Feb 25-27 - Gotta go to the city, Have too much fun, But did I survive...

The week was short and thankfully over. I wrapped up with work and headed for the gym. NYSC was not too crowded and I only had to wait for the machine that you do the chest flyes on and the rest was cake. I got through the workout and gathered my lockerfull of stuff and headed back to BK. Once I arrived home I watched TV while waiting for the delivery of the Steak dinner from Jack's. Dinner out of the way I headed into the front bathroom and took care of the haircut. Then across the house to take a shower in the back bathroom before picking out an outfit. Before it was time to step out I finished up the cover art on a gift CD I had vowed to take with. After dousing all of the lights and locking up we headed down to the car and took off for the city. We picked up some gas on the way in and made the rest of the ride pretty quickly. Parking was found right around the corner and we made our way inside pretty easy. The door people waved us in and we paid the cashier before heading downstairs and checking the coats. Barman Brett was there with our first drinks of the evening and we said hi to the boys in attendance. I gifted David with his first gift CD and promised Brett some nice mixes before the month of March was out. This evening Splash was having the music spun by DJ Alex Lauterstein and while the party seemed to pick up slowly, the beats there were continuous and it only got better. Over the course of the night we heard hits from Victor Calderone, Shape UK, Amuka, Altar, and Inaya Day. At one point during the eve I danced on the box only to see the approaching dancer approach and step onto the speaker. Even as he stepped up onto the speaker I stepped down, extinguished the lights and decided it was time for another drink. Later on while on the stage one of the dancers asked me for help in getting up onto the box in front of the stage. After giving him a hand up I walked down off the stage, came around and tipped him and danced in the middle of the crowd for a second before reappearing on the box opposite in front of the screens and dancing for a whole song before deciding I had sweated enough and going back downstairs to see what the boys were up to. We stayed in attendance until 3:15 and Brett warned us he would be on vacation next week but would be returning the following week. We headed out into the night and made it home all safe and sound. Nice night.

The next day I was definitely feeling the haze of the day before and started off taking the mega man vitamins and drinking water and having a nice delivery of breakfast. We headed out around 1pm with digital camera in hand and a trip back into NY ahead with a mission to be touristy for a day. We headed to downtown Manhattan to find a parking space for the car first. We could not find anything near city hall so we headed uptown a little bit and caught a lucky break spot just off of Hudson street and right near the Franklin street train station. I took a picture of the fire hydrant with frozen water falling from both spouts and we headed into the train station. The train came immediately and we packed into the train and switched to the express at 14th Street. The express did not stop at 59th Street and we got off at 72nd street and walked crosstown until we got to Central Park and New Yorks latest attraction, The Gates. It was not too impressive at first because the gates near the entrance were just in little groups of three or four. Once inside the park however seeing the lengthy footpaths completely bracketed by the bright orange gates of summery fabric was a very cool sight. Just the thing for New Yorkers who feel they have seen it all. The place was packed with tourists and we took our share of digital shots to say we had been there and seen the scene. We even crossed paths with fellow softball league player Paul G (in all the paths in all of the park we all walked right into each other). He was entertaining friends as well and was on his way to a softball meeting with his team afterwards. We chatted and then said our goodbyes and then headed downtown towards the entrance at Columbus Circle. Pais priced the pictures that the Park Conservatory was selling but a generic picture w/o a frame was going for $59 dollars. I thought that was a bit much, especially when you could take your own pictures. Anyway at the same time as that I was on the phone with the Sprint operator and was getting movie times so that we could catch a showing of the movie Constantine" while we were in the city. The nearest theater was in the Times Square area so we walked more than 10 blocks downtown and found ourselves in the movie theater in the basement of the Virgin Megastore. It was like walking into the vault in the Fortess of Solitude but eventually I smelled popcorn and knew we were headed into the theater. The theater was kinda empty and the few theatergoers there were nice and quiet as we sat down and ate our popcorn, chocolate and soda. After a nice bunch of previews we watched the movie and found it a cool film, very different and with enough simultaneous plotlines me and Pais found ourselves putting together the pieces to make a cohesive whole and understood the story all the way only after we left the theater. I liked it and was glad we got to see it. After heading upstairs and back outside we were once again awash with images from the combative, bright structures all vying for your eyetime. At one point I wanted to just run out in the middle of the street and just take as many pictures as I could before getting hit by a taxi. Anyway I resisted the urge but vowed to come back and finish off my city tourist streak sooner than later. We had to wait a little longer for the trains on the return trip but the packed trains that finally did arrive did not make the trip any more pleasant. We piled into the subway and rode express but still had to contend with the space hogging homeless who decided that his caddy of belongings deserved doorspace, forcing us all to funnel around him. At least he did not really smell at all, which my loratedine heightened sense of smell would have found unbearable. We waited for the local train a few minutes and then made the much longer trip down to Franklin street and back out onto the street. The conveniently located car made the trip back out of the city a breeze and we called for dinner right before we got back into the apartment. I ordered Penne ala vodka with grilled chicken but ended up just getting the Penne, I did not complain too much and settled in for a nice eve of decompressing and then finishing off the first of my March CDs, a new Techno CD as well as getting the track lists for the Diva CD and the Party CD all queued up. Then it was time to clean up for the second time on Saturday Night set up the outfit before once again heading out into the breach.

We left a little later than usual, no full entourage in tow, and after circling for a spot found a convenient spot right on 19th st and 9th Ave. We then walked over and down a block and made our way over to the line right in front of Roxy right in front of us a bunch of youngsomethings where entertaining their female friends but forgot that they could not entree without ID. After some discussion they eventually stepped over to the side and let the rest of the waiters on line step up and step in. After a quick hello to doorman Derek we headed inside, said hi to the cashiers and coatcheck staff. We made our way inside and looked at the nice group of people ready to have fun and dance with us tonight. The DJ for the eve was Manny Lehman and we got into the high energy feel of the beats fairly early as we said hi to Bob H and some of our other friends in attendance as we wandered through the space and checked out the place from all angles. Soon I found myself dancing with on the speaker in the asian section and totally clearing it off when the the music got too fast for the newbies. I then headed back to the front to hang with the crowd near the bar but the music was still just under the boiling point so I headed up to the stage to dance right at the corner and facing the crowd as the music took off and the beats kept on coming. At one point some dizzy tourist boy asked to hold my lights but I apologized and declined. If anyone could do it they would already be doing it. I'm the one who has invested in the laser (used during just one bridge over the course of the night) and the lights I use and even spin on my hands. Somebody has to have the fun side of it all so I have to say why not I. We stayed, we danced and we ended up hanging out until almost 5am. The party was nice but I was not able to maintain the energy all of the way through. If it was not for the fact that we both live in the same place we might not have been able to find the way home . Anyway no animals were harmed in the making of this film and no poor running old women either. I did not even feel the mattress come up to meet my face and too late and it was morning all over again.

I woke up just after noon and once again had the breakfast delivered as we spent the afternoon lazy and laughing. We finally watched my DVD of SWAT and it was a good movie. A little formulaic but it was definitely an entertaining movie. Might have been a little more interesting with an R rating as it seemed a little sanitized but still alright to watch. We then settled in for the eve and waited for the oscar broadcast. My sister stopped by to pick up her Tax forms and told us about our mexican vacation and the crazy times over the border. She had fun with my other sister down there and had plenty of good times to remember. She then bid us good night as she headed back out for her circuitous trip home. We then watched a little of all of the TV on and then made sure to catch the opening monologue on the Oscars. Chris Rock was a great host and we were happy with the show for once. No one overwhelming favorite and nobody who overpowered the rest of the show. (the many thank you's for Clint came close but hey, he deserved it). During the show Pais headed out to get us some ice cream and I watched Beyonce perform 3 different oscar songs (but none of the performances was the winner, that went to the one by Antonio). The show ended earlier than usual but then the news broadcast that we were going to have a triple storm show up and give us a nice extra blast of winter complete with 12 in of snow forecast and 50 mph winds (wtf !!!). Anyway this was enough to send us out into the night once again with a surprise appearance at Pathmark to stock up just in case the storm kept us in the house. I needed to buy food anyway as I would have felt pretty low having to live on just popcorn and vodka. That sounded too nasty to contemplate so after stocking up and bagging we headed back in and were all back in around 1:20 am. After all that I just chilled and waited for the energy of the weekend to run out before turning in myself.

Another weekend survived and more lessons learned and taken to heart. Lets pack in all of the pretty visuals and times square graphics while we still can and before it loses its spark of what is interesting. Dancing without regards for safety and moving like footmen are preparing your way for you is cool too. There is nothing you cannot achieve if you put it before yourself and set a goal that is in your realm of presence. Be part of your world and define it as you see fit. It just gets better all of the time.

Feb 18-21 - Presidents Weekend, and more presidential every day

I've been lazy, yes me. I actually skipped a weekend of writing when I was actually in town and having fun. It was kinda ordinary fun, hanging out on Friday, out with The Jimmy and the boys at Splash and then hanging on Saturday night, at the Love Ball at the Roxy, (party never really took off but was fun nonetheless) with Pais, the Jimmy and Stephen K. We enjoyed ourselves and made it back nice and easy. A nice dinner in the remnants of the snow over at the barbecue joint in Red hook and a quiet evening at home.

The week was long, and kinda quiet. Work during the day, TV and cartoons at night and a few visits to the gym. Made sure to get plenty of sleep and save some energy for the final part of the week, the three day official weekend and with an extra vctn day on the end. A nice 4 day weekend followed by a three work week. Sounds like a plan.

Friday, left work and made it home before 9. Chowed down on the Pepper Steak dinner from Uncle Liao's on fifth avenue. A check of the voicemail on the cell and I found I had received a call from Reggie the week before so I returned the call. Reggie was staying in and I was heading out. We said our see ya soons and I finished with the haircut and the outfit change and made my way down the street. The train ride was right on time after the hurry down the hill and we took the N one stop to 9th Street. There we waited for the F while reading a book just below the station level, out of the wind and the cold. The F came soon enough and despite the homeless on the train and lack of heat I read my book and made it to 14th St easy enough. I came out the station and got myself a Snapple H20 before making my way into the cold and up the street to 17th. After the chilly walk, the way into the club was held open by the doorman and I was welcomed in by the cashier. After coat check I headed back upstairs before remembering where my bartender had been moved to. At just that moment my cell rang and I answered. Pais was calling me from Quebec city and letting me know what was doing north of the border. He had timed the call just right and we said our hellos and how dos and I let Pais get some sleep as I then headed downstairs to the bar and barman Brett. The music for the evening, while it was all over the place, was mostly vocal and energetic and the crowd seemed to enjoy and the night progressed as usual. John and Andre made an appearance and hung out downstairs with the various patrons that hung out with barman Brett, as well as David and several other friends. Though no where near as much traffic and busy ness as we were used to upstairs the crowd settled down and laid into some drinks anyway. I danced upstairs on the box to the usual suspects of "Lola's Theme" and "How Would You Feel" as well as "Appreciate Me" (Peter's unreleased mix). I went up and asked the light boy who the DJ of the evening was. I was told DJ Joe D'espinosa was on the wheels at Splash this eve and keeping the boys dancing and having much fun. I had my final drink at 4am and stayed until 4:30. Bidding good night to barman Brett and friends and heading outside into the cold to flag down a taxi. I waited for the passenger to finish getting out of the cab (what a late arrival) and then got in to catch a ride home. Popped the headphones into my ears and the trip was on. The description to the driver was sufficient and I appeared back in BK most quickly. First day of the weekend was under wraps and we still had some days to go. All good.

Saturday I awoke to watching cartoons and Shrek 2 on DVD. The afternoon passed slowly with just a short nap near the end. The dinner of chicken parmesan was kinda stale and left me with a desire to eat out. I made a quick run over to the Wendy's but my diminished appetite left me eating just a junior bacon and a small chili. Afterwards I journeyed back home, cleaned up and choose the outfit. Having no usual suspects to entry into the city with I was feeling a little down. I watched a little of Scary Movie 3 before leaving the house to cheer me up. The part with Queen Latifah left me in stitches and in a very good frame of mind before I stepped out. Instead of the train again and the long walk from the train after switching subways, I walked down to the car service and waited for an available car. Since it was Saturday they were kind of busy so I stood by patiently and read a book while I waited. The car finally arrived and I listened to my ipod while I rode into the city. The driver had his moments but I was safely seatbelted. I arrived around the block and made my way up to the front entrance.

Thomas was waiting at the velvet rope in front of Roxy with a friend from london. He told me to wait with him instead of getting on the line, which was starting to get longer as we waited for doorman Derek to return. Soon enough, he was back and we were waved inside. I held the door while the boy from London showed ID. We made it inside and up the cash registers and inside after a short wait. I waited for them at first but once I went over to the bar to get a drink I had lost them so I decided to go and start off the drinking. I said hi to barman Barker and said hello to Bob H and a few others near the door. Then Duane arrived with his friends from NJ and we got a few drinks and hung out some. I remet with Tom and left him and his friend to go dance on the speaker in the asian section. "Set Yourself Free" was playing over the system and the routine pulled the boy from London up onto the speaker as well. I went down to get myself a drink and rejoined Duane and the boys. We all wandered onto the floor and waited for the just arrived DJ Rauhofer to show us something interesting. But interesting was not the word for it as right as the next song was beginning the music shut off and everyone looked around at each other. For one brief 5 second spell the actual roller disco lights shut on the place was as bright as day. Thankfully they were shut back off again and we stood there waiting for what was gonna happen next. A few boys asked me if this happened all of the time but of course I told them no. Then the announcement came over the speakers that Peter was gone for the evening but we did have DJ Merritt. (the previous weeks flyers did say DJ Merritt but the web site and the mailing from Beto stated that the DJ for the eve was Peter Rauhofer.) The beats started up shortly after and the song moved into familiar territory with an all new harder edged and high speed version of "You Ain't That Good" by Sheila Brody. Yes we had in fact been treated bad but Merritt made sure that the energy level came from below the floor and then took us up onto the stage and speaker and then way up into the lights as the party went to a whole other level. I danced well into the night and part way into the morning as the music took it there and stayed well balanced with some Star 69 Hits such as "Show It" by Friburn and Urik. I stayed until 5:30, said goodnight to the boys still in attendance and wished them well, said an inebriated good night to barman Barker and headed out into the night. I was able to get a taxi even at that late hour surprisingly easy but found I had been given a break by the driver who had just had some kids try to get a ride over to NJ but without any money. He sounded kind of upset so I just agreed, said yes, and a few that's right's as we made our way back over to Bklyn and quiet streets of my neighborhood. The bed came up to meet me and I went out like a light.

Sunday morning was missed as I awoke at 12:30pm and hung out watching Dodgeball on DVD and some cartoons in the afternoon. I had an apple and some leftovers and spoke to Pais at different points in the afternoon. Finally the door opened and Pais made his entrance. We hung out watching the All Star Game in Denver. Pais still had not fully recovered from his trip back into the US so he decided to stay in while I was going to go and attend the Sunday Party at Avalon. I waited until it was late enough and then I headed out into the night and down the street to the car service once again. This time the wait was much shorter and despite the light snowfall and the slippery streets the car for the evening was able to get me into the city without too much trouble. The trip was slower than usual and sliding through intersections did not help much and the emergency vehicles and police cars in a rush were small impediments but I was able to arrive at 6th ave and 19th street and step onto the block with the energy to make it up to the next block and past the door crowd. Some of crowd appeared to be on their way out but i just chalked it up to confused youth. Anyway I paid my fee and stepped into the club. I had to wait forever once again for the coatcheck and missed a few great songs but DJ Steve Travolta made sure that the energy did not drop and I made my way across second floor, past the DJ booth and downstairs. On my way downstairs I passed two boys engaging in oral pleasuring on the stairwell. The security guy downstairs was not too interested and I was more interested in getting a drink so I headed over to the front bar and picked me up a nice drink. I said hello to Bob H and the crowd downstairs as I danced upstairs and back down again . Pretty soon after I said hello to Andre and John and into my next drink and after finding 5 dollars over at the bar I recognized the oncoming strains of "Pass the Dutch" by Missy coming next. I made my way up to the stage but ended up dancing behind the high and the restless on the stage. I still managed to get a little sweated and made my way down off of the stage. As soon as I stepped down I ran into Dwayne (from my roller skating days) and we made our way towards the back bar and danced with the boys in the middle of the crowd as we got another drink and some water. The back bar was a little too fast and furious and downright hot, so I headed back to the mainfloor and made my way upstairs. I saw the DJ booth and the DJ having fun with the mixing. I also saw David Morales who appeared to be the reason we had heard the newest mix of Mariah Carey and "It's Like That". The mix was good but over the course of the evening we heard it 2 1/2 times over the course of the 4 hours I was there. Andre confirmed that yes that was in fact David in the booth and the party continued on. I later found myself back at the back bar and pole dancing once again. The workouts paid off and I did some athletic tricks on the pole before heading back to the dancefloor and put on a show on the stage. I was once again happy that we were able to enjoy a holiday weekend and hang out in Avalon. The wait for the coat check was annoying but not as bad as last time and I was able to get out of the place and onto the street soon enough. The snowfall was annoying but also meant I knew I was going to have a hard time getting a car. I decided to walk down to 14th street and get a train ride home. I ended up passing my stop on the N train and ending up someplace deep into BK but was able to walk over to the other side and head back uptown and towards home. I was able to get back to my stop fairly quickly and make my way up the hill and into the house. I opened the door downstairs and made my way up and into the building to the apartment and then shed my wrap and accessories and made my way to the sleeping place.

Thank goodness for the days of resting up and awaiting the evening. Despite losing and finding my ATM card and having to journey up the block for a good sandwich I ended up watching various cartoons once again and after Pais returned home we watched Scary Movie 3 and then later when he had turned in I watched Agent Cody Banks on On Demand. The next day I watched Johnson Family Vacation and Clockwork Orange. Then some episodes of Angel and Charmed to bring on the night.

I am beginning to truly latch onto the importance of days and nights of rest. Looking forward to hanging with the guys and boys once again next weekend. Just bring me more friends and family and we will enjoy the days and nights together. If I can have all of the fun I have had mostly alone with a few guest appearances imagine what I fun I will be able to discover and have when the full squad is back together and then some. Well here's to good friends. The night will be kinda special. But guess what its even more fun then even Lowenbrau can make it. I have a few different drinks on the menu ahead. We'll have at 'em soon enough.

Feb 4-6 So much but I just can't speak about it.. (Right)

I made it through another week. People are always on the subways doing nasty things and not caring if someone else sees (Things with noses and smells and trash and just evilness). I was very happy to make it through to the weekend and not just having to threaten someone or just attack for the sheer righteousness of it. I really want to remain civil in these trying times. I meant to go to the gym on Friday night but there was so much to do at work and my PC at my desk was just not cooperating (5 reboots in one day) and so little time. But I left for home and decided to use the free weights, some push ups and just get ready to do the evening. I had dinner, trimmed the hair, showered, outfitted, and watched the news. Stayed in long enough to see the evil fake dentists that use fake photos to advertise dental work (Fake teeth veneer jobs that need to be redone) and then it was time to head out.

The city was a little warmer and despite a little bit of traffic it cleared up and it was not too bad to get into the city on this night. Actually found a parking space right on the street but the dangerous slush made it a little more of a chore to get out of the car than usual. Said hello to the door guys and made it in alright. Paid at the cashier, checked the coats and made a quick runthrough but did not see barman Brett. A little bummed but headed to the downstairs bar and got a Smirnoff Ice and hung out with Paisley for a bit. The lights on the main floor were a lot more active than usual and even though the regular light guy had gotten a lot more interested in synching the lights to the beat and mood of the music, the lights this eve were going full blast and you could see the energy on the floor from across the room. I checked out the booth and saw that Ms Liz Ligouri was back on the boards and making sure that she was in more than 2 places at once constantly. If she wasn't turning the lights up and down and all around she was synching the video screens and showing us glimpses of "boys gone wild" all the while matching what you saw to the beat being thrown down by DJ Eliot Dehoyos. Yes Splash was hosting the Tribe party once again and all the boys who were there were feeling the dance and the vibe of the tribal. I made sure to stop by and say hi and even gave Liz a copy of one of my CDs with a tribal sound all its own "Freezer Burn" and she said she looked forward to listening to it. I then went by the bar and low and behold Mr Brett was back at his station at the front bar. He had just stepped away for a second and I had missed him on my previous walkthrough. After trading pleasantries and picking up another drink I headed back downstairs to tell Pais I was going to be doing some dancing on the main floor. I ended up hanging out on the dancefloor with Reggie and Jared and we had a pretty good time dancing, talking, and pretty much enjoying ourselves from beginning to end. I split my time between the dance floor, the downstairs bar, the speaker box (dancing to "La Noche"), and the front bar. Brett said he had to leave around 3am and I myself stayed until about 3:30 but I was able to pick up a Next Magazine, say goodnight to the guys and then make it out to the car to head home. There was a lot to do the next day so going home to go to sleep was something to be looked forward to. Another Friday night and it all ends as it should. All good.

The morning came to us with plenty on the agenda to do. We headed out to target to pick up tax preparation software and stopped on the way back into Park Slope to pick up some bagels and fixings for such. The wait in the place was involved but with a line that long it seemed like it must be worth it so we hung out, talked about the clientele, the news in the paper (people getting shot on Mad Ave) and finally headed out with sandwiches ready to eat when we got home. I did my brothers taxes when I got home (nice to know someone is getting something back) and then did Amy's. She was happy with the result and we finished up with pre-printed envelopes and made sure of the NY and Fed signatures and it was all done. We then headed down to Bay Ridge and Century 21 to take advantage of NY Tax Free Week. I ended up stocking up and making sure that for at least the foreseeable months I was set (no visiting Macy's or Penney's anytime soon). We dropped off Amy at Boro Hall and headed back home to get an italian dinner delivery and rest up before heading out on Sat Night. The Jimmy arrived around 10:30 and we hung out watching news and highlights before programming the DVR and heading out into the Saturday Night.

We found parking right on West Street and were able to get to the line in front of Roxy for a little bit of a wait while awaiting the return of doorman Derek. After he came back we said hello and made our way inside to see the guys with the wristbands, the cashiers and the coat check staff before we made it inside and checked the place over. The DJ for the evening was Chad Jack and we were looking forward to seeing what he would do with a full house after having had braved the elements to see his last party in the snowstorm. We said hello to barman Barker and settled in for another Roxy evening. After a few trips and revolutions around the front I felt the mood getting more and more into the music and took to the speakerbox in the asian section to dance to "Sexercise" and then headed to the back bar to hang with Pais and the Jimmy as we meeted and greeted. The DJ decided early on that we were climbing a musical mountain and when it was time for a peak it was more like a brilliant vista as DJ Chad did his level best to wear us out. At one point while dancing on the stage, hands lit, with side dancers of young black guy on the solo speaker and a black guy behind me and a russian guy (very friendly and totally into the music) on my left, we proceeded to dance on and on until finally I needed a gatorade break and another drink. We ended up staying at the party until well after 4am but having felt I had done myself in with not enough red bull and too much vodka. Also I had one vodka cranberry over the course of the evening that should have been a Mandarin and Red bull. Because of this I ended up sliding down the steps leading out of the Roxy with a nice set of scratches on my right ankle for my troubles. We went to the diner up the street but I had no sort of appetite and only heroic efforts on the part of Paisley enabled me to get home in one piece in a yellow taxi and not destroy myself or some innocent bystanding cabbie. I fell out like a rock and was just as happy to be asleep as I was a few hours before to have been dancing on the stage, hands outstretched over a crowd of happy club kids. Well, it had to be lived through some time. It must have been this past weekend then.

Anyway Sunday, Super Sunday came in with the normal flourish. I began by eating my leftover burger and fries from my overnight and was convinced that I was a firm believer in refrigeration and was highly thankful that my stomach was made of sterner stuff so I was not overwhelmed by my poorly stored hamburger. I spent the afternoon catching up on 'toons and watching various films. Pais caught up on work stuff and rested and pretty soon naps were in order all around as the length and duration of the weekend of shopping and partying made its final installment payments on our bodies and minds. During the actual Super Bowl, we had italian dinner while watching commercials and enjoying a rather well played defensive game. Pais went out during halftime to pick up a Baskin Robbins dessert and we finished up the evening watching The Simpsons (violent but very funny episode) and American Dad (also very funny, a lot of promise but the alien was nasty with the slime, very unnecessary). Because of all of the Sunday napping I was able to stay up until around 2am watching Cartoon network and reading news from around the world on my Powerbook.

I was too worn out to comment on my weekend Sunday night or even Monday Night. I contemplated not writing about this past weekend at all but it was still worth an honorable mention and I ended up writing the above just to make sure I gave it the recognition that it deserved. I had a lot of fun, hung out with friends, made sure my presence and energy was felt and definitely enjoyed every minute of it. As long as we continue to ascend there is no reason to come back down. The high points keep on coming and I am enjoying the view from where I've been.