It's Been A While...

It's been a while, since I have taken the time to sit and write about... well, anything. What's going on? Well, the annual trip to Chicago was phenomenal. What can you say about good friends, killer weather, and a week vacation? Exactly! I was there for 6 days. First visiting friends and staying in Edgewater near Hollywood Beach was killer. Then it was into town to stay at the other Kimpton properties (given I work for them it was ideal). The Allegro and the brand new Palomar - Chicago we fantastic. It was of course IML weekend, which brought upon all kinds of fun and adventure, as it should. What the week also brought about was new friends, and a new thought on the actual possibility of moving. It's been an idea I've had for a while, and

so much so I had to send a picture to my partner and joke about already putting a down payment for a place in Boystown. None the less, it's been a while since I really gave thought to moving there. I also had to keep in mind that I always tend to visit during perfect weather. Maybe a flash rainstorm for 15 minutes here and there, but nothing even remotely close to the winter season. Would be fun, to actually step outside the blessed weather of California, and get all four seasons. Who knows, but this trip definitely reignited the drive to explore this vast world we occupy and with such an open mind.

On another note, it's has been a long while since I mentioned anything work related... as I tend to stray away from that. Good things are meant to be shared with others, and recently I was promoted to the position of Front Desk Manager at the property where I'm at. It felt like a long time coming, as school was always in the way of advancement, but no matter what; it's greatly appreciated, and I can't thank them enough for the opportunity to grow in my career. Even though it's not the field of study I recently graduated with a degree in, it is an accomplishment that I am very proud of having been in the Hospitality industry for almost 9 years. Wow! that's a long time when I hear it out loud.

It's been a while since I had a touch on a soccer ball, and this past week was pure bliss when I was able to get back to practice (the new promotion has kept a young professional very busy). It reminded me of why I started with this club to begin with. The competition, the camaraderie, athletics, and so on. The list is long when it comes to the Spikes and VICE Squad. It was recently a teammates birthday so as usual, after practice it was time to 'Carb-Up' at the local Firewood restaurant.
There is something special about this club, and has to be experienced to be known in its entirety. This weekend marks the end of the first season for the VICE Squad with a friendly match against Spikes II. It's going to be a doozy, costumes and all, but I can't wait. What a way to kick off the World Cup opening weekend. It was a personal goal once I graduated to get back into Soccer and organized sports, and I sincerely can't thank them enough for welcoming me with open arms. Go Spikes!!

Until next time...

Auctioning People?!

Who said an auction only had to be for cars, collectibles, or rare artifacts? How about boys! Oh yes. Deco Lounge is hosting the Royal Daddy & Royal Daddy's 'BOY AUCTION' on May 16th. My partner is hosting this event, and with the recent events that have unfolded with our beloved Royal Daddy, all the support and love is essential, and appreciated. Come show support for the community, those involved, and the people who make this city one of a kind.

Bring out the big bills for charity of course, and bid on the prizes (boys). This event is going to benefit Magnet in the Castro district. Time to give back to the community organization that has given us so much. Winners get a dinner date with their boy, there are raffle prizes, performances, and of course, the legendary Michael Brandon is MC'ing the event. It's sure to be a good time, and the Royal Daddy would have it no other way!! We love you Ron.

Tough Mudder?!

Sounds crazy, and IS. I had been considering a marathon as a goal I wanted to accomplish this year. It was something to train for, and see all the way through to fruition. However, I wasn't satisfied with just running (no offense at all to those who run them, my hat goes off to you). I was interested in something more... and when I had gotten busy with life (or maybe my short attention span), A great friend/trainer/rocker posted something on his Facebook about Tough Mudder. I checked it out, and bingo! Exactly what I was looking for.

The event falls in October, so that gives our team a solid 5 months to train. Now, having 2 personal trainers on the team, other marathon runners, and fit people makes for a nice balance (plus they can carry me when I collapse). Now I must ensure that I uphold my weight. It's going to be rough, but SO worth it. The course is 7 miles in Bear Valley, and includes everything from crawling through muddy tunnels, climbing over redwoods, fences, giant spools of cable, and even a school bus, and don't forget running through fire! I was looking for a challenge, and I think I found it, haha. It'll be a great way to get me back into shape (note: soccer definitely helps also, than you Spikes/VICE), and really push myself; mentally, emotionally, and of course physically.

What I'm also looking forward to is upon completion, aside from the party, there just happens to be a tattoo artist. Provided I finish, I will most definitely opt in to be branded with the Tough Mudder insignia. A symbol of accomplishment is in order. But ONLY if I complete the entire course... excuse me, I meant to say WHEN I complete it.

So the training must begin. It's time to swim in the bay, run though the hills all over the bay area, and hold on for dear life! This is going to be wicked...

And in case you're curious like I was about this whole mess, check it out!
Bear Valley Course
Tough Mudder

Who Doesn't Love a Beer Bust?! [Part Deux]

Oh yes, it's that time again! The SF Spikes Soccer Club are hosting another Beer Bust Fundraiser at the infamous Eagle Tavern in the SoMa district in San Francisco. This time we are bringing the balls to a SPECIAL Saturday event. The details? I thought you'd never ask...

WHEN: Saturday, May 8th 2010 from 3p-6p

WHERE: The Eagle Tavern @ 398 12th St. [cross is Harrison]

WHAT: Beer Bust [$10] & fresh dogs and burgers from the grill! [keep your fingers crossed for MaMa Swanson's epic return]

It is for a cause as we send many of the SF Spikes overseas, and even some VICE Squad players to the Gay Games coming to Cologne, Germany this summer. What better way to help out a good cause than to drink and eat [something you are going to do anyway]? Beer, BBQ, and Soccer Studs to mingle with to start off your Saturday adventures. Nothing better! Check out the flyer I created, and I'll be keeping an eye out for you by the grill... or tap. Whichever it is, get ready for a good time, guaranteed!

SFSpikes.com

Ocean's Eleven

It was a drab Sunday afternoon (April 11th, 2010 to be exact), and the moisture (ugh, i said it) was in the air, with the team coming together. Some teammates couldn't make it, as they were sick, some 'hungover', but none the less this game was happening! The rain seemed to have let up as the line up was solidfying... until everyone arrived at the pitch. Both teams were ready, present, and backing out was never an option. It was non-stop, 90 minutes, with no subs in the pouring rain. It was worth every minute of it, and has earned a spot as one of the most fun experiences I have had recently. You had to be in it to fully understand it. But in case you weren't I thought the team photo, post-game would help at least show the pitch that turned from turf... to ocean. GO VICE!

On the Flipside

So it wasn't long ago that I started this blog, and with it, I introduced you all to a couple of words that I wasn't fond of (those of you who know me well don't even need to reference that post). Now, on the flipside, I thought I would bring to light some of the words and/or statements that I have been fond of lately. Whether a newly introduced word to my vocabulary by someone in my life, or something that I have found myself using for a while now, they are all fantastic. Yet again I find myself digressing...

Amazeballs - This word can be used at any time to describe the most amazing of times you have experienced. You know it, and I think you should use it. Sometimes life has those times/things that are just, well... AMAZEBALLS!

Shitiot - Thank you K.Tomas. talk about one of the most concise words used lately. It is succinct and to the point. My favorite word as of yet. So much so that I might have introduced everyone that I come in contact recently to it. It is so good that there doesn't even need to be an example of how to use it, because if it needed one, it wouldn't be that great.

point.blank.period. - Talk about straight to the 'point'. This is a phrase that should be added to a statement to emphasize your point... for example, "You shouldn't be wearing that shirt, point.blank.period" It helps put your point to rest, with no questions asked... with no room for discussion.

Irrelevant (see also: "That's Irrelevant") Everyone knows that I use it frequently in many circumstances throughout life and conversation(s). It's meant for multipurpose use. It helps get out of many a conversation. Like a roadblock in someone's verbal assualt. It's not only an answer, but also a deterrant.

Balls - This is a multipurpose word as well. When you're frustrated, irritated, or down right upset. Just like another, more harsh word in our vocab, this can substitute and sometimes out perform the other for expression of accurate emotions.

There are more to come over time, so keep your eyes and ears open.

Laughter is the Best Medicine

So it is something for a son to come out to their parents, but it's another when the parents (or dad specifically) can come to terms enough to be sending his son gay jokes. Not in a negative or demeaning way, but in a way that is meant as playful and in good fun. Thought I would share the joke that my father sent me years ago. It was a sign that things would be ok. From the sense of uncertainty, there was a hopeful light. A realization that things would all work out... but I digress...

-----------

"My flight was being served by an obviously gay flight attendant, who seemed to put everyone in a good mood as he served us food and drinks.

As the plane prepared to descend, he came swishing down the aisle and told us that "Captain Marvey has asked me to announce that he'll be landing the big scary plane shortly, so lovely people, if you could just put your trays up, that would be super."

On his trip back up the aisle, he noticed this well-dressed and rather Arabic looking woman hadn't moved a muscle. "Perhaps you didn't hear me over those big brute engines but I asked you to raise your trazy-poo, so the main man can pitty-pat us on the ground."

She calmly turned her head and said, "In my country, I am called a Princess and I take orders from no one."

To which (I swear) the flight attendant replied, without missing a

beat, "Well, sweet- cheeks, in my country I'm called a Queen, so I outrank you. Tray-up, Bitch."

-----------

Life Teaches Lessons

There's only so many words that i can use to describe Chad. He was an and will always be an amazing person. Recently he has passed on into another part of life's cycle. I will never forget the lessons and inspiration that he has taught me. He has been and will always be remembered for his positive attitude and amazing friendship. You never fully realize what you have until it's gone, and the world has lost a phenomenal man. He will be remembered through his friends, family, and husband Vince. I met Vince years and years back when I lived in the East Bay. I soon after, met Chad. Both have given me such wonderful support, life lessons, and great times. True lovers of life, and the extent for which they both act within the community is down right outstanding! I love them both dearly, and Chad, you will sincerely be missed, but not ever forgotten.

Chad Droll Scalise Memorial Fundraiser

If you are unable to attend, but would like to make a donation, please send a check to:

Chad Droll Scalise Memorial Fund
c/o Wells Fargo Bank
3630 Mt. Diablo Blvd.
Lafayette, CA 94549
Please include the account # 5509885389 in the memo portion of your check.

The Celebration of Chad's Life will be held the following weekend April 25th, 3-9pm at the Colombo Club in Oakland.

Do You Really Need That?!

I was recently noticing how much 'crap' we go through daily, how many things we hoard thinking that we may use it some day soon... when you know down right that you haven't touched it in 6 months, or even remembered you had it until you stumbled upon it yesterday (hey, I'm guilty). It's time to clean things up, reuse, and really recycle those things we can, that we know could be put to better use. Which brings me to this link for a video I found. Now I don't check this website out as much as I should, or like to. But when I get the chance, I always stumble across things I really like, and thus want to share with others. This time it was something for the youth of our world actually (don't make the noise when something sounds cheesy, because I know you did when you read that last sentence).

Nothing overly glamourous, polished, or stylized. However, the message, and inspiring nature of a form of recycling through design materials into a solid learning tool was phenomenal. Please take a moment to check out the link for the video. Share what you think, and then take something you can get rid of, and recycle it in a new way. I dare you...

The Global Literacy Project: My First Book

Other Links:

The Global Literacy Project

Ads of the World

Jocks & Jell-O Shots

It's almost here... The RETURN of the infamous JOCK Sundays @ the Lookout Bar in the Castro district. This time, it's going to be kicked off hosted by San Francisco's own Spikes Soccer Team. Of course this means that I want you there to support the team, have fun, and well, because I organized a lot of this event. It's going to be a great time, so see the details the flyer I made, and show up ready for a wicked time!

WHAT: Jock Sunday RETURNS! Hosted by the SF Spikes Soccer Club

WHERE: Lookout Bar - SF (3600 16th st. @ Market)

WHEN: 4-7pm

WHY: It's a team fundraiser, and who doesn't want to enjoy a Sunday Funday with Jocks & Jell-O Shots?!

SF Spikes - The Lookout