Just how many bricks does it take, falling out of the heavens, thrown by the Goddess, Herself, aimed at your pointed head, before you snap out of your love induced fog you've created, fooling yourself that it is love you're feeling? Enough to you wake up, smell the coffee of reality, and figure out the frog you've been kissing, has been cleverly disguised as a man? Or vice-versa.
Well, I can answer that question. With me it takes 3. Three of my dearest friends have told me that they've encountered my lasted boyfriend. I didn't want to hear it. I dismissed them. I turned my back, at his request. My back on the friends that have loved me thru the darkest of my days. That have been there to ride the joy of my major accomplishments, and been smart enough to leave me the hell alone, but have been close enough to hear me call, when I have been at my sickest. These friends are golden. So to y'all that have stuck to me like the gum under your best dress shoe, I apologize. Love or "heavy in like' makes you do strange things. And I promise, it will never happen again.
This time, I was wiser than before. I put this guy on a 90 day probationary period. You have 90 days to impress me or 90 days to run me off. His 90 days were up Thanksgiving Day. Instead of spending the day with my new Chicago friends and or family, I spent it with this vegetarian, control freaking, Buddhist fag, from hell because I was told to. You don't tell me to do anything.
I guess I sent him mixed signals. And for that, I apologize to him. He knew I was madder than hell at the center of this blog, but my heart started melting as the days grew shorter and the light of it was growing less. My heart changed its mind. I think, we as humans, can make that mistake. We are aloud to get angry with the 1's we love the most. He preyed on this anger. I just know it.
Well, today was the face-off. He likes to back people into corners and I actually think he likes the feeling of that control. But, he didn't know that when I feel like that, I'll drop you like a "hot mess," as Vanessa puts it. (i.e. shit) I came out of that corner swinging.
Of all places, I thought I was safe on a bus, but who happens to hop on board? You guessed it. That hot mess! He plops his crazy ass right next to me. Yes, we had words. I put my feelings of hurt and anger quite well. Even tho seating next to him, I was afraid. I've never been afraid of anyone before, except for the bullies at school, but that was years ago. I was reduced to being 12 years old again!
I've been dodging this confrontation for days now. I like ripplin' way too much to let this horrible feeling drag me under. Under the blanket of unconsciousness. I love smiling and make people feel that smile. Make them feel that, you know, feeling that you have a secret from the world and you're not telling. The kind of secret that makes you smile on the inside too. I like walking out my front door and sometimes, in the nastiest mood, its shed, and I start ripplin'! (Tomorrow, I'll descibe what ripplin' is.)
When the bus got to where I was going, I left him sitting there seething. I stepped off the bus, and with my head held high, I left him, the bus, and the fumes that were being pumped out both, as global warming, behind. Stepped back into my world. The world that I love the most. My world. Not his reality, my own reality. As fucked up as it can be at times, its still my world and I control what happens in it. Well, the Goddess does, I'm just along for the ride. And let me tell you, its an E ticket ride. I have a blast. Its just, I'd love to have someone to share it with.
Gosh dang it, why can't I find that person that sets me on fire everytime I see them. And keeps that fire burning even while they're not around ? Is that asking too much, or am I just farting in the wind? Ya' know???
So, that is it, friends. Daddy's alone again. Again to face the cold world. Alone, but wiser this time. Knowing that to love someone does not mean you have to give up all that you love and all you are. The things or people that have made you who you are today. Love is, as they say, a 2-way street. It goes both ways. You shouldn't ever have to give up who you are, to please that person of the moment. Because, and this is important, the people and things that have made you who you are, will or should be, there for your return. Like the warm blanket that shields you from winter's cold. May I never loose that blanket.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Knowing Our Future
Sometimes, we may find ourselves wishing we knew what our lives are going to look like or what gifts and challenges are going to be presented to us in the coming months or years.
We may want to know if the relationship we’re in now will go the distance or if our goals will be realized. Perhaps we feel like we need help making a decision and we want to know which choice will work out best.
We may consult psychics, tarot cards, our dreams, and many other sources in the hopes of finding out what the future holds. Usually, at most, we may catch glimpses. And even though we think we would like to know the whole story in all its details, the truth is that we would probably be overwhelmed and exhausted if we knew everything that is going to happen to us.
Just think of your life as you’ve lived it up to this point. If you are like most of us, you have probably done more and faced more than you could have ever imagined. If someone had told you as a child of all the jobs and relationships you would experience, along with each one’s inherent ups and downs, you would have become overwhelmed. With your head full of information about the future, you would have had a very hard time experiencing your life in the present moment, which is where everything actually happens.
In many ways, not knowing what the future has in store brings out in us the qualities we need to grow. For example, it would have been difficult to commit yourself to certain people or projects if you knew they wouldn’t ultimately work out. Yet, it was through your commitment to see them through that you experienced the lessons you needed to grow.
Looking back on your life, you would likely be hard pressed to say that anything in your past should not have happened. In fact, your most challenging experiences with their inevitable lessons may have ultimately brought you the greatest rewards. Not knowing the future keeps us just where we need to be—fully committed and in the present moment.
We may want to know if the relationship we’re in now will go the distance or if our goals will be realized. Perhaps we feel like we need help making a decision and we want to know which choice will work out best.
We may consult psychics, tarot cards, our dreams, and many other sources in the hopes of finding out what the future holds. Usually, at most, we may catch glimpses. And even though we think we would like to know the whole story in all its details, the truth is that we would probably be overwhelmed and exhausted if we knew everything that is going to happen to us.
Just think of your life as you’ve lived it up to this point. If you are like most of us, you have probably done more and faced more than you could have ever imagined. If someone had told you as a child of all the jobs and relationships you would experience, along with each one’s inherent ups and downs, you would have become overwhelmed. With your head full of information about the future, you would have had a very hard time experiencing your life in the present moment, which is where everything actually happens.
In many ways, not knowing what the future has in store brings out in us the qualities we need to grow. For example, it would have been difficult to commit yourself to certain people or projects if you knew they wouldn’t ultimately work out. Yet, it was through your commitment to see them through that you experienced the lessons you needed to grow.
Looking back on your life, you would likely be hard pressed to say that anything in your past should not have happened. In fact, your most challenging experiences with their inevitable lessons may have ultimately brought you the greatest rewards. Not knowing the future keeps us just where we need to be—fully committed and in the present moment.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Friendship
Yes, Vanessa's out of the hospital. We're all grateful for that. As a voyeur of life, I sit back and watch her true friends kick into gear. It was absolutely, and still is, amazing.
A friend, in my way of thinking, enters your life for a season. Maybe 1 season, two, or 100. It just depends on how long it takes for the lesson to be learned.
Yesterday, I said good-bye to 1 of my friends. It nearly broke my heart. Upon leaving, he gave me his prize possession. A book. Not just a book, but a book entitled, 'The Prophet.' In one of its chapters, it talks about Friendship. He told me to read it when I got home. He had marked the page for me. I want to quote from this book...
'And a youth said, Speak to us of Friendship. And he answered, saying: Your friend is your needs answered.
He is your field which you sow with love and reap with thanksgiving.
And, he is your board and your fireside.
For you come to him with your hunger, and you seek him for peace.
When your friend speaks his mind and you fear not the "nay" in your own mind, nor do you withhold the "ay."
And when he is silent your heart ceases not to listen to his heart;
For without words, in friendship, all thoughts, all desires, all expectations are born and shared, with joy that is unclaimed.
When you part from your friend, you grieve not;
For that which you love most in him may be clearer in his absence, as the mountain is clearer from the plain.
And let there be no purpose in friendship save the deepening of the spirit.
For love that seeks aught but the disclosure of its own mystery is not love but a net cast forth;
and only the unprofitable is caught.
And let your best be for your friend.
If he must know the ebb of your tide, let him know about its flood also,
For what is your friend that you should seek him with hours to kill?
Seek him always with hours to live.
For it is his to fill your need, but not your emptiness.
And in the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures.
For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and its refreshment.'
Not only did I learn something, from this, about frienships, but relationships as well. I just wanted to give the readers of this something to ponder. And with this, I say good night...
A friend, in my way of thinking, enters your life for a season. Maybe 1 season, two, or 100. It just depends on how long it takes for the lesson to be learned.
Yesterday, I said good-bye to 1 of my friends. It nearly broke my heart. Upon leaving, he gave me his prize possession. A book. Not just a book, but a book entitled, 'The Prophet.' In one of its chapters, it talks about Friendship. He told me to read it when I got home. He had marked the page for me. I want to quote from this book...
'And a youth said, Speak to us of Friendship. And he answered, saying: Your friend is your needs answered.
He is your field which you sow with love and reap with thanksgiving.
And, he is your board and your fireside.
For you come to him with your hunger, and you seek him for peace.
When your friend speaks his mind and you fear not the "nay" in your own mind, nor do you withhold the "ay."
And when he is silent your heart ceases not to listen to his heart;
For without words, in friendship, all thoughts, all desires, all expectations are born and shared, with joy that is unclaimed.
When you part from your friend, you grieve not;
For that which you love most in him may be clearer in his absence, as the mountain is clearer from the plain.
And let there be no purpose in friendship save the deepening of the spirit.
For love that seeks aught but the disclosure of its own mystery is not love but a net cast forth;
and only the unprofitable is caught.
And let your best be for your friend.
If he must know the ebb of your tide, let him know about its flood also,
For what is your friend that you should seek him with hours to kill?
Seek him always with hours to live.
For it is his to fill your need, but not your emptiness.
And in the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures.
For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and its refreshment.'
Not only did I learn something, from this, about frienships, but relationships as well. I just wanted to give the readers of this something to ponder. And with this, I say good night...
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Surgery?
Well, here we all sit in Room 1022 at Northwestern Memorial Hospital with Vanessa. We, meaning Steve, Daniel, Judith, and myself. Vanessa went into surgery this morning and Steve and I remained all day long in the waiting room. After a couple of check ins with us, finally they came and got us to see our girl after they had tried to put her back together again. The doctor told us the surgery was a success!
Here, hours later, we are all being threatened with being thrown out of the hospital. It's like sitting around her table. Nothing is sacred, nothing is left to sit on the burner. This started just as soon as Vanessa's being wheeled into surgery. The party was on!
Slowly, 1 by 1, people started leaving. Finally it was just the 2 of us. And we were still having fun. Finally, my pills kicked in and I was going down for the count. But, our reining star couldn't go to sleep to save her life.
I heard, the next morning, even before my 1st cup of coffee, that around 3 am, Vanessa's wide awake and a green fog drifted into the room. She's looking around trying to figure out where it was coming from, hiding her head under her gown, and trying her best to keep down the broth they gave her for dinner.
There I was, sleeping like an angel, with my ass pointing in her direction. That's where the "silent but deadly" stench was coming from.
Poor Vanessa, trapped in her bed, hooked up to everything but the kitchen sink, unable to make a run for it. She's gasping for her life, and it wouldn't go away. The air in the room was so stagnate and not willing to move, the fog just hung like a duck in the window of a Chinese restaurant.
Vanessa gasping for air, can't find the button for the nurse, but what's she gonna say to her when she does finally come into the room. 'Get that man out of here!' They came in here this morning asking her if she had passed gas yet. Silence grabbed the room by the throat, just like it did last night.
All in all, Vanessa is on the mend. She's causing trouble like normal. This morning, she got us yelled at for leaving the floor to go outside to smoke a cigarette. Boy, that nurse was mad!
Well, Steve just walked in to relieve me for the day so I can go home and face what is there for me. Dog, cats, a messy house, Jasmine, with her 2 sons from out of town, and my new BF, John-Michael. I'll talk about him a little more in detail later on. He is the newest member to sit around Vanessa's Kitchen Table.
So, with these finally words of wisdom, I'll bid you adieu, "If it looks green and smells like shit, it probably is!"
Here, hours later, we are all being threatened with being thrown out of the hospital. It's like sitting around her table. Nothing is sacred, nothing is left to sit on the burner. This started just as soon as Vanessa's being wheeled into surgery. The party was on!
Slowly, 1 by 1, people started leaving. Finally it was just the 2 of us. And we were still having fun. Finally, my pills kicked in and I was going down for the count. But, our reining star couldn't go to sleep to save her life.
I heard, the next morning, even before my 1st cup of coffee, that around 3 am, Vanessa's wide awake and a green fog drifted into the room. She's looking around trying to figure out where it was coming from, hiding her head under her gown, and trying her best to keep down the broth they gave her for dinner.
There I was, sleeping like an angel, with my ass pointing in her direction. That's where the "silent but deadly" stench was coming from.
Poor Vanessa, trapped in her bed, hooked up to everything but the kitchen sink, unable to make a run for it. She's gasping for her life, and it wouldn't go away. The air in the room was so stagnate and not willing to move, the fog just hung like a duck in the window of a Chinese restaurant.
Vanessa gasping for air, can't find the button for the nurse, but what's she gonna say to her when she does finally come into the room. 'Get that man out of here!' They came in here this morning asking her if she had passed gas yet. Silence grabbed the room by the throat, just like it did last night.
All in all, Vanessa is on the mend. She's causing trouble like normal. This morning, she got us yelled at for leaving the floor to go outside to smoke a cigarette. Boy, that nurse was mad!
Well, Steve just walked in to relieve me for the day so I can go home and face what is there for me. Dog, cats, a messy house, Jasmine, with her 2 sons from out of town, and my new BF, John-Michael. I'll talk about him a little more in detail later on. He is the newest member to sit around Vanessa's Kitchen Table.
So, with these finally words of wisdom, I'll bid you adieu, "If it looks green and smells like shit, it probably is!"
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Cork Trees?
Who ever heard of such a thing.
When I moved up here to Chicago, I was a snob. A wine snob. By smelling the cork, I could tell you where in the world this bottle came from. Whether it was the Napa Valley, France, or even Texas, yes we made wine in Texas, I could tell. I only drank vine from a bottle with a cork in it. And sometimes when the smell of that cork didn't stand up to what I thought was acceptable, I'd send it back. Dining out with me was probably a trip! Never a screw top, or heaven forbid, a box!
Well, my 2 best friends, downstairs, Vanessa and Jasmine, have me drinking wine from a box. I was horrified at 1st, but when in Rome...This has been going on for some time now. Oh, how I miss the smell of a cork. But, as it remains, Bear drinks wine from a box. My snob friends in Dallas would be equally horrified if they knew. Now that its come to be passe' with me, I could care less what people think. But, still I yearn for that cork!
So, V and I are sitting around her table, one afternoon, I got "full" on wine, and the subject of me being a wine snob came up. I knew it would eventually. She tried to explain to me how the cork trees were being wiped out and cork was at an all time shortage, that's why they were coming in boxes now. (My memory of the conversation may be in question here, because I don't really remember leaving her house. Don't quote me! LOL) WHAT??? CORK TREES??? But, being the southern gentleman I am, I said not a word.
The guy I started talking about, a couple of days ago and said we were not dating, well today was our 3rd date. We are now dating. Yes, I said it, Daddy or Sir Bear has a boyfriend. Are ya' happy now? 'Cause I sure am. Anyway, I digress..
On our 2nd date, I found myself over at his house. He had ordered pizza before I arrived, and 15 minutes after I had walked through his front door, it was there. He left me in the kitchen to do the honors of uncorking the bottle. A beautiful bottle of red wine, California, was laid out before me with a cork screw that looked like it came over on the Mayflower. (I found out this morning, it was his grand father's. Totally acceptable!) I thought, #1, I'll never get this out of the bottle, or I will use my strength, and with all my might, not only will that cork come out, but he'll walk back into the kitchen with all of his cabinets re-painted red along with my t-shirt and jeans. What an impression that would make, huh???
Here's the time to make my impression. With one big pull, a little twist, and POP!, out it came. No pieces of cork in the bottle, the whole ball of wax came out. While patting myself on the back, he returns to the kitchen with pizza. I take one look at him, remember the story Lady V had told me, and I just couldn't help myself. I started laughing, he wanted to know why, and then the story came pouring out. We both chuckled quite a bit. Vanessa, we weren't making fun of you, but it sure was the "ice breaker" I was looking for. I was quite nervous up until that very moment.
John-Michael has got to be one of the smartest men I have ever dated. I'm a little intimidated, but why should I be, I'm no slouch myself. So, being smart and constantly thirsty for knowledge, JM sets out on a quest to find the mysterious "cork trees!" And, I'll be damned, he found them. They're in Portugal and called cork oak trees. A forest of them.
'Seems, that in the 1974 revolution in Portugal, the cork trees fell into the extreme leftist hands and the damage was quite extent. After the Portugal territory was return to its rightful owners, it took 2 harvests,16 to 20 years, to return them to their wondrous state.
To harvest, these natural wonders, you have to carefully carve the bark from the tree leaving the protective membrane in tact. This is what gives the tree its nourishment. The world record was set in 1889, by a cork oak tree in Portugal, which yielded no less than 3,870 lbs. of cork in one stripping. That's just 1 tree. Can you imagine how much cork can be had from a forest of these beauties?
So now, let's all raise our glasses to Vanessa. May it be from a box, a gallon jug, or a corked bottle, long may her cork trees wave. And, we are better because of it!
When I moved up here to Chicago, I was a snob. A wine snob. By smelling the cork, I could tell you where in the world this bottle came from. Whether it was the Napa Valley, France, or even Texas, yes we made wine in Texas, I could tell. I only drank vine from a bottle with a cork in it. And sometimes when the smell of that cork didn't stand up to what I thought was acceptable, I'd send it back. Dining out with me was probably a trip! Never a screw top, or heaven forbid, a box!
Well, my 2 best friends, downstairs, Vanessa and Jasmine, have me drinking wine from a box. I was horrified at 1st, but when in Rome...This has been going on for some time now. Oh, how I miss the smell of a cork. But, as it remains, Bear drinks wine from a box. My snob friends in Dallas would be equally horrified if they knew. Now that its come to be passe' with me, I could care less what people think. But, still I yearn for that cork!
So, V and I are sitting around her table, one afternoon, I got "full" on wine, and the subject of me being a wine snob came up. I knew it would eventually. She tried to explain to me how the cork trees were being wiped out and cork was at an all time shortage, that's why they were coming in boxes now. (My memory of the conversation may be in question here, because I don't really remember leaving her house. Don't quote me! LOL) WHAT??? CORK TREES??? But, being the southern gentleman I am, I said not a word.
The guy I started talking about, a couple of days ago and said we were not dating, well today was our 3rd date. We are now dating. Yes, I said it, Daddy or Sir Bear has a boyfriend. Are ya' happy now? 'Cause I sure am. Anyway, I digress..
On our 2nd date, I found myself over at his house. He had ordered pizza before I arrived, and 15 minutes after I had walked through his front door, it was there. He left me in the kitchen to do the honors of uncorking the bottle. A beautiful bottle of red wine, California, was laid out before me with a cork screw that looked like it came over on the Mayflower. (I found out this morning, it was his grand father's. Totally acceptable!) I thought, #1, I'll never get this out of the bottle, or I will use my strength, and with all my might, not only will that cork come out, but he'll walk back into the kitchen with all of his cabinets re-painted red along with my t-shirt and jeans. What an impression that would make, huh???
Here's the time to make my impression. With one big pull, a little twist, and POP!, out it came. No pieces of cork in the bottle, the whole ball of wax came out. While patting myself on the back, he returns to the kitchen with pizza. I take one look at him, remember the story Lady V had told me, and I just couldn't help myself. I started laughing, he wanted to know why, and then the story came pouring out. We both chuckled quite a bit. Vanessa, we weren't making fun of you, but it sure was the "ice breaker" I was looking for. I was quite nervous up until that very moment.
John-Michael has got to be one of the smartest men I have ever dated. I'm a little intimidated, but why should I be, I'm no slouch myself. So, being smart and constantly thirsty for knowledge, JM sets out on a quest to find the mysterious "cork trees!" And, I'll be damned, he found them. They're in Portugal and called cork oak trees. A forest of them.
'Seems, that in the 1974 revolution in Portugal, the cork trees fell into the extreme leftist hands and the damage was quite extent. After the Portugal territory was return to its rightful owners, it took 2 harvests,16 to 20 years, to return them to their wondrous state.
To harvest, these natural wonders, you have to carefully carve the bark from the tree leaving the protective membrane in tact. This is what gives the tree its nourishment. The world record was set in 1889, by a cork oak tree in Portugal, which yielded no less than 3,870 lbs. of cork in one stripping. That's just 1 tree. Can you imagine how much cork can be had from a forest of these beauties?
So now, let's all raise our glasses to Vanessa. May it be from a box, a gallon jug, or a corked bottle, long may her cork trees wave. And, we are better because of it!
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Summer Moved On
I was standing on our back deck, yesterday, watching the rain pour down, all day long. It was a cold rain at that. I also noticed that the leaves of the vine growing up the side of the building next door was starting to turn colors. I was depressed at the sight. Usually, I love this time of year. But, sadly, this time I'm not looking forward to it. Maybe it was because this past winter was so brutal and lasted so long. Maybe it's that I'm not smoking. Just maybe. But, this morose feeling fell on top of me like a bloulder. I should be whistling, seeing that I started dating someone new. Well, I wouldn't say dating. We've seen each other twice. I wouldn't call that dating, yet. But, I sure am interested in him. So, why the sad feeling. This is what it was like...
Summer moved on, and the way it goes, you can't tag along.
My soul moved out and the way it went, leaves no doubt.
Moments will pass in the morning light.
I found out, Seasons drift past, and there's just one thing left to ask...
Stay? Don't just walk away and leave me another day.
Day, just like today, with nobody else around.
Friendships move on until the day you can't get along.
Had a change on the phone, and the way it goes no one knows.
Moments will pass in the morning light.
I found out, Seasons can't last.
So, there's just one thing left to ask...
Stay? Don't just walk away and leave me another day.
Day just like today.
Stay? Don't just walk away, with nobody else around!
A morning walked on the beach,
Busy with dogs driven to chase.
Now, a north wind blows in its place.
Seasons can't last, so there's just one thing to ask...
Stay? Don't just walk away, and leave me another day.
Day just like today.
Stay? Don't just walk away, with nobody else around.
My soul not to be heard from again until the day.
Day that the breeze is wam and the trees obey.
Until that day, one thing left to ask...
Stay? Don't just walk away, and leave me another day.
Day just like today.
Stay? Don't just walk away, with nobody else around!
Seasons can't last and there's just one thing ask...
Stay? Don't just walk away, and leave me another day.
Day just like today.
Stay? Don't just walk away, with nobody else around.
Summer moved on!
AhHa/Bear
Summer moved on, and the way it goes, you can't tag along.
My soul moved out and the way it went, leaves no doubt.
Moments will pass in the morning light.
I found out, Seasons drift past, and there's just one thing left to ask...
Stay? Don't just walk away and leave me another day.
Day, just like today, with nobody else around.
Friendships move on until the day you can't get along.
Had a change on the phone, and the way it goes no one knows.
Moments will pass in the morning light.
I found out, Seasons can't last.
So, there's just one thing left to ask...
Stay? Don't just walk away and leave me another day.
Day just like today.
Stay? Don't just walk away, with nobody else around!
A morning walked on the beach,
Busy with dogs driven to chase.
Now, a north wind blows in its place.
Seasons can't last, so there's just one thing to ask...
Stay? Don't just walk away, and leave me another day.
Day just like today.
Stay? Don't just walk away, with nobody else around.
My soul not to be heard from again until the day.
Day that the breeze is wam and the trees obey.
Until that day, one thing left to ask...
Stay? Don't just walk away, and leave me another day.
Day just like today.
Stay? Don't just walk away, with nobody else around!
Seasons can't last and there's just one thing ask...
Stay? Don't just walk away, and leave me another day.
Day just like today.
Stay? Don't just walk away, with nobody else around.
Summer moved on!
AhHa/Bear
Monday, September 1, 2008
HIV and WALAMELON?
Here's something to chew on. Around Vanessa's table, there's always food to eat. Just about anything you want, you can get. If your hungry, go to Vanessa's house where she's always ready to feed your face until you just about pop!
It's no secret to anyone, because I always "out" it, I have HIV. My mom freaked out when she saw that my 4 month old niece was sucking on my finger. We, who are educated, know that you can't catch it that that way. Nothing against my mom, she just did not know any better! Hopefully she's done some research on her computer, instead of just goofing off. But, again, I love it when she goofs off! I usually get a laugh out of it!
Well, around the "table," as I said, there's food, something to drink, and oh, did I mention food? We eat after each other. We use one another's eating utensils. My point is, people eat after me, eat with my fork, drink out of my glass, and not a soul is worried about catching HIV. They know better. Most of them are in the health care profession, and they know. It used to freak me out, but now it makes me feel warm inside. These people are my family and they know I wouldn't do anything that would put their lives in danger. It seems like this weekend, we've done nothing but eat! But I digress...
Vanessa was on the bus a couple of days ago and, I assume, 3 woman of colour got onto the bus after her. The youngest was a little girl. She was being taught how a young lady crosses her legs avoiding having people looking up her dress. Well, this little child was worried that he "walamelon," as she called it, would get loose. And it did, slamming to the front of the bus.
Okay, Vanessa is a woman of colour too. She, like the rest of the well educated world, can not stand the way people talk in their slang. White people that that talk like trailer trash makes me cringe. But I have a lot of black friends, educated black friends, and when they hear their own race speak in, what they call, "getto slang," it just goes right thru them. Vanessa's not alone in this feeling.
She's telling the "table" about her experience on the bus with the watermelon! We were laughing so hard, I peed on myself, Jasmine was crying, and Vanessa was disgusted. I swear, some of the things we talk about, will curl your hair. You must be thick skinned around us because your feelings will get hurt! I pray I haven't hurt her in writing this, but it was just too funny! We're still talking about it, and its still freaking funny! To hear Vanessa going on and on about a loose "walamelon" on the bus, my Goddess, I'm crying now!
It's no secret to anyone, because I always "out" it, I have HIV. My mom freaked out when she saw that my 4 month old niece was sucking on my finger. We, who are educated, know that you can't catch it that that way. Nothing against my mom, she just did not know any better! Hopefully she's done some research on her computer, instead of just goofing off. But, again, I love it when she goofs off! I usually get a laugh out of it!
Well, around the "table," as I said, there's food, something to drink, and oh, did I mention food? We eat after each other. We use one another's eating utensils. My point is, people eat after me, eat with my fork, drink out of my glass, and not a soul is worried about catching HIV. They know better. Most of them are in the health care profession, and they know. It used to freak me out, but now it makes me feel warm inside. These people are my family and they know I wouldn't do anything that would put their lives in danger. It seems like this weekend, we've done nothing but eat! But I digress...
Vanessa was on the bus a couple of days ago and, I assume, 3 woman of colour got onto the bus after her. The youngest was a little girl. She was being taught how a young lady crosses her legs avoiding having people looking up her dress. Well, this little child was worried that he "walamelon," as she called it, would get loose. And it did, slamming to the front of the bus.
Okay, Vanessa is a woman of colour too. She, like the rest of the well educated world, can not stand the way people talk in their slang. White people that that talk like trailer trash makes me cringe. But I have a lot of black friends, educated black friends, and when they hear their own race speak in, what they call, "getto slang," it just goes right thru them. Vanessa's not alone in this feeling.
She's telling the "table" about her experience on the bus with the watermelon! We were laughing so hard, I peed on myself, Jasmine was crying, and Vanessa was disgusted. I swear, some of the things we talk about, will curl your hair. You must be thick skinned around us because your feelings will get hurt! I pray I haven't hurt her in writing this, but it was just too funny! We're still talking about it, and its still freaking funny! To hear Vanessa going on and on about a loose "walamelon" on the bus, my Goddess, I'm crying now!
Friday, August 29, 2008
Democratic Convention
Well, the Democrats have spoken. Barack Obama is our man, and his lovely wife, Michelle, will be at his side as he takes on this great country of ours! Joe Biden, I believe, will be a great VP.
We gathered around our TV sets, starting Monday, to watch history in the making. And, it was made. The 1st Black presidential candidate's wife was heard from, in a teary speech that resounded across this country. On Tuesday, Hilliary Clinton took the stage to step aside and endorsed Barack in another tearful speech.
I was lucky to get home, from work early enough, to catch the last of Joe Biden's speech on Wednesday and then after it was over, it was replayed, so I saw it in its entirety. Awesome speaker!
Then came the ending we had been waiting for on Thursday. BARACK OBAMA. We all met, not around Vanessa's table, but around Jasmine's. With all kinds of things to nibble on, we watched, in anticipation, for Barack to take center stage. Right before he came out, we changed venues to the living room to watch him on a bigger screen, all the while devouring White Castle hamburgers. It was a hoot. The company, the speakers, the candidates, were truly awesome.
You know I love my 2 girls so very much. This was the 1st Convention I have ever watched in my life. I could care less until this year!!! And, I couldn't have watched it with anyone smarter and more lovely than my 2 girls downstairs.
Ron even made a cameo appearance with Harley. Mistake #1! Mistake #2, came when he told me to walk him without a leash. Strike 3 came when he returned with the dog and left him. Shouldn't have done that, either. 3 strikes, you're out!!!
Supposedly, Harley had been walked, where he did "his business." But, upon his return, which should have never happened, all the while we were cleaning up our messes, Harley decides to make another one of his own, and "blesses" Jasmine's rug in her dining room! I was furious and humiliated. I am still furious today!
It was noticed, by everyone, that the energy went down hill the moment Ron walked into the room. You know, I have really nothing to say to that, except, he used to not be this way. He was always the life of the party! I don't know what I've done to him to make him act like this, but I take full responsibility for his actions. I'm so confused right now. I don't know whether it's his meds that are off, he's trying to drive me crazy, or just out to ruin me in the community, but this behavior is totally foreign to me. So to my "girls downstairs," I truly apologize for him and for my dog's actions last night. It won't happen again, trust me.
Harley has been severely punished and "grounded" for 4 weeks. As far as Ron is concerned, I just threw my hands up in the air and I really don't want to be around him for a while. So, the saga of Vanessa's Kitchen Table moves on, without a dog present for at least a month, and Ron, well until he's thrown out on his ear. I have no control over him. He has to find his own way himself. I am finding mine, and its not with him.
Okay, that rant is over...
I'm looking forward to November when I can pull the lever, punch the card, or blacken in the oval, making my statement for who I think should be President of this United States of America!!! I will give equal time and watch the Republican Convention, also. My mom would be so proud. But, all in the back of my head, while I'm rolling my eyes at the TV, I will be hearing the familiar chant, TIME FOR A CHANGE, TIME FOR A CHANGE, and 4 MORE MONTHS, 4 MORE MONTHS! What a E Ticket ride this will be!
And, before I sign off for the day, may I take this time and opportunity to be the 1st to wish you, and the characters around Vanessa's Kitchen Table a Happy Labor Day, and GODDESS BLESS AMERICA!!!
We gathered around our TV sets, starting Monday, to watch history in the making. And, it was made. The 1st Black presidential candidate's wife was heard from, in a teary speech that resounded across this country. On Tuesday, Hilliary Clinton took the stage to step aside and endorsed Barack in another tearful speech.
I was lucky to get home, from work early enough, to catch the last of Joe Biden's speech on Wednesday and then after it was over, it was replayed, so I saw it in its entirety. Awesome speaker!
Then came the ending we had been waiting for on Thursday. BARACK OBAMA. We all met, not around Vanessa's table, but around Jasmine's. With all kinds of things to nibble on, we watched, in anticipation, for Barack to take center stage. Right before he came out, we changed venues to the living room to watch him on a bigger screen, all the while devouring White Castle hamburgers. It was a hoot. The company, the speakers, the candidates, were truly awesome.
You know I love my 2 girls so very much. This was the 1st Convention I have ever watched in my life. I could care less until this year!!! And, I couldn't have watched it with anyone smarter and more lovely than my 2 girls downstairs.
Ron even made a cameo appearance with Harley. Mistake #1! Mistake #2, came when he told me to walk him without a leash. Strike 3 came when he returned with the dog and left him. Shouldn't have done that, either. 3 strikes, you're out!!!
Supposedly, Harley had been walked, where he did "his business." But, upon his return, which should have never happened, all the while we were cleaning up our messes, Harley decides to make another one of his own, and "blesses" Jasmine's rug in her dining room! I was furious and humiliated. I am still furious today!
It was noticed, by everyone, that the energy went down hill the moment Ron walked into the room. You know, I have really nothing to say to that, except, he used to not be this way. He was always the life of the party! I don't know what I've done to him to make him act like this, but I take full responsibility for his actions. I'm so confused right now. I don't know whether it's his meds that are off, he's trying to drive me crazy, or just out to ruin me in the community, but this behavior is totally foreign to me. So to my "girls downstairs," I truly apologize for him and for my dog's actions last night. It won't happen again, trust me.
Harley has been severely punished and "grounded" for 4 weeks. As far as Ron is concerned, I just threw my hands up in the air and I really don't want to be around him for a while. So, the saga of Vanessa's Kitchen Table moves on, without a dog present for at least a month, and Ron, well until he's thrown out on his ear. I have no control over him. He has to find his own way himself. I am finding mine, and its not with him.
Okay, that rant is over...
I'm looking forward to November when I can pull the lever, punch the card, or blacken in the oval, making my statement for who I think should be President of this United States of America!!! I will give equal time and watch the Republican Convention, also. My mom would be so proud. But, all in the back of my head, while I'm rolling my eyes at the TV, I will be hearing the familiar chant, TIME FOR A CHANGE, TIME FOR A CHANGE, and 4 MORE MONTHS, 4 MORE MONTHS! What a E Ticket ride this will be!
And, before I sign off for the day, may I take this time and opportunity to be the 1st to wish you, and the characters around Vanessa's Kitchen Table a Happy Labor Day, and GODDESS BLESS AMERICA!!!
Monday, August 25, 2008
Glenwood Art Festival
Wow! What a weekend we had.
1st off, the shot, Lady V had to have, worked this time. She said she hasn't felt this good in months. She even tried to leave her house without her cane. In my eyes, that was huge. She actually forget she needed it. HUGE!!
It took some of us quite awhile to come to, Saturday. I, being one of them. We didn't leave our homes until 7:30 Sat. night to cruise the Glenwood Festival. By the time we got there, 8:00pm, they were tearing down for the day. DAMN, we missed it. Oh well, there's always tomorrow. Because, wasn't it Scarlet O'Hara that said, '....Well, tomorrow is another daay!' LOL
Well, another daay came and we were ready this time. We had a blast. We drank, we danced to music the bands were playing, we laughed, but most importantly, WE SHOPPED!!! The girls bought almost every necklace and danglie ear-bob in sight. I bought myself a necklace made of stones that will absorb negativity. The damn thing should blow up by the end of the week. LOL The girls really didn't buy that much, but what they did get are absolutely beautiful!
We stumbled into Andy's Art Gallery nearby and he was a 'no show.' We really wanted to see him and congratulate him on his wonderful work that was sprawled out over the walls lining the street. His, John's, and Art's huge canvases painted gorgeously. We're really proud of them!
Finally, we had enough and they were closing things up. We have 1 more weekend, in Chicago, before the summer's over and there will be 1 or more festivals somewhere in town! And speaking about summer being over. There is a nip in the air around Vanessa's Kitchen Table. Please don't let summer be almost over. What do we have left? COLD!
Last night was the beginning of the Democratic Convention. I have never watched 1 before. Out of respect to Jasmine, Jeremy and I turned it on. The speeches were all pretty much what I expected, but when Edward Kennedy came out and spoke, he commanded that audience. And the frenzy built upon Michelle Obama lastly taking the stage. Both Jeremy and I sat on the end of my couch, our jaws dropped and tears flowing down our cheeks. It was a stellar performance! What a speech writer she has. And, what a delivery of that speech. I turned to Jeremy, with tears in his eyes, and said, 'That's our next 1st Lady!' His tears poured even more!
We have 3 more nights when the 3 of us, Vanessa, Jasmine, and myself, maybe Ron, will convene in Jasmine's house around her coffee table and watch the final night of the convention when Barack takes center stage. I heard during the convention last night, that a plot to assassinate him, on Thursday night, was foiled. Please don't let anything happen to him. Our hopes and dreams, as a country, for a better tomorrow rests on this man's shoulders!
And with that, I bid you a good night!
Love and Peaceful Journeys,
Bear
1st off, the shot, Lady V had to have, worked this time. She said she hasn't felt this good in months. She even tried to leave her house without her cane. In my eyes, that was huge. She actually forget she needed it. HUGE!!
It took some of us quite awhile to come to, Saturday. I, being one of them. We didn't leave our homes until 7:30 Sat. night to cruise the Glenwood Festival. By the time we got there, 8:00pm, they were tearing down for the day. DAMN, we missed it. Oh well, there's always tomorrow. Because, wasn't it Scarlet O'Hara that said, '....Well, tomorrow is another daay!' LOL
Well, another daay came and we were ready this time. We had a blast. We drank, we danced to music the bands were playing, we laughed, but most importantly, WE SHOPPED!!! The girls bought almost every necklace and danglie ear-bob in sight. I bought myself a necklace made of stones that will absorb negativity. The damn thing should blow up by the end of the week. LOL The girls really didn't buy that much, but what they did get are absolutely beautiful!
We stumbled into Andy's Art Gallery nearby and he was a 'no show.' We really wanted to see him and congratulate him on his wonderful work that was sprawled out over the walls lining the street. His, John's, and Art's huge canvases painted gorgeously. We're really proud of them!
Finally, we had enough and they were closing things up. We have 1 more weekend, in Chicago, before the summer's over and there will be 1 or more festivals somewhere in town! And speaking about summer being over. There is a nip in the air around Vanessa's Kitchen Table. Please don't let summer be almost over. What do we have left? COLD!
Last night was the beginning of the Democratic Convention. I have never watched 1 before. Out of respect to Jasmine, Jeremy and I turned it on. The speeches were all pretty much what I expected, but when Edward Kennedy came out and spoke, he commanded that audience. And the frenzy built upon Michelle Obama lastly taking the stage. Both Jeremy and I sat on the end of my couch, our jaws dropped and tears flowing down our cheeks. It was a stellar performance! What a speech writer she has. And, what a delivery of that speech. I turned to Jeremy, with tears in his eyes, and said, 'That's our next 1st Lady!' His tears poured even more!
We have 3 more nights when the 3 of us, Vanessa, Jasmine, and myself, maybe Ron, will convene in Jasmine's house around her coffee table and watch the final night of the convention when Barack takes center stage. I heard during the convention last night, that a plot to assassinate him, on Thursday night, was foiled. Please don't let anything happen to him. Our hopes and dreams, as a country, for a better tomorrow rests on this man's shoulders!
And with that, I bid you a good night!
Love and Peaceful Journeys,
Bear
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Lincoln Park Zoo
Steve, another zany member of the "Table," took us, Vanessa, Judith, and myself, a late birthday celebration for Lady V, to the zoo for a Soul Asylum concert, which was fantastic last night. The only thing wrong, was poor Lady V, struggling with her cane and people standing with huge, donkey asses right in front of us, blocking the view of the stage. I had to step in a couple of times to ask the party-goers to step aside so the lady sitting down could see. That worked for a little bit, but then these crazy str8 people, without a single conscience between all of them, kept crouching closer to us. It got to the point where crazy V threw her cane at 1 of them. The ditsy girl promptly turned around, picked it up and handed it back to Vanessa. "Stupid girl, that was meant for your ass, not the ground. V's just a bad shot."
All in all Vanessa bitched, which I took as a good sign. It made me feel good to see her get mad!You see, since she's been down in her back, she hasn't bitched about a thing. When asked how she's feeling, she kind of shrugged it off. But now, 'Hell hath no furry than a girl that is feeling better!' Go get 'em V!!!
Oh, and then Lady V spotted a "queen" that waits outside, everyday, with her, for the bus to come home from work. Always nose in the air and stuffed like a turkey! Last evenin' was different. V caught them cruising me. The toad's partner even came over and asked if had seen me before at the Cell Block. Please! Couldn't you have come up with 1 better than that stale old line??? As the 2 approached me, V got up and walked over to me. I already knew what she was going to do. 'Kiss me,' she uttered. So I did. Cracked a lot of faces around us, especially theirs! They stayed for just a little bit, just long enogh to where V let the snobby little fag have it. It was fabulous!!!
We got home a little late. No one wanted to leave the concert and they made SA play another song. When we got home, all we heard when we came thru the gate was Ron's loud, freaking mouth hollering out obscenities telling us to be quiet, all coming from Jasmine's window. He was acting like Keith did, which was hilarious at the time, but wasn't this time. (Ron, you need to get your own material!) The poor thing had been trapped with Ron for goodness knows how long. When we arrived inside her apartment, he was his normal loud, obnoxious self and was really trying to be the center of attention. Drives me crazy. I wasn't going to last long down there!
But, Jas brought up a good point before I had to leave and take medicine, THANKSGIVING! As I wrote earlier, Jasmine, Ron, and I spent a lovely Thanksgiving with each other last year. Well, its getting close again. And this time we want the whole crew in on it. It was agreed. We will cook at our separate flats, and then join together in Jasmine's Dining room, since it is the biggest among the group, to eat! I can't wait. I haven't cooked that big, well since last Thanksgiving. This should be a hoot, tho. All of our friends together again on this special day? Man, what a kick!
Love and Peaceful Journeys,
Bear
All in all Vanessa bitched, which I took as a good sign. It made me feel good to see her get mad!You see, since she's been down in her back, she hasn't bitched about a thing. When asked how she's feeling, she kind of shrugged it off. But now, 'Hell hath no furry than a girl that is feeling better!' Go get 'em V!!!
Oh, and then Lady V spotted a "queen" that waits outside, everyday, with her, for the bus to come home from work. Always nose in the air and stuffed like a turkey! Last evenin' was different. V caught them cruising me. The toad's partner even came over and asked if had seen me before at the Cell Block. Please! Couldn't you have come up with 1 better than that stale old line??? As the 2 approached me, V got up and walked over to me. I already knew what she was going to do. 'Kiss me,' she uttered. So I did. Cracked a lot of faces around us, especially theirs! They stayed for just a little bit, just long enogh to where V let the snobby little fag have it. It was fabulous!!!
We got home a little late. No one wanted to leave the concert and they made SA play another song. When we got home, all we heard when we came thru the gate was Ron's loud, freaking mouth hollering out obscenities telling us to be quiet, all coming from Jasmine's window. He was acting like Keith did, which was hilarious at the time, but wasn't this time. (Ron, you need to get your own material!) The poor thing had been trapped with Ron for goodness knows how long. When we arrived inside her apartment, he was his normal loud, obnoxious self and was really trying to be the center of attention. Drives me crazy. I wasn't going to last long down there!
But, Jas brought up a good point before I had to leave and take medicine, THANKSGIVING! As I wrote earlier, Jasmine, Ron, and I spent a lovely Thanksgiving with each other last year. Well, its getting close again. And this time we want the whole crew in on it. It was agreed. We will cook at our separate flats, and then join together in Jasmine's Dining room, since it is the biggest among the group, to eat! I can't wait. I haven't cooked that big, well since last Thanksgiving. This should be a hoot, tho. All of our friends together again on this special day? Man, what a kick!
Love and Peaceful Journeys,
Bear
Vanessa's Job
Vanessa works with, it sounds like, a power hungry bitch that is out of control, making every one's life that she comes into contact with, miserable. It seems like poor Vanessa is hobbling around on a cane, and the near-sighted bitch won't even ask her what's the matter. To go from not using a cane to using 1, usually that means there's a problem with that person. Quoting this steam-roller of a woman, '...that I don't interfere with personal lives of employees,' is a bunch of crap! I would think she'd want to know what's going on in the lives of her employees so she won't end up sued. But that's just my view. I'm sure she's a lovely lady. And, Vanessa trudges on, boiling...
A piece of advice, which I will share with you, was given to Lady V a couple of days ago, from a very wise older man, 'Don't let anyone take up space in your head that's not paying rent!' I like that. And that's the thought I will leave you with...
A piece of advice, which I will share with you, was given to Lady V a couple of days ago, from a very wise older man, 'Don't let anyone take up space in your head that's not paying rent!' I like that. And that's the thought I will leave you with...
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
The Theater
You know, when someone you deeply care about, or even love, is in pain, you hurt right along with them.
Vanessa, Mistress of the Kitchen Table, went back to the doc yesterday, getting another needle stuck in her spine, to relieve the severe pain that she's in, before her surgery next month. They tried the same procedure last week and fucked her up even more. This time it worked a little bit.
The 3 of us, Vanessa, Jasmine, and myself, night before last, were seated around the infamous table, recounting our experience from the previous night. That would be Saturday. What a time we had!
1st, getting Vanessa, cane, pain, and all to the Steppenwolf was a trip. It actually felt like the gods were against us. The poor thing was in so much pain. She wouldn't say a word because she didn't want to disappoint us. She's something else.
The Redline dropped us off where there was no working escalator. Poor Lady V had to literally climb 4, long tears of steps before we reached the outside. But the whole time, she never shed a tear. The word, "Courage," comes to mind when I think of her!
Secondly, we finally arrived at the Steppenwolf and we headed immediately to the bar. V and J quickly drank glasses of wine, while I chugged scotch/rocks. We barely made it in time.
The play, "Superior Donuts," was sold out and already full. Just about everyone was seated when we made our grand entrance into the theater. I made my way down to the 1st row, with the 2 most elegant women I have ever had the pleasure of lending an arm to. We all were dressed quite smartly!
Jaws dropped, as we passed theater goers, going down, row by row, to the front. With the 3 of us beaming, I still heard whispers, the feeling of being watched was present, and I being undressed by a very cute man that took to the balcony. I have to say, we made a striking trio!
And, by the way, the night before, Lady V was handing out box cutters to Jasmine and myself for protection. J was horrified that she lived in a time where she might have to use it. Well, back at the theater. We make our entrance, heads held high, finally we get to our seats, and J's purse spills to the floor in front of her chair. What should hit the floor 1st you may ask? I'll tell you. It was her damn box cutter. The 3 of us died laughing. Flustered, embarrassed, and now harassed by V and myself, she, red faced, shoves it back into her purse, with the rest of the stuff that hit the floor. Let the show begin...
Later, we had 10:00 reservations at the King Crab, down the street. I flagged down a taxi and off we went. We arrived in time for our reservation and no sooner was our water brought to us, the manager spilled a full glass of it on Jasmine. You should have seen her face. When J gets mad, her lips disappear. They were non-existent when the flood hit, and I don't blame her! The manager bought another round of drinks for us trying to correct the mistake.
We ordered shrimp, catfish, oysters, and crab claws at "market price." No one thought a thing about it. The meal was great, until the busboy started glaring at us. Then he brought out a broom and proceeded to sweep an area close to our table. We asked the waiter, which turned out to be the owners son, what the busboy's problem was? He said he was just in a bad mood, but would say something to him. Bad mood or not, service is service. And when it's bad, it's *&^$*#%*%*@!
He came over to our table a couple of times and just stared at us. Not saying a word, just staring! 'Nearly took my plate, which I hadn't finished yet. I thought I was going to have to "fork" him. All the while Jasmine is seething. Then the bill came and we found out what "market prices" were on the crab. $55! Jasmine almost fainted. She was so cool though. I've never been more proud of her. Not only are we being rudely stared at, we were being charged $55 for crabs?
Jasmine took out her card and settle it up anyway. Then a thought came to me, while she still had the check. She told us, before dinner, that this restaurant gave a 20% discount if you had Steppenwolf ticket stubs. When I flashed the stubs, all was better. Almost...
Upon our departure, Jasmine gave the busboy the "finger," as we made our way out. Not the middle one, which in my mind would have been appropriate anyway, she gave him her index finger. Shaking it in his face, she exclaimed, 'You are the worst person I have ever had to deal with in a restaurant before!' We later laughed about it, while we rested on a nearby wall. Moaning and groaning from over eating, that was our dessert. Lady Fingers! There was no "market price" on that. It was truly priceless!
Moments later, "smiley" came outside, still glaring. He sat on the steps of the restaurant, with his head in his hands, as if ostracized by his fellow employees.
I flagged another cab down, damn I love doing that, and homeward bound we were. And, we were still laughing. We laughed even after we got home. Sadly, we hugged on the 1st floor, and the the 3 of us went our separate ways! Of course I laughed loudly into my pillow. I'm not going to see my girls until the next afternoon, wondering what we were going to get into then...
Vanessa, Mistress of the Kitchen Table, went back to the doc yesterday, getting another needle stuck in her spine, to relieve the severe pain that she's in, before her surgery next month. They tried the same procedure last week and fucked her up even more. This time it worked a little bit.
The 3 of us, Vanessa, Jasmine, and myself, night before last, were seated around the infamous table, recounting our experience from the previous night. That would be Saturday. What a time we had!
1st, getting Vanessa, cane, pain, and all to the Steppenwolf was a trip. It actually felt like the gods were against us. The poor thing was in so much pain. She wouldn't say a word because she didn't want to disappoint us. She's something else.
The Redline dropped us off where there was no working escalator. Poor Lady V had to literally climb 4, long tears of steps before we reached the outside. But the whole time, she never shed a tear. The word, "Courage," comes to mind when I think of her!
Secondly, we finally arrived at the Steppenwolf and we headed immediately to the bar. V and J quickly drank glasses of wine, while I chugged scotch/rocks. We barely made it in time.
The play, "Superior Donuts," was sold out and already full. Just about everyone was seated when we made our grand entrance into the theater. I made my way down to the 1st row, with the 2 most elegant women I have ever had the pleasure of lending an arm to. We all were dressed quite smartly!
Jaws dropped, as we passed theater goers, going down, row by row, to the front. With the 3 of us beaming, I still heard whispers, the feeling of being watched was present, and I being undressed by a very cute man that took to the balcony. I have to say, we made a striking trio!
And, by the way, the night before, Lady V was handing out box cutters to Jasmine and myself for protection. J was horrified that she lived in a time where she might have to use it. Well, back at the theater. We make our entrance, heads held high, finally we get to our seats, and J's purse spills to the floor in front of her chair. What should hit the floor 1st you may ask? I'll tell you. It was her damn box cutter. The 3 of us died laughing. Flustered, embarrassed, and now harassed by V and myself, she, red faced, shoves it back into her purse, with the rest of the stuff that hit the floor. Let the show begin...
Later, we had 10:00 reservations at the King Crab, down the street. I flagged down a taxi and off we went. We arrived in time for our reservation and no sooner was our water brought to us, the manager spilled a full glass of it on Jasmine. You should have seen her face. When J gets mad, her lips disappear. They were non-existent when the flood hit, and I don't blame her! The manager bought another round of drinks for us trying to correct the mistake.
We ordered shrimp, catfish, oysters, and crab claws at "market price." No one thought a thing about it. The meal was great, until the busboy started glaring at us. Then he brought out a broom and proceeded to sweep an area close to our table. We asked the waiter, which turned out to be the owners son, what the busboy's problem was? He said he was just in a bad mood, but would say something to him. Bad mood or not, service is service. And when it's bad, it's *&^$*#%*%*@!
He came over to our table a couple of times and just stared at us. Not saying a word, just staring! 'Nearly took my plate, which I hadn't finished yet. I thought I was going to have to "fork" him. All the while Jasmine is seething. Then the bill came and we found out what "market prices" were on the crab. $55! Jasmine almost fainted. She was so cool though. I've never been more proud of her. Not only are we being rudely stared at, we were being charged $55 for crabs?
Jasmine took out her card and settle it up anyway. Then a thought came to me, while she still had the check. She told us, before dinner, that this restaurant gave a 20% discount if you had Steppenwolf ticket stubs. When I flashed the stubs, all was better. Almost...
Upon our departure, Jasmine gave the busboy the "finger," as we made our way out. Not the middle one, which in my mind would have been appropriate anyway, she gave him her index finger. Shaking it in his face, she exclaimed, 'You are the worst person I have ever had to deal with in a restaurant before!' We later laughed about it, while we rested on a nearby wall. Moaning and groaning from over eating, that was our dessert. Lady Fingers! There was no "market price" on that. It was truly priceless!
Moments later, "smiley" came outside, still glaring. He sat on the steps of the restaurant, with his head in his hands, as if ostracized by his fellow employees.
I flagged another cab down, damn I love doing that, and homeward bound we were. And, we were still laughing. We laughed even after we got home. Sadly, we hugged on the 1st floor, and the the 3 of us went our separate ways! Of course I laughed loudly into my pillow. I'm not going to see my girls until the next afternoon, wondering what we were going to get into then...
August 17, 2008
My name is Bear. I'm 47 years old, gay, and I live in the magical city of Chicago. I moved up here a year ago from Dallas, Texas, with my dog Harley, 3 cats, my ex-partner Ron, and HIV! Being Southern, I was raised with Southern manners and Southern values. Quite different from this place in which I live. I also speak with a Southern accent which a lot of people love. And, having HIV, you can imagine what a roller coaster ride my life must be!
I live in Rogers Park, 1 block east of the Redline, otherwise known as the EL, and a block east of me is Lake Michigan. I have never seen a lake like this before. It's like looking at the ocean. The only thing missing is the smell of salt in the air, and seashells scattered on the shore.
The building in which I live, contains an eclectic group of characters! It seemed like a weekend didn't pass when there wasn't a party, in which I was never invited to, going on, on the 1st floor. Despite feeling left out of the loop, I struck out on my way. I quickly became part of the "Breakfast Club." Members of my complex and neighboring complexes meet every morning to wake up, downstairs at the coffee shop Ennui, to shoot the breeze with 1 another.
Then, I started volunteering, shortly upon my arrival, at a wonderful place called Test Positive Aware Network. TPAN. Throughout the months, I became certified in HIV Testing and HIV Prevention Counseling and Partner Counseling. Still, the parties continued downstairs. Thanksgiving came...
Ron and I, in Dallas, would open up our home and invite everyone we knew, that didn't have a place to go, for dinner, in which I cooked. We decided to do the same thing as soon as we moved up here to Chicago. Mass emails, at work and throughout the friends we had already met, were sent out, inviting them to our "shindig." Only 1 person showed up. Her name is Jasmine, and she lives on the 1st floor. We had a ball, just the 3 of us. Jasmine later had both feet operated on, in 2 separate surgeries. The last time I picked her up from the hospital. We bonded instantly. I love this woman like a sister! With knowing her, I was quickly introduced to the "party lady," Vanessa, which now I love her, too! Since the introduction to both ladies, Ron and I are on the "party list!" Vanessa has thrown several barbecues in which Ron and I have been invited. Finally, I made it to the parties!
Both women are absolutely crazy. Crazy in a good way. We are constantly laughing. So hard sometimes our sides almost split! Looking at us and listening to us, you'd think we were related. Jasmine is from Long Island, New York, and Vanessa, Joliet, Illinois, and I from Dallas. What makes us different, besides the geography from which we came, is our gender and the color of our skin. Trust me, none of these differences is an issue with us!
Since these 2 women and I bonded, just about every day, 1 of us, both of us, or a herd of other people are gathered around Vanessa's kitchen table. This special place is where you go to laugh, solve the problems of the world, cry, play games, or just chill and hangout! It feels like going home. In the past few months of this summer, a lot of things have happened around this table, with many more to come.
This is the beginning of the tale of Vanessa's Kitchen Table! Now you have a little bit of back ground on the cast of characters that pass through her door and sit around her table. Others, like Judith, Art, his partner Raymond, Steve, Chris, my dog Harley, and a host of others will be described later.
I live in Rogers Park, 1 block east of the Redline, otherwise known as the EL, and a block east of me is Lake Michigan. I have never seen a lake like this before. It's like looking at the ocean. The only thing missing is the smell of salt in the air, and seashells scattered on the shore.
The building in which I live, contains an eclectic group of characters! It seemed like a weekend didn't pass when there wasn't a party, in which I was never invited to, going on, on the 1st floor. Despite feeling left out of the loop, I struck out on my way. I quickly became part of the "Breakfast Club." Members of my complex and neighboring complexes meet every morning to wake up, downstairs at the coffee shop Ennui, to shoot the breeze with 1 another.
Then, I started volunteering, shortly upon my arrival, at a wonderful place called Test Positive Aware Network. TPAN. Throughout the months, I became certified in HIV Testing and HIV Prevention Counseling and Partner Counseling. Still, the parties continued downstairs. Thanksgiving came...
Ron and I, in Dallas, would open up our home and invite everyone we knew, that didn't have a place to go, for dinner, in which I cooked. We decided to do the same thing as soon as we moved up here to Chicago. Mass emails, at work and throughout the friends we had already met, were sent out, inviting them to our "shindig." Only 1 person showed up. Her name is Jasmine, and she lives on the 1st floor. We had a ball, just the 3 of us. Jasmine later had both feet operated on, in 2 separate surgeries. The last time I picked her up from the hospital. We bonded instantly. I love this woman like a sister! With knowing her, I was quickly introduced to the "party lady," Vanessa, which now I love her, too! Since the introduction to both ladies, Ron and I are on the "party list!" Vanessa has thrown several barbecues in which Ron and I have been invited. Finally, I made it to the parties!
Both women are absolutely crazy. Crazy in a good way. We are constantly laughing. So hard sometimes our sides almost split! Looking at us and listening to us, you'd think we were related. Jasmine is from Long Island, New York, and Vanessa, Joliet, Illinois, and I from Dallas. What makes us different, besides the geography from which we came, is our gender and the color of our skin. Trust me, none of these differences is an issue with us!
Since these 2 women and I bonded, just about every day, 1 of us, both of us, or a herd of other people are gathered around Vanessa's kitchen table. This special place is where you go to laugh, solve the problems of the world, cry, play games, or just chill and hangout! It feels like going home. In the past few months of this summer, a lot of things have happened around this table, with many more to come.
This is the beginning of the tale of Vanessa's Kitchen Table! Now you have a little bit of back ground on the cast of characters that pass through her door and sit around her table. Others, like Judith, Art, his partner Raymond, Steve, Chris, my dog Harley, and a host of others will be described later.
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