Finally feeling like me after a week in a half of big fun. What a difference the right drugs make. I was still a little out of it during the Pearl Street dinner, which I am sure retarded my social graces. I do apologize for basically ploppling in a chair, but at least I was at the cool kids table.

And now a word about AfterHours care. My univera premium went up in June and now I pay more money to see my doctor less. By the time I realized that I needed a little more help last thursday, I couldn't an appt till Tuesday. I took it, but went to their after hours thing in Amherst to see if there is something else I could have been doing. I explained to the PA that my over the counter stuff wasn't working. So, he replaced it with his over the counter stuff. The hell? I gave it sometime in the likely case that he knew something I didn't, but nothing changed. Went back monday to report that before the estrip/(e:ladycroft) gathering and was promptly assaulted with throat swabs and blood work, but still no change. Staggered through the rest of Monday and a career builder of presentation on Tuesday morning, to finally see the Doc and get the proper drugs. It's great to get "righted," but that can take a lot out of you. Today is the first day since Tuesday that I basically wasn't a rag doll. That is a good thing as I'm not usually one to go to sleep when it is still a little light out. What good is after hours care when they seem to be a little scared to treat anything.

Been watching a lot of the Russert-related coverage. It's interesting to see all the local people act like their office was just down the hall from Tim's. I've also gotten a kick out of Tom Brokaw saying "The Boss" on three different shows now like he just discovered Springsteen. Russert's kid has had admirable poise given the circumstances. Don't know if I'd be that together now, much less than at 22. While the local media was engaging in a round of "how I know Tim," it was interesting to see who among the national folks was genuine. For a very disingenuous business.

What the hell is the matter with the Mets anyway?

I test drove a car at Transitowne Hyundai and they never called back. That can't be good, but it is unusual for them to give up like that. I wasn't going to take the car on the terms they were talking, but to just suddenly go all quiet was a little weird.

My office finally has air conditioning, just when it doesn't need it. I had to dress for a formal fundraiser last week when it was 85 outside and 82 inside. So, not cool, but I did look pretty good despite the pending stroke. Could have sworn my suit sizzled a little when I peeled it off at the end of the night.

I'm tired of McCain and Obama already. Don't care what Michelle wore on the View, don't care that Barack is forgoing public money, don't care that that pisses McCain off. None of it matters.

Is there anything sadder than looking in the office refrigerator and seeing Wednesday's turkey sandwich staring back, after it was shunned for a company potluck and a thursday disasterous lunch at Lunetta's? Sad, really. I actually thought Lunetta's was supposed to be good, but also thought Roast Beef sandwiches to have hot gravy as opposed to the other kind. I like a two hour lunch as much as the next guy, but those folks made it painful.

On the upswing....

A guy was being tried in Town of Islip Town Court for a motor vehicle accident that deteriorated into a fist fight at the scene that police had to break up. Apparently, his testimony was as follows:



"Sir, I made two mistakes. The first one was I rear-ended the other driver. I admit it was my mistake. There was a little damage, but not much.



“When the other driver got out of his car, I noticed that he was a dwarf.



“He came up to my car, looked up at me and said, ‘I am not happy!’”



That’s when I made my second mistake.



That’s when I said, “Then which one are you?”



“That’s when the fight started.”

I am always suspicious of any gathering that puts the words "Fun" and "Run" together. Combined with an early morning start time on Saturday, that is how my weekend got rolling. The Zoo was just a backdrop as Independent Health did all the real work. There wasn't much for me to other than stand around and make sure nobody went into the Zoo before 10. The hours on concrete didn't do my back any favors, but the thing went well. Independent Health did a nice job. The only downside was that they went through the trouble of setting up tubs of water and boxes of fruit for post race consumption. Plenty of freeloaders went shopping. I know it's awful, but I know some folks signed up for the events for the food and the free Zoo admission. The timing was awkward as I had to be there at 6 in the morning, so I had the kids that night instead of friday causing me to miss the party at the 24.

It all went down hill from there. Put a bid in on a Elantra only to have it sold out from under me.

The aforementioned Starbucks dumping which I'm handling with a fair amount of dignity and good taste (Bitch).

Sunday, number one son and I set out with some friends in front of the old Jimmy Mac's to watch the parade. Good as always to (e:Paul) and (e:Terry). We got caught up in a candy blitzkreig. My man made out like a bandit. His mom and sister were marchers in the parade so we set off for Bidwell like well the rest of you. All hail Comfort Zone, by the way. After a bit of revelry, his mom and I walked him back to grandma's house. By this point, my spinal column is screaming so I retreated to my humble little abode.

Only to wake on Monday (my day off?!?!) with this congested head/fever combo that is only now disappearing. At the Doctor this morning, he praised me for losing 15 pounds since he saw me in March. Wonder how not eating for the past three days figured into that equation.

Not a stellar stretch, indeed....

This really sucks.

A dozen dates in, I thought I was on to something. We clicked on a number of levels. Things were great, looking for more windows to see each other. Caught a breather in a full saturday just now and met for coffee, where I just got dumped.

"I'm going back to my old boyfriend"

This after long stories about how great the connection is, on all the right levels.

And I get dumped in the Williamsville Starbucks. Was almost happy there for a second. Should have known.

This really sucks. Dumped at a suburban Starbucks. My karma must reek.

I've lived in this area half past forever and the Corporate Challenge race is a deep mystery to me. I don't get the appeal. Companies run like fools on an uncomfortable day then drink heavily afterwards. I have no problem with the drinking afterwards, but the army of athletes and all the sundries is like a major invasion. I guess it is a good event and all. That many people pounding the payment on a day sort of makes me wish I was a spinal doctor because the one thing that will definitely get fucked up today are a few spinal columns.

The prep work for the thing started yesterday morning, when a village of tents got erected. As the regular morning walkers watched. a tent city worthy of the most accomplished migrant workers was erected. On the bright side, I got to park in the Zoo lot this morning. If you are thinking of the park at all today, forget it. The police basically shut down access to cars. By 2, bikes will be a moot point.

Walking down the path to an open Zoo door, I watched minions placing the corporate placards out and about. Given that amount of folks loitering surrounding my work area, I think I'll head to the square.

On the bright side, the Hellenic Festival starts tomorrow, two doors down. I can go and buy Souvlaki and the little Greek beignets, bring them back to my apartment deck and have them still be warm. Temptation thy name is coated in feta...