"You Haven't Lived Until..." written by Jason on estrip.org

09/08/10 07:15 - 61.ºF - ID#52682

You Haven't Lived Until...

I just read a Facebook friend talk about how you haven't lived until you've used some fattening app on a baby.

Man, if THAT is what it takes to "live" then I don't think you're taking advantage of life. I think you haven't lived until you've had sex in a public park. Maybe my standards are different than everyone else's.

Actually, I don't know if you're living at all if you're stuck in a concrete jungle, barely scraping by every month, living vicariously through rich people, slaves to trends and decisions you had nothing to do with.

Yeah, sounds wonderful. Actually, I enjoy living vicariously through people who maintain some kind of connection with nature. I love the photos posted by Paul and others from various spots in the wild.

If I were so inclined I would post a brief video, at a table on Canandaigua Lake, slight breeze, boats going by, a brief glimpse of my girlfriend. I think I'm living. Are you?

Permalink: You_Haven_t_Lived_Until_.html
Words: 164
Location: Buffalo, NY
Last Modified: 09/08/10 07:15

Category: potpourri

09/04/10 01:31 - 66.ºF - ID#52651

Throwing Puppies In A River???

Maybe my sense of justice is different than yours. Have you heard of the video of the girl throwing live puppies into a river?? I won't post it. I won't watch it. I don't want to vomit.

What should the punishment be? How about pulling her cruel ass out to sea and tossing her into the ocean? I love puppies more than I love humans who discard them like fucking banana peels. Screw that.

Love you all
Jason

Permalink: Throwing_Puppies_In_A_River_.html
Words: 78
Location: Buffalo, NY
Last Modified: 09/04/10 01:31

Category: potpourri

08/03/10 04:38 - 80.ºF - ID#52358

Fight Capitalism - Don't Marry

My friend's stag was this past weekend. Honestly I wasn't sure if it was going to be all that cool, it being a party designed to separate fools from their money and all, but it ended up being pretty fun. Beer and food = most guys are happy. Simple equation. This must be a Buffalo/WNY thing. None of my friends had similar parties. I brought a Jenna Jameson DVD to raffle off and that bad boy went FAST. Couldn't have been prouder with my selection. How can you say no to a "choose your own angle" feature?

The girlfriend was also in town, not for the stag or anything, as she told me she didn't know how to dance, heh, but we did get a little bit of time together. Things are getting more serious, and we're talking about the future. What will happen next year? The year after? Having witnessed my friend JV go through this process, I told her if one day I get married I refuse to have a big ceremony, refuse to have a shower (another shameless marriage benefit), and refuse to throw a party at some reception hall. I

The whole process resembles some jejune conformist nightmare. Seriously, outside the awesome wedding of (e:Ladycroft) and (e:Rory) aren't they all the same? Why does everyone have to go through the same BS process? Since when was going deeply into debt, for the satisfaction of knowing you have a bigger diamond, more lavish party, better cake, a requirement to be a married couple? I've thought of registering my protest by wearing the same shirt and tie every time. Same haircut.

Anyway, my girlfriend said something very interesting to me. It should have been obvious to me, but when you think about all of the photographers (love me some (e:dcoffee), you don't count, man), reception halls, caterers, mens and womens clothing, invitations....there is actually an industry dedicated to the perpetuation of this awful paradigm. I wonder what is more true. Does the industry thrive because people WANT to go through the pain in the ass? Does the industry thrive on appealing to us emotionally, making us feel like our relationship has less value if we don't do it the "right" way? Or is it peer pressure?

She also said she doesn't want to have another (cough) big to-do. This was such a huge relief for me. It's going to sound bad, okay, I'm not going to pretend it sounds lovely but the good thing about dating someone who's already had her day in the sun is that I'm off the hook, no dealing with the aforementioned pain in the ass. The only thing I would want is one good dinner with my boys, maybe some golf and cards. Whether it is this situation or another, I want to just go away somewhere, minimal number of people, middle of nowhere. Maybe on a beach. I'm sorry for saying it but I feel more connected spiritually in nature instead of in a hot church building. Don't you?

It sounds awfully close to me saying I'm ready for the next step but it is still way too early to do anything other than poke around the issue. Can't believe I'm talking about this. Anyway, I'm very thankful for what I have in my life. Very thankful. I have been so blessed this year. I think I've met my match. She cares about the little things that make life interesting and fun, which I had lost sight of for years. Life is great, people! You have to unplug, detach yourself from the day to day so-called "existence". You make yourself happy by happily investing in other people and other experiences. You feel fulfilled by participating in someone else's fulfillment - and really giving it your best. Even if this falls apart tomorrow I will still be blessed because of everything I've learned.

jason writes at 08:28:12 08/10/10 - Comment #57739: Thanks you all. It isn't the easiest situation actually, far from it, complicated enough where I can only talk about things in the vaguest of terms. I am happy though all things considered.

metalpeter writes at 07:51:01 08/04/10 - Comment #57617: 1. Stags are fun
2. If you ever don't want to have one send the stripers I mean dancers to me, HA
3. You are so right about the industry. I think this point should be used as a way to get all those companies to push for the Same Sex Marriage, so they can make more money

That being said All that stuff is very costly. I think more people should do some kind of special thing. If two people meat at a Japanese food place then get married at a Japanese Garden. If they meet at some Tarnetino movie and they are both big fans, then have a 50's weeding, and get a rockabilly band. The point I'm getting to is that it should be special for both people.

Glad you are happy.......

jenks writes at 10:47:26 08/04/10 - Comment #57613: aw jay, I love hearing you so happy. :) Congrats, man!
As far as weddings... yeah, the 'industry' makes me a little sick. (and just spend a little time watching "Bridezillas" and "Say yes to the Dress" and "Platinum Weddings" if you want to be disgusted, fast).
But I also think there's a difference between 'traditional' and 'over the top'. I.e. just because you get married in a church and have a reception doesn't have to mean you buy into all that. Because at the end of the day- it's a party to celebrate your relationship. A PARTY. Not the be-all, end-all. Not like how happy your relationship will be depends on how big your party is. And I think going into major debt over it is just stupid.

But I particularly agree about diamonds. It seems all girls want to know is 'oooh, how big is your diamond' which is just so tacky. If you're on a budget, it seems your options are either some tiny/crappy cheapo discount diamond (just to have a diamond), or if you're willing to go non-diamond, all of the sudden the world opens up and you can have something gorgeous and original.

Anyway... sorry for the long comment, but I've been having a lot of these thoughts myself lately too.

paul writes at 09:56:07 08/04/10 - Comment #57611: You should just go for the intimate outdoor style wedding. At least that's what I would pick. Its nice to hear you sounding happy.

libertad writes at 07:23:12 08/04/10 - Comment #57608: Awesome Jason, glad things are going well with you. I hate weddings too, they really make me gag (with the exception of (e:ladycroft) and (e:rory)).

Permalink: Fight_Capitalism_Don_t_Marry.html
Words: 654
Location: Buffalo, NY
Last Modified: 08/03/10 04:38

Category: potpourri

07/12/10 03:06 - 80.ºF - ID#52156

Summer Drinks

I've forgotten how much I enjoy mixing drinks. I'm pretty good at it too. What is your favorite summer beverage of choice?

jenks writes at 11:22:31 07/18/10 - Comment #57388: Mm, I second the dark and stormy.

Last night had a "diplomat"- with some some venezuelan aged rum, stoli vanilla, and passionfruit juice. Sounds like a weird combo, but it was good. (and I hate rum).
Then had a blood orange bourbon sour.
Like a whiskey sour.
Delish.

but I drink so little these days, that that practically had me under the table. lol.

tinypliny writes at 08:21:42 07/15/10 - Comment #57306: So no one likes the 007 Vesper?

jbeatty writes at 10:11:51 07/13/10 - Comment #57290: Favorite is still German Wiessbier. However for liquor I do love Pernod mixed with water
Dark and Stormy (Black Rum mixed with ginger beer)

metalpeter writes at 06:39:02 07/13/10 - Comment #57288: haven't had one in a long time but maybe a frozen Stawberry Daquai ?

chico writes at 09:52:17 07/12/10 - Comment #57272: Recipe for the Dirty G&T (NYTimes) :::link:::
Crack the ice, seriously. Pain in the ass but gives great results.

chico writes at 09:50:32 07/12/10 - Comment #57271: --our drink this summer:
cherry vodka and soda with a twist of lime and lemon

--last summer:
light mojito (made with Splenda -- sounds awful but in proper proportions not bad at all, provided plenty of fresh mint)

--in a past life:
dirty gin and tonic (think 5 limes, chopped and muddled, in a pitcher of gin and tonic)

--non-alcoholic indulgences:
Icee (cherry + Coke); see also Slurpee
Shaken Iced Tea w/Lemonade at Starbucks (damn you SB)
Spot Slush (new convert)

vincent writes at 09:20:27 07/12/10 - Comment #57270: Bud Light or Miller Chill. If I'm in Canada one of those Smirnoff Ice coolers that are made with REAL VODKA!

icarus writes at 06:40:34 07/12/10 - Comment #57269: RedBull + Three Olives = Keef Blood

enknot writes at 05:31:52 07/12/10 - Comment #57266: Ok really. beer.

enknot writes at 05:31:42 07/12/10 - Comment #57265: vodka
tea
ice
bliss

tinypliny writes at 03:32:31 07/12/10 - Comment #57263: Cold coffee with mascarpone and topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder and nutmeg.

Permalink: Summer_Drinks.html
Words: 22
Location: Buffalo, NY
Last Modified: 07/12/10 03:06

Category: potpourri

06/14/10 08:28 - 65.ºF - ID#51883

Got Another Parking Ticket

Dear City of Buffalo,

It's always annoyed me that we have to pay a "convenience fee" for paying a parking ticket online. Bush league man, Bush league.

Permalink: Got_Another_Parking_Ticket.html
Words: 27
Location: Buffalo, NY
Last Modified: 06/14/10 08:28

Category: potpourri

06/11/10 02:33 - 55ºF - ID#51850

Bachelor Party

I love Orlando. Sun, gorgeous girls, and plenty of booze. I wish I could tell you what went on tonight but what I will say is my man got his ass paddled. Three girls, then they gave ME the paddle, it was like winning the Super Bowl. I smoked him with that paddle big time. Pray he never gets revenge. I laughed so hard.

Permalink: Bachelor_Party.html
Words: 64
Location: Buffalo, NY

Category: potpourri

05/26/10 01:49 - 81ºF - ID#51731

FB Birthdays

All of you who use FB know it informs you of upcoming birthdays. I don't know anyone's birthday, except for Jerry, so this is a tool I can use. The thing is I usually end up forgetting to send a Happy Birthday note anyway, which presents an issue. Is someone going to be pissed because I left someone else a Happy Birthday note and didn't leave them a note as well? What ends up happening is I don't leave ANYONE a birthday note. FB presents us will all kinds of potentially awkward scenarios like this. I wonder if I've left any of you a Happy Birthday note.

metalpeter writes at 05:55:59 05/27/10 - Comment #56445: (e:rory) has a great Idea. I think that many people who would never pay for facebook would pay for that. There however is one key that they would have to make sure of, other wise it wouldn't work. The ones that are paid for have to look exactly like the greetings that aren't paid for. If they didn't one could tell the difference and that would defeat the entire purpose.

joshua writes at 11:58:13 05/27/10 - Comment #56441: Haha! I agree with the sentiment that trying to keep up with it all will make you go crazy and there should be a better way. I don't really think about it too much - I wish people a happy birthday when I see that they have one, but I don't obsess about hitting every single friend with a BD wish. Maybe this is a lazy and inconsiderate sentiment I just laid down as well.

rory writes at 11:47:41 05/27/10 - Comment #56439: Why can't FB automatically wish people a happy birthday on your behalf? Would make things easier. You could categorise your friends so that it knows what level of greeting to send someone - build in a big enough library of greetings and bingo!

This could be extended to Mother/Father days (if they happen to be on there), anniversaries, easter, xmas/religious holiday of choice, valentines etc.

People would pay for that too. Ask for 5 bucks a year for as many messages as you want and you're onto a winner I reckon.

Or am I just lazy and inconsiderate?

vincent writes at 09:51:56 05/26/10 - Comment #56436: No you didn't wish me one. It's kind of weird getting a well wish from someone that I haven't spoken to or seen in person in a decade and a half and not getting one from someone whom I interact with on a constant basis. If anything for all of the evil and creepiness that is fb, they do that one thing very well. It was a pain in the ass scrolling 7 months back to check, they need a calender like we do over here by month.

To be honest I write on other peoples wall to wish them a happy B-Day to at least given them a reason to write on mine. It's like going to other people's wakes hoping that someone other people notice and show up to your funeral. In the end no offense taken, I had a good night and had fun.

metalpeter writes at 05:50:44 05/26/10 - Comment #56425: Well Jay I didn't want to get into this but since you brought it up you nor your bro left me anything For my birthday, and I was fucking Crushed. I had this Plan to go out and get wasted and whisper in the first cute girls ear a saw, Hi it is my birthday would you like to see my suit? Hey one of the ladies it would at some point work on, but no I was at home Balling my eyes out, listening to enya, HA. Then I found some goth music to embrace the sadness but what the fuck I was all out of candles, Argh, HA.

What I do Facebook wise is if I'm online and It is say that day then I do the Birthday thing. If it says like 2 days away and I'm not sure If I'll be online then I'll do the early thing.

This is my guess and this is different from Person To Person. The way they might get upset is if you know both people and they know each other also. Since they know each other they for sure know every status update and every thing that goes on both on and off facebook.

I think to most people it isn't a big deal really if you don't do the birthday thing. Some people do , wind up thanking like everyone for the wishes and some do like the one post about it. I would also add that if you aren't say online that day it is less of a big deal.

If you haven't done so all ready this might be a good thing to post on facebook also.......

Oh Yeah I'm same way on birthday's I couldn't tell you a single (e:peep)'s Birthday other then to say that I thought there was one who is born on Halloween and not even sure if that is right.

jenks writes at 03:43:53 05/26/10 - Comment #56422: I would not be offended, for one. I am a little compulsive about birthdays- but really I just put them in my calendar. It's not like I can remember them. But I know most people don't. But so if people say something, it's awesome, but I don't blame them if they forget. And now with FB it's so easy- a friend said "bet you thought I'd forget", and I said 'not with fb to remind you'. haha.

There's actually a someecard that says 'happy birthday to the one friend whose birthday i can remember without a facebook reminder', which I think is pretty appropriate. haha.

libertad writes at 01:50:44 05/26/10 - Comment #56419: Another great reason for me not to join FB.

Permalink: FB_Birthdays.html
Words: 107
Location: Buffalo, NY

Category: potpourri

05/21/10 10:25 - 70ºF - ID#51695

Looking Forward to the Weekend

I'm praying for good weather for the Farmer's Market tomorrow. I want to pick up some veggies and maybe some potted things. I'd love to have some herbs as well. After that we're going to Zillycakes to get some cupcakes....then who knows what? It will be 40% chance of rain. Good vibes...good vibes.

Permalink: Looking_Forward_to_the_Weekend.html
Words: 54
Location: Buffalo, NY

Category: potpourri

05/19/10 10:37 - 58ºF - ID#51680

Making a Res

I don't know why I stress so much over finding a place for dinner. She would be happy just sitting anywhere with me. That's great, but I'd like for it be a unique and fun experience for her. All I want is to see a big ole smile on her face.

So....here are my thoughts so far. I need to make a res tonight!! This is for Friday or Saturday, whatever works best.

La Tee Da (still really want to try it...too cold for the patio?)
Left Bank (assuming I can even get a res)
Hutch's (loved it when we went there last time)
O'Connells
Tabree

What do you think? Help Jason to not stress.

jason writes at 03:18:11 05/20/10 - Comment #56357: LOL! Thanks Tiny. You've saved me some shock and grief. Luckily I'll just be walking around the hood.

I ended up keeping my res and shedding my anxiety.

tinypliny writes at 08:19:34 05/20/10 - Comment #56353: Just so you are prepared, there is a marathon this Friday evening blocking you-know-which-streets that they block all the time.

There is also a Greek food festival at the Greek church. The temperature's going to be 80 deg F. You could always cancel all reservations, not stress out and walk around. :-)

jbeatty writes at 05:27:38 05/19/10 - Comment #56347: Well funnel cakes would be an awesome idea! If you are having second thoughts you can always go to Tempo. It is my favorite expensive place in Buffalo. Awesome everything, including service and date atmosphere.

metalpeter writes at 05:26:17 05/19/10 - Comment #56346: I wish I could help you out, I know nothing about good places at all, that aren't chains. I don't even think I have ever made a reservation ever. I'm such a fucking loser in this department. Then why did I leave you a comment? The Point that I was trying to make is to Just Relax and Have fun. The reason I say this is every place once in a blue moon has bad service or waitress or an order gets messed up. So it isn't like This one place says you are this type of person and what happens with the food says something else about you. From what I have heard if it is a good date niether of you will even remember what you ate unless the food was really fantastic. Ok I'm going to shut up now.

jason writes at 04:38:44 05/19/10 - Comment #56344: Yeah Alex, a huge heart on this one. She's just the best, bottom line!! She would be happy eating funnel cake with me but I want it to be nice, thus the suffocating anxiety.

I think I'm having second thoughts here about my res. I've got a ton of shit to do so I'd better figure this thing out quickly.

jenks writes at 04:20:40 05/19/10 - Comment #56342: Left Bank is always great, but as you know, can be hard to get in.
I've only been to Tabree once, but loved it, and they have an awesome patio in the back.
Trattoria aroma is (was) another of my faves, and decent date atmosphere.
Toro is good for dates, because you can try lots of stuff, and share.
And it's quite a hike, but Mulberry's in... lackawanna? is great. Casual (baseball memorabilia on the walls, etc) italian, but super delicious. Not uber-romantic, but still, good for a date. Seriously. Worth the hike!
Ooh and O'Connell's is delicious, kinda pricy.
Hutch's I think frankly is a little overrated- but still, always a safe bet for adate.

But more than all this- woohoo Jason seeing a girl that he's planning ten restaurants in advance with!! clap clap clap!

And I totally understand the desire to make everything perfect, and to stress about it, but like YOU said- she just wants to spend time with you, so don't get too worked up.

jason writes at 03:41:37 05/19/10 - Comment #56341: Oh, and thanks for talking food with me. Everyone loves going out for dinner. Except my friends! *drum roll*

If I'm doing the wrong thing let me know, I'm being like clinically anxious about it. I just want her to have a good time.

jason writes at 03:10:54 05/19/10 - Comment #56340: So much for Left Bank....they had nothing Friday or Saturday before like 10.

I chose Hutch's. You know, I always feel like whatever choice I make it's going to be wrong.

james writes at 02:16:34 05/19/10 - Comment #56339: I hated Fiama.

hated.

jason writes at 01:50:15 05/19/10 - Comment #56337: I've wanted to try Curly's too. I've got like 10 restaurants on my list. A friend said Bacchus is nice also. The bottom line is I want to go to all 10 with her but there is only so much time.

Left Bank might be nice. Close to home too so we can walk. I bet that's a nice walk on Friday.

You know what, I took her to Kuni's last time we went out for dinner and it was really cool. I like what they've done with the place. I also noticed Kuni has kept his fab policy of hiring cute alt girls as servers.

paul writes at 01:37:45 05/19/10 - Comment #56336: I would say seabar or kunis is good for food that doesn't make you tired. Keep hearing good things about fmama too. Another plaCe I really like is curly's in lacakawanna but that's a little further out.

jbeatty writes at 11:05:06 05/19/10 - Comment #56333: I have only been for brunch but I loved left bank. Getting a res for a deuce two days prior in buffalo shouldn't be hard. 7pm is when the dinner bell seems to ring in Buffalo, so go later if they have nothing then.

james writes at 10:44:04 05/19/10 - Comment #56330: I think Left Bank is one of the most romantic settings and the food is amazing.

Of course, if you want a bit of hankypanky after, it will leave you in a food coma.

Permalink: Making_a_Res.html
Words: 117
Location: Buffalo, NY

Category: politics

05/04/10 08:34 - 55ºF - ID#51500

Thank God I'm Not THIS Guy

With strong moral leadership like this, we can be assured Virginia has a bright future.