Holy crap - a month without DSL and I thought I was gonna die.

No joke.



Or not much of a joke anyway.

I have no real update. Just a minor apology to all those with whom I've been anything but consistent in my communication.

Life is an odd, busy, frustrating place. But I have no excuse.

My apologies.

Liam.

T-eh parents came up for the weekend... and I am a lucky boy as a result. I love it when me pa picks up the tab and me mum chooses the joint.

Friday night - a really perfect prosciutto and black truffle stuffed ravioli in gorgonzola cream sauce. A very nice sangiovese to pair.

Saturday night - the best venison I've had, ever. Served with a tarragon sabayon. Dessert was a trio of creme brulees - flavored with Grand Marnier, Fennel Pollen, and African Bird Pepper. A lush burgundy to wash it all down.

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In other news:
- Sold a triptych of photographs - so that's bueno.
- Installed new car speakers... random but important given how much I'm in the car.
- Almost got killed by some jackass who was driving the wrong way down an 8 lane divided highway... how the hell did he even get on going that direction?

I'm slowly starting to support the idea of multiple iq tests that dictate to some extent what you are allowed to do.
Fail basic parenting tests, no kids until you pass. Fail emotional relationship tests, no long term relationships with anyone who tested higher than you. Fail not being a jackass in a bar test - not allowed to hang out in the local pub until you shape up. It sounds harsh, but just as its safer for everyone if I wear my glasses while driving... some things require a level of clarity and understanding to do - we let too many people slip by.

I know.

I'm a bastard.

I'd fail the compassion test I think.

So depressing...

I used to be a decent pool player. Not great, but decent.

Got back on a 9' table yesterday (and went back for more punishment today) for the first time in probably 6 or 7 years. (Bar tables are NOT even close... almost a new kind of game).

It hurt. Alot. Missing even the most basic of shots (and inexplicably hitting the really difficult ones). I shudder to think what getting my stroke back is going to cost me in table fees.

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On the flip side, my go game is improving.. so a little from column A, a little from column B... etc.

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Note to self: Must make more time for photography.

So I decided that I deserved a treat for that massive fucking project I just wrapped up. (Uploaded all files to the press friday morning).

So what did I buy? Art supplies? Photo junk? Food? Books? Anything useful at all?

No.

I bought vintage luggage.



Granted it's fucking cool luggage. And the big black on has an awesome suit valet configuration inside. But I don't have time to travel. WTF.

Anyway.

Its been a good day.

In the past week I have been - in order:

Happy
Stressed
Sick
Tired

I am now back to happy, but looking at the upcoming week, I sense the approach of stressed. So - if I can just avoid sick, I'll be good.

Happy New Year everyone!

My resolutions are my own, but some of my goals I'll share:

1. Generate enough of my current new style work to mount a solo show.
2. Shop for new gallery representation (old gallery shut down)
3. Make fewer lists
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edit:
4. Take Aspasia to the Green Zebra

I should update this more often. But that (at least in my own mind) would require having something to say that isn't a repeat of the same story: work blah, hours blah, rinse, repeat.

I do have some potentially interesting pieces in the works. Ideas ideas are everywhere.

Famdamily's big holliday party is this weekend. Provided that I-65 is not snowed over, I shall attend. 250+ of mes parents closest friends, catering and good wine. I suppose I'll play the good son and behave.

Perhaps I'll document this year. It's not black tie so I'm not sure how the usual suspects will behave... half of them I've never seen in casual wear. I am mighty afeared.

Updates as they are warranted. Ciao. For now.

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insert a dillema: $50 or so will be spent on monday. Either on a parking ticket, (my second, so no boot yet right?) - or on Tix to see the Magic Flute at the Lyric. Cripes - it just had to be the only one of his operas I really really like. Makin things all difficult and shit. Fucking Mozart.

...

I am undecided on the holidays. I like them in theory. But the timing, stress and fundage required of them wears on me after a while.

Humbug.

I guess I'll go try and dig out a parking space in the meantime. I liked snow a lot more when I didn't have to drive. Why oh why can't there be a train out anywhere near my office.

edit:> Ok - despite my dislike of the upcoming holiday. I just found my Bing Crosby Christmas album... and now I'm just walking around grinning like an idiot. WTF is wrong with me. Seriously.

Wow. I have not eaten this well in a long time. My parents can come back up to visit any time they want.*

Merlo (fantastic)
West Town Tavern (reasonbly priced and fantastic)
Cafe Spiaggia (utterly fantastic)

cripes - them's some tastee eats.




*provided they want to buy dinner again. Love you Dad! (err... tho I do hope you are not browsing this site and have found me... just on principle.)

Ok - no more griping.

Mostly caught up at work. The big boss is happy. I can sleep and enjoy a holiday with my family.

Time to clean up a little, grab some dinner, then hit Gio's for a pint and some darts before crashing.

Have a happy Turkey day!