On Thursday, July 14 me and Jennie left for Los Angeles, I think we got in there about midnight or so.

Friday we went shopping, I bought some used clothes for too much money and we drove all over and went to the Museum of Jurassic Technology. That night we couldn’t find anything to do so we drank wine and looked at the internet.

Saturday I met up with Mike O’Brien at the beach. I said to him “Mike, six years ago if you were to ask me what we’d be doing I would never have said that we’d be laying out like a couple of nancy boys.” That lasted about an hour, neither of us are beach dudes, and we couldn’t hide it. Me and Jennie then drove up to another beach in Malibu, and went to a couple of parties that night.

Sunday we saw Willie Wonka. It was fun to watch. I got to the airport at 8:30 Sunday night.

Monday morning I arrive at JFK and head over to another terminal and get on the plane to Miami. I am about to embark on a 4 day cruise in the Bahamas that Grant is going on because the company he works for sells a bunch of this certain kind of tractor. Just as I am about to get on the plane I get a call from Grant that he has missed his flight in Kansas, and he’ll meet me the next day. I get to Miami and get in a van with two old couples that are with the same group. They don’t talk to me. I get all checked in and meet up with the leaders of the group. They look at me kind of funny cause I don’t fit in. I am on the ship with no friends so I sit in my room and watch TV for a bit and try to nap. Early afternoon I decide to explore the ship and found the bar pretty quick. All expenses were paid, so I loosened up with a few cold ones. Went to the social functions and tried not to give too many details about my life. The other people wanted to talk about tractors, so I asked them questions. By 10 I was pretty drunk and I fell asleep.

Tuesday we ported at Nassau, went to the beach and swam, it was really nice. Crystal clear water and warm, the beach was pretty empty too. Found Grant on the boat that afternoon, we started drinking. That night there was some kind of midnight party by the pool. We partied.

Wednesday we went to CocoCay, an island owned by the cruise line. It was not as good and they cleared us out at 3 in the afternoon. We drank a lot again and made plans to meet up with some other kids at 11, but we fell asleep at 10:30.

Thursday we ported in Key West. We went on this boat called the “Crazy Boat” it delivers what it promises. That afternoon I was convinced I couldn’t have another beer, as I was experiencing some pretty sharp pains in my chest. But I surprised myself on our pub crawl. Key West has a lot of bars and they all have a guy with a guitar singing all day. Lots of people were partying and it was only 2 in the afternoon. That night at dinner one of the old tractor guys, Paul from Kentucky (talks like an old hound dog), told us to meet him on deck 11 later. We partied with this old dude all night. Friday we had to get off the boat at 9am. I was pretty damn tired.

Back in New York I began the healing process. It only lasted one night though. Saturday me and Mike went to look at art. Then we saw Firecracker, the movie filmed in Wamego. It was so terrible I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t have high hopes for this movie, it surpassed my expectations, only in the wrong direction. Just painful to watch. The me and Mike drank a ton of beer to try and forget the experience.

Back from Kansas Monday night. Dinner and hanging out with Jennie upon arrival. Tuesday, back to work. I had some trouble sleeping this week, twice I was woken up at 3am and couldn’t fall back asleep until 7–8 in the morning. No big deal though. Thursday Kate E. arrived with a bag full or wares to sell in the park all weekend. We did a lot of hanging out all weekend. Went and saw the movie Rize on Sunday night.

Arrived in Kansas City late Friday night. The flight was cramped and the old dude next to me was old and listening to 50 Cent. The Martin brothers picked me up with my old KS friend Keystone Light ready to go. We stayed at Phil’s house that night, I had El Monteray Burritos. Woke up early and went to Oklahoma Joe’s for bbq, Then waited all day for the bachelor party to start. We all shot the shit on the porch for a bit, went out for some mexican food. Headed out to Westport for drinking. Ran into a few people as I thought we would. Dudes tried to pick up chicks with minimal success. Then back to the hotel for the evening’s entertainment. It was a last minute call, but it all worked out. After a few hours of sleep it was time to check out, headed to Arthur Bryant’s for my second bbq lunch.

Then back to Wamego. Mom had Jake, Alison, and Shawn Lane over for dinner. Ate and talked. Was pretty tired that night. I spent most of my days trying to motivate myself to work on this site for Brooke’s boss. I only sort of know what I am doing, so it is kind of hard to get started. Most nights were spent on Jake’s porch drinking a few too many light beers.

Friday headed up to Nebraska for the wedding weekend. Checked out the tux and rehearsed the whole scene. We did great. A good wedding team was formed. Then to dinner at the local steak house. A good hustle was exhibited by all. Jessica’s grandmother was the center of attention, as she was funny and crazy. Headed back to the Pioneer Village motel. It was straight out of the 70s, I thought it was pretty cool and would make a great location for a photo shoot.

Saturday was the main event, we got to the church early for photo time. I did my duties as best man by signing the wedding certificate and providing morale support, though it wasn’t really necessary as everyone was in a good mood. The mothers seemed sort of nervous, but everything was in control. Ceremony went off without a hitch and I managed not to lose the ring. After that we were piled into Buzz’s wedding trolley. Buzz liked to honk the horn. We bought way too much beer and tried our best to drink it all. The reception was in a restored opera house and the wedding party got to sit on the stage which was pretty rad. I felt pretty royal up there watching the peasants eat their food. It came time to make my speech and I did so, but I can’t really remember what I said, it was like I was in a trance when it was happening, I think it went over well. No one was offended as far as I know. I tried to dance every dance at the reception, but I think I missed a few, and wasn’t sure if it was appropriate for me to get down to baby got back. Went back to the motel and tried to party hard, but I was pretty exhausted and only managed to party medium, but I made it until 3 am I think. It was great to see everyone and I was really happy to be the best man. Slept in my tux and woke up nice and fresh for a 5 hour journey home in a car with little to no air conditioning. I was in the back seat with Curtis and Sara. I was in the sun. I was miserable. But I tried not to complain. Sara didn’t have any problem holding back her concerns though.

Arrive at Matt Blume’s. He cooked me up a sausage and we played computers. Then went to see Cinderella Man, a good movie that provides entertainment. I liked the party with the boxing. Some people were literally on the edge of their seats. I woke up this morning and had my final meal of the trip — Oklahoma Joes — symmetry.

Nearly a few minutes until I go to the aiport where I expect I will be sitting for quite a while. My flight has already been pushed back 1.5 hrs, and I am sure it will be longer. Since I last blogged the MTV thing went down. They set up an entire 2nd apartment within our apartment Lots of toys and records and cds everywhere, plus about 20 crew members. They were generally respectful and didn’t do a great job cleaning up after they left, but that is ok. We made some money and got a few pieces of furniture out of the deal. I have yet to hear if the show is going to get picked up, but I doubt it. If it does go on tv, they might shoot here more long term.

The next week Josh Lake came to visit, we did some walking around the city, some drinking and saw the Decemberists. It was a really good show, the last one of the tour. They did this mind control trick where they got the whole audience to sit on the ground. Josh got some extra energy from the Polish beer they were serving and convinced this short girl to get on his shoulders. He seemed to be regretting that offer half way through the song, I blame her poor posture. We invited her out for a post-show drink, where she missed the opportunity to knock back a Jager shot courtesy of Mr. Lake.

For Memorial Day I went up to North Adams for Nato’s opening, Becoming Animal, it was pretty interesting. There were the usual parties that occur with North Adams visits. During lunch Ingrid said the best thing, in regards to the new Britney Spears reality show; “first of all, she looks like she is made of boogers.” That really blew my mind.

The next weekend was my birthday. Nine of us went to dinner at this new restaurant, where they seated us all on the same side of this long table similar to the last supper. It was kind of akward. I got some oversized head phones from Willow and Jeff gave me a portrait of myself and a cd of his own band. Then we all went to my house for the motivational speaker Jennie had hired to speak. We met up with Gary the motivational speaker on the street. He was a little bald character with a nice brooklyn mustache wearing a thrift store suit that was a little too big. His speech went like a typical AA meeting from what I could tell. He’d been out of prison almost a year to the day, and he was writing a book. Most people were depressed by his talk, but impressed with the event. I then proceded to kick everyone out of my apartment at midnight to go to the lamest bar in town. Jen Neilsen gave me flowers, and a stranger gave me a big bottle of Shiraz.

Saturday night Liz and her boyfriend Peter had a snacks party. It was to welcome them into their tiny, hot apartment… it was a good time. I like small parties with funny people who aren’t compelled to yell and break things when they drink. I did an on-demand downloading dj set. UB40’s Red Red Wine was the hit of the night.

Sunday we all took the subway to Coney Island where we laid on the beach and ate hot dogs and onion rings and ice cream and went to the sideshow and saw people swallow swords, eat fire, lay on nails, etc.

I’ve also been working nearly full time at ecko clothes. It isn’t too bad of a job, the pace is pretty slow, and I have friends Brian and Dan to chat with once and a while. There is this british dude who sits next to me and is usually annoying, however when he walked in this afternoon wearing the same clothes as yesterday and proceeded to tell the story of waking up at the hospital only 30 minutes prior, having no idea how he ended up there, I was amused.

On Monday some people from MTV came to our apt and looked at it, they are filming some type of pilot and needed a sort of crappy nyc apartment. Our was perfect they said. However they never called back. That afternoon Jennie graduated from college, I met up with her family and we went to a little ceremony and to get some food. Then I met them again for dinner at this crazy mid-town asian restaurant with a giant buddha statue. Then I worked a couple of days at A&E. It was so boring, Surfing the internet in a cubicle isn’t as good as surfing the net at home. This weekend I really only went to bars and walked around the city. Saturday I rode the Staten Island Ferry just for kicks and to be on a boat. Last night I saw a good documentary called Mad Hot Ballroom, it was about inner-city 11 year olds competing at ballroom dancing. Oh, and I bought my plane tickets home, I’ll be coming in June 10 – 20. I am homesick!

(update: MTV will be filming here this week)

Posting a day earlier than usual since I am home trying to heal from Friday night. Started off the night meeting Karyn at a gallery for the new Gregory Crewdson photos. Karyn helped with some of them and they were shot in and around North Adams. I am ready to go up there and visit soon… mountains, clean air, all that cliché stuff. Then we went on to the Jasper Johns opening, kind of strange since all the work in the gallery was sold before it was put up. Full of eccentric old crazy rich people. Then we headed down to Karyn’s hood, Cobble Hill, and played with Maggie the dog and went out for more beers. I think I got on the G train around midnight and went to Jennie’s where they were partying and finishing up poker night. We got in a cab with a couple of friends and went this whack joint called Double Happiness in L.E.S. We were there for about 20 minutes and I proclaimed that I was officially drunk and came home. I spent the whole day with a hangover that was much more intense than I deserved. I think I should not drink at openings anymore. Missed a good one tonight already.

Also this week I took care of business, literally. Got my business certificate filed and made my sole proprietorship legal. It was pretty easy to do. Got the forms from this newspaper stand across the street from the courthouse and dude notarized them. Then just get more stamps and pay some money. Otherwise I just took it easy this week and tried to draw and get some work done at home.

This week was mostly spent watching television. I was pretty beat from last week, and I was wearing worn-out contacts, so I was too tired to do anything social after leaving work. Go to work, go home, sleep… Luckily there was lots of good television to be viewed. Manor House on PBS was a good series. Jamie Kennedy is real funny. Tonight I watched this weird movie with Dick Van Dyke and Mary Tyler Moore called the Gin Game, also on PBS. I hate that I didn’t feel compelled to do anything productive last week, but I guess that is the way it goes sometimes.

Friday night was spent working my last First Friday event at the museum. I won’t miss that too much. Jesse Jackson was supposed to come, I am sure he did, but maybe through the back door, cause I didn’t see. him. I had planned on not getting excited had he I been in view of him anyhow.

Also a bunch of new exhibits are on view at the museum. Two American artists, John Currin and Paul Pfeiffer, They are both very good and the first shows I have been excited to see since I started working there. Currin is talented and looks like he is a motivated person. Pfieffer is funny and smart. (thorough critique)

Last night I went out with friends and had deep thoughts at a fraternity type bar. Then got up this morning to go to this gigantic flea market. They had everything I could ever want there. I don’t want to go shopping anywhere that has a roof from now on. These events plus the consuption of alcohol make me tired now. I am writing that same thing week after week-I’ll decide if that is bad or good later.

You got my number.

Monday — Ran out of work. No problem, would like a couple days off. Don’t remember doing anything that night.

Tuesday — I should have gotten this paperwork done for a business license, but I spent the majority of time downloading music. That night there was a party at Brooke’s work for something or other. There was free champagne and wine and jelly beans. I abused the champagne. We took a few bottles for the road and it really started to kick in half way through our byob dinner back in brooklyn. This is where it starts to get fuzzy, I guess we went to the Antique Lounge to play some pool, and I eventually told Brooke “I have to go home now.” Jennie met up with me as we were supposed to got to a birthday party at Southside Lounge, I was passed out and told her to go on. Somehow while sleeping I got a second wind and hopped on my bike and made it safely to the bar, where I proceeded to be the life of the party… so I am told. I am pretty embarrassed.

Wednesday — I slept didn’t get out of bed until 6pm.

Thursday — I got called into work, most boring day ever. After went to see some paintings a friend was showing at a bar, reminded me I need to get some shit made. Then to see TV on the Radio at Club Exit. I was kind of disappointed when they said goodnight after their 4th song.

Friday — was boring at work again. Need to move on. Got out early and picked up new cell phone which is really confusing. Then we met up with friend Laila for food and drinks and pool. Saturday and we piled into the mini van headed for Atlantic City for Kate’s birthday. Had chicken and ribs at Hard Rock Cafe, then off to gambling. After checking the vibe at the various casinos I decided to make my fortune off of Trump at Caesars. I think I sat at the roulette table from about 1 to 5 in the morning. I started with a 100 and at one point was up to over 500, then back down to 200. I cashed out and that 100 paid for my share of the hotel and rental car. So no worries there. I am tired but I have another birthday party in an hour.

It turns out that some guy named Kevin found my phone a block from my house, he got my email and wrote me on Friday, the night after I ordered a new rig… I have been calling the dude all weekend but he never picks up and doesn’t have an answering machine. I suppose I will try him again tomorrow. In other news I worked all week at A&E again. Not too exciting, I’ll probably get another couple of days in this week as well. I can’t remember if I did anything notable during the week, I don’t think I did.

Friday I stayed in.

Saturday I went to the Folk Art Musuem with Jennie and I really liked it. Lots of inspiration there and I have to go back when I can concentrate better. That night me and Aug went to see this band Black Dice, which was decent. When we were leaving the club it was pouring down rain, which was a problem as we had ridden our bikes there. So we rode home and got completely soaked, I kind of got a kick out of it. We were welcomed home by the dripping water from the ceiling. We tried to watch a bootleg dvd of Kung Fu Hustle that I had bought in the afternoon, but it was too shitty.

Sunday we rode down to the Brooklyn Museum to see the Basqiat retrospective. I am not too into him but it was kind of cool to see that he got the opportunity to be a full- time artist and made a ton of work. After that we discovered Prospect Park and rode to my favorite bar for a couple happy hour beers. Then to kickball at McCarren park, it was cold so there weren’t too many people out. Nonetheless we played and yelled for about 3 hours. I think I am going to be pretty sore tomorrow.

I am on the phone right now trying to get another phone. I think I lost mine last night while riding my bike over to Jennie’s. This is the first time I have ever lost a phone, so I suppose this is a tribute to my first cell phone. Good night my sweet prince.