File Under: Fashion Don't
I'm a gay man. I'm not the most stylish gay man but I can hold my own. I know what looks good on me, and I know to ask if I'm unsure about something. I also own a full-length mirror.
It's July in Chicago. It's hot, it's humid, I understand. I'm a bit jealous of the women who can wear these little skirts and dresses only because I think it would be nice to feel the breeze blow up my skirt. Heck, I enjoy feeling the occasional draft up my shorts. I guess guys have an advantage in that we can wear shorts without underwear and not have too much fear that our junk is going to be seen. Oh sure, some guys like having their junk on display (see Dan's blog for prime examples). Yes, some women like having their bits on display too (right, Britney Spears?).
Tonight I saw a prime example of a fashion DON'T. I was out doing laundry, I do my laundry in Lakeview (aka Boystown). Besides seeing all the cute boys coming home from work or going for their evening run (SHIRTLESS!), the women feel like they've got to step it up a bit to be noticed (or they're just puss-teases for the lezzies). Tonight, I saw a few women in their cute little summer dresses. Some did it just right - not too short, good footwear, good support on top (lift and separate those girls!). What I did see that disturbed me were two separate occurrances of the same faux pas. Women wearing their little swingy clingy dresses that moved great when they walked but clung enough to their asses that I could see their baggy granny panties bunched around their asses. LADIES - if you're going to work those cute little dresses, invest in some better fitting drawers! Please!!
Thank you.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
My Left Foot...update
File Under: Blogs are Magical
So last night, I posted about the pain I was experiencing with my left foot and ankle. Also last night, Dan posted about the severe weather headed our way.
We had no severe weather last night, even though it seemed as though we were in for a wild night of storms.
This morning I woke up and my ankle was better. It ached a bit but I didn't run for my boottle of pills. By about 10 this morning, my ankle felt as though nothing had ever been wrong with it.
I think blogging makes things better.
So let me tell you about my sad, empty wallet and my poor little bank account...
So last night, I posted about the pain I was experiencing with my left foot and ankle. Also last night, Dan posted about the severe weather headed our way.
We had no severe weather last night, even though it seemed as though we were in for a wild night of storms.
This morning I woke up and my ankle was better. It ached a bit but I didn't run for my boottle of pills. By about 10 this morning, my ankle felt as though nothing had ever been wrong with it.
I think blogging makes things better.
So let me tell you about my sad, empty wallet and my poor little bank account...
Monday, July 7, 2008
OW!
File Under: My Left Foot
Perhaps it was the margaritas and purple slushy drinks that caused me to be a bit careless but I don't recall a stumble or misstep during our celebrating Friday night. However, I woke up Saturday morning with pain in my left ankle. I'm used to pain, to a certain extent. I've got ahthritis and disk issues in my lower back. I've got issues with my right wrist (thankfully it's been a while since it has acted up but I have a brace that I wear on it when it's really bothering me). Up until now, I've been okay with my feet. I limped around most of the weekend. I didn't let it keep me down, though it did slow me down.
Today I decided its tendonitis. I'll treat it the way one treats tendonitis (anti-inflamitory pain relievers) and ice and if it's not improved by the end of the week, I'll call the doctor, who will then tell me that I'm doing the right thing but to be patient.
I can't be patient. Anybody who knows me knows how much I like to walk everywhere.
Perhaps it was the margaritas and purple slushy drinks that caused me to be a bit careless but I don't recall a stumble or misstep during our celebrating Friday night. However, I woke up Saturday morning with pain in my left ankle. I'm used to pain, to a certain extent. I've got ahthritis and disk issues in my lower back. I've got issues with my right wrist (thankfully it's been a while since it has acted up but I have a brace that I wear on it when it's really bothering me). Up until now, I've been okay with my feet. I limped around most of the weekend. I didn't let it keep me down, though it did slow me down.
Today I decided its tendonitis. I'll treat it the way one treats tendonitis (anti-inflamitory pain relievers) and ice and if it's not improved by the end of the week, I'll call the doctor, who will then tell me that I'm doing the right thing but to be patient.
I can't be patient. Anybody who knows me knows how much I like to walk everywhere.
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Random Acts of Lunch
File Under: Wieners with friends
So this afternoon I was out and about wandering my neighborhood looking at the pretty sights (boys with shirts off and stuff) and my cell phone rings. It's Luis. He says "Where are you?" Thinking that perhaps they have spotted me I replied that I was walking on Clark street. He replied "turn around, bitch." Low and behold, Dan and Luis were standing about 5 feet from me, both had just gotten out of Dan's car. They were just out wandering around and decided to have some lunch at Huey's, a favorite hotdog/hamburger place in the neighborhood. I decided that sounded good so I walked over with them. Dan bought me lunch. :)
So the discussion came up, do you put ketchup on your hotdog or not? A true Chicago hotdog does not have ketchup on it. Sometimes I will sneak some on one but I generally do not. Do you put ketchup on your hotdog?
After lunch, I went and watched Dan buy shoes and Luis buy shirts. I had a 4 pm appointment for a manicure and pedicure so I bid them farewell.
My nails look very nice and my hands and feet are soft.
So this afternoon I was out and about wandering my neighborhood looking at the pretty sights (boys with shirts off and stuff) and my cell phone rings. It's Luis. He says "Where are you?" Thinking that perhaps they have spotted me I replied that I was walking on Clark street. He replied "turn around, bitch." Low and behold, Dan and Luis were standing about 5 feet from me, both had just gotten out of Dan's car. They were just out wandering around and decided to have some lunch at Huey's, a favorite hotdog/hamburger place in the neighborhood. I decided that sounded good so I walked over with them. Dan bought me lunch. :)
So the discussion came up, do you put ketchup on your hotdog or not? A true Chicago hotdog does not have ketchup on it. Sometimes I will sneak some on one but I generally do not. Do you put ketchup on your hotdog?
After lunch, I went and watched Dan buy shoes and Luis buy shirts. I had a 4 pm appointment for a manicure and pedicure so I bid them farewell.
My nails look very nice and my hands and feet are soft.
Friday, July 4, 2008
Coffee Cake Muffins
Joy commented on my muffins (giggle) so I thought I would share the recipe and give credit where credit is due. I found the recipe on Martha Stewart's website (link above). I was looking for something simple and a recipe that did not contain nuts because Dan doesn't like them. Ironic, huh?
Here's the recipe:
Coffee Cake Muffins
(courtesy Everyday Food)
These moist and flavorful coffee cake muffins can be enjoyed any day of the week.
Prep: 30 minutes Total: 55 minutes
Ingredients
Makes 12 jumbo muffins
FOR THE STREUSEL TOPPING
1 cup packed dark-brown sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup (1 stick) chilled unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
FOR THE MUFFINS
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature plus more for pans
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled), plus more for pans
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup sour cream
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 large eggs
Confectioners' sugar, optional
Directions
Prepare streusel topping: In a medium bowl, stir together brown sugar, flour, and salt. With a pastry blender or two knives, cut in butter until mixture resembles large coarse crumbs; refrigerate until ready to use.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare muffins: Butter and flour a jumbo 12-cup muffin tin (or two 6-cup muffin tins). In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and baking soda; set aside.
Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat together butter, sour cream, granulated sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, until well combined. With mixer on low, beat flour mixture into butter mixture.
Divide half the batter among prepared muffin cups. Top with half the streusel mixture, then remaining batter, and top with streusel. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center of a muffin comes out clean. Cool in pan 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with confectioners' sugar, if desired.
Enjoy!
Here's the recipe:
Coffee Cake Muffins
(courtesy Everyday Food)
These moist and flavorful coffee cake muffins can be enjoyed any day of the week.
Prep: 30 minutes Total: 55 minutes
Ingredients
Makes 12 jumbo muffins
FOR THE STREUSEL TOPPING
1 cup packed dark-brown sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup (1 stick) chilled unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
FOR THE MUFFINS
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature plus more for pans
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled), plus more for pans
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup sour cream
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 large eggs
Confectioners' sugar, optional
Directions
Prepare streusel topping: In a medium bowl, stir together brown sugar, flour, and salt. With a pastry blender or two knives, cut in butter until mixture resembles large coarse crumbs; refrigerate until ready to use.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare muffins: Butter and flour a jumbo 12-cup muffin tin (or two 6-cup muffin tins). In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and baking soda; set aside.
Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat together butter, sour cream, granulated sugar, and vanilla until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, until well combined. With mixer on low, beat flour mixture into butter mixture.
Divide half the batter among prepared muffin cups. Top with half the streusel mixture, then remaining batter, and top with streusel. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center of a muffin comes out clean. Cool in pan 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with confectioners' sugar, if desired.
Enjoy!
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Fall TV Season
File Under: STOP REMINDING ME!
I love summer. I enjoy being outdoors, wearing shorts (sometimes without underwear - GASP!), opening the windows and moon roof on my car and playing loud music. Summer only lasts 3 months or so in Chicago. PLEASE STOP REMINDING ME ABOUT THE UPCOMING FALL TV SEASON! Every 15 minutes, the CW Network is running commercials for the return of 90210. It's bad enough they're bringing back the show, but why must they tell us more than 2 months ahead of schedule.
I love summer. I enjoy being outdoors, wearing shorts (sometimes without underwear - GASP!), opening the windows and moon roof on my car and playing loud music. Summer only lasts 3 months or so in Chicago. PLEASE STOP REMINDING ME ABOUT THE UPCOMING FALL TV SEASON! Every 15 minutes, the CW Network is running commercials for the return of 90210. It's bad enough they're bringing back the show, but why must they tell us more than 2 months ahead of schedule.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
A Weekend Full of Pride
File Under: Chicago Pride 2008
The last weekend in the month of June in Chicago is when we have our Gay Pride celebrations. Pride Fest is a street festival held in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood and it happens on Saturday, then on Sunday the big parade is held. I attended both and this is my recap of two fun days worth of events.
Saturday June 28 was a gorgeous day in Chicago. The weather was sunny and warm, with an occasional breeze. I arrived at the festival in time to see the first performer, Kimberly Locke, finish her set. I was surprised at how good she is. She engaged the crowd, was gracious and funny and sounded really good.
Afterwards I wandered a while, taking in the sights and some pizza. I made my way to the other end of the festival and saw the Chicago Spirit Brigade perform. They’re a cheerleading troupe who perform at various events around the city. They raise money for charitable organizations. Someone was dropped but I don’t believe they were injured.
The skies began to change a bit, clouds were forming and the wind was picking up. I wandered back to the first stage and saw Frenchie Davis perform. Some protestors gathered in the parking lot adjacent to the stage. She paused and decided to give them a piece of her mind. The crowd cheered!
A while later, local band Cat Fight took the stage. They were fun but their set was cut short due to RAIN. All of a sudden, the adjacent Whole Foods Market became overrun with wet homosexuals. Since it was the place to be, I went in too. I bought a cup of coffee and wandered the aisles. The storm ended quickly and I ventured back outside. I found my friend Anthony, he and I took pictures for a while. Dan found us and we wandered around for a while until it was time for another local band, Sixteen Candles. They are an 80’s cover band and they’re so much fun.
By the time the day was over, I had heard Martha Wash sing “It’s Raining Men,” saw Tiffany perform some songs I never heard, and watched Martha Wash take pictures with fans. Dan and I then walked home, and my evening ended. I decided to have an early night in anticipation of a busy Sunday.
Tiffany!
Martha Wash!
Martha Wash!
Sunday began beautifully. It was sunny and warm. I met up with Dan and Denise and Ozzie…sitting outside of Dan and Luis’ Uptown residence. Their place was being shown so we had to wait outside. We passed the time just enjoying the weather, playing with the dog and chatting. Tina soon joined us, then Luis. Paul, the owner of Soggy Paws, a business in the building, came outside with his purple dog, Pickles. Mind you, Pickles isn’t always purple, she was just showing her pride. Please note, the product used to dye the dog purple is vegetable based and sold
specifically for pets. We all enjoyed the muffins I brought for us to eat before going to the parade, I just didn’t anticipate eating them while lounging on the sidewalk.
A purple dog, named Pickles!
Coffee Cake Muffins - Delicious!!
Finally we were able to get into the loft, grab our beverages and go. We found our spot and soon the parade began. Typical parade, politicians, great costumes, scantily clad men, dykes on bikes. Similar to the previous day, clouds rolled in and we were soon being rained upon. Some fled, some made the best of the situation and danced. Only then did we notice an exceptionally long pause in the parade, longer than the usual “drag queen broke a heel and we’re waiting for the glue to dry.” As it turned out, someone fell from a float and broke a bone in their foot. Just so happens that Dan and I know this person and we both decided that they should have just dragged her ass to the curb and kept going, or…just kept going. No big loss.
Assorted floats:
Random guy on rollerblades showing his butt.
Random fun with friends:
Luis and Tina
Denise and me
Dan
Luis and me
Random cute guys:
Random penis:
Various friends found me in the crowd. Patrick joined us for a bit until he and his crowd had to get Gillian home. Another friend, John found me and we enjoyed the festivities for a bit.
Vince and John
Patrick
But alas, the weather, the disorganization and the alcohol got the best of us and we decided to call it a day. We packed our bags and Luis folded up his chair and we set off for our next destination, Crew. The five of us ventured north like 5 kids, jumping in puddles and splashing each other as yet another gentle round of rain fell upon us. Finally at our destination, we ordered every appetizer on the menu and we were soon surrounded by cheese sticks, French fries, mini-corn dogs, popcorn chicken and chips and salsa. Fed and feeling satisfied, we all went our separate ways. In all, it was a great day of celebration, rain or shine.
But alas, the weather, the disorganization and the alcohol got the best of us and we decided to call it a day. We packed our bags and Luis folded up his chair and we set off for our next destination, Crew. The five of us ventured north like 5 kids, jumping in puddles and splashing each other as yet another gentle round of rain fell upon us. Finally at our destination, we ordered every appetizer on the menu and we were soon surrounded by cheese sticks, French fries, mini-corn dogs, popcorn chicken and chips and salsa. Fed and feeling satisfied, we all went our separate ways. In all, it was a great day of celebration, rain or shine.
Coming in August - Market Days! Stay tuned.
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