I had a pretty darn good birthday event and spent the time with some great friends. What more can a guy ask for?
I kicked started the birthday vacation by visiting the chiropractor; my final appointment since the car accident a couple of months ago. I packed my bags and off to San Diego to visit @AshantyVicite and @Merlacky, two close friends I feel I’ve neglected last year. I say neglected but in all honesty it’s been one hectic year. It seems that every day off I have I’m running around to one place or another. I think that’ll change this year, but we’ll cover that in the next entry.
There was no usual companion or friend to join me on my drive. I must admit I sort of preferred it this way. It would give me time to unburden, clear my mind, or muse away. San Diego would be stop one before driving back up to visit a friend in Victorville and then off to St. George, Utah (Yes, I said Utah. No, not going to straight camp… again).
San Diego.
Tensions eased when I saw @AshantyVicite. Hugs were exchanged and we immediately got to catching up. Later that evening @Merlacky got home from work and more hugs exchanged. It’s cute seeing these two, whether finishing each other’s sentences, cuddling, or even teasing one another. The love is palpable.
We dined at my favorite Ethiopian place in downtown San Diego. I have many fond memories of this place, right across the street I went to my very first gay bar, had my first martini, and got drunk. I also met my first gay friends there. Each time I visit, it is all familiar territory and an area I enjoy visiting. Nostalgic for other reasons as well. It was ground zero for when @AshantyVicite @snowppl and I went bar-hopping. It was also where I met up with @motoridersd to meet for the first time. And just the countless of other visits to the area.
I have a few drinks, enjoying each one and knowing I won’t be driving. That feeling all on its own is just immeasurable. That is, knowing I can relax. Both Ashanty and Merl comment that it must be hard for me to relax. I must admit they were right. I could barely put Bertram (phone) down long enough to finish a convo. I half expected something work related to pop up.
Ashanty and Merl talk and the topic of wedding comes into the convo. The cute story in all this is the two met through me. I met Merl through WDC (Writing Dot Com), and over the course of time became friends. At one point I left WDC because I was moving and would be without a stable internet connection, and therefore unable to access the site for the chatroom. I left letting everyone know I had just joined twitter and was planning to get my social fix there. Merl followed. As I got around on twitter I eventually met Ashanty, and then shortly thereafter they both met. Merl moved from CT to SoCal and the two have been together I’d say for almost a year now. Funny how things work out.
I tease Ashanty she should have a quickie wedding; Vegas style and married by Elvis at a chapel. She hides her displeasure with a smile and a fake laugh, though it’s pretty obvious (and HILARIOUS) that she’s not a fan of the idea. The cherry on top was when I tried to sell the idea of having the wedding at a PizzaHut, adding that the free pizza was a bonus/ingenious idea. Shortly thereafter I was dropped from the wedding planning committee. Merl is still somewhere in there, even though he liked all my ideas. I think he’s safe… considering he’s the groom and all.
The next day Ashanty and I went wine tasting. We toured the vineyard, led by a very handsome guy. We had our wine (yes, we swallowed #NotDirty) and I think Ashanty made it to her third glass before she stopped. I made it to four out of six glasses, purchased my wine bottles and called it a day. In the evening we dined at The Green Flash, heard great things from @JeffeKennedy and must agree the food was awesome. The nice chatty waitress congratulated me on my birthday and even brought out a cake with candles. Bless her heart.
The night ended and received a text from a friend who was unable to attend our dinner celebration, not because he forgot, but because I was late in inviting him. He brought to surface odd quirks in my personality that still bug. One thing about me and my birthdays is I don’t tell people my birthday. I hate burdening someone with the responsibility of remembering it and having them feel obliged to do something on the day of. It’s such a terrible burden. Plus, the feeling of being forgotten leaves me depressed. As they say, expect nothing and never be disappointed. Ashanty and Merl remembering is sweet, as is when all my other friends remember. With this particular friend I felt odd in telling them that A) I was going to be in town, and B) that it was my birthday. I hate doing the whole hoopla of having someone rearranged their routines because I’m dropping by. Anyway, him not being there did sadden me a bit, mostly cuz I considered him a close friend. But anyway…
I get my rest, knowing the next day I’ll be making the drive back up but to Victorville. It’s time for part two of the birthday vacation.
SO pleased The Green Flash was a hit! Made me all nostalgic…