Chimay with a Dominican

Strings of lights cascade the sky and a light breeze comforts the patio in Uptown Dallas. It's Joseph's 27th Birthday and we have gathered here to get a couple of drinks in us and a good conversation. There are times when you take a step back from it all, observe the commotion we call life and realize that it would all be the same without you in it. It's nice seeing friends so happy and peaceful. I make an honest smile and walk back into the hypnotizing siren of a song. It's time to be a part of a growing good time.
After Jake's we head to the Ginger Man's. Its a big house on the outside, but a real pub on the inside with an upstairs balcony and outside patio. A warm wooded timeless piece making me feel like Beowulf before I battle Gretchen for the first time. I think I'll keep my clothes on this time though. On the recommendation of our friends I order a bottle of Chimay the Premium Red Label. Two bottles emptied into our uppity glasses and a dominican cigar (thanks to Chris) later I'm walking with a merry stumble and carving "Philip and Jessica wuz here" on the wooden table. I'll check for it next time I'm there.
We make our way back to club M. A three story club that only utilizes the top two floors. Its crowded and I make my rounds to only escape to the roof. I have a perfect view of the Downtown Dallas Skyline. I realize at this moment I love this city and raise my glass towards it and it returns my gesture with a refreshing breeze. A moment later Jessica gives me the sign to rescue her from some aging older man trying to impress her with his wingman skills. He really does make it harder for me to hit on any decent women as I have now sacrificed myself for the great escape. Cry me a river.
Our last stop is the Idle Rich Pub, but only after I run back to M to close out my tab. We play our games and I lose. We spend our few moments of drinking at the last pub searching for unsuspecting victims of our game but our lust for power has left us wanting. The worst part of it is, we forgot to have a better time with the company provided. I think these games have outlasted their novelty.
As we drive home Chris and I get into a heated fight and wrap up poor Jessica in the middle of it as a peacemaker. After we drop off Jessica, Chris and I realize that we are more alike then previously recognized and even though the fight was hurtful, it was necessary. Because of this fight we were forced to evolve as friends in a shorter amount of time than our leisure permitted. Our friendship prevailed and in return for this, it multiplied ten fold, and now we can truly understand and appreciate the other's character.

The pursuit of drunkeness

Finally the epic 5 mile run has commenced! with a little chest and shoulder action to boot! It's my attempt at losing the Christmas weekend poundage before I go out and venture into the realm of New Year's Eve parties. All day I have been texting all the corners of the universe to find out about all the parties that are going down for the year 2010. What can I say? I found them, and now I have too many options. Shall I lose myself amongst the sea of humans in the heart of Downtown Dallas? The North side of Ft. Worth where the drinks flow like Biggie? or be satisfied with the smaller more intimate parties that litter the inside of Arlington? Stay tuned my friends and I shall let you know how it goes down!
My plan for this New Year's is to not get laid. This is my experiment. Every New Year that I can remember, I have always had sex. This year I am taking a stand, and will refuse to have a sexual agenda that smothers my having a good time. Instead I will replace it with a pursuit of an amazing kiss at midnight. Hopefully I'll be able to look back at this and remember a perfect moment, and not need it to be anymore. Lets not ruin it yah?
Today also happens to be my Father's birthday. I called him twice and he just returned my call. He's 55 now and still kickin'. Even if he did just wake up from a nap! I still look up to my Dad even to this day. He might be shorter and older, but he's got a lot of heart. You gotta respect that. I remember when I was 5 I would try to ride my bike next to him on the military base as he ran his 5 mile. I couldn't make it on my bike, so he would lift me up on his shoulders and he would carry me and my bike the rest of the way. He was Superman to me. He's truly the boy that grew up to be a soldier, the Dad that became a friend, the mentor that understood.

Just a road trip away...

This last Christmas has really felt like the one I just missed. I was always one step late to every event I decided to attend this year. Nice! I travel all the way to San Antonio, from Dallas/Ft. Worth and I missed out on all the festivities. Well at least I made it to one of my old High school friend's house and drank it up while I enjoyed two random girls taking their turns flashing me. I don't think I've ever seen a latina with pink nipples before, so it was quite a discovery. Almost like I found a fifty dollar bill in my pant pocket. Almost....

The rest of the time I spent eating brownies and baking strawberry eclairs with my older sister. When the brownies kicked in I decided to show the farm animals around the house my(human) super powers by giving them personal rave light shows until they had a sensory overload from my fingers being too close to their eyes in constant motion. There is Buddy the white wiry haired benji looking dog, Allie the grey and white cat with a stomach that sags, and Bubbies, which is my sister's dog, who I call weasel because that's what he looks like. At some point I exhaust myself and pass out on the couch to awaken to my sister's boyfriend bringing home some thin crust pizza. Just in time.

Every time I visit that city its like I'm visiting my past. I feel like I've changed so much over the past 6 years, but the city never changes. Its a beautiful place to visit, but I've always lived in the present. Onward I look towards the undiscovered and illicit paths of free will! Maybe I'll find that hope thats supposed to come attached to youth.

While driving back in my car I jam out for 4.5 hours, light me up two, and let the transition wash over me as I guide my sailboat amongst the asphalt sea. I always seem to have unwarranted moments during my reflection period: My 14 year old stepsister playing her violin for me while I kick back on a rocking chair, my friend Jay laughing so hard he falls on the floor like a mad hatter, and jamming out with my cousin Danny on guitar until we can't feel our fingers anymore. Exquisite.