GONE

Yawn - I feel as If I dont get enough sleep on the weekends, which isnt a bad thing (..in one breath). I spend (and I'm sure I'm not the only one) 40-50 hours every week @ my office. When the weekend arrives I feel the need to maximize MY time - time off of work and away from certain responsibilities (even though I'm "on-call" to some degree). Sure, I'll always have responsibilities; weekends are relaxing even though I have tasks I aim to accomplish. No complaints....

And so after a hectic Friday I felt compelled (and well deserved) to have an evening of debauchery however I saw fit.

... and to start things off proper I popped in _the_ Mitchell Brothers mixtape a friend across the pond kicked to me - Thanks, mate! It got real spliffy....

"Aint no body dope as me I smell so fresh, so clean...."

We made it to 'the square' with just enough time; enough time to walk into the confusion of shirtless men, loud geeeeeeeetar and beer glasses - everywhere. Enough time to ponder on what to eat and enough time to look around hoping a hotdog vendor would magically appear. Sometimes we must make our own magic even though it's not as easy as pulling a rabbit out of a hat.

....and along the way we encounter random possibilities to appease ones needs; through magic or a lack of options. Our needs at the moment were hunger based, food!! The confusion and all around insanity of 'the square' caused a momentary lapse of reason.

Luckily I know a magic trick, or two. I led the way to the stage where she ordered 2 hotdogs w/everything. Magic, luck or a big thank you to Mr Photographic memory for quickly taking a snapshot out the corner of my eye... I can tell you that it's very funny to watch someone devour 2 stacked hotdogs in 3 minutes - plus smoke (and enjoy) a cigarette - satisfaction in 6 minutes or less, guaranteed! Orgasmic though? I want her tastebuds!

river water + amusement park = sandbar

How'd I come up with that... meh - I live in Pittsburgh.

...and this drink, it's called "Running with the Bulls". It _requires_ 2 shots of Cabo Wabo Tequila (the Sammy Hagar brand) per Redbull. Trust me, you _dont_ want to get bottom shelf booze for this drink, something I learned on Friday!

...A few rounds with co-workers and new friends plus the random encounter with kids I used to babysit - thanks for the shots boyz! The night was getting "tipsy", so they say.

Tipsy or tipping over... Either way, my friend Phil made contact with his back and the dancefloor! It was funny to watch him fall, get up and continue his evening, proper. He got up ok and didnt seemed phased; props! Phil's an cool guy I've had the pleasure of meeting a few weeks back. He also DJ's which gives us alot to talk about. He's also an IT nerd, another common denominator.

Phil was rather drunk which wasnt hard to tell... Unfortunately he _was_ the designated driver. Luckily, his friends (old and new) were supportive and willing to take care of him. I'll give props to Andy the European and Ray/Roy for stepping up to be a DD.

Food (the greasy kind) can sober up many-o-drunks....

You know you love grease in those wee hours of the morning, especially after a night of alcohol. Nothing better than a Pittsburgh landmark sucking up all the alcohol consumed in an evening of fun, friends and the sounds of a shitty dj. We had a few problems getting to the O; someones auto needed jumped and I needed to pee... on a car! Ever pee on yourself then lie about it? I swear I didnt pee on myself...I know I peed on the car, trust me! I hate my rented Chevy Malibu...so i peed on the car, not myself! After the food and smiles we said our goodbye's, hoping for another Friday night with a new circle of friends - cheers and goodnight!

Hello Saturday!

...And yes, it hurts when you leave without a proper goodbye.

Brian's dad stopped over Saturday morning. B's dad is a good man (a long story I can not tell). B's dad is also very stubborn. He would not accept any of my delicious coffee, not without constant badgering from me - tasted good huh? B's dad is a pothead...not really. He's one of those old men who seems like he's stoned 24/7. He's mellow, calm, forgetful, funny... you know, an old man ;-) - Chatting with him about the house and some work 'to-be-done' was great - positive criticism with talks about the community and other neighborly items.

Saturday was "little, little Ricky's birthday".
Actually, his name is Josh or "Baby Josh"

Josh is also my godson. We went out to his birthday party Saturday afternoon. Many o-family members and friends showed up for the party.

Even Josh's great grand-daddy aka "Fat Man" showed up after arriving fresh from a 5.5 hour drive from Detroit - eye's hella red! It was good to see him after all this time....when he used to torment us kids at the family dinner(s). Time changes people, people change over time - props!

I helped out with the tasks of maintaining a party; cleaning, serving, moving furniture and chairs; whatever I could do to help! I had an opportunity to talk with friends I havent chatted with since my cousin went to Iraq. There's always alot to catch up on at family gatherings - Good times! Family gatherings have gotten better over the years. Mostly due to the addition of 'the little ones' - I'd also say maturity has contributed to my family's functional dysfunction.

It was good to have Joy with me. My family digs her and I realize she enjoys seeing my mixed family life; the arguments and profanity, the smokers and the jokers. I'm not as nervous as I used to be...

It was odd to have her in my old haunt; where alot of "us" still lingered in the air. Looking back on the rocks and recalling the hours we spent chatting - now the kids are playing on them and making their own memories. It was nice for Kaleigh to see Joy and vise-versa! I miss my little girl sooo much... I bought her a toy cell phone so she could call me when she needs to (I know, I know.....)

Time to say "goodbye"

...not before another problem!

Yeah, I'm a slight putz. Why, I tried to be a nice guy by putting the air-conditioning on before Joy and I left. The problem; I locked the damn keys in the car! I know I was more pissed than she was. And why would she be pissed; it was HER CAR! Actually, she surpsied me with her kindness. She made the best of it; afterall, we were in a safe place - her car was safe - we were with each other. So sweet....

...25 minutes and 50 dollars later we're on our way.

"Ready to scream?"

Sure we were a 1.5 hours behind but again, we were with each other. We decided to venture to Kennywood for an evening of amusement at an amusement park. Remember I said I wanted to go, finally! Does this place deserve top 10 status?

We got to Kennywood at 9pm, which in Kennywood time is late! "Do we feel like being nice?" "Go ahead, you kids only have an hour an a half for rides, you dont have to pay but DO NOT tell anyone." Good acts came back to us; thanks to the staff @ Kennywood for letting us in on the sly! Sickening Sweet, is that how it goes? How well can you keep a secret? It was rather funny to here Joy talk and go into "I cant believe we got in for free..." in the crowd - innocent humor! So much for a secret... I dont think anyone heard!

We were able to ride all the rollercoasters (minus the Steel Phatom or whatever it's called these days). Not bad for 1.5 hours. This is the only picture that came out proper;

I have other but they're lost due to crappy digital camera technology in mobile phones - I really need to buck-up and buy a decent digi camera.

It was a fun time. Alot of screaming, hands waiving in the air, odd smells, memories and the moments of "this used to be soo big when I was little." It was rather fun to have my body whipped around, flying out of my seat and hearing the "i think I pissed myself" comments from kids. Fun, thats exactly what I needed and wanted!

...and then there's the cheesy electronic music played throughout the park. Actually, I was more than happy when the "Go Home" music came on. What music have you heard in an amusement park; cheesy electronic music, jazz - please tell, I'm curious! ...And Yes, I entertained the thought of throwing a dance party inside the amusement park!

Going home we stopped off in the Shadier Side of town for the "Jam on Walnut" which was also littered with empty beer glasses and yuppies. I took her to my old bar, which wasnt too packed. Was it good to have her there, yes. She was tired and I was talking too much for my own good. I know I could've translated my words through 2 turntables and a few records...so we go home.

She falls asleep before my first record gets halfway through the mix.

While she slept I end up telling her how my words and thoughts came about; how I got to _the_ point of realization. How I fell in ...

...and how I woke up; with her next to me. I woke up to the sound of my alarm. I woke up because I needed go to the office to switch over the routers we dismantled on Friday. I woke up, checked my voicemail then called my boss. Turns out I dont have to go in to work; back to sleep!!!!!

I have the tendency to say good things at the wrong times. It's not the time is 'wrong' though. It's how I say these things that make these moments of BM special! And I'm sorry for putting her in a headlock; I got carried away. I dont think she minded though; she's not as fragile as I think she is.

... It's early, brunch time!

Being hungry/starving and eating a huge plate of mexican food can result in 2 things. A full stomach with bubble guts and/or a food coma. And a food coma is what we had; we spent hours in the coma!

"Chill Winston!" Hells yah! I think the spliff we shared settled our stomachs. I watched Lock, Stock and 2 Smoking Barrells. She wasnt out of her coma just yet....

...coming out of her coma; I explained myself from last night. I explained and went into details in regards to my words and how I fell in ... - she understood; clarity and definitions help! I hope my specifics helped explain how I feel and why. Vague, not this time!

And we're still hungry. And we're still hot.

Ice cream? Let's go old school, just like my house - just how I like it! The parlor was a throw-back from the 1920's. THIS PLACE rocked... they let us customize or desserts to our liking. Cone or without? Chocolate fudge or nuts?

We were still hungry, but what to eat! I know the answer is obvious! Have you ever did an inverted dinner? I'm talking dessert -> dinner? It's not that much of an oddity. Actually, it was alot of fun and seemed all too normal.

I'm glad she likes Sushi as much as I... Rainbow Rolls are satisying in more than one way. I'm saying, you get the Cali roll with a piece of fish on top! Best of both words!

So that was our meal... Ice Cream -> Soup -> Sushi. We had a short but needed walk to shed off the few pounds we put on.

We missed the Simpsons though...

And when did the Family Guy season end? There werent more than 8 episodes, I swear! Are they starting another season?

After the Family Guy I whipped out the old photo albums for a few chuckles and smiles. Wow... how my hair has changed! I wish I had more albums from my 'rents house. Maybe I'll add that to my "to-do" list for the week.

We chatted for the remainder of the evening, relaxing. And yes, all we did on Sunday was relax and enjoy each others company. Sure, we watched a movie and slept but it was good.

...and so, as I fell asleep not knowing what I'd wake up to - I felt happy, at peace and comfortable in someones arms.

Now it's Monday and I've spent a few moments gathering my thoughts and expelling them out into something I can reflect on for later in the week. I cant buy these moments and I damn sure dont want to "check out" anytime soon! So, THANK YOU!

... And to think about it now; another weekend, Friday through Sunday - Amazing. Iskabibble. And I still want more!

... And I'm in the lead, +1!

Now, about those plans of mine.....