Viral Load: Undetectable
TCell: 1030
HDL: 43
LDL: 111
Cholesterol: 226
Triglycerides: 386
BP: 120/90
I'm amazed every three months when counts come back like this. Cholesterol and Triglycerides aren't the greatest still, but compared to what they were a year ago, it's a huge improvement. Almost 16 years of being positive and still going strong.
The doc is having the boulder of a kidney stone analyzed so we can see what it's comprised of. Hopefully I can make some dietary changes or take a medication to help prevent these fucking little nasty buggers from shooting down my penis like it's some sort of water ride at Schlitterbahn.
I just hope once they do the analysis that they don't find out that it's made of dehydrated beer and cocaine from my partying days many years ago.
That would be bad.
Now, THAT'S a kidney stone.
Out of the blue, witih no warning or pain I peed kitty litter this weekend while on vacation. Why does this happen when we're out of town?
Our whirlwind weekend has come to an end. Usually, by the last day I'm ready to come home. Not this time. I didn't want to leave California, I didn't want to leave Disneyland and I wasn't quite ready to come home. Unfortunately, work awaits me back here and it's back to the grind today. I needed one day of lounging around the house doing absolutely nothing but napping off and on.
We all had such an amazing time together. We did a lot of touring the city and eating at our favoritie spots. Disneyland, despite it misting for 1/3 of the day, was great. The only disappointment was the cancelation of the parade and fireworks. Since it was Brad and Steven's first time, I wanted them to experience it. The surprise of the day was when we first walked into the park. A streetcleaner, told us to run to the side of the Castle because the "people in white vests" were passing out something free. They gave us Dream Fastpasses, which got us to the head of the line on 8 major attractions. We never stood in line for more then 5-10 minutes, except for the refurbished Submarine ride. From 8am to 12am, we walked our asses off and were feeling it a lot the next day.
Sunday started off miserable, with more rain, but after a few hours it cleared off and was a beautiful sunny and 60 degrees. We went on a harbor boat tour and also toured the Midway aircraft carrier. That night we headed to The Hole and Pecs for a few drinks, then a fancy dinner at In and Out Burger.
We only had about 4 hours on Monday, so we spent the morning walking around Balboa Park and even stopped into one of the museums for the Pompei Exhibit.
I'm still working on the pictures. Three camera's with a total of almost 900 photos.
A weekend away from everything, enjoying the city and being a kid again at Disneyland is just what the doctor ordered. Brian's had a rough week and is ready to have a relaxing weekend. We both love California, especially San Diego so much. Steven has never been to Disneyland and Brad has never been to Disneyland or even California for that matter. Anyone in the area wanting to meet us out for drinks Friday or Sunday night or spend the day with us at Disney on Saturday, shoot me an email and I'll give you my cell number.
See you next Tuesday with Pictures, Movies and hopefully all sorts of stories.
I was asked again, by someone back home to draw a portrait of their new grandbaby. You can see the photo it was taken from and the drawn portrait.
Tonight, I probably got one of the dorkiest concert t-shirts ever. I got the chance to go with Steven to see Barry Manilow.
Barry Fricken MANILOW. I just HAD to get a t-shirt. I'll wear it with pride.
Steven's Mother backed out of going so after making tons of screaming noises and saying things like "Please take me!!!!!" over and over, I got to go. It was first off, one of the whitest and oldest concerts I think I've ever been to in my life, if you all don't mind me saying. Steven and I were probably the youngest people in the audience.
One of the best concerts.
Now I can't get Mandy out of my head....
Well, I sure hope so. I've put off getting an eye checkup and new glasses for almost 7 years. Getting new glasses is like buying new underwear and socks. I hate taking the time and spending the money. Sitting and staring at a computer all day long has made things worse, so it was time.
The difference might be subtle between the two pairs (two pairs for $99!). One is bronze, the other black. One has little points on the ends, the other more square. I just hope I don't look TOO intellectual.
Talk about being a fish out of water tonight. Our friend Troy called us up to come see him host Gay Bingo and perform a drag number. He use to do drag back in the day and retired a number of years ago. He came out of retirement 3 years ago, not long after Brian and I met, for a benefit show. Tonight, he pulled his dresses and bigger then life hair out of the closet.
The unique thing about the evening, was due to the fact that it was for his AA group. Even though it was open to the public to raise money for some up and coming event, I have a feeling that we were the only non-AA people in attendance. It was funny to hear everyone refer to each other as a bunch of drunks and saying things like, "Damn, I'm going to need a drink after this game!" They all really make light of themselves and their daily battle. I guess you have to make light of things to keep yourself sane.
We had a really great time, despite the fact that we never won a single game. Steven hadn't seen Troy perform since he was a youngin'. The odd part of the night was when he called us out from the podium during calling out of the numbers. We were referred to the only normal people in the room.
Far from normal.....
He all have to say, that we're proud of our girl.
I'm never been 100% sure about how I feel regarding Valentines Day. I don't need a holiday to force me or my partner to show me we love one another with flowers, cards, candy and teddy bears. We do that 365 days of the year. Not with all that stuff, but in other ways. Although I did get a beautiful piece of glass for this years Valentines Day already.
How do I top that for him? What do you get The Hardest Man on Earth To Buy Presents For? I've been thinking about it all week. It still boggles the mind. You're probably thinking that I'm kind of cutting it close and waiting until the last minute like most of those poor saps you find at CVS or Walgreens Pharmacy, frantically picking out some hideous stuffed animal and a box of chocolates after work before they go home. Brian doesn't get home until tomorrow afternoon due to work. He loves electronics, but I'm sure that Bestbuy doesn't have much of a choice of things in red.
But if he's reading this, Happy Valentines Day pooterbutt. I love you.
And to all of my wonderful friends and readers out there, Happy Valentines Day to you as well.
Here's the perfect Valentines Day Card. (NSFW)
Yesterday afternoon while at lunch, I had the pleasure of sitting not far from two extremely hot French guys, with shaved heads and goatee's. While nibbling on a frisco melt and cheddar fries at Steak 'n Shake, I got to sit there and listen to them speak French with this beautiful accent for almost an hour.
The cuter one of the two, eventually glanced my direction, smiled and nodded his head. I'm almost 100% positive it wasn't due to the fact that I was staring and drooling profusely.
There's something about a man speaking another language that just gets me going. French, Russian or German will make me melt. Speak to me in an Austrailian accent and I might just have to start humping your leg right then and there.
Any bloggers out there who are living in another country who would like to give me a call, I promise to listen intently and not diddle myself with my free hand.
I will promise, but can't guarantee I won't cave in.
While running errands on Saturday, we decided to "stop by and look" at one of the local furniture stores. We've had our livingroom set for three years. Might not seem like a long time, but wear and tear has started to show and Max sheds his weight in fur every two days it seems.
It wasn't 10 minutes into the store and we had fallen in love with a leather sectional and chair, not to mention the Salesman. We were both, including our friend Brad, immediately smitten. Cutest, hairiest boy you have ever seen. He was so dreamy. Not to mention, sweet and really genuine. Too bad he was married. It didn't stop him from asking for our phone numbers. Oh sure, that migiht have been needed for the delivery of the furniture, but it's OUR fantasy.
Within minutes we're purchasing the new livingroom group along with new tables. What freaked me out is that the said he could have it delivered Monday, as in yesterday. We had to rush to get our furniture sold to a friend of ours and delivered so I could sit my ass around the house waiting for the delivery guys. Their timeframe was 7am-10pm. No four hour window for express delivery. Luckily, they showed up at 5pm.
Sorry, I don't have any hot delivery men stories to tell.
But we are the proud owners of some new leather furniture. I think the color is Espresso. Nothing is dark chocolate color anymore, but Esssspressssssssooooo. I'm not sure I'm happy with the arrangement, but I'm going to let it sit for a few days and have Brian check it out when he gets back before changing it. Who knows, we might leave it this way. Or not. I just can't make up my mind.
I got a call from my Mom a few days ago that kind of shocked me. She's been best friends with a woman from the church for around 50 years. She remembers when she met her husband, watched all of her kids grow up, get married and have kids of their own. They taught Sunday school together and participated on various Church committees. She's been there for every one of our graduations, weddings, birth of a grandchild and was always by our side during every passing of a family member. Most recently, my Mother has watched her go from a very vibrant and active woman to someone who's lost her sight and had one leg removed, due to Diabetes.
This woman's husband was a very timid man who was always in the background. Quiet and shy. Never said too much. Always seemed a tad bit off or different. Something you could never put your finger on, but he was a man that would help you anytime you asked. He and my Father were really close until my Father passed away.
Last Thursday night, her husband kissed his wife goodnight, went to bed and passed away in his sleep. He had never had any sort of health problems and was feeling fine the night that he died. He peacefully went to sleep and just never woke up.
I was so shocked to hear the news. My Mother kept her composure for quite a long time, until she started rambling off all the names of her closest friends who have passed away during the past 3 years. The numbers are staggering. It wasn't until she did this, did she break down and cry.
She admitted to me that at the age of 80 years old, she's scared to die. Seeing the majority of all her friends pass away the past few years and now her best friends husband for no reason it seems, has caused her to be so depressed and scared to leave us. This absolutely broke my heart to hear her talk like this and to be reminded again of how much time we have left together.
It's a conversation no one should ever have to have with their parents, but unfortunately it can't be avoided.
For those who would like to see our entire glass collection, click here.
About a month ago, I was searching online and found another glass gallery in Dallas. Most galleries that I've visited specializing in glass, are so overpriced and usually only carry The Big Dogs. Pieces that start at 25k and skyrocket to the 100K mark. I don't know about you, but that's just a tad bit out of my price range.
It's rare to find galleries that sell work that's affordable. Dallas has two that I know of and Carlyn's Gallery is one of them. The best thing about them is that they have layaway!
Our glass collection has been steadily growing over the past 3 years. If I can't blow glass, I might as well collect as many beautiful pieces as I can. One of these days, I'll photograph everything for insurance purposes and put them on Flickr. Why not add some artwork to all the bears and penis shots that are on there now.
The detail and the full photo is our latest baby.
It had been so long since we'd been back to The Ranch. December was so busy and the weather in January basically sucked. I have no desire to go down to The Ranch if it's going to be rainy and bitter cold. We would have been stuck in our Trailer. I could do that at home.
This weekend was an incredible 75 degrees and sunny. I think my little bald head even got a sunburn.
It was great to see everyone. We hung out with our friends Crail and Joey (You can see their portrait that I did a few weeks back) and got a surprise phone call from our friends Zach and Eric (Sally), saying they were joining us down there. We took it easy Friday night, watching Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, while sipping on a few cocktails. Saturday was spent enjoying the beautiful weather and napping. We had a great dinner that night, followed by some crazy drinking. We had started so early that by midnight, most of us were tuckered out.
After being gone for a couple months, we were quickly reminded why we love it down there so much. Not only is the campgrounds a wonderful place to spend the weekend away from the city, we have an extended family there.
This weekend was just what we both needed before getting back to the grind Monday morning.
