Since U Been Gone
Since we last spoke, I:
- Wrote a little more of my book, but not enough to please my conscience.
- Met some of the Manly Fireplug’s family on the Jersey Shore, watched his mother play the penny slot machines in Atlantic City, took a quick tour of Philly, and lost my wallet in a cab on my way out of New York City. On my way to the airport. As in, no ID for security. No claim ticket for my car in the Oakland airport’s long-term parking lot. No credit cards or cash. But I managed to make it home and thanks to an intrepid girl on the Upper West Side who climbed into the cab after me, I even got my wallet back.
- Considered the trip a total success when the Fireplug’s mother said to him, in reference to me, “What’s not to like?”
- Got Louie’s ashes delivered to me in a box.
- Bought my first-ever suit, so that I can look good for my little brother’s wedding next month. How I got to the age of 36 without ever owning a suit is beyond me, and probably not worth your time.
- Threw out all of my long-held beliefs about only adopting mutts from shelters, and started looking into getting a purebred puppy. A small one so that I can take him with me to more places. I am turning into the bourgeoisie gay man I used to ridicule. But fuck it, having dogsat in the past for a Norwich terrier, I want one of my own. Here is a pic of some random person’s Norwich puppy. Perhaps you can see the appeal.
- Started looking into the possibility of getting an outside office, as the whole working-from-home thing is proving to be more of a challenge than I imagined. Found an ideal place that I can afford, that is currently under construction.
- Realized that, while waiting for both a puppy and an office, I’ve made absolutely no progress on becoming a more patient human being.
- Traveled with the Fireplug to a gay resort near Saugatuck, Michigan, for “INFERNO,” a SM retreat hosted by the Chicago Hellfire Club. Came back with a couple bruises and the sounds of whips and flogs and paddles hitting bare flesh still echoing in my ears. Not to mention a few sights burned into my retinas for all time.
-Bought my first piece of luggage-with-wheels. Between that and the suit, I am becoming a grown-up.
- Developed a taste, during our plane trips, for the New York Times crossword puzzle. Can barely make it though Monday without help.
- Made it an entire year with the Fireplug. Today’s our first anniversary. I love the guy.
The one that brought me the biggest smile was the last one. Congrats.
September 18th, 2007 at 7:13 pmI’ve heard about INFERNO. Definitely not for the squeamish.
September 18th, 2007 at 10:29 pmcongrats on your one year anniversary.
What’s not to like?
September 19th, 2007 at 2:13 amHappy anniversary, Michael.
Also? Don’t beat yourself up about looking into purebreds. My other half just adopted a miniature dachshund, whom we got from a national rescue group. So, you can still do a good deed if you go that route. (And that little Norwich is the bee’s knees, isn’t he?)
September 19th, 2007 at 6:40 amA suit? Luggage with wheels? becoming a “grown up”? PLEASE don’t rush in to anything! Just remember, conformity and maturity are NOT the same thing. And, you MUST post a picture of you in a suit.
Congrats on a year. And blessings!
Shalom & Cheers
September 19th, 2007 at 11:40 amSuch things go on here in Michigan? Who knew? Mostly it’s just knitting circles and book clubs.
September 19th, 2007 at 3:56 pmCongrats on the one year anniversary!!! I hope to be saying it again next year…
September 19th, 2007 at 7:59 pmGreat to catch up on what’s been happening I was so missing your insights. Reading you today has helped my mood, thanks. Wishing you both the best and many more minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, and years of life together. I can just imagine you in suit, pulling the luggage on wheels, the puppy on a leash, and the pappa-razzi surrounding you. Hugs to you both. Jim
September 20th, 2007 at 5:33 amGlad to see a new post. I was a new reader and just got hooked on your writing before your “summer break.” About the pup, I was also a shelter dog kind of guy but my partner talked me into a pure bred Welsh terrier about 8 years ago and I fell in love. I reached into the create of 7 puppies and Wiggles jumped into my hand and kissed me telling me I was the one she had been waiting for. Two years ago we added a pure bred wire haired fox terrier into the mix. Terriers are GREAT dogs that give lots of love.
Good luck on the new pup and the new office.
September 20th, 2007 at 7:07 amAwesome. Happy Anniversary to you two!
September 21st, 2007 at 9:38 amCongratulations on the year!
The Norwhich puppy, though small, still has that
masculine, rough-and-tumble look. You’ll be getting the best of both worlds– small,easy to carry dog, but masculine appeal (like a fanny pack).
much love
September 21st, 2007 at 9:42 amThat is one cute puppy! The three of you will be fiercely cute together!
September 21st, 2007 at 7:39 pmRob, that’s why I like the Norwiches. Big dog in a little body. And I still have some masculinity issues, clearly.
September 22nd, 2007 at 9:58 amCongrats on 1 year! Still looking forward to meeting you – I hope next weekend at Folsom!
September 22nd, 2007 at 11:36 amI find it depressing when folks of our age wake up one day and realizing the only way to grow up is to submit to the adult expectations of the generation before us. I admire that you’ve got to your mid-30s without a suit and without roller luggage. I still don’t have a suit, but do have a suitcase with roller wheels. Although it’s the Timberland “turtle” model, and it has straps to become a backpack. Boring baby boomers often stop me in the aiprot to say, “That’s a nice bag.”
Whatever it takes.
September 23rd, 2007 at 6:31 amIt’s good to hear that you’re doing well, and happy to boot. Congrats on everything.
September 23rd, 2007 at 12:33 pmYay, an update! I know we don’t know each other, but I was getting a little worried about you.
Congrats on your anniversary, the new bruises
, the suit (I still don’t own one), and your luggage. I only have a suitcase on wheels because my (younger!) brother bought it for me for Chrismakwanzaakuhyulexmastice one year. Kids. 
September 26th, 2007 at 7:24 amThose Norwich terriers are indeed adorable and bubbly.
Dude, Inferno’s pretty intense! (or so I hear)
September 26th, 2007 at 8:45 am