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May 31, 2003
mean green mowing machine
Trying to sleep in this morning, I sense that someone outside has a severe hedge trimmer fetish. It's been going on for like two hours now. I guess I can't blame him...it's one of the first dry mornings we've had in weeks. Landscapers all over DC are going apeshit mowing the lush grass growth. Piles of juicy, wet lawn trimmings dot all the lawns, having been wedged out of clogged mowers. Being the evasive cunt that she is, the sun peeked out for a moment and retreated yet again. I guess I can catch up on some long-avoided web work, and possibly a new banner redesign today. I tire of this one.
Back home in Wisconsin, we had a huge lawn typical of most spacious Midwest homesteads. And so did my grandparents, who lived next door. Being the last one to leave home, I was the default mower for both yards for a time. Sadly, now my mom does all that work, but it keeps her fit anyway. I don't know how many acres it was, but it took almost three hours to finish. Part of the mowing exercise was taken up by weaving around the endless rows of peonies my grandpa loved so much. I liked them too, except when it came time to mow around them. Everyone was very intolerant of the violets, creeping charlies and dandelions that sprouted up, so both weed killer and fertilizer was always applied. I never understood the logic of this, as it made it necessary to mow twice as much, and I liked the pretty purple and yellow blossoms over the greeen lawn. My lawn will be small, unfertilized, with a diversity of pernicious, blossoming weeds. Yes, I have mowing issues, but I'm actually happy to mow our small, weedy yard here with the eco-friendly, self-sharpening antique push mower I found in the basement. It doesn't belch fumes and only takes 10 minutes, and is quite a workout.
Hmm...no biological weapons have been found in Iraq, and rumour has it that their presence was a bit fabricated. I knew this would be Bush's downfall, as I never heard a really convincing argument about why we went into Iraq. Sure, Hussein was a tyrant, but there's plenty of tyrants in Africa, Uzbekistan and elsewhere that get no mention from the current administration. Other than an overpriced training mission and a display of superiority, I don't see what the point was now. And the fucking spending that they're doing now...if Jimbo can manage his budget, so can the Republicans, so knock it off! Sorry hon, we just can't help talking about politics here in DC, it's our major industry.
Last night I met up with Gurl and Chrisafer's mate Glenn for cocktails. Glenn tried to impose a meal into the plan, but I would have none of it. I was warned of the tyranny of the demonic tapeworm that controls his life, and convinced them that you get drunker and more cheaply on an empty stomach. I wasn't there long, as my oversensitive tonsils flare up in smoky bars. Had to turn down a proposed threesome with some beefy studs as I didn't want to bless them with both a potential flu and strep.
I'm so all for smokeless bars. When we went to Delaware earlier this spring, I absolutely loved the smoke-free environment. The only problem is that the smokers all huddle around the entrance of every bar, creating a gauntlet of smoke that you have to get through before entering.
Tonight I'd like to go to the Eagle. I know I'd promised a nice evening with stud a but I just want to go out! I hate being flaky, but I do it seldom enough I guess.
Having a fu is more of an effort than it looks. Far more trimming and sculpting than a beard. Bubba concurs. It's really easy to overtrim it and have it look like mere stubble drool coming down the sides of your mouth.
Speaking of drool coming down the sides of your mouth, the 'Tard is moving in a mere block from me! Now I have someone to play Legos with.
Tomorrow is D&D with the geek gang, followed by a jaunt at Blowoff. Don't forget y'all! It's so cool and unpretentious it oozes chill and groove like an open sore. I had coffee with Bob the other night. He's one of the DJs, and promises the set from 10 to 11 to be tight. Bob has quite the fascinating Mac setup for his music needs. I also sense a CivIII conversion soon to take place. BWA HA HAAA!
Posted by jimbo at 2:11 PM | Comments (3)
May 30, 2003
play in the sunshine
We gonna play in the sunshine
We're gonna get over
I'm feelin' kind of lucky 2 night
I'm gonna find my 4-leaf clover
Before my life is done
Some way, some how, I'm gonna have fun.
Yaaay! The sun came out today, so after work I trucked out on my bike down 6th St. to the Natural History Museum, up the Mall, past the Washington Monument, to the big set of stairs that face the Potomac. There I absorbed as much sun as my bone white body wouldn't reflect for a spell. Then past the Kennedy Center, up Rock Creek parkway, past DuPont Circle proper, then home again. It was good.
Posted by jimbo at 10:09 PM | Comments (2)
May 29, 2003
looking back...
I woke up this morning with my tail between my legs, the NPR radio travelogue was far too soothing, and I slept through it all. Late for work again. If Toddo's voice is anything like that, I'm gonna pass out when I meet him...something about NPR voices that just knock me unconscious.
On the Today Show they were interviewing a dude from NY whoís been underemployed for two years now. A former Internet marketer, he had the typical Wild West salary of 600K or so back before the bubble burst. Now he works at the Gap because of the health insurance benefits.
Wow. And I thought I had it bad. But I got a job in a year, the pay cut wasnít so extreme, and Iím employed and insured. Iím starting to get used to the job, and even like some of it, especially my coworkers. Yesterday I went over some of my blog archives from a year ago. Damn, I was in a bad way. Morose, angry, depressedÖIím amazed at my resilience. Not to mention those fucking hemorrhoids. Iím much, much happier and less-enflamed now.
Iím re-reading Steven Kingís ëThe Standí again, and I finally figured out why I like it so much. Aside from the great characterizations, itís basically a road story, not unlike Jaws or Priscilla. Itís about a bunch of people using what resources they have to deal with adversity along their chosen path. When I read survival or apocalypse stories, I secretly put myself in the characterís shoes, and wonder if I would do a better or worse job than they did. What would I do if I was Stu Redman, the only guy from the initial spread of the superflu to survive? What would I do if I was a rugby player in a plane crash in the Andes? Would I do well as The Mariner in a world comprised only of water?
Then I realized I did go through something like that. Sure, it wasnít a plane crash, plague or global catastrophie that I got through, but it was personal disaster nonetheless. And I got through pretty darn well.
In other news, the Angels didn't do so well last night, but hooray for the Orioles, who did. Fullmer has now been upgraded from Designated Hitter to 1st Base. Our seat was within perfect view of his...positions.
I've going on dates recently, but not dating. Still not ready for anything that heavy. In fact, I will run the other way if anyone asks for anything more intense than dinner or a movie. Girl just wanna have fun. I can't be more pleased with my dating luck as none of them have been turds. I must be getting more perceptive...and choosy. Guy a.) doesn't realize how long his monologues go on about his ex. My god, it's karma coming back to haunt me for my bitter reveries of last year. He's so handsome, nice and muscular, but not quite past the cooling off period. Stud b.) seems like he just came outta the closet, and has just entered the fantastic world of the circuit scene. Wonderfully furry, but just the thought of revisiting that intensity just exhausts me. Man c.) is very, very, nice, handsome and together. He's definitely husband material...just not my husband. Not complaining, just saying.
Posted by jimbo at 11:55 AM | Comments (6)
May 28, 2003
holy shyt
Ohmigawd! I was surfing thru the blogosphere and came across an article about the writers of X2. One of 'em was an old friend of mine! Definitely geeky and dark, and he taught me a thing or two about graphics and web design. I went up and visited him in NYC years ago when he worked at the Nickelodeon animation studios. Cool.
Posted by jimbo at 5:18 PM | Comments (1)
wild dogs
Stebbins locates the Ray Bradbury story about Washington, DC's current weather situation. Fitz enables my facial hair obsession. Thanks guys!
Tonight I'll be going to the Orioles/Angels game in Baltimore. I've got the binocs and digital camera, and the restraining order is conveniently forgotten. Mmm...Fullmer, Owens, Eckstein, & Erstad. If there's time, we'll check out Vaccaro's Italian Ice Cream shop for kicks.
I walked home today during lunch as I had forgotten some stuff for the ballgame tonight. On my way through Logan Circle, I spotted some rather athletic looking pit bulls and mongrels running around together. At first I assumed they belonged to someone, then I noticed that none of them had collars on, and then they proceeded to run across the street northbound very fast, all together. It was obvious that they were in a pack! My first feral dog sighting. Scary.
Posted by jimbo at 1:28 PM | Comments (1)
May 27, 2003
X-Men
Oh, and I fergot to mention, LoudBomb at the Black Cat was a lot of fun. Bob rocked and his drummer was cute like Larry Mullen. There was a small cell of alterna-gay boys there too, which was cool. I liked the space, but the smoke became a bit much. Kids these days smoke more than gay boys in a cocktail bar, it seems.
I finally got around to seeing the X-Men at the Uptown. It was tight as expected, and I was suprised that they shoved sooo many sub-plotlines and characterizations in there. I think most non-geeks would have a hard time keeping up. Mystique rules, she's the tightest, and Magneto's prison escape was awesome. And howabout that beefalicious Colossus!? YUMMJMMY!! Did you know...the actor who played him used to be a rugby player. You will all be suprised to know that I thought Bobby Drake was kinda cute too. Must be the ice thing or something.
Yaaay! I have strep again! However, this time it was diagnosed by my tonsil doctor, thus validating his statement that my tonsils must be removed. And thanks to all of you for sharing your tonsil removal horror stories with me!
Posted by jimbo at 11:00 AM | Comments (8)
May 26, 2003
rain
Hey! The sun came out today! Like for a minute or so. I feel like that one girl in the short story, the girl from Earth who moved to the colony on Venus, where the other kids don't believe in the sun so they lock the Earth girl in the closet, then the sun comes out and she misses it. According to Jon, we have had only 5 days without rain this month. We are no longer in a drought.
Lots and lots of little household chores completed this weekend. I finally feel caught up. As of 4pm Monday I still haven't seen X-Men nor the Matrix, but I did manage to see 'Bend It Like Beckham', which was very cute. Sort of like 'My Big, Fat Pakistani Sikh Wedding' with girls playing soccer.
Posted by jimbo at 4:13 PM | Comments (5)
May 23, 2003
memorial day weekend
So the Enterprise finale promised a more exciting season next year. Big mysterious creepy nebula that turns Klingons inside out and makes Vulcans get violent. Cool. Big new cannons and photon torpedos!
Nothing very big on my agenda this weekend. No work for three days, no rugby for three days, that's for sure. Tonight I have nothing planned except perhaps a haircut and a workout and dishes. Tomorrow evening I go to the Black Cat to listen to some tunes. That day I hope to see an X-Men matinee. Sunday is fishing with My'ra somewhere down in Southern Maryland. Monday - perhaps go see the Matrix!
The FU Friday!!!!! (so timely, with my new fu and all)
FU!
..... All the crackwhores down the street. Get some imagination, and imagine yourself doing something else!
..... Thievin' bike messengers. Bike messengers who play chicken with me.
..... The Victimized who say they want to build a g/l/bi/whatever center right where our rugby practice field is. Sorry hons, it was willed to the city under the premise that it would be for the youth of the city in perpetuity. It stays as a playground/ballfield.
..... My Big Fat Tonsils.
..... Viruses, both electronic and biologic.
So what's the difference between a bar, a pub and a tavern? Europhiles and 'Tards speak up.
Posted by jimbo at 9:34 AM | Comments (7)
May 21, 2003
bike commute
Well, no more bike commute to work for me. I got my third theft yesterday - this time the handlebars. I'm giving up on the 'security' of our prestigious downtown DC office building parking garage. If I do ride to work I'll try locking it up to a meter within sight of my office window, once I get replacements made again. Grrr.
I broke down and went to an ear/nose/throat specialist this morning to have him take a look at my tonsils. The regularly look like giant strawberries in the back of my throat, and feel like an extra tounge or two. It's been plaguing me since childhood, and they either contribute to illness or get more inflamed as a result. The doc tells me they should go, and probably should have long ago. Since my summer is somewhat free, I'm going to take advantage of the time, probably over 4th of July to get it done and recover. I'm told it takes longer for an adult to recover from it than it takes for kids. Y'all bring me ice cream and applesauce, ya hear! It sounds gruesome, but I'm actually looking forward to it. There's just so much of me that some of it has to get removed. I'll see if the nurse can take digital cam pics that I'll post for all of you.
The final word on low-carb diets from Dr. Jocko. I'll have to say, regardless of diet trend pressure, I find it very hard to give up my toast, cereal, pancakes and PBJs.
Posted by jimbo at 11:36 PM | Comments (9)
May 20, 2003
bye buffy
The Slayers kicked ass tonight...and now there's a gazillion of 'em! Pretty gory episode, and I wasn't amused to see my favorite former Vengance Demon Anya get sliced down the middle. I loved the scene where they were playing a game of D&D before the big fight at the end, of course. Spike had a good ending, and I want to see SO MUCH MORE of Faith! What's all this about some spinoff? Do tell.
As you can see, I shaved the beard down to the fu for a bit.
Posted by jimbo at 10:39 PM | Comments (11)
twist my fate, ring my bell
Through a strange twist of fate I will be at home watching Buffy tonight, like a good little geek. My date had to cancel due to the same flu I have, and my sinuses are saying "Jimbo, if you take us to Hedwig, a goddamn rock opera, we're gonna pound yer head so hard you'll be sorry until the cows come home."
In the meantime, you all should find/download this remix "I'm Alive (BT and Sasha's Atraxion Remix)" for that hands-in-the-air inner diva feel good visit from the Mothership whoop it up sorta sound. It's a remix of a Seal track from his first album, very well done.
Posted by jimbo at 3:52 PM
missing the finale
Dangit...I got that stoopit bachelor auction date tonight, and the Buffy finale is on! When will they re-broadcast it?
'Twas a queen's dilemma last night: on Bravo was the Madonna biography hosted by Matt Lauer. On NBC was the Martha Stewart biography. What was I to do? Madonna's voice live in concert wasn't all that (when is it ever, except in the studio?) and I got tired of looking at Cybill Shepherd's botox-injected, lifeless face, so I read my new D&D book instead.
Please don't do botox. It's just so wrong in so many ways.
Posted by jimbo at 12:39 PM | Comments (7)
May 19, 2003
they gave me fever
Me and at least six of my coworkers are wearing khaki pants and blue long-sleeve dress shirts today. Even Andrea is wearing a blue shirt with a khaki skirt. We look like a hive of corporate drones. Creepy shit.
In other news, I got a whopper of a flu this weekend, replete with uncontrollable chills, fever at 102 and sweating. I tracked the disease back to work, as one of my coworkers (in blue shirt and khaki pants) mentioned this morning the same symptoms he had on a work trip from a few weeks ago.
In case you didn't get the whole Lord of the Rings plotline, here is one interpretation of the film.
I was supposed to go see the Matrix this weekend, but the chills hit right before we were supposed to go, and I wisely backed out. And even my mother has probably seen the X-Men, along with the rest of the universe. I'll go see both films this weekend. I know you all have seen it already, but let me know if you want to see it again. El cheapo will be seeing the matinees.
I have to change, it's time for a new 'do. My choices:
a.) evenly buzzed head, 1/8" to 1/4" in length, with finely sculpted Abe Lincoln beard along the jawline a la Audioslave's schnozalicious bass player Tim Commerford.
b.) crew cut and fu
c.) open to suggestions...not much to work with as hair is currently rather short
Posted by jimbo at 10:15 AM | Comments (8)
May 17, 2003
a free day
The rugby tourney for today was cancelled. And a good thing at that...even though I was a good boy last night I woke up with soreness and a splitting sinus headache. I'll chalk it up to the weather and air pressure changes. So today with my extra free day, I'm gonna do some gardening, prep for tomorrow's D&D game, and some basic vegging.
Introducing my neighbor in my 'hood: coolrelax! It seems I have created a monster in my little bro Chrisafer, who is using his online longline trolling abilities to the max. He has overfished the seemingly inexhaustable Internet resources just like the American and Japanese fishing fleets have done with our ocean's resources. It calls to memory the Simpsons episode where Lisa tries to reform Mr. Burns. Together they try to find ways to recycle plastic. Mr. Burns, following his true nature, makes an enormous driftnet out of 6-pack rings, and hauls in whales, The Titanic, and every fish possible.
OK, I'll add an addendum to my statement about Pride: I also think g/l/bi/whatever people do need a sexual minority holiday. Everyone else has one!
For you gay broadway/comic book geeks: the 2003 Broadway Bares calendar, which features hunky broadway actors and actresses as homoerotic superheroes (but ain't they all?). And since we're like halfway through the year, it's like on sale, and goes to a good cause. Help them clear out their inventory. Hmm...that Superman look-alike sure looks familiar...
Posted by jimbo at 12:10 PM | Comments (5)
May 16, 2003
returning the love
Oh, and another thing. My roomate is getting laid off soon. I like it when my roomate is employed, since he also owns the house. Lowering the anxiety levels in my home is important.
What he does now: webmaster/public affairs/conference organizer for a uninteresting nonprofit.
What he wants to do: same as above, but for a g/l/b/whatever organization or for a media/film/interesting nonprofit.
He's creative, meticulous, and easy to get along with. I'm returning the love since he took me in right after my breakup, then offered to lower the rent when I lost my job a few weeks after that. He put up with my moods and anxieties all that time. He's also an integral member of the Reel Affirmations g/l/bi/whatever film festival efforts in DC. He gives to the community, you can give back! Keep yer eyes open and e-mail me if you find anything.
Posted by jimbo at 10:13 AM
so proud
Pride rears its head, and Sean has a few hilarious things to say about it.
Even my roomate, hip deep in 'community involvement', believes Pride is over. The parades certainly are, being a venue only for the various 'Miss' sash titles. Miss P Street Beach. Miss LBJ Memorial. Miss Mr. P's. And the fallout from some of the floats impacts our image far too much. The only time you see some of these people is during Pride, and all they're wearing is a jockstrap. Yes, of course we're all like that, all the time. (Not that I'm against jockstraps, just those that wear them at unfashionable moments.)
I always like to take a count of how many times affected butch guys say to me, "Yeah, I didn't mean to show up to the Pride festival, but my roomate/neighbor/boyfriend made me come." Funny how there is shame at Pride with some folks.
However, I do like the festival. I see people there I haven't seen in years, and people always come up to me and rub their ice cream on my nipples, and I become good friends with them later. That's all you have to do to impress me, it seems.
Oooh, got an offer to redesign a freind's work website. I better finish the last job first though. I'm not sure I'm charging enough. Rugby Saturday, maybe Matrix that night. Still haven't seen X-Men. Yes, I'm a bad geek. D&D on Sunday. OK, I'm a good geek. Hedwig next week with my bachelor auction date. Bob Mould at Black Cat that Saturday (who's with me?). Anaheim Angels at Camden before Memorial Day weekend. Blowoff June 1st. Was I saying there'd be spare time this summer?
Posted by jimbo at 9:42 AM | Comments (2)
May 14, 2003
not fat enough
One last rugby tournament for the spring, and then my Saturdays are free! This will mean sleeping in, cartoons, and long bike rides around town. And it's looking like it will be a mild summer here in DC - knock on wood. Anyhoo, there will be a rematch against the Marines from Quantico...last time we were very close to beating them, and it was sooo enjoyable watching them squirm when we scored tries. With the added confidence of a league win, perhaps we'll have the mojo to pull it through.
Last night at practice, knowing I had no business pushing our new scrum sled, I got on the back of it assuming they at least needed my weight on it and I could go for a ride at the expense of the forwards. It was deemed that I was "not fat enough" and exiled back to the field.
The big scary deadline/travel event at work, originally slated for after Memorial Day, has been delayed at least until August. On the one hand that means a normal, laid back summer for jimbo. On the other hand it may dent into the fall rugby schedule, but at the moment I don't seem to mind. While I thought I was ready for this work deadline, I guess I'll be even more ready for the delayed deadline.
Rhetorical question of the day: Why does everyone I know in NYC assume I should visit them, as opposed to the other way around? Do NYC residents assume none can resist the fabulous gravitational pull of the Big Apple? Come visit my ass in the ghetto.
Bumper sticker seen on the way to West Virginia this weekend:
"Take your kids hunting...so you won't have to hunt them down!"
- Ted Nugent
Posted by jimbo at 10:14 AM | Comments (2)
May 13, 2003
allegra is whack
Back a few weeks ago when I was complainin' about being cranky during rugby practice and bitchin' about allergies, my pharma-twin Jocko put two and two together and reminded me that the powerful allergy medicine I take (Allegra-D) may be the cause of my rage. I did a double-take and realized I was gettin' cranky at the gym, at practice and at home not long after I'd take one of the big horse tablets. So under Dr. Jocko's advice, I just took a half in the afternoon on non-rugby days, and a half after rugby practices on those days.
Sure enough, I was pleasant, patient and and attentive at practice tonight, as opposed to defensive, aggressive and lippy like I was all spring. Thanks Jocko! And some angel donated a much-needed scrum sled for the forwards to practice on too.
My weekend campin' buddy Shane got bit by some arthropod this weekend while he was droppin' a load off in the woods. Yesterday his leg was swollen up and he went to the doctor, and is now on heavy duty antibiotics. I assured him he'll be turnin' into Spider-Man soon. He has yet to try climbing walls yet, but he will be in a few days. Little does he know that I'm actually the Green Goblin.
Posted by jimbo at 10:38 PM
public whitney
Anyone else catch Whitney on Boston Public last night? I half-expected her to go into the "crack is whack" speech for the chilluns. Still skeletal, and expecting another baby? That one's gonna come out hungry for sure.
Hmm...me like the teacher played by Jon Abrahams. It's obvious I'm in the mood for scruffy these days.
Posted by jimbo at 11:42 AM
May 12, 2003
media carnival
What did I say about not trusting the media? A big thumbs-down for Jayson Blair of the New York Times and his efforts to further sensationalize the already sickening media coverage in this country. It's why I don't watch Fox news, or any DC television stations. It's all crap. In the morning I watch the much calmer Baltimore NBC affiliate, since it doesn't predict my doom every morning. Just mellow Baltimore stuff. Otherwise, it's just Enterprise, Buffy, Angel, Stargate and Yahoo news. It's all I can trust these days, and keeps the anxiety levels low.
Blah blah blah corporate media driven by hype and money. More purges of the false to come, I predict. Sure, he's a scapegoat for the widespread falsehoods spewed in newspapers and airwaves today, but not because he's black. Regardless, if the race card hasn't been played yet, it will be. Enter media whores Johnnie Cochran and Al Sharpton stage left.
Watch less television, interact more with people. I want to interact more with him and him. Wooof.
Posted by jimbo at 10:34 PM | Comments (3)
a weird workout
So I'm doing a little leg circuit at the gym: leg extentions, curls and calves. Gym yuppie plops down in the middle of it without asking and begins reading his magazine, not even using the machine nor asking if I was about to use it. "Umm...do you mind if I finish my leg workout? I just have two more sets to go." He actually begins to protest, and I can't help it (see righteous entry from yesterday) and blurt out "Sorry to interrupt your reading." He relents and moves on.
Then I go out for a run going North on Connecticut towards DuPont Circle. I get to the circle and hear the tell-tale clomping of someone running behind me in basketball shoes (as opposed to my silent, graceful elf-like pace). He gets points for trying, so I move aside to let him pass. He runs up to my side and says "What did you steal?" I look at him and ask "What?" He asks again what I have stolen. I look down at my running shoes, my skimpy running shorts that leave nothing to the imagination, and my tank top and reply "Nothing! I'm just running." Nothing valuable on me but my precious bootie, that is. He mumbles something and moves off.
I complete my run and see Matt just a few doors up the street from my gym outside a new club on Conn., so I stop to chat. I begin to tell him the bizarre story, then I see the same guy lurking around, then he goes into this new club. He comes out again and asks me to keep what just happened on the down low. At this point I'm a bit pissed that he won't leave me alone nor has apologized, so I tell him not to tell me what to think or do. He flips out, so I ask him what he's on, and he flips out more and gets in my face, but luckily walks away. Ever the gentleman, Matt walks me back to the club. I've never seen drug-induced paranoia so clearly before, but it was obvious this guy was looking for wrong-doers wherever he could find them. But I had a nice workout regardless.
Posted by jimbo at 10:04 PM | Comments (9)
public jimbo art
Today jimbo features a bathroom public art sketch by jimbo on today's blog entry. Can you see which sketch I drew?
Posted by jimbo at 3:28 PM
wrathful and righteous
I'm trying not to be wrathful and righteous, I really am. I make resolutions throughout the year, not just on January 1st. Some time about a year ago I made a resolution not to be so judgemental, as I was wrong on one account, and get up on that high horse way too much, only to fall just as far. It's more often 'Do As I Say, Not As I Do', but sometimes I just can't help it.
My buddy Seamus has been complaining about getting stomped on by this guy he's been dating recently. Now, it takes two to get stomped on, but I still don't take kindly to my friends getting walked on.
I happen to know this guy Seamus is dating. Bronco (Americanization of his given Croatian name) used to hang around the water polo team, making no qualms about not setting foot in the pool, reserving his energy for mouth to mouth and other activities outside the pool. I was under the assumption that Bronco was in his mid- to late-twenties, judging by his appearance and youthful vigor. There are certain things I'll chalk up to youthful energy and pent up sexual repression at that age.
Well it turns out that the gay deities of youth have blessed him with good skin and a boyish face, and he is far beyond his twenties. It seems he's gotten away with a lot of youthful behavoir in his time. My only problem with that is when it upsets my friends, and when Bronco does things like skipping a dinner date with Seamus due to an impromptu trick, I start to get mad. Special Note: missing a date, dinner, workout or some other appointment with Jimbo due to having tricked or gotten quick nookie is never an excuse. That behavoir is for tragic sexual addicts. You will be summarily judged. Considering I think fungi and certain bacteria are fascinating, you will be ranked somewhere below such life forms for your crimes.
So I'm set to meet up with buddies Seamus and Keith Sunday afternoon at JR's, which was remarkably tolerable for a Sunday happy hour. Seamus informs me that Bronco is coming, and I try not to scowl. I've heard too much about their relationship, and I don't lie very well. It's going to be a challenging evening.
I finish my first gin and tonic and Bronco arrives. I can't make eye contact with him at this point. I start into my second drink and now he's eyeing up Keith, asking me about him, right in front of Seamus! By my third cocktail I can't contain my castigatory self, and give it to him:
"So Bronco...how old are you?"
(Croatian accent) "Umm...teurty-tree."
"Hmm...interesting. That's how old I am. I had guessed you were younger considering your behavoir with my good friend Seamus."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, let's just say there's certain behavior I expect from a gay man at your age. To expect any less is to accept a lower quality of life from my community. I understand you've been a bit of a free spirit in regards to respecting my friend, and if you're going to continue dating him, I'm hoping you will treat him better."
Lame, spineless, typically male protests followed my admonishments. I remember the same responses from a friend in college who was dating two female friends of mine. "Oh, I'm so confused...oh, there was a misunderstanding...oh, I'm so sorry." Well, shit or get off the pot if you're confused, get your shit correct if there's a misunderstanding, and if you're really sorry, don't do it again.
Sorry, just venting. As a Capricorn and an Iron Dog on the Chinese calendar, I've got loyalty issues. Don't cross my friends.
Posted by jimbo at 11:00 AM | Comments (5)
May 11, 2003
let's get soaking wet!
Well, I'm back a bit early. Hey y'all, next time I see that little thunderstorm symbol on the weather reports for Elkins, West Virginia for Friday thru Sunday, just stop me from going, OK? Oh well, one out of every four trips there washes out, so I've had my fun.
After a slow crawl out of DC on Friday, I actually managed to get to the mountains before it got too dark. So I hiked in and found a spot near a stream, having left a message for Kurt and Shane on where I would be. The night was clear and remarkably warm for the Dolly Sods region, but by morning the thunderstorms rolled in. At first it rained, then stopped, and started again, but then it just kept going. Thick, heavy rain that seeped through everything.
Kurt and Shane came upon my campsite and woke me up this morning. From my wet, cold and white appearance (I sleep in my tent nekkid in the sleeping bag), they dubbed me 'Gollum'. Thanks guys.
Anyhoo, after standing around in the rain, we decided to head back to DC. We thought about renting 'Camp Beverly Hills' with Shelly Long, but decided to just go home and unpack our wetness.
While the trip was brief, I managed to hear spring peeper frogs, the male woodcock trilling his evening mating sky dance, followed by a barred owl hooting through the night. I also saw lots of deer, a little orange gummi newt and a grouse.
Here's some pics I managed to take between showers of bear rocks, and the farmlands below the Dolly Sods region.
Posted by jimbo at 9:14 PM | Comments (2)
May 9, 2003
i am a rock
Cast amongst the wrathful, next door to the sodomites, I pass judgement on my cute black Irish poster child coworker for being a hyper caffiene-queen this morning. Chill the fuck out, the boss is gone and I'm reading blogs!
Oh, it's gonna be a wet one this weekend. All the tornadoes in OK and MO will be heading our way, their energy dispersed to a mere driving rain as they hit the highest point in West Virginia. Dr. Tard is having an extrordanary bout of responsibility and can't make it, but Shane and Kurt will be following my trail. My destination will be written on a slip of paper inside a baggie, under my windshield. Sleep, lay in the sun like a lizard, explore gorges. There will be no blogging this weekend, of course.
This morning I saw an ad for the 2003 MTV Movie Awards, to be hosted by both Seann William Scott and Justin Timberlake! A scruffy tour de force to be sure. Thursday, June 5 at 9am EST. Scott won last year's award for 'Best Onscreen Kiss'.
Yet more blogs retiring these days. I will keep your dead links, and one day when my blog is found under the sand, it will be the Rosetta Stone of ancient weblogs. You can count on me that mine will remain as long as I have something to share. And I do share. Waaay before blogging (measured in Internet years) there was Jimbo Today, a journal before journals. My online presence will remain as long as the media is viable.
Posted by jimbo at 9:56 AM | Comments (6)
May 8, 2003
have you played Atari today?
Interesting...Infogrames, the creators of my favorite computer obsession Civilization III, have changed their name to Atari. Infogrames apparently legally acquired the retro name two years ago and have decided to rename themselves after the ancient video game overlords.
While my family had the superior ColecoVision system, I did play a lot of Atari 2600 games. What was your favorite Atari game? Mine was that tank game where you could modify the playing field, making the bullets bounce off of the walls (or not).
Posted by jimbo at 4:26 PM | Comments (9)
May 7, 2003
today was a good day
Ice Cube would be proud. I was expecting a Woeful Wednesday, having not fully recuperated from the weekend, but today was a good day. The Council at the Hellmouth was more informative than usual, and I actually found myself knowing what they were talking about for a change. I even spoke up a few times, and may have sounded convincing.
I managed to get out of there at a reasonable hour, then a workout, followed by a driving rain. But the sun was still out and it was the kind of warm rain you can walk through and not be concerned about wetness. The dinner was good, and so was the waiter, and of course the date was too. Killer blue eyes and engaging conversation that didn't end awkwardly, followed by a firm kiss goodnight.
But of course I had to watch Enterprise at Gurl's. They tied up the Borg plotline cleanly as they could. When I got home, no roomate and no blaring television eternally on. Quiet and peaceful here and the rain is still serenading outside.
Posted by jimbo at 9:52 PM | Comments (2)
May 6, 2003
pic from last weekend's match
Here's a pic from last weekend's winning match. As you can see, my teammates were busy tackling the opposition, while I stood and watched. It was typical for my level of play for that match.
Posted by jimbo at 7:56 PM | Comments (1)
special olympics hiking trip
Come Friday me, Kurtie (far left), Shane (far right) and Grizzly Tard will be going backpacking in the Dolly Sods region of the Monongahela National Forest of West Virginia. It's like the 26th time I've been there, but I'm too lazy to research any other trail loop. I'm also too lazy to hike in any further than three miles or so, so it's the same ol spot just two hours hike from the parking lot. That's OK...we'll just put up the tent and lay around or go fishing.
Don't miss Enterprise this week...while I'm a bit upset that they are wimping out and failing to provide us with a villian scarier than the Borg, bringing Borg back puts little tinglies in my neural processors. Bring out the nutritional paste and motherboard chips, plug in to the Collective and enjoy the show.
Posted by jimbo at 10:22 AM | Comments (9)
May 4, 2003
asleep at a circuit party
I forgot to mention...the rugby match was waaay down in Southern Maryland, which is quite pastoral. It was a lovely drive. Our social was at this roadside dive reminiscent of your average bar in rural Wisconsin. I would have loved to stay longer and wreck shit with the other team, but I had to get back to DC.
So after a brief cleanup and no nap after the rugby match, I headed out to the Cherry circuit party event at the brand new convention center down the street. The convention center is HUGE. It just goes on and on forever. The event was in the main hall, only about a third of which was being used for the dance. The rugby team was slated to do security detail. I got my wish for a seated duty station - guarding the stage off the dance floor to keep non-VIP people from wandering on stage. Luckily, nothing was happening during my shift from 9 to Midnight, so I actually got a couple of naps in AND a foot massage from a teammate!
Yes, I took a nap at a circuit party. Grampaw Jimbo.
That allowed me to dance for a bit until about 2am. I saw a lot of friends, and a lot of woofers as well, and even got some good macking in on the dance floor with one of them. I was a physical wreck when I got home though. Twas a long week/weekend, but I survived.
Posted by jimbo at 3:44 PM | Comments (3)
May 3, 2003
fear the tardle
Yee-Haw! The Renegades won our first match against a senior-level team in the Potomac Rugby Union. The final score against PAX River was 20-17. They got two easy goals on us right off the bat when we were in dizzy queen mode, but we got it together, mostly due to a well-trained bunch of forwards and good back line play as well.
Last night we raised over $3000 or so at the bachelor auction. It helped to have an experienced auctioneer, and a rather large crowd. Chrisafer, Gurl and the gurls were in attendance, as was The Tardle. I feared the Tardle, for his rage was focused against one guy wearing an 'England' shirt. I don't attempt to understand the rage of The Tardle, but I don't want to be on the wrong end of it.
Auspicious horoscope, concerning my last post:
You may have been wishing for some recognition and appreciation lately. At work, you may have had your eyes on a promotion. The day ahead will show you which path will be the most productive. In order to succeed, dear Capricorn, you have to plan everything carefully and focus on one goal. Mainly, you should be sure you have support for that goal. There's a long, hard climb ahead, but you're bound to make it!
Posted by jimbo at 7:33 PM | Comments (7)
May 1, 2003
i gotta get through this
I'm past the hump, almost to Friday. Gonna make it to work early tomorrow morning to meet the deadline. My document's full of info, but will it make the cut? Still either in denial of the quality of my product or I actually know what I'm doing.
Promoting the bachelor auction yet again...it's tomorrow, with the addition of my buddy Keith.
Much applause to Jocko's treatise on camp and being a gay man. I'm in agreement, happy to be able to be who I am, not how I was told to be in the smoky bars of Central Wisconsin years ago.
I don't know what's up with me and rugby these days...I get cranky right when I walk into practice. Oversensitive most of the time, I swear I get more salt than sugar from the coach and teammates during play. I get snappy and defensive, which I think pushes others away. I can't be that bad, I make good plays, but sometimes I get the feeling the coach and some teammates have given up on me. Isn't trying enough? Yelling and negative feedback is what kept me from team sports as a kid, and I'm not going to put up with it today. I guess I need positive feedback more than I know. When I was in cross country and track and field, I never had to put up with much criticism. It was just me and my running shoes or my pole vaulting.
I'd like to think three years with the sport have added up to something, but maybe I'm in a slump. Or maybe I was hyping up the season for more than it would be. After a year away, I was terribly excited to start again, but I started several notches lower than I thought I would. I've found it's not like riding a bike or skiiing...you can't just get back on again right where you got off.
I also keep getting the feeling that we're not the team that we used to be. I'm glad we're more focused, and our coach is better most of the time. Perhaps the days of our team being more of a social fraternity is over, but I miss the camraderie that I think has been missing. I don't feel like I know most of the people I play with, or I'm not interacting like I should. Insular, impenetrable cells abound. I'll give it another fall season to see how I do and how the team evolves this year.
Maybe it's been my work schedule combined with the game. I've moved mountains to make it to practice when I can, and have rearranged weekend schedules to be able to play, which is most important to me. Perhaps I'm just burnt out, as I have little time for friends, dating, gardening and other things that are important to me. More on this as I process what I'm thinking.
Posted by jimbo at 11:18 PM | Comments (1)