Monday, May 01, 2006

Posted by Picasa Me and "Crockett"

Tuesday, April 25, 2006

souvenirs, novelties, party tricks

While I was attending birthday parties and bread pudding bake-offs this past weekend, others were home with a severe case of food poisoning. The Mayor and a few other members of the varsity squad were stricken with the illness after dining on guacamole at Zocalo's. Note to self: stay away from anything served in Lava rock bowls.

So yesterday I stopped by the Mayor's to check out the new home renovation and assist him in obtaining adequate hydration. Four days of vomiting and diarrhea leaves you quite dehydrated and looking rather puny. After a liter of saline had infused, he later informed me that he was finally able to void his bladder after nearly two days. so nice that I could assist him with his excretory functions.

Wednesday, April 19, 2006

cause you're a risk and a borderline


I have to say they have done a very nice job with the new condo building across the street from me. Although I haven't seen the inside, I have had the opportunity to watch this structure being built starting with the demolition of an old apartment building and ending with the above picture. I know what people are saying.....don't we have a enough condos here in atlanta? and I know the market is probably saturated. this building has class though. it doesn't soar above the others looking exactly like my building and the four or five other by the same developer. now i have several friends who have purchased in the above building, and I am just waiting for an invite. i know the assistant is making the short move over....only I don't think his new balcony on the 5th floor provides for a quick exit.... Posted by Picasa

Tuesday, April 18, 2006

If I had a photograph of you, something to remind me

I honestly cannot understand why someone would spend the money on a bluetooth headset then not take full advantage of its features. Today on my drive home from work I was nearly run out of the lane on spring street by some idiot in a bright yellow cobalt. I look over and see the flashing ear piece in place, only to notice that the driver is looking down at his phone and presumably flipping through the address book. Isn't the point of a "wireless" headset just that? to put the phone in the passenger seat, press the button on the side, and utilize the voice recognition software in an effort to pay closer attention to the road? come on people.

Monday, April 17, 2006

Here kitty kitty kitty.......

What a beautiful weekend it was down here in Atlanta. Now if it would only stay like this for a couple of months...

After a thorough condo cleaning Friday afternoon, I dined on sesame ginger baked salmon filet, spinach salad, and green peas. (you know, the ones in the silver can? guilty pleasure of mine that has extended into adulthood) and for someone who doesn't cook very often, I impressed myself. Kelli and anthony stopped by and we headed over to Mid City for a couple of drinks. the evening ended early as it should have only i vaguely remember placing a couple of unanswered phone calls just before going to sleep. must.put.down.phone.

Saturday morning I dropped by Piedmont Hospital to check on a friend who recently underwent urgent quintuple bypass surgery at the young age of 45. Just goes to show you really never know. and what a big part genetics play in heart disease.

Then it was off to lunch with my parents, where as usual, they ordered the exact same thing. every single time. Such creatures of habit we all become as we get older....i guess. but it was nice to catch up with them, and it made me realize how lucky I am to have family close by.

JohnBrown's impromptu dinner on Saturday night was a real treat. The tenderloin was tender and juicy, but the fried okra was nearly perfect. That has to be one of my favorite vegetables and I have yet to find anyone who can come close to my mom's. I will order it on occasion at the Piedmont Cafeteria only to be left with a fried batter ball and a small piece of frozen okra in the middle. Note to JohnBrown: mom says if you let the oil heat a little longer before putting the okra in you will end up with a crispier end product. After dinner, the 6 of us sat on the porch sipping wine and telling stories of college experiences, past vacations, and of course old Backstreet Days.

Sunday Easter brunch at Joel and Brad's was divine. Do you see a food theme here? Lasagna, fresh fruit, cheese, and mimosas. we sat on the deck and enjoyed the beautiful spring air. Then it was off to the leather tea dance at King Plow. It always makes me chuckle to see the hairy, leather daddys dressed in a harness and a nelly decorated easter hat. somehow that just doesn't equate. The DJ that we appropriately named T-Dance Pat, was busy in her white lattice-encased DJ booth throwing down some gospel house tunes with a lot of "hallelujahs" and "praise". But frankly I couldn't really dance to this type music. You end up just moving side to side, so I spent most of the party on the rooftop deck enjoying the sun and lack of humidity.

The evening ended with a dip in Joel and Brad's pool and a beautiful sunset. It was surreal. Other than the leaves rustling in the trees, it was a silent evening, reminding me so much of P-Town. Speaking of Ptown.......

Thursday, April 13, 2006

Now you've got me thinking

There is nothing worse than being hit with two pricey and unexpected bills, administrations, and/or loans in one week. My jeep that has been very good to me over the last seven years ended up costing me big time. I thought I was simply needing new brakes, yet I did notice over the last week that it seemed to be leaking oil.....ever so slowly. Turns out, the brakes are fine but the oil leak was a separate and expensive issue. I found myself looking online for a new car last night but it is hard to think about a $450 car payment when you haven't had one in a few years. So it's fixed now and I am happy. The second issue will probably be a two year process....

It has been a while since I have posted any of my new mixes so here is something I threw together for Bret's Birthday. Tracklist to follow..

DJ John Thompson's April Mix

1.oliver desmet & b. mccarthy - disco dust (original mix)
2.michael gray - borderline
3.kaskade - in this life (john Michael and balage hermosa's mix)
4.solu music feat kimblee - fade (grant nelson big room mix)
5.saint etienne - stars above us (eric kupper remix)
6.hott22 - i feel love
7.miguel migs - petalpushing (ian pooley dub)
8.martin solveig - jealousy (junior jack remix)
9.soul central - need you now (sergio flores mix)
10.chuck love - spread the love (miguel migs salted bump tech remix)
11.blaze feat barbara tucker - most precious love (copyright vocal club mix)
12.kerri chandler - so let the wind come

the link should be available for the next week or so. comments appreciated.

Wednesday, April 12, 2006

"This is Ardell, and what is the nature of your emergency at this very time?"

Ah.......Paulding County. Such a booming area for growth these days. And heart disease too. Today brought us young 36 year old Norman. Having already undergone a double bypass heart operation a few years ago, Norman was admitted to the hospital yesterday with chest pains. It seems it started last week when he was released from jail. Note: the charge was only child porn so he is harmless. Norman just can't seem to change his ways. Still butting 3 packs of smokes a day, he is anxious to get back to his job at the Waffle House out in Dallas, Georgia.

On a side note, I recently read that an ambulance company in Las Vegas has responded to the growing population of morbidly obese patients by purchasing "bariatric ambulances" equipped to haul patients in excess of 500 pounds. Apparently, in the last six months they have had over 75 calls that required extra man power to load and transport these "heavier" patients. The $250,000 ambulance, which looks like other ambulances only wider, comes complete a large-sized gurney, a winch, a full assortment of FUPA slings, and ramps capable of loading up to 1600 pounds. The company praises the new ambulance as it is much safer for the paramedic's back and is a better "stabilizer" for the patient. And according to the CDC, of Nevada's nearly 1.7 million adults, 21 percent or 357,000 are obese, and this was in 2004. Thankfully, the next generation ambulance may hold patients who tip the scale at 1000 pounds.

My question remains the same. When will people take responsibility for their lives?

Tuesday, April 11, 2006

do it 2 nite

What a weekend it was. The most beautiful weather this year.

Friday = burgers and beers at Moe & Joe's, a trip by the Metropolis and then city living at its finest. We walked and enjoyed spring in Atlanta.

Saturday = apps at John Brown's. A great visit with Walt and Philip after nearly a year, the final performance of Urinetown, and Mrs. Pennywise in a FUPA starter sling.

Sunday = A visit from Mr. Margarita Daddy, a grand party for Bret's 40th, a meeting with Olivia, and a night cap at Blake's. Pictures below courtesy of Twon.

Monday = no Diane.... That's odd.

Of course PTown Barbie made an appearance Posted by Picasa
The Birthday boy and Twon Posted by Picasa

Thursday, April 06, 2006

Rota

Yes, I am back, and I apologize for the hiatus, but sometimes you just need a break. Not that there hasn't been anything to talk about of course.

This week has been exhausting. What started out on Tuesday as a mild case of the "STOMACH" (screamed in a loud voice) turned into a simultaneous vomit/diarrhea session chez moi complete with fever, chills, and body aches. At first thought, I found it easy to place blame on the burrito I purchased at Joey's Mexican in the bottom of my condo building. You see where the support for the local businesses gets you. But it turns out there is some sort of 24 hour "Rotavirus" going around. I cannot remember the last time I was sick with flu-like symptoms, and I quickly remember how miserable it can be. So today it was back to work thanks to Gatorade and Imodium.

Dinner tonight with TheBoyScout was nice until it turned increasingly awkward when discussion about our mutual flirtation and his recent overt and forward comments to me prompted him to act like it was nothing more than showing a little sass. Come on now, talk about setting double standards? sheesh.

The walk-thrus have commenced over at 905 Juniper. I have been very busy polishing my binoculars and can almost see the "Batman signal" courtesy of The Assistant....

This weekend promises several Dooley caravans from Paulding County with homemade strollers with beer holders and sleeveless knit tops. for the festival and all. Cause they can smell a funnel cake fryin' from 40 miles away.

Buschy's 40th birthday bash on 5th street. I can't think of a better way to spend the afternoon than sitting on the porch sipping frozen margs with the boys.

Some touching? What's that?

Wednesday, March 08, 2006

get into my milkshake

It turns out Diane is a well traveled lady. She ventured to the big apple with johnbrown and they called me last night around 1:15 am to alert me of a new tune that was playing at the local watering hole. It's a cheeky mash up of Kelis's "milkshake" and Madonna's "get into the groove". I call it "get into my milkshake".

On a lighter note, the spring weather in atlanta has brought out some of the most interesting characters to date. Just today brought us young Johnny from none other than Paulding County, in the unincorporated city of Hiram. Standing at 5'10" and weighing just 129 pounds, this 46 year old man looked every bit of 70. He reminded me of a poster of drug addiction. At first, I thought he was suffering from hepatitis or cancer, then I realized that he was really good friends with the mean girl. You know, Tina. Someone forgot to tell Johnny that smoking the mean girl will wreak havoc on the coronaries. Now his heart his functioning at about 10%, low enough to place him on the heart transplant list. Only problem is that Johnny is not a good candidate as he suffers from what we would call....."non compliance". When it comes down to it, Johnny would rather spend his cash on a carton of Dorals than his anti-rejection medications. neat.

Thursday, March 02, 2006

If you want it

I have to say that David Gray put on quite a show last night. Having enjoyed his music long before the infamous "Babylon" song came out, I was eager to hear him in concert. And the Fox Theater is by far one of the best venues for this sort of intimacy. Dori and I decided to enjoy the nice spring weather and walk to Baraonda for dinner where we dined on Arugula salad, pizza, and red wine. With a wait time for a table reaching well over an hour, we strategically placed ourselves near the bar and sipped on wine until two spots opened up. Though the hot latin bartender was not working, the very cute pocket hottie was, and he took very good care of us.

The place was filling up when we arrived, and so a quick stop by the bathroom was in order. While waiting outside for Dori to come out, a random girl from Acworth asked me, "Do you actually like David Gray or are you just here with your girlfriend?". I replied, "Well, Both. I do enjoy David Gray's music and my girlfriend is in the bathroom". She then went on about the last she saw David Gray in concert where the two gay guys in front of her got into an altercation simply because one looked at the other wrong. hmm.....I can see that.

The show was lasted about two hours, and though we were in the balcony, the acoustic were excellent. I especially enjoyed the cello and bass player who would break into a solo that was really beautiful. Pulling tunes from all of his albums, David Gray really put his heart into the performance. Of course, he ended with "Babylon" which is just fine by me.

Tuesday, February 28, 2006

funky town

After the official job offer arrived on Friday, I spent the better part of the weekend deciding what to do. Though the position out in California is a great opportunity and a stepping stone into the medical device industry, it does require a relocation to a city that is known to be one of the most expensive places in the country to live. And to be honest, I am just not ready to make that jump. My decision was solidified today when I received a voice message from my 4 year old niece telling me that "Mommy has a little baby in her tummy that will arrive in October". Great news indeed.

Friday, February 24, 2006

Diane

you know it has been nearly two weeks since i have seen the likes of her, but damn if she didn't show up this morning unannounced. let's see if i can piece it all together....

last night i dragged Heyward over to the grand opening of The Glenn boutique hotel. it was a Jezebel event, so everyone was out sporting the most fabulous spring fashions. and porcelain veneers of course. the space is really beautiful and made me feel like i was in south beach except for the 40 degree weather outside. and the real lion sprawled out on the fiery red stage. i thought the circus was last week? the bar was open and pouring on the house, and dj scott anthony threw down some downright groovy beats, thanks to his skills of course and my powered Mackie monitors I let him borrow.

after being bumped into one too many times, we took a tour of BED and then rode the elevator to the top floor to check out the rooftop deck. The bar isn't finished yet, but the panoramic view of the atlanta skyline is breathtaking. The Jezebel suite is gorgeous, and the other rooms weren't too shabby. i really hope this hotel will bring some life to downtown, and i can easily picture spinning an Out & About event this summer on da roof...

after dinner, we rallied Heyward's roommate to join us for drinks at Halo, where I managed to score the newest Brandon Sutton CD. and catch up with dougneal and chrisheard. i guess people just don't go out during the week as the place wasn't too crowded. the music was great as usual, and several overpriced cocktails later, we departed. only to pop over to teen night at wetbar. and let me tell ya, it was like being in alice in wonderland. clans of pocket gays lined the front bar, and dj greg dean was busy in heavy diva mode in the booth. always nice to see a few queens out fiercing on the dancefloor on a thursday night. thankyoudeborahcox.

this morning i woke up sans diane only to hear the toilet flush and see her smiling face appear in the doorway. thank god i am not working today.

Thursday, February 23, 2006

Moving into Light

And to think this could be my view.....everyday...


To say that I am glad to be home is an understatement. I have spent the last six days living out of a suitcase in various hotels, apartments, and country inns, and I was very happy to get off the MARTA train at the midtown station last night. until i realized it was raining and I was without an umbrella. plus, my keyfob was buried deep in my suitcase. oh, and I was out of toilet paper. neat.

The trip to California was nice. After a grueling 8 hour interview on Friday, I sped up US 101 North in my metallic blue Pontiac Vibe to the beautiful city of San Francisco. Friday night featured a nice meal at Lavende Lounge on Mission Street. Such a hip and trendy place, complete with a dj spinnin' downtempo lounge music and some of the best lamb burgers I have ever had. It was so nice catching up with Beaux, and meeting his boyfriend Bob that I have heard so much about.

Saturday morning, Beaux and I hit the Castro for brunch and shopping. The weather was cold and rainy, with bursts of sun dispersed throughout the day. I finally found the new Saint Etienne CD I have heard so much about, and even picked up a DVD of the Delta Heavy tour from 2003 featuring Sasha, John Digweed, and Jimmy Van M. We laughed and cruised just about every single guy on the block, including the hotty McHot german guy in the boutique.

We opted for a movie on Saturday night instead of going to "Dirty" at Stud Bar. I can't deny that I was sort of hoping for a night of dancing, but with the early flight it was probably better to have a quiet evening. We saw the new Woody Allen "matchpoint" which was a thriller about love, passion, and betrayal. It was very good.

The early part of this week was spent in Winston-Salem, NC for a training class. I learned a lot, and they took very good care of us, but sometimes you miss the comfort of your own bed. I arrived home last night only to get a message from California. They are ready to give me an offer on the job.......and I have no idea what to do......... Posted by Picasa

Sunday, February 19, 2006

Stars Above Us


Well I am finally back from rainy California. Seems we had identical weather back in Atlanta. Now it is off to Greensboro tomorrow for a training class. Let's talk later this week. There is much to discuss.... Posted by Picasa

Wednesday, February 15, 2006

Now you've lit my fuse

I have never cared for Valentine's Day. all the pink and red felt, balloons, lace doilies, and cheesy cards just make me want to vomick. and why put someone through all of this? i guess some women do find it romantic, but that is beyond me. and then you are chastised should you show up without flowers or a card in hand. I don't know why I feel this way, maybe because the only Valentine's day I can remember was about three years ago and it marked the beginning of the end of my relationship.

so I planned on a quiet night at home. until my cute coworker Jason informed me that he would rather not spend his night at home in Kansas.... I mean Canton. I could only picture him curled up in bed watching Women's entertainment and polishing off a magnum of Yellow Tail. I suggested we grab a bite to eat after work...

So we drove around midtown trying to think of a suitable place to grab dinner, as he was wearing a baseball cap and a t-shirt. we decided to try Atlantic Station, though I insisted that we avoid Copeland Cheesecake crap. we settled for a glass of wine at the bar at CPK. Which was just fine by me as they pour J. Lohr, one of my favorite everyday cabernets. turns out, the majority of the staff at this location are gay, and Bruce and Charles took a likin' to us. So we continued to smile and drink and eat and smile and drink and soon we were full and tipsy. So nice when the bill arrived and it was only $50.

I think one of them told me they used to perform in drag shows at Backstreet under the name "Gender Snap". Then he also told us he hadn't slept the night before and was wondering what we were doing later. That was our cue to leave.

next up: an interview in Santa Clara and a weekend with Beaux in San Francisco.

Monday, February 13, 2006

The city feels clean this time of night

It was so calming to wake up this morning to see the light dusting of snow scattered along the streets of midtown. It sure beats the dreary cold rain any day. And what a great weekend it was. celebrating life with you friends and family is a good thing.

Friday night, an attempt to have dinner over at Atlantic Station ended with a delivery from Domino's. We were hoping to try the new mexican restaurant, Rosa Mexicano, only to find there wait was almost two hours and they do not take reservations. I was a little hesitant to have mexican food so soon after my bad case of "STOMACH" on thursday, but I figured quesadillas were a safe choice. Instead, we stopped by Lobby for a cocktail. I must say it is a nice space but entirely too crowded. and then there was the crowd....diverse indeed. I cannot imagine being a resident at Twelve and having to weave my way though all the people just to get to my condo.

I met the entire family for lunch on Saturday. It was Mom's birthday, as she turned 62 on Friday. I just love seeing my niece, Molly Catherine, grow up. She will be 5 in May and gets cuter every time I see her. It funny, as she now has this shy act when I am around her. So different from the chatty two year old I remember. As I was I trying to make her laugh when she remarks, "Uncle John, you are embarrassing me!"

I managed to have a short nap on Saturday in preparation for Anthony and CQ's birthday celebration that night. The gang gathered at Bazaaar for drinks then on to Eleven50 for Kaskade. I was very excited for this night as he put on such a great "concert" the last time he was in Atlanta. And what a perfect night of music it was. Housey, groovy, with only a hint of progressiveness. The crowd was hot and I really find that Saturday nights at Eleven50 are becoming more and more mixed. He managed to play some of his own production work such as "Steppin Out", "Everything", and "It's You, It's Me" (Thanks to CQ for that request). The highlight for me was Ryan breaking out Freeform 5 - No more conversation. I was floored. Other notable tracks included Soul Central - "Need you now" and ending his set with the Aurora remix of Late night Alumni - "Empty Streets". pure class.

The after party at Springforth was fun. J-Luv threw down a nice progressive-tinged house set and I must say that it wasn't nearly as sketch as some of the gay parties I have attended. In fact, I can report that a certain DJ from Halo might have been getting his groove on into the early morning hours.

Sunday featured a late lunch at Vickery's and several $2 PBR's on tap. Signature time indeed.

Friday, February 10, 2006

Lips like Sugar

I honestly cannot remember a more exhausting week. We have been slammed at work, helping all the Paulding and Putnam county specials with their heart conditions only to have them eat, drink, and smoke themselves into the grave. Thankless work after you spend 50+ hours with the hopes that maybe, just maybe, someone will take some responsibility. I guess you could call it job security...

I did manage to find some time to forget about the moist FUPAs and dental caries. Tuesday night featured a nice dinner with a real cute boy from South Khak-a-Lhaki and Wednesday night I caught up with BJ for dinner at Eats. It was my first experience at this restaurant that I have passed countless number of times on Ponce. I wasn't really impressed, but the lima beans and macaroni were tasty.

Then came another busy day on Thursday. One of the sales reps at work catered lunch from some god awful mexican restaurant and shortly after consuming the beef tacos and refried beans I was ill.... first a continuous heartburn followed by waves of nausea that extended into the evening hours. At one point, I contemplated calling Ardell at Paulding County 911 as I was convinced I was having a cardiac event. On top of that my throat was becoming sore, and I was fearful that I was getting sick. So I jumped into bed and 9.5 hours of sleep later, I felt like a new man.

All I can say is that I am glad the weekend as arrived.