I'm a part time parent and it feels weird. My kids are reasonably well adjusted, helps that we limit their exposure to the grandparents (I'm kiddin). I've been separated for almost two years now as amicably as you could be, but occasionally things come along that kick you in the shorts.

THe ex who I get along fine with and her partner (who I get along fine with too) were having a small gathering at the house formerly known as mine a few weeks ago. It was supposed to be a small thing, but the organizer invited a handful of people over to cake and whoop it up. I'm still not sure if that included me. I knew everybody who attended. I was over at a friend's house simutaneously bemoaning the sabres game, listening him bitch about his marriage while he listened to me bitch about all the women I know are either married or gay or both (to each other). My wise middle child called me and gave me this riotous account of the goings on and alluded that I should have been there. There was no distress in her voice, it was more of a good time and you're missing it, stoopid sort of statement.

I figure if I was meant to be invited, one of the principles would have done so. I was driving home and started sobbing a little because you can't help but wonder if I lost these folks (the other partygoers) as friends because my wife and I are now single. Tne parenting angle is working, I see and participate in the kids' goings on just fine, but the amicable Elmwood circle sometimes renders people disposable.

While I'm not putting rocks in my pocket (Hang in there LMK), occasionally you wonder. I was closing the Adelphia Zone at the arena a few nights ago. I had to duck down to shut off a pc that controlled some lights and the most epic back spasm shot through me. It hurt like hell so I just stayed semifetal till it passed. As it started to subside, I couldn't help but laugh a little. 20,000 friggin people in the building and not one of them would coming lookin. Good thing I fell but could still get up.

Whoever said if it doesn't kill you, it makes you stronger seriously needs his ass kicked and I think I have just enough "character" to pull it off.

Thinking of deleting myself and putting spongebob back as a user pic

I was tending to my sick son last night at my place last night so his mom could get to a meeting. While puttering around the apartment, I noticed the dearth of breakfast stuffs, so I figure no problem, I'll get up early and head to spot.

I arrive at spot this morning at 7, time for a mike and a house blend (my personal favorite). I got half an hour before I have to get into work. They aren't real busy. Only one other guy in the pace is eating. I get my coffee and an artvoice and have a seat. 10 minutes go by, no big deal really. 20 minutes go by. All's quiet in the kitchen. The Fuck!! I stroll over to the counter and the woman behind the counter is doing many things, none of which have any thing related to food prep.

"You had the Mike, didn't you?"

I'm thinking, I was hoping to have the Mike, but contained myself into uttering "and you haven't started it yet?"

"I'm really sorry, I've got a million things going on here"

None of them apparently involved cooking.

Not that big a deal, I couldn't wait any longer as the boss likes it when I show up on time. But when a favorite place lets you down it can color your whole day.

I'm going to be doing mental spin control all day. I can feel it.

Keep Passing the open window, ya'all

Sorry, needed to get the St. Patrick's crap off the top of my journal
It's been a tough month this week if you know what I mean, and I think you do. I got this in the mail and it made me laugh (I'm immature).

Enjoy

Nurse Nancy

Two doctors are in the hallway complaining about nurse Nancy.

''She's out of control!'' the first doctor says. ''She does everything backwards. Just last week I told her to give a man two milligrams of morphine every ten hours, she gave him 10 milligrams every two hours, he alomost died!''

''That's nothing,'' said the second doctor, "earlier this week I told her to give a man an enema every 24 hours, she tried to give him 24 enemas in one hour!''

All of a sudden they heard a blood curldling scream from down the hallway.

''OH MY GOD! I just realized that I told nurse Nancy to prick Mr. Smiths boil!'''

I'm getting old. A really long day on Thursday wrecked me for anything yesterday beyond a couple quiet pints at my humble abode. A few advil later, I'm feeling reasonably back to my old self. My arena duties during the hockey game made me wish I had my 42 year old knowledge back in my 25 year old body. I can stil do the same stuff, it just catches up to me the next day.

See ya'all at the parade

I got taken to dinner last night at Fanny's in Amherst by a representative from Playboy. The irony of Playboy liking Fanny's took a little to hit me, until I started smirking for no reason over my chocolate mousse dessert. It is a dumb joke, but what the hey it's good to be 3 once in awhile. These dinner meetings are disingenuous and decadent affairs. 15 minutes of purposeful talk and 3 hours of utter bullshit. My boss's and whatever representative is in town try to out "Dale Carnegie" one another, while the rest of us just hope the food is good. It was.

The alqonquin roundtable of our common council likes the Hotel for Elmwood. I'm stunned. It's a wonder they aren't stationed at the suburban border shaking people down for spare change as they leave the city.

Argh, work calls............

Irish on Vacation


Q: Where does an Irish person go on a vacation?
A: A new bar

Back when the band Chicago didn't annoy the crap out of me, I kind of liked the song "Saturday in the Park." Yesterday on Elmwood might have been the setting. I had lunch at the bagel place formerly known as Manhattan and it was great to see the pleasant vibe coming from the sidewalks as folks just out enjoying the sunshine and each other. All the walked dogs were in good moods and while the day was a one off (witness the fog rolling in over Delaware Avenue as I write thise), it was a tremendous spirit booster.

A sidewalk vendor was trying to talk me into an earring, much to my daughter's amusement. I'm not sure if I'm a double hoop guy yet.

Took the youngins out into the burbs for dinner at the rents and predinner consisted of scooter rides and a intense game of catch with said daughter (at her request). Wonders never cease.

Days like yesterday make it possible to kick Monday's ass!