Hmmm. There could be something to that.[inlink]drchlorine,63[/inlink] Can't comment further at the moment - have to pick up my sister[inlink]twisted,56[/inlink] in 10 minutes. ;-)

I wish I could be there though. I would be if I could. Have fun.

So my friend Kathy offered me two tickets to Matthew Bourne's Nutcracker tonight (she won them on the radio but can't go). This reference in the BBC review was enough to convince me I wanted to go:

The boys in their tight white pants with braces reminded me of Freddie Mercury! Bourne takes his inspiration from many sources and loves creating roles for male dancers - so is this a homage to iconic Freddie?

I thought I had given up worrying what other people might think/feel/want (ok, not entirely), but now I'm wondering if my sister would be into this or not. Oh what the heck.

For some reason this reminds me of my brother's 18th birthday - my parents gave him a flight to Boston to stay with me for the weekend. We did the midnight Rocky Horror, Spike & Mike's Sick and Twisted Animation festival , and saw the movie Leaving Las Vegas. I wasn't trying to find the most depraved events going on that weekend, it just worked out that way. In fact, the main thing I wanted to take him to would have been his first 18+ show - They Might Be Giants. Not going is my biggest concert regret ever. It's not every lifetime you get to let down your brother on his 18th birthday.

Ok - I can finally make this public. Kathy sent it to me to sharpen up, but I coudn't post it at the time because I would have "scooped" their Christmas card. Is that a great pic or what?
'
p.s. - I made Maggie''s scarf. They're snowflakes.

(I can't take credit for the title, I stole it from this article about the lack of gay sex in movies. Grilled cheese reference is at the bottom. )

Apparently that Virgin Mary Grilled Cheese[inlink]paul,2435[/inlink] sold for $28k.

Just as I'm giving up on buffed Greek gods, I find this. Remember that 10-year-old grilled-cheese sandwich found in Florida? The one embossed with an image of the Virgin Mary? No? It was up for auction on EBay. Still no? You people aren't reading the right news sites. Anyway. I've just read that the Holy Toast finally sold for $28,000. The Virgin's suffering face is still discernible and remarkably mold-free, considering its age. Stop shaking your heads, o ye of little faith! Google the words "Mary cheese sandwich" for a slew of reports.

Full Story on CNN

Just talked to my ex for 52min52sec. Weird, huh? Thank god for free night & weekend minutes.

He got my bday package[inlink]twisted,71[/inlink] today. As part of my new "it doesn't have to be complicated and difficult in order to be good" policy, I took the easy way out and just bought him some stuff at my favorite store. He liked it.


(Please tell me there's no phallic symbolism underlying these gift choices. Oh god.)

The lava lamp nightlight is already plugged in, and he says it looks cool. Also filled up the pepper grinder - still trying to figure out how to adjust the coarseness. Says he really likes the fish box cutter 'cause he likes to keep one on the counter and this one looks fun. So I guess I can chalk that all up as a success.

Other topics covered:
He ordered VOIP (voice over IP) from vonage
Adjusting the tension on my old sewing machine (which he has)
Bike lights, tea cozies (again), Thanksgiving

My favorite store in Cambridge no longer carries the glow-in-the-dark koosh ball earrings. Why on earth would you discontinue an item like that? Luckily my reconstitution efforts have been somewhat successful. I'm going to have to attach the earwire some other way though.

Darn, I forgot to remind him to make himself some crème brûlée with the blow torch I got him for his birthday last year. Why did I ever break up with a guy who might have made me crème brûlée ? I must have been out of my mind.

Last year was a 'milestone' birthday, so I did the card thing (tying the blowtorch in with his toaster fetish).


I don't know what it is with him, but he turned around and bought a mini-blowtorch for me the last time he was out here. I'll never figure him out, but I can't seem to stop trying.

Avengers show was a lot of fun last night. The girl standing in front of me asked if I was Penelope's sister (the lead singer). She said I look just like her. I really couldn't tell you.

Thanksgiving at Brenda & Kathy's


Prep / Presentation


Brenda's magnificent table setting. (Nice curtains!)


Maggie visits "grandma" / Biscotti at nose-level


Sam helps herself to an appetizer / Nosing around the table


I was there too. These self-portraits are not working. Could I look any happier?


Footwear change and it's off to Popscene[inlink]twisted,63[/inlink]. There's that thrilled expression again.

Sorry, that was a lot of pictures.

When I walked into Popscene and they were playing "Bizarre Love Triangle" (New Order) I knew I was where I'm supposed to be. My calves are killing me today.

The Avengers at Cafe du Nord tonight. I'd better start making some money. Anybody want to buy a PJ Harvey[inlink]twisted,63[/inlink] poster?

p.s. - we have a turkey trot here too. Who knew?
How'd the (e:trotters) do yesterday?