionally. The asker did try to get my attention once in the car but he gave up when everyone else came back and we headed off towards the field. We passed the place the first time but after a quick turnaround we found the entrance and paid another six dollars and parked. We located the rest of team and settled in for some real games after the round-robin completed. The team played well but the other team had gotten too far ahead and even with a 9 run inning at the end the game ended 15 to 16 (loss). The team then had to spend the rest of the afternoon chilling out and waiting for the next game at 5:30. We relaxed in the grass, ate a lunch of burgers and hotdogs (since I am always suspicious of non-restaurant sausage) and sodas, water and gaterade. The next game started badly, with the team not making some plays in the outfield, or the infield and the other team getting a nice jump. Of course that could not continue. The beginning of the game had no cohesion and I lost interest. I continued reading my new copy of Magical Thinking, a perfect read with a collection of true short stories that are totally funny and put me in a good mood. I was glad I decided to not just bring my normal selection of fantasy and science fiction novels and had something different while I was on vacation. When I looked up from my book the team was in the midst of rallying back from behind and making several shocking hits, doubles and triples and home runs to bring the team back in and then win. That excitement was carried over into the next game and I was especially interested after Bob F. returned to the fields before his trip back to NY and hung out and he helped me spectate while the team played their game. Nothing like a few well timed beers for the spectators to make them loud and very interested. Unfortunately the other team did not go along with the cheers and the team was unable to maintain the momentum and eventually succumbed to a one point loss. Of course then it was time to clear off the playing field grab a few beers and decide on the rest of the evening. No games the next day meant we would definitely have a group wanting to go and hang out. After watching some more of the other teams we headed out to the car and made our way back to the hotel. After some cleaning up, a short nap break, and a Papa Johns pizza dinner it was time to head out and re-group. That is form up two different groups to go to two different parties. Pais, the Jimmy, Jeff, Jo and Stephen were going to north miami and visiting Club Boi. Chris, Mike F. , myself and Ed, Kevin, and Vinny heading nearby to The Coliseum. The Coliseum was hosting the South Florida version of a big party Saturday Night and as we drove up to the place in the light rain and Mike valet parked the car before we walked in, paid our 15 dollars and were hustled into a little waiting area. After walking around the crowded little space and I was asked what was going on a few times (I knew the last time I was there it was kinda big) we had a fountain of information (and stray saliva) turn to us and tell us what was going on. The party usually took time to fill up a big room so they would normally fill up the pre-space before allowing us into the main room. Because of so many out of towners and parties (the Woof party was going on right next door), they opened the big party room at 11:35 instead of 12 midnight. The room was overcold when we first walked in and I endeavored to warm up by having a few drinks to get the blood flowing. The DJ for the eve was NY import Chad Jack and he warmed the crowd up with some rather hard beats but then came back to get the crowd with some old favorites. The place gradually got full with only the dancing-old-man in yellow short shorts on the floor at first and then a nice size crowd. When it was time for the live show around 1am the performer did a whole dance routine to "Took My Life" and had four back up dancers. Nice choreography (of course I was on a bench with a superior view of the act) and it ended with a confetti blast and a light blast from the ceiling CO2 machines. Despite a break refilling my wallet at the $4.99 ATM machine we still had fun. We segued into more house music with some remixes of "Free" and "Glamorous Life" along with "DirtyFilthy" which kept the party pumping well into the night. At one point they sprayed so much smoke onto the floor that while cooling the place down we could not see anything in front of your face and were afraid to move less you trip and fall. The music stayed upbeat and the party went on until well into the night. The amount of drinks I had, while not as strong as the NY drinks made up for it in the volume of the glasses and happy bartenders. We stayed until after 5 and made our way home with the psychic cabby (nobody remembers telling him where we were going). And then after making sure my cohorts made it back to their room I headed up to floor 11 where I was staying and promptly crashed. I remember making sure Pais was ok too and going right back to bed.

Sunday morning took some time to recover by waking up, drinking some water and then heading back to bed to finish the recovery. By 1:30 in the afternoon we all got up, took a trip over to Radio Shack to buy a new phone charger (expensive), and then walk over to Miami Subs and get a cheesesteak. The sandwich was good enough and afterwards I headed down to the pool to hang with the members of the team who were getting some sun. We all reminisced, told stories and fought with the ants. I relaxed, read an issue of Details magazine and laughed as we had a cool time under the shade and out of the sun (no tan for me). Pais and Jimmy came down and we went back up and rested some more. Eventually it was time for dinner and while we discussed all sorts of options eventually me and Pais went across the street and checked out the Irish Pub. It did not seem like the sort of place I would care to eat and no one else was eating so we headed back out and down the block and across the street to Denny's. There the service was friendly and the food was good though a little too fried tasting but the music was highly distracting. One song made me bust out laughing it sounded so bad (something about hands across the water, hands across the sea). We finished our food and headed back to the hotel. We picked up the rest of our evenings entourage and piled into two cars to head down to South Beach. Jo and Stephen in the car with me and Pais in the Camry and in the other car Jeff, Marq and the Jimmy in the Grand Am. During much discussion we headed down to South Beach and club Twist once again. Despite the two groups we had going down we were all looking forward to a great time once again. On this night we arrived around midnight and enjoyed a nice crowd out back starting at the dancer's house and while outside we met a great bartender at the outside bar. We kept on coming back throughout the night in between trips to the dance floor upstairs. We played pool downstairs, enjoyed a drink promotion (Alize Blue) and danced. The boys were fun, we met a few new friends and we drank like fish. Eventually the end of the night rolled up and we all had to decide how we were going to return to the hotel. Jo ended up coming back with Pais and myself while Jeff and Marq waited for Jimmy to get ready to go and they would make sure him and his got back Ok. The night was good but the boys were sleepy. There went Monday and one more day of vacation.

We woke up on Monday and decided that we wanted to eat a more hearty breakfast. After the group got together we headed over to Denny's for a meal with Marq, Jeff, Pais and the Jimmy. On this day the Denny's had a much brighter atmosphere and much better music. Our waitress for today started bringing us drinks even before we could completely imbibe the ones we already had. Our table ended up like a glass player demonstration, with all the different heights of drinks ready for the person to play. When our food finally arrived we ended up having to squeeze all of the plates onto the oddly shaped table and rearrange the contents until we had a table covered on every surface with a bowl, condiment, plate or napkin. The food was good however and we all were able to enjoy a great meal (except one who thought it was overcooked) and go back to the hotel happy. We then started playing cards, various teams organized to see who could play a game of spades. 3 games later we took a break to go to the gym. The gym, come to found out, was right over our hotel room and while it did not have any free weights it did have two rooms of machines and we did get in a good work out. We did stop for a bit while the softball team was discussed with Chris and Jeff. It seems that the team is breaking up. Not that the changes were unexpected, especially after the play and team feelings after the World Series. No surprises, not really, but it is sad to see another era over with. Hopefully everyone will go on to bigger and better things. We shall see. I continued with my workout while the discussions were going on and finished up the parts I wanted to do. However the sudden change from still to all pumped up left me a little light headed and I went back down to the room to sit still. After a short rest I changed clothes and got prepared for our evening. After we all convened on the Jimmys room we prepared to go out and have dinner. Stephen said goodbye to his friends and four of us had a dinner at Outback Steakhouse. We had a good dinner (steaks, chicken, ribs) then made our way back to the room. All of us played 2 more games of spades and then we decided to journey down to South Beach for our final night in FL. We knew we could not stay out too late but at the same time we wanted to make sure that we enjoyed our final day. We found parking just 2 blocks up and over and made our way down and walked in. The crowd was the lightest it had been in our circuit of days but they still seemed happy and ready to party. In between trips over to our bartender over in the hip-hop room and trips back the dance room where we listened to "How Would You Feel" and "Looking Good, Feeling Gorgeous. We danced, watched snatches of "Mean Girls" on the video monitor and then were treated to a live performance by "J" and his two backup dancers. His height definitely helped him to be able to perform so athletically in such a tight space as the Twist Dance floor and the red light that lit the floor. After the performance I even got handed one of his mix CDs and was able to take it with. After a little more dancing it was time to leave and get some rest before our flight the next day. After some mix ups with finding everyone and even some "raised voices" by myself to make sure some knew I was serious we left South Beach behind and made our way back to Ft. Lauderdale. We discussed different parts of our weekend and then said our good nights and goodbyes and we went to sleep.

Tuesday morning we awoke with an out of control alarm clock, quickly silenced. Then we hurriedly cleaned up, picked up and made our way down to the car rental center and returned the vehicle. The Jetblue flight was on time and we really had no time to eat anything sizable but were surprised that so many flights were making it into the terminal that in order to stay on time they were boarding everyone from both ends of the plane and while some were going through the tubeway others were walking outside and walking up the stairs like the reverse of the government flights with the guy waving from the steps as they come down. Oh well it was an interesting visual but we piled into our seats and the guy next to us boarded late (dead last) causing the flight crew to become slightly agitated as they mentally prepared themselves for having to match all of the bags with passengers. Thankfully we were able to finally get it together and take off. I ended up not watching the tv, just the ads as we rested, ate snacks and listened to the ipod. Except for the one big bump as we stopped flying over water and entered Long Island airspace, the flight was smooth. I knew it was because of the temperature change and thankfully nothing else happened before we landed. We called for a car and then prepared to pick up our bags at the baggage check. After we got there the crowd showed their impatience by some complaining about things they could do nothing about and whining about nothing. Finally our bags arrived and we made our way out of the terminal. We waited a very short time and then our nice grey grand marquis pulled up and we made our way home. We discussed some more points of our trip and made it home rather quickly. We thanked the driver, opened the door and ended the longest weekend ever. A nice chinese dinner to end the night and then we slowed down to a close. Until next time babes. Keep up the fun and hope you keep having fun too. I wouldn't change a thing.