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October 30, 2006
GIR
Craig arrived from Atlanta on Saturday afternoon. Its been great seeing him again. Last time he was here it was about a year and a half ago.
Craig, Steve, David, and I went out in costume Saturday. It was the "gay" Halloween in Castro (not to be confused with the night the straight people from the city and east bay come into Castro and cause trouble in our neighborhood). We stopped at Daddys first (440 Castro for those who wish to call it that) and then to the Mixx and met up with Matt (aka Bat Fag that night). I didnt seem to be doing too well but none the less I went over to Powerhouse with them in which I stayed about 10 minutes and then realized how sick I was feeling.
Im not sure what it was but for some reason I was feeling drunker and sicker than normal and I didnt really drink all that much. I quickly caught a cab and came home.
Yesterday was the Handler/pup outing to Six Flags Marine World. There was about 10 people who showed up and it was great to spend the day with them. The last frieght fest was the last time I had been to Six Flags. Next outing will be Laser Tag. Oh boy!!!!
So back to work this morning. This week seems pretty busy for me. Tomorrow is Halloween and Im still debating on going out in Castro. I have avoided it for two years because of all the true horror stories Ive heard with people getting stabbed, and killed. It will be a mad house but we shall see.
Wednesday I made plans with my friend Jason and Thursday will be the Sisters Revival Bingo which Im planning on going to. Friday night my friend John wants to host a few pups at his place for a movie night. Saturday my friend Jason who moved back to Sacramento will be around for a bit in the evening and wants to get some friends together for dinner.
Im not sure what Stephens time is like but Id like to try and find time to hang out with him as well or at least see if perhaps he wants to join me for some of the stuff above. Hopefully we will find some time.
Posted by Des at 07:53 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
October 23, 2006
Nightmare Before Christmas & Testing
Friday was a long day but well worth it. I was up at 5:30 and to work at 8. I worked till 6pm and met up with Stephen around 6:40. We went back to my place so I could change out of my dress clothes and we were off to dinner at Blue.
I have to say I was a bit disappointed with the food this time however the service was good. We both ordered from the grill and I knew I should have stuck to dinner. The Monte Cristo there was just not what I had expected (too much bread and not enough meat and cheese), and Stephens burger wasn't up to par either. The conversation next to us was irritating as well. A younger guy talking about the people he knew who had money and how their parents bought their kids houses right next to each other. Apparently this made him important and he felt the need to let everyone else know how important he was. I've always said "if you have to tell people how important you are, you generally aren't that important to begin with".
So after dinner we had a few hours to kill before hitting the movie theater. We went for a drink at the Mens Room which I had never been before and then down to Marlenas where I always enjoy the atmosphere.
Around 11 we hit the Metreon to see the midnight showing of Nightmare Before Christmas in 3D. I think many people expected it to be completely different so that things fly out at you and you experience what was actually made for 3D. I think they did a great job reworking the 3D to give more of a live stage performance and go into the movie rather than out.
Finally home and asleep by 2am which made for a hard nights sleep and a great morning. Stephen and I met up with John and Nipper for breakfast. I ended up going with the two of them to various pet stores looking for squeeky toys. We finally found the perfect one and I'm now the proud owner of a blue, pacifier shaped squeeky.
Sunday was beer bust. I was expecting to see Daddy Tony and wanted to find out about getting tested. As fate would have it, I arrived early and they had the testing van there. Quick and simple I got tested and I am now confident enough to say I'm HIV negative. One question that popped in my head is "How do you express joy for being negative to someone who's positive, without making them feel like they are less of a person". I am relieved but still want people who are pos to know its ok with me.
So this weekend, Halloween parties, and Six Flags Frieght Fest. Good stuff and fun times ahead.
Posted by Des at 06:40 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
October 16, 2006
Taking Back The Castro
Before I start talking about the fun stuff, Id like to take a moment to talk about the meeting I just came from. Take Back The Castro is a community potrol that is being put in place by several people I know and respect in the community. The reason its being established is because of several sexual assalts and violent crimes that have been happening to people in my community. Happening to people I know. This has got to stop.
Tonight I listened to several people talk about how they were assalted both on the street and nearly in their homes. It was tough to listen to and as I could tell by the staggering voice, it was very tough for them to talk about openly in front of about 100 people.
Several people talked about defense and several people really got me thinking about my own life and the risks I take every day. After hearing recently about a friend of mine in Rochester, and how he was assalted just walking down the street, tonight really got me thinking about the steps I need to take to make my life safer. It also helped me realize how I can help make others safe as well.
I will be going out and getting both a flashlight and a whistle. I realized I walk home from the bar drunk many nights and walk up a dark staircase of 116 steps. On several ocassions there has been people, younger kids, hanging out at the top. Although nothing has ever been said to me, there is always the chance it could. You may think it wont happen to you until it actually has already happened and gone.
A topic that was also covered was how to be a good witness and help a victim be a good witness as well. The things you are taught to look at arent always the best things to remember. An example given was the shirt a person is wearing. Shirts are easily removed when someone is running. Things we should look for are things that cant change or are difficult to chance such as shoes, facial hair, scars, gender, height, and any type of incriminating marks. Another great thing to keep track of is the direction the person is going.
As for the victem, one man talked about his sexual assault. After the incident, he went home, threw away all his clothes, and showered and scrubbed every memory he could possibly have gotten rid of. This could destroy any evidence that could be used to find the criminal. It was all very interesting to listen to and Id like to dedicate some time to helping out where I can.
On a more fun note, I went miniture golfing yesterday with a large group of friends and made a few new ones along the way. We rode up to Fremont, about 15 of us all together, and took over the golf course as well as the Jack In The Box next door. The next outing will be laser tag. That should prove interesting as well.
Ok, Im off to watch Heros.
Posted by Des at 08:51 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
October 14, 2006
Swan dive (hope they were straight)
No offense to the straight people I know and love. This pertains to the uncool ones who really have no purpose in life. Mind you there are annoying gay men too like the ones who whine and the ones who are cracked out of their minds. Either way, this is a rant about straight people (those other straight people)...
So Rick and I went shopping today. As always, I pointed out how annoying many straight people can be. Oblivious to everyone else around them, kissing and holding hands in public (what do they think this is the rest of America?), and pretty much thinking their lives mean something to the rest of the world. Ok, Im a bit bitter when it comes to these things.
Anyway, Rick and I were getting back on the muni and someone was running around another person to catch the train. She rain in the yellow section that is supposed to be the line to stand behind. They make people stand behind this line for a reason just in case you straight people havent heard of it. Its not just a pretty line they decided to paint.
With that said, I turned to Rick and said I know someone is going to eventually try running around someone who is completely oblivious to the world around them, and they are going to go flying onto the tracks. I wasnt being funny, I was being serious.
So to speed forward a bit, Im online and Rick sends me an instant message. It goes something like this.
5:38:22 PM rickolodeon: it's your fault, you know
5:38:30 PM desp1969: whats that?
5:38:39 PM rickolodeon: "Someone did a swan dive in front of the muni car I was riding on at church st station"
5:38:50 PM desp1969: OMG!
5:38:54 PM desp1969: youre kidding
5:38:58 PM rickolodeon: no
Apparently someone in the chat room had just mentioned this and I totally missed it.
So to get back to pet peeves on muni, one of my biggest one is when someone purposely puts their hand or foot in the door to stop it from closing so they can get on. This is completely rude and I just dont get how people dont see it. They are only concerned with themselves, and have no idea that by making sure they catch *that* train, they are holding up EVERYONE else on the train and the platform. Selfish and rude people suck and should write on the chalkboard 1000 times "I will not block the door from closing on MUNI ever again".
Ok, nuff venting. Im heading out for coffee, food, and then drinks (exactly in that order).
Posted by Des at 07:46 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
October 13, 2006
The Root of it all
So the drinks part turned into a night of drinking. The flickr party was a bit lame so we soon ended up at the Eagle. After getting our groove on there, Stephen and I ended up at the Powerhouse and TJ headed home.
It was a fun night and Stephen eventually just came here and stayed the night. It was nice to actually have someone I'm attracted to sleeping next to me. He's a really great guy and I see so many common interests. I'm really not certain where it will lead but I will certainly let life play itself out.
This morning it was dentist time. I went in there and the were pretty prompt with everything. They had me in the room and the dentist started the root canal. I explained my finance situation as well as my dental insurance terming at the end of the month, so the dentist gave me 50 percent off my copay. Root canal is nearly done and then to work on getting a crown. That may be expensive if I can't get hime to do the work before the 1st.
Posted by Des at 08:26 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
October 12, 2006
Painful Night, New Job in the City
So yesterday was one of the most (if not *the* most) painful day of my life. My tooth that has been an issue for some time (which I've ignored for some time) started acting up again. It kept me down on Saturday which I appreciated because I wasn't looking to go out but yesterday, I could barely keep from crying from the pain. I had been taking ibuprophin to try and keep the pain at bay, but even after chewing on about 15 it still wasn't helping any.
I finally broke down and called my dentist, who's office was closed on Wednesday. He was in the middle of driving and asked me to call back in a half hour so I did. He was nice enough to call in a prescription for Vicoden and I was soon at the pharmacy seeking relief. Finally about 10:30 it kicked in as I drifted off to sleep and had one of the best nights sleep I've had in years.
This morning I woke and today was the day I started at the actual office. I wasn't sure what I would be walking into but was soon greeted with open arms and with much excitement. People really seemed happy I was there.
I have to say, I really am happy to be working in this part of the city. Although Folsom & 1st isn't exactly the Park Ave of San Francisco, it does have its charm and a few more places to eat and get coffee. Its also nice to be among the people dressed in business attire.
So I walked around at lunch and became familiar with the area. I grabbed a quick burrito at a cheap mexican place and called my dentists office to schedule an emergency visit at 9:30am Friday.
I also have business cards which is new to me. The title reads Insurance Coordinator. Wow a title even. I realize its nothing more than a biller who talks to patients but still its nice to see in print.
I didn't get too much done with the exception of getting my email set up, getting internet access (not everyone has it so I feel special), and a bit more experience with reading the system.
Tonight I'm on my way to an SF Flickr party. I'm meeting my friend Stephen and his friend TJ and really not sure what to expect. As for most people who read this know, I've been completely overwhelmed by flickr. I post all my photos there and tell everyone else to do the same.
After this Ill probably need a drink. I haven't celebrated being back to civilization yet and really need a cocktail.
We will see......
Posted by Des at 08:17 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
October 11, 2006
New Job
I started my new job this week and have been in Novato, CA for the past 3 days training. I arrived Monday morning to this little town which is about 45 minutes north of San Francisco in Marin County. Peoples responses when I mentioned I had to come here for training were "Im sorry", which led me to feel less than happy being here, before I even arrived.
My judgement at first was that its just like everyone had made me believe. I hate the country, I hate being away from civilization and feeling isolated from the real world that I call San Francisco. The people are all families with kids, and live in modern houses, and have yards, and swimming pools. There really isnt anything more than a shopping plaza with a drug store, and a Bells Market.
This is where Id be training. The home was set back from a side road and was absolutely gorgeous. I cant get over how big it was. 2 living rooms, a huge kitchen, a small little room on the side with a table and books, a pool out back with a tennis court. These folks obviously have some money.
It was a bit odd working there since the family was around part of the time and Im not used to working in an environment where I would have to deal with other family members. Regardless of that it felt good to be doing something I know.
I picked up quickly and they seemed impressed by how much I already know and am capable of. I hope the impression is real since I really feel comfortable doing the job. I really feel like it is something I can continue and will definitely be a good move for me from selling headsets. It should also prove useful in eventually starting my freelance photography business in 3 years.
They put me up at the Inn Marin and the hotel I have to say has been great. A gorgeous pool, hammocks in the shade, and a great restaurant which I really enjoyed. The only downfall is the wireless signal which is very faint in the room and if I move my laptop too far, it cuts out as quick as dawn to the person who overslept.
So despite the bugs, the breeders, the fancy cars, and the isolation, its been a pretty good stay here. I will be happy to get home.
Posted by Des at 08:19 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
October 04, 2006
Sizes too small
So I ended up with 2 new shirts Saturday both being size small. What has become of a world where they now have to make sizes bigger to compliment the egos of a person who can't admit to themselves they are a bit over weight. Perhaps its the size 3 who wants to remain a size 2 and squeezes into the shirt, pants, dress and would rather look like the remains of dinner that you try to cram into the tupperwear bowl because you don't want to dirty a bigger one.
So here I am looking at myself, knowing I'm a size medium and having to buy a small. Being a size small is nice if you really are a small but I know my reality and its now distorted by clothing size. I really feel bad for men like Josh who are truly an extra small and already have trouble finding clothes that are small enough.
On another note, the 24 hour date that I was supposed to have with the guy from NYC was a bust. It lasted about 2 hours, we went to Castro Street Fair, and Embarcadero Center. I realized after a few hours, it just wasn't going to work. He didn't seem to be into being there which really made me feel like I wanted out.
I ended it by going home to take a nap with the notion we would try and get together later in the evening. I went to beer bust at The Eagle.
About 5pm he called. He had a friend who only had time to get together that evening so he was taking that option. Part of me was disappointed but the other part relieved that I didn't have to fill my obligation to an evening/night that was sure to make me feel trapped. My only real issue is that I took Monday off work for this but fate proved to work in funny ways.
I decided on a "do nothing day Monday" and did most of the day. I met up with Jason for a quick lunch at Slider and went home to take a nap.
The phone rang about 5 minutes after I laid down. After thinking all the people I knew who would be coming to town had come and gone, it was my Friend Marc (now in Phoenix but originally from Rochester) on the phone.
normally if its someone I talk to regularly, I would have pressed ignore and went on with my nap but knowing Marc never calls unless something is up, I answered.
He is in town on a layover with his airline. It was absolutely great getting to see him even if it was just briefly for a night of drinking. Its also nice to show close friends and family what my life is like now. We hung out for the afternoon and evening and finally he was off to his hotel room.
Tonight is my last pod outing with the crew at headsets. The "pod" are the small group of us that work togetheras a small team. We are going to some place that has beer tasting and food. I used to hate these things but grew to apreciate them and getting to know my coworkers better.
Mike took me to Starbucks this morning and expressed how much he would miss me here. It was touching because I really knew it was genuine.
Till tomorrow
Posted by Des at 08:16 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack