Today was a sad day at work. Dave passed away Saturday morning at home surrounded by his family.

Safe journey my friend.

Vespa Vespa

Vespa, the maker of the motor scooters, held a contest to see who could create the best video about them. I just found out that the Grand Prize, and a brand new scooter, went to Rex, a friend who, with his boyfriend Dan, I frequently hang out with at Kicker's, the country western dance club. Rex wrote and performed the song and made the video. Vespa liked his song so much they've flown him all over the country to perform it at their entry in the motorcycle shows. Who knew this otherwise quiet little guy had all this talent?

I think Vespa should spend the money to run the video during the Superbowl.

Secrect Indulgence

A few days ago I was at the gym. As I got off the treadmill I saw my friend Wayne coming up the stairs. While I waited at the top to say "hello" I took off my headphones and reached down to pause my Zune.

When Wayne walked up to me he asked, "What is that you're listening to? Is that ABBA"?

I was so busted. Pressing "pause" had caused the oversized screen to light up and display my taste in oldies for all to see.

After he headed off to workout and I went the other way to stretch out I turned my music back on. A minute later I was suddenly grateful for getting off easy. After ABBA the next song to come on was by Doris Day.

Laugh Often...

... At yourself;

Rarely at others.

New Year's Day

New Year's Day we all woke at different times and got out of bed slowly. Randall had coffee and orange juice and a wonderful egg casserole for brunch. When everyone was ready we headed out for a walk on the beach. Their place is close to a beach where dogs are allowed and it's great fun watching dogs and people play in the surf and sand.

New Year's Eve with Randall and Andreas

I had to work New Year's Eve. But Keith called as I was leaving the building to see what was my ETA. We were both invited to Randall's and Andrea's house for a New Year's Eve Party and sleep over to New Year's Day. Keith waited while I got home, packed an overnight bag, and threw the Aero Bed in the car. Then we headed to Solano Beach.

There were 8-10 of us and enough food for an army. Keith reprised his Cranberry Bliss, modeled after a Starbuck's dessert of the same name; and I provided champagne. Randall made a Mexican soup; which I should remember the name of, but don't; and someone brought some fabulous meatballs. We watched a couple of DVDs and started falling asleep about 1:30.

Thanks to Randall and Andreas for putting the party together rather quickly. We all had a real nice time. It doesn't top the time I rang in the new year at a lesbian bar in Chicago, but that's a whole 'nother story.

Cruisin' Christmas Lights

The Saturday before Christmas Victoria (on the right) braved the cold ( 50 degrees) and joined me to go looking at Christmas lights with the top down. Since we can't enjoy the sight of 4 inches of snow over all the lights, we went cruisin' in the convertible taking in all the sights unincumbered by windows or roof. We set the heated seats on high and turned up the hot air, doing our best to warm the globe directly.

First we headed over the bridge to Coronado, admired the view of downtown from across the bay, then drove down the main boulevard where they had lit every evergreen down the middle. We drove past the Hotel Del, all decked out for the season, and cruised down the Silver Strand to Imperial Beach.

From there we headed towards Chula Vista in search of Lauryn's (on the left) house. Her street traditionally is always well decorated for the Holidays. And just a few blocks away we found a regular Candlestick Lane. We joined a line of cars driving slowly through a neighborhood where nearly every house was all lit up. Some of them had music going. Many of them had firepits in their driveways and where out enjoying the night. From there we headed to my neighborhood of Mission Hills before taking Victoria back to her home in Pacific Beach.

Thank you, Victoria, for braving the cold with me. Next year I promise we'll put up the top before going 80 mph on the freeway.

Best Wishes for Health and Happiness in 2008

Since I'm feeling out-of-shape and un-photogenic I'll post pictures of my handsome friends. Besides being incredibly good-looking, Dan and RC are also very smart and successful and have 5 beautiful children.

And they're truly nice guys.

I hate them.

I first met them 1 1/2 years ago playing volleyball on the beach Saturday mornings. They had recently started dating and were being all cute and cuddly with each other; it was obvious they were completely into each other. But one of the girls who hadn't seen them recently had to ask: "Are you two going out, because you're being way more affectionate with each other than you used to."