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September 30, 2005
Shooting Stars
This morning, after an emotional dream last night, I awoke feeling good. It sucks when your own emotional issues are transferred to the ones you love the most through confusion and fear.
I am afraid. I need to work on this.
Leaving for work and walking down 17th to Muni, thinking about my issues and fears, I looked up. I saw a shooting star and quickly made a wish.
The train I normally miss, which I always want to catch, arrived in perfect unison with my arrival to Castro Station. The train didn't falter once and dropped me off at Van Ness with little time before the bus arrived.
I couldn't have had a better commute to work via public transit. It’s a Friday no less. I hope all the stars continue to be aligned and the rest of the day is the same.
We shall see.
I arrive at work with 20 minutes to spare. Nothing exploded. The Bagels are here already and there is coffee made. Am I setting myself up for a let down? Hmmmmm
Posted by Des at 04:27 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
September 29, 2005
Waking up disturbed
So I wake up from a very disturbing dream. I walked up to corner enterance of a building, covered with an awning and there were about 3 people standing there. They werent hurting anyone but I knew one was the were the ring leader and had to be shot. Me, with my machine gun in hand, proceeded to fire a round. I hit the leader and with holes through his mid section, he continued to walk around unphased.
The guy next to him, who I recognized but after waking didnt know, was also hit and walking around as plain as day. He begged me to finish the job. I then took the gun, centered it in his mouth and fired.
With his eyes bloodshot from the blow and obviously off balance, he fell to the floor dead as dead can be.
I walked away, feeling a loss, feeling remorse, and afraid at the same time. The leader was still alive and would surely come after me to kill me. I had little fear or concern for that but still a hint of sadness came over me. I went upstairs to be by myself.
I woke up from the dream feeling disturbed.
Posted by Des at 06:03 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
September 27, 2005
Those that wanted the link... here ya go
Here is the link to the Folsom Street Fair and Love Parade pictures. Most have already received the link already but for those who didnt, here you are.
Posted by Des at 04:22 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
September 26, 2005
Folsom Street Fair
I left the apartment around 10:30, stopped at Posh to grab a bagel and was off to the fair. I arrived just after 11 and it gave me some time to walk around before heading over to Mark's. The fair was pretty empty which was good. I got to briefly look at some of the booths set up and take a few pictures without anyone getting in the way.
Around 11:50, I headed over to Marks. I had volunteered to work for 2 hours helping out with his annual photography shoot. Apparently he's been photographing the leather scene in SF since the 70's. I was kind of excited about helping yet a bit scared since I didnt know what he wanted me to do.
I arrived and Mark was out with 2 others putting up posters and getting the final touches on before opening the door. Finally he told me he wanted to put me outside and attract people. I was shocked and complimented at the same time. Me as bait? Weird... Ive never thought of myself as bait material but it was nice to be "that" guy.
The bonus was, I got to stand in the stairwell right on the fair and watch the crowd from a slight advantage above everyone. People seem to flirt more knowing you are a part of something.
I did manage to see a few new fetishes that I had never seen before. Well Ive heard of pony play but never imagined they made such gear for it. Pony play has always been known as a straight fetish and it help true. There were women with bits in their mouths and actual hoof's. The hoof's even galloped when they walked. They looked to be made of plastic and we're like heels that their feet went in. It was very amusing.
Finally my time there ended. I walked briefly waiting for some people I knew to show up. I walked around and ran into Steve and Eric and walked with them a bit. Ian showed up and I hung out with him and finally Josh got there a little after 3. Jay showed up a bit later and now there was 6 of us walking around. Around 4pm most of us were tired of the fair and headed over to the Eagle for a few drinks. Not as much fun but fun to people watch. I realized just because youre cute, doesnt mean you have a personality. One cute guy with a cute puppy tail coming out of his jeans, stood in front of us. After watching guys fawn over him and his tail, and listening to him talk to others, I realized a) he was really drunk and b) Im so glad Im not him as cute as he is.
Finally I headed home around 6. The walk back to Muni was interesting. I ran into a guy who was pissing on a car. Decked out in leather and nearly falling over. I talked to him a bit and he started walking with me. Drunk and obnoxious in ways, he told me how his partner is closeted and ditched him. He was off to go find him but really wanted to go home. He had a bit too much fair.
Finally to the muni and just as I get on, This young cute guy (again drunk go figure) slams into the back of me. Proceeds to tell me how cute I am, try to kiss me, then starts feeling and groping not only myself but everyone on the train. This ended up escalating to him trying to grab asses, pinch nipples, and annoy everyone around. He slapped a straight girls ass and her boyfriend looked like he wanted to hit him.
Thankfully my camera was in hand because I got a picture of both guys on the way home. The drunk guy pissing and the drunk boy on Muni (He's the one on the right).
Finally home, relaxing, and in bed early. I need rest.
The rest of the pictures for the Love Parade and Folsom are posted. Next weekend Castro Street Fair.
Posted by Des at 05:27 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
September 24, 2005
Love Parade
Finally the Love Parade was today...
Its been a weekend of drinking for me and then some. Thursday night my friend Lonnie from Chicago arrived in SF. Mind you, I have never met this guy and have chatted with him for about 8 years now. Theres a little bit of fear in meeting someone after all that time and a fear that they wont live up to what you had envisioned. Perhaps a little fear that perhaps you wont live up to theirs either.
Either way, it seemed to work out and we met up Thursday night at the Eagle. We proceeded to drink and drink and drink until the Jack & Cokes started to kick my ass a bit, and then we went to The Lone Star to drink some more. Lets just say Friday at work was not the most fun although I am surprised my hang over wasnt much worse.
Friday night was again a night of drinking. I met Lonnie and this guy Bill who was in town from Indiana. He knew Lonnie already but didnt know Lonnie was in town and just happened to meet me online. Weird how the world works sometimes. Imagine, you meet someone online, they say they are going to be in town, you tell them you have a friend from a different city who is going to be in town as well, and they know each other. Small world out there.
So last night we went to dinner at the Thai restaurant on 18th in Castro. It was Lonnie, Bill, my friend Ian, and myself. Delicious and left overs in the fridge. YAY.... Bill, I have to say is a really sweet guy and a bit shy at first. We came back here after dinner so I could show them our new apartment and of course start our drinking binge. We started out with a very high content Vodka and 7Up.
The night continued in Castro and started with Daddys. It was a bit boring so we decided to head to the Pilsner where we could smoke. As we went past Detour, I saw my friend Brian outside who works there and was looking rather hot in his leather gear. Chaps and ass showing are always one of my favorites. He was having an event there called Domin Asian (domination for those who arent good with the puns). It all made sense now as I remembered he loves dominant asian guys. We stopped in for a couple of drinks before heading to the Pilsner.
Pilsner was lame. We ended up heading over to Ians, who lived about a block away, and had fun there. Some people were naughty and need spankings. You know who you are :-P
Today was the Love Parade. We went last year and had a blast. It was much different this year. I was prepared for the freaky fest with bright green glitter hair, silver horns, and a black and white button up shirt with red cuffs.
St3ve, Josh, and I headed down there around 12:30, and met up with Lonnie and Bill and grabbed a bite to eat in Union Square. The square was being invaded by Verizon wireless and some weird, loud, promotion complete with old dance music, large video monitors, and dancing girls who get off on the camera. The highlight was an older black man who was attempting to show he still has his break dancing groove and was moving to the music.
We headed back down to Market to catch the last half of the parade which had already started. I seem to remember last year, there being more floats, and less people. The speakers were only on one side of each float but there was some good music playing (as well as some bad stuff).
We followed the parade down to Civic Center. It was kind of weird being "the devil with the green hair" guy and having people asking if Id take a picture with them. Wow, I guess I was part of the entertainment which is what I set out to do. I guess I just never expected it to happen.
The Civic Center was surrounded by float after float and we kind of wandered around and danced to several DJs and again some good and bad music. After about an hour there, I was ready to come home.
Overall it was a great time and would still recommend people going next year. Last year was a bit better though.
Off to the Eagle for another drunk night and finally tomorrow.... Folsom... Dun Dun Dun!!!
Posted by Des at 08:19 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
September 17, 2005
The Other Side of It
So the other side to the last post, is have you ever looked at someone who was drop dead gorgeous and said "He's really good looking but I could never date him because he's way too gay".
Its been a busy week for me, some ups and some downs. It seems I got a raise at work and they were very nice in giving it to me. They simply called me into the office and said "we want to give you more money". I said *sigh... ok".
I got my money from the DVD and went out and bought my leather vest. Its a bar vest and I have to admit, it looks great on me :)
I cant wait to wear it in.
Other things at work, they have been piling on more work these days and I feel like Im treading water to keep up. One of my biggest issues is saying "I cant get that done". To me I should be able to do everything they put on my desk. Unfortunately Im one person and there has to be a line.
One of the reasons is that the one person I do back up for when she is out, has been out most of the week. Not sure really if she will be back. I hope so but you can never really tell here. Its like some weird horror movie where people just disappear and everyone goes about as if they were never there. They are in fear because of camera and people may be watching if they say anything. Actually there was an episode this last season of Smallville that was similar. Anyway, its kind of freaky how people just disappear.
With that, one of my new roles is back up for Live Person. I never thought I would be afraid of chat and instant messaging before but its kind of tough keeping up with 8 chats and entering in orders as well as researching stuff all at once. I give the full time Live Person chatters lots of credit. Its a lot harder than the phones.
Finally we had a record week at work. Its amazing. We had a million dollar week. Last time we had a record week, we got $150 worth of new clothes. Im hoping that we will still get something since this was a true record and breaking the million dollar mark is unreal for a week. We all celebrated with a bit of champaigne at the end of the day yesterday.
Thats about it and up to date thus far. Hopefully things will continue on an upscale for the next few weeks. Next weekend will be a lot of picture taking. The Love Parade on Saturday and Folsom Street Fair on Sunday. Ill be sure to share the pics :)
Posted by Des at 05:25 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
September 13, 2005
Drop Dead Gorgious!
There are certain people, who you can just look at and say "I could never date them because my own self esteem would be in the toilet".
There was a guy on Muni this morning who was drop dead gorgeous.....
Posted by Des at 04:27 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
September 10, 2005
Murder and Mayham
Last night work sponsored a murder mystery dinner at the Archbishops Mansion which is one of the oldest hotels in San Francisco. Located at 1000 Fulton Street, it was a fantastic place to explore. Learning some of the historical attributes, I found that the mirror above the bar, once belonged to Mary Todd Lincoln, and the chandelier which hung in the entrance foyer, was that of which was featured in gone with the wind.
With the actors mixing and mingling, we met Dick, the cop who was filty rich, his wife Dora who used to be a coat check girl, now rich lush who married Dick, Auntie Agatha who seemed a bit dillusional and over the top with her wit, charm, and drinking her tea (she only drinks tea). We met Dudley, her dimwitted nephew, as well as Shirley Holmes who wore a black veil out of mourning her late grandfather. We met Marmaduke the mystic, who solved his crimes through his psychic abilities. Nancy was late as well as Julius Alexander. Together they were the slueths in the murder mystery.
To make a long and fun evening shorter, the first found dead was Julius with a note that said "I will prove Im the best slueth". One by one the slueths started dying. Marmaduke had Julius's famous corkscrew in his head. Yes he got screwed on that deal. The Dora, the Nancy (who was really one in the same with Shirley). All that remained at the end were Dick, Auntie Agatha, and Dudley.
As for dinner, I had the salmon and Josh had pork. Not the greatest dinner but still good. We had wine and wine and wine and cheesecake for desert. Josh had cheesecake AND the chocolate almond cake. I guess all you have to do is ask lol.
Overall it was a fun time. Josh finally got to hang out with my coworkers and decided that there are actually a few he likes of course the wine may have helped with that one.
Posted by Des at 07:11 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
September 08, 2005
Gay Marriage
So Tuesday night, California legislature passed the bill approving neutral gender marriages voting 41-35. Ive seen the info on several blogs and figured I would add some info to mine. Perhaps this day and age, with enough blogs that carry the information, something useful can come out of it.
Our governor has already said he will veto the bill but there is still time to send your thoughts by clicking this link. http://www.govmail.ca.gov.
with the email, you can also call the governors office and vote.
916-445-2841
Press 5 to voice your opinion on a current hot issue
then Press 2 for gender-neutral marriage
Then press the corresponding button to Support—I think it's 1, but listen to make sure
Here is my letter:
Dear Governor's Office,
I have a few questions about gender-neutral marriage. First off, why do you hate me so much? I can understand if I personally attacked you or your family but needless to say I havent. I have been living here, living life, and going about my daily business every day.
You may say its an issue and one person shouldnt take it so personally but as an individual, how can I not? I mean it represents who I am and how I live doesnt it?
Id like to take a moment to talk about family because isnt family another part of this? Id like to explain how I left my family which have been my backbone and support growing up, to move to the west coast in order for my partner to be closer to his. With this, his family became like mine, and mine (while we were on the east coast) became his. My nieces and nephew call him uncle.
Truth is, it's all cute and dear, however its not real. They are not my inlaws, nor my relatives his. With your veto of the bill they never will be. So again I ask, why do you hate me so much? Is it simply for who I am or something less serious as to who I chose to spend my life with? I have other family members who will judge me that way.
Lets take a moment to talk about love. How can you judge me based on my abilities to love? I love my partner (wish I could say husband) with all my heart. Like every couple we have had good times and bad times throughout the 2 1/2 years together but the truth is, I would never trade our relationship for any other out there. Even relationships between a man and a woman would be jealous of how much we care about each other.
Well I guess that about says it all. The issue you talk about, in case you havent noticed, is dear to each individual thats affected. It is personal to each individual. Its not a mass of people you are affecting but each individuals life. I dont believe that sending signals of hatred to each person is what you were going for with this and if I were like you, I would put you in the same regards. You would then become a part of a whole group in which you would lose any identity and be judged by the opposing team. You are one person and deserve to be treated as one person. So am I.
Thanks for your time,
San Francisco
Posted by Des at 05:49 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
September 02, 2005
A few quick things ....
So yesterday was the first day of the new fairs on MUNI. They raised the price 25 cents. No biggie, however there are people protesting the increase. There was a guy at the corner of Market and Van Ness, while I was waiting for the bus, telling people to get on and not pay. He said "the cops wont bust you" lol. Makes me wonder how smart some people are.
Up until 2002, MUNI didnt raise their fares and was $1 to ride. In 2002 they raised it to $1.25. Now nearly 3 years later, they realized that they needed to raise the price in order to pay for the increase to costs and their failing budgets, so they raised it as of September 1st to $1.50. I think $1.50 is great compared to most cities.
I wonder how smart these protesters really are considering if people arent paying to ride muni, then that increases their cost even more, which will in turn raise the price again, and again, and again. Perhaps if they just accepted it and paid the new fair, prices wont go up so quickly. It seems so obvious to me but apparently the obvious isnt always recognized by some people.
On another note, work gave us $150 to spend on new clothes since we had a record breaking week last week. I saw a leather vest that I would love to get at Worn Out West for $125 and was thinking it would be a great time to finally get one. Ive wanted one for a while now and never really had the money to do it. I got to try some on and I really liked the way it looked on me but cant help but think that I should probably buy new pants and shirts instead. hmmmm..... decisions decisions.....
With that, tomorrow Josh and I will go clothes shopping. Im going to keep the vest in mind and look at other stuff. We shall see what happens.
So Labor Day and a 3 day weekend? I get to work. YAY! Steve brought me home a project yesterday which Im kind of excited about. His boss wants a 20th Anniversary DVD made and he thought of me. I take that as a great compliment and although Im very confident I can do it, Im a bit scared at the same time. Ive never done anything like this for money. Either way, its an extra couple of hundred dollars which can go toward bills. Maybe a leather vest instead but again we'll see.
Summer has finally hit here and if its nice on Monday we may just go to Baker Beach for the day. Ive been wanting to get back there since last year Labor Day. The sun has been shining, temps have been around 70, and this should last through October. Hooray for Summer.
So basically everythings great for the time being.
Posted by Des at 06:09 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack