April 11

If you're wondering why Belynda is hiding behind a drinks menu ... well, join the club.

Belynda had a birthday last week, and Marion (of Script Frenzy fame) decided that she needed a little birthday party. After batting around various ideas (visiting the IMAX theater, Jasper White's Summer Shack, etc.), we settled on going to Longhorn Steakhouse for chicken parts and assorted dinner stuff.

We took two separate cars to get there, and our original party of five expanded a bit with the anticipated arrival of Tom's girlfriend. After originally requesting a table for seven, we hurriedly revised it to eight after I realized that, being a liberal arts major, I couldn't count straight. (I rarely do anything straight.) Eventually, eleven people showed for the party -- and honestly, I couldn't have had more fun while remaining sober.

Our waiter Jason (nicknamed Spunky almost immediately) was pure eye candy. A nearby waiter, Duane, was nicknamed Studly for similar reasons. When Sparky the Waiter appeared, and one poor unattractive man we called Scary, we had a virtual platter-carrying boy band on our hands.

I got Mary Anne, who is very shy and says she's sexually frustrated, to leave her number on a napkin for Spunky, with the entreaty to call her. We very nearly got Marion, who has a thing for somebody else, to leave her number for the cute waiter Studly, but she demurred. Happily-married Belynda settled for pressing her girly parts into me for a couple of minutes (eat your hearts out straight men!), and to coin a phrase, a good time was had by all.

Considering the widely-held opinion of Script Frenzy and National Novel Writing Month participants as socially-awkward, it's amazing how much fun we can really have when we let loose. :-)

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April 10

I probably pass a dozen of these signs on my commute daily. Every time I see them, with the pictograph of the running boy, I read "DRIVE SLOW," then mentally add "RUN FAST," to the sign. It's probably a subconscious desire on my part to run down pedestrians or something, since I've taken the Massachusetts tradition of offensive driving (the opposite of defensive driving) somewhat to heart over these past ten years.

I was hoping for something prettier, or more momentous, or even just noteworthy, to mark the occasion of my 100th photograph in my Photo of the Day series. I guess this will just have to do.

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April 09

There's something about 60-degree weather and blue skies that almost makes up for the insufferable winter Boston just had. Almost.

I downloaded "Twiggy Twiggy" by Pizzicato Five last night. It's a catchy little tune, and while I've heard it (on the Prêt-à-Porter soundtrack) before, I never knew the group or any of its other work. I'm not music savvy by any stretch of the imagination, but I do know what I like. If you're interested, you can find this and more of their work on YouTube.

So, with my iPhone plugged into my car stereo, the windows down because of the great weather, and some of my favorite music playing, the commute into town to go to work was considerably nicer than usual.

99/365 -

April 08

If Wheaties is the breakfast of champions, steak tips and spicy fries must be the dinner of losers.

My doorman and I occasionally order from Nicoles, a local delivery place that has decent food most of the time. I usually just get a hamburger, but I'm not feeling well and I'm not in a marvelous mood, so I went right for the steak tips dinner with spicy fries tonight. The steak tips are cooked with onions and peppers, and the cook has the rare and special ability to cook the meat well done without turning it into show leather.

My dinner wasn't healthy, and many people wouldn't find it appetizing, but when I'm in a crummy mood, this really hits the spot.

98/365 -

April 07

Here I present to you the scene yesterday at the corner of Huntington Avenue and Ruggles St. near Northeastern University.

Note the green light. I should have been rolling forward at this point, but I wouldn't have gotten very far. Look closely at the four layers of cars and how each layer is going in a different direction. In my experience, this is a uniquely Boston phenomenon, caused by unclear, ambiguous, or even nonexistent traffic markings. Boston drivers, of course, view traffic signs and markings as nothing more than suggestions, and treat them accordingly.

In a way, Boston drivers have a certain laissez-faire attitude to driving. You do your thing, they do theirs, and if nobody hits each other who gets hurt? It's that kind of driving that results in it taking me 45-50 minutes to drive the five miles to work on a good day.

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April 06

It's chilly and rainy in Boston again, which really limits my opportunities to get out and get photos. I've also had a cold the past few days, which further limits my motivation. I'm never quite sure if it's true that your mood can vividly affect your photography style, but I have to say that this image pretty much nails my mood today.

The beauty of it is that this was a very serendipitous shot. I was outside trying to get the drops of water on the tree branches when I looked down at the guy walking by in the raincoat and the umbrella. Aim and shoot, one shot, and I got it.

Photoshopped to desaturate image, crank contrast a teensy bit and add a blue wash to better suit my mood.

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April 05

I haven't turned into a shill for Longhorn Steakhouse -- not that my meager readership would make me an effective advertiser anyway. Anna held the Thank God Its Over (TGIO) party at Longhorn for a small group of folks (four of us), and it was fun.

Anna runs National Novel Editing Month, which ended March 31. It's a much smaller event than National Novel Writing Month or Script Frenzy, but we have a few people who carry over from the other events. Brandon and Randy are two of those folks, and they're awesomely fun guys. It's difficult to coordinate something like this to bring everybody together for the event, which is unfortunate, but we had a good time anyway, discussing head colds, sex ed and detachable penises, and telling jokes. I had commented to Anna that telling dirty jokes wasn't as fun with the guys as it was with Marion and Belynda; I think they took it as something of a challenge. They certainly rose to the occasion -- pun absolutely intended.

Actually, on that topic, it's somewhat ironic that we were discussing detachable penises at a restaurant called "Longhorn," isn't it?

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April 04

Aren't these crocuses pretty?

I was walking my dog when I noticed that these flowers had popped up in the landlady's garden. I complimented her on her tulips, only to be corrected. Considering my lack of a green thumb, I was doing good to identify it as a flower.

It's been rainy the past couple of days -- today less so than yesterday -- and tomorrow is supposed to be downright beautiful. I'm really looking forward to more days where I can venture out without a jacket and enjoy a sunny day.

Meanwhile, I know perfectly well that the flowers in the back are tulips, and they're going to be magnificent when they're in full bloom.

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April 03

Driving the boyfriend to the airport was the most exciting thing I've done on this dreary, rainy day.

He's headed to New York City for the weekend to smell things -- specifically, an event called Sniffapalooza, geared to perfume enthusiasts. Originally, I'd planned to go with him, and while he was sniffing things I would do a little sightseeing around the city. Alas, those plans fell through.

It's not all bad, though. I've got a head cold of monumental proportions, so getting on an airplane would have caused my head to explode. But I have the day off already, which is nice; I don't have to be at work with my sinuses thumping behind my eyes.

If you're going to be sick, planning the day off three weeks in advance, being able to spend time by yourself, and picking a gray, rainy day where you can't spend a lot of time outdoors is the way to do it. I wish I could claim credit for the foresight, but today's just pure dumb luck -- or as lucky as you can feel with a head cold and cough.

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April 02

It's nice working with somebody who can find and nurture beauty in the least likely places.

My doorman -- and good friend -- Ennio found a forlorn little azalea plant in our loading dock, thrown out by a resident and waiting for trash day. Ennio has a green thumb and didn't have the heart to get rid of it, so he took it, cleaned it up, watered it, and brought it back to health. Now it's in a place of honor by the concierge desk, so everybody can see it.

After this brutal winter, I needed a little green and a little prettiness to cheer me up, and Ennio provided it.

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April 01

It's been a busy day for me, but at least I've accomplished a lot -- at least tonsorially. The lustrous brown locks are gone, replaced with a more sensible haircut.

We had a minor plumbing mishap at home this morning -- the hose to our handheld shower head decided to part company with the threaded nut holding it to the bathtub spigot -- which got me out of bed unexpectedly to try to deal with it. As I said, it was minor, but a nuisance nonetheless. Leaning over the bathtub trying to fix the problem, I had a hell of a time keeping my unkempt hair out of my face.

Without the benefit of a shower, my hair -- which is very thick and exceedingly full -- was not being particularly cooperative. I brushed it back, put in a hairband to keep it out of my face, and tied off the back in a ponytail. Well, that just didn't work.

It's a nice day out, so I cracked my window as I drove to the hardware store. My hair got all up in my face because of the breeze, which was frustrating. Sitting at the red light at the end of Cummins Highway, trying to fix my hair again, I spotted the Rialto Barber Shop across the street; once upon a time, I went there every two weeks to have a trim. "Well screw this," I said to myself out loud, and I pulled into the lot behind the barber shop. I mean, this is bullshit, not even being able to keep your hair in line.

And that's how I ended up with the old-fashioned shorter 'do.

Oh, and happy April Fools Day*.

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*The real Photo of the Day will resume tomorrow.

March 31

Here's a photo that sort of turns my stomach.

My poor puppy dog is diabetic, and I'm overcoming what to me is a perfectly rational case of needle phobia. That means that, twice a day, Pogo gets seven units of insulin at mealtimes. Boyfriend is awesome about giving the injections, but sometimes he's just not home when the injections are due, and it falls to me to give them.

Five months ago, I fainted when I saw a needle. Then Pogo started needing shots, and I had to work to overcome that perfectly rational reaction. Just trying to talk about it made me stammer. With time, patience, and necessity, I managed to reduce my reaction from fainting (not helpful) to throwing up, and then to nausea and only occasional lightheadedness.

That I can keep the presence of mind to actually take a photograph of myself handling a needle is nothing short of remarkable. I don't believe I'll ever really get used to giving shots, but I'm able to do it when I have to. And I'm pretty proud of that.

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March 30

Driving in Boston is always an adventure, but it's even more so when there's inclement weather.

We got quite a bit of rain yesterday and today, which combined with the chill air to make it feel pretty cold. Of course, compared to January and snowfall, it was positively balmy in comparison. In heavy rains, Boston is subject to localized street flooding, which can take an already-crowded thoroughfare and reduce it to utter impassibility.

I take heart in the fact that it's not snowing, so I don't have to shovel anything, and the rains we've received are nothing compared to the floods and torrential rains seen in the midwest last week. Indeed, I've become savvy enough in my commute to take a different route to work when it's raining, just to avoid the perpetual puddle that always forms on the Jamaicaway near Brookline Avenue.

And luckily, the rain is moving out, so good news all around.

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March 29

Now this is one pampered puppy dog.

That social life I almost have was in full swing tonight. Dale, a former resident where I work, good friend, and grande dame, invited Ennio and I over to her new apartment for a very intimate dinner party. Red -- the pooch in the picture -- is her apricot-colored miniature poodle, and he's quite the little guy.

Ennio arrived and took over the cooking, which was entertaining. The food was extraordinary, which is to be expected. Dale only likes the best and Ennio only cooks the best. I was kind of a slacker, since I didn't have to cook and didn't have to clean. I took responsibility for keeping Red amused, so of course I had the best experience of all.

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March 28

The little black letters on this pitcher of apple margaritas says "DRINK RESPONSIBLY."

It was my friend Marion's birthday party today, so naturally, I brought a camera with me when invited to the party. And, I have to admit, it was pretty fun. Marion is a self-admitted geek, and the unusual combination of her friends from NaNoWriMo/Script Frenzy, the Aquarium (where she works with snakes), and her job as a waitress, meshed together pretty well. Belynda, Brandon, and I took devilish pleasure in warping some of their young minds, and even more pleasure in learning how warped the rest of them really were.

I even indulged in a couple of drinks myself. I'm sure the photos of me with the two prettiest ladies in the place sitting on my lap will make it to somebody's facebook page. Meanwhile, it was their keeping me out later than midnight that caused me to be late posting this POTD. But that's OK -- it was totally worth it.

87/365 -

March 27

I had a pretty good day today.

I woke up after a good night's sleep, and was able to accomplish some small stuff I needed to get out of the way before headed to work today. My commute in was unremarkable, and I actually was able to find a parking space on my first round of the block, which put me several minutes ahead of schedule. Oh, and continuing my unhealthy obsession with the weather, it was a gorgeous day outside, with temperatures in the upper 50s and mostly clear skies.

So, as I was walking, I happened to cast my eyes skyward to take in the beautiful day, when I spotted a tree that had began to bud -- more proof that the relentless winter has passed and even more pleasant weather is coming.

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March 26

My work uniform is nice, as far as uniforms go. A charcoal-gray suit, white shirt, and royal blue silk necktie. Most everybody else I work with wears this uniform (some better than others). Of course, I like to fix things, to enhance them, to dress them up a bit. To that end, I've made some small additions to my work uniform, to personalize it and make it more my own.

The first thing I did was add a small lapel pin to my left lapel. It would go over the nametag if I had one (my last one is broken). I originally wore a small gold anchor, since I was once a Sailor, or a small Navy seal (this seal, not this one). The folks who've worked at my building for five years received a small sterling silver lapel pin back in October (the building in relief), which I've worn since then.

The pocket handkerchief, in the same color as the tie, was my next addition. I've been told countless times by countless tailors and suit salesmen that the handkerchief "completes" the look of a suit, and I finally bought into the concept, at least for the suit I wear to work five days a week. I have to admit that having the pocket handkerchief has really grown on me -- I wouldn't work without it anymore.

And the cufflinks. The shirts the company issued us were not very good, and I began wearing my own white shirts almost immediately. I added a new french-cuff shirt to the rotation when my friend Keith made me a custom set of cufflinks (see them here); the cufflinks shown with the jacket were a gift from my better half.

So while I still wear a company-issued uniform, with a few accessories, I've done my best to make it my own.

85/365

March 25

If you're wondering what a hemp-dyed crazy shirt is, you know what I was thinking when I received this special little gift.

My landlady went to visit her brother last weekend in San Francisco, and asked me to take care of her animals (Jasper the dog, Tico and Ulti the kitties, and assorted fish). This is a common request and one I'm glad to accept. She's very nice and usually brings back a small gift or souvenir -- this time, it was a hemp-dyed crazy shirt. (And yes, I'm "Uncle Upstairs" to her dog and cats; it's a long story.) I like this gift a lot; it's comfortable and just a little quirky, and the packaging was outstanding.

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March 24

I like dogs. I'm very fortunate to work in a very dog-friendly workplace.

On the left, you see me (on a very good hair day) with my friend Jake the Golden Retriever. Jake would be perfectly content to come hang out with Ennio and me behind the desk, so once, as a lark, we put one of our neckties on him. He'd make a wonderful assistant concierge.

Upper right, I'm hanging out with Lola and Riley, two King Charles Spaniels. They're still puppies (about six months old) and can be rambunctious, but once you sit still a little while they turn into cuddle pups.

Bottom right is Brewster, a Boston Terrier. Brewster is a sweetheart who is very into his routines. In the mornings after his walk, he sits down by Helder the doorman, who's usually standing in front of the fire, and in the evenings he expects me to come out and sit down so he can claim his place in my lap. He's only two years old, but has the most pleasant personality you can imagine -- he's another real sweetheart.

83/365 -

March 23

You know it's windy when there are whitecaps on Jamaica Pond.

Spring is here officially, though you'd never know it by the temperatures. Today's forecast was for a high of 32 degrees, and fortunately, it did get a teensy bit warmer. The skies were beautifully clear, though, which made it a nice day to look at from inside a warm house. But the winds were blowing briskly, which only makes it feel colder -- although there is no snow in the forecast for the immediate future, which is always a good thing.

Meanwhile, between work duties, I've been investigating a short trip to Atlanta over the weekend. No final decision yet, but I may be getting on a plane soon. Should make for an interesting weekend Photo of the Day, at least. :-)

82/365 -

March 22

This was nearly the edit-in that wasn't.

I've been lazy about showing up on time at National Novel Editing Month events, since I'm not actively participating. I'm there more for moral support than any real editing purpose. Nonetheless, I'm usually there.

This afternoon, I was running a little late. Life interfered, and I took care of life first. While I was taking care of life, about 45 minutes after the edit-in was scheduled to begin, my phone rang. Anna was on the line, telling me to tell everyone that she was on the way. I chuckled at her naïve assumption that I was there, and we began making phone calls -- only to discover that nobody we knew was around.

Marion, meanwhile, was there, but wasn't sure there was an edit-in, since nobody else was at the restaurant. So she went to our other usual venue and discovered nobody there, either. Marion spent a considerable amount of time running to and fro, trying to find the edit-in. Finally, she thought to call me to find out what was going on.

I arrived at the event about a minute before it was scheduled to end, and thanks to Brandon's arrival two hours later, I was not the last person to arrive. Having friends like this is pretty darn cool. For once, I'm among people who are just as screwed up as I am.

81/365 -

March 21

Behold, 15 -- count 'em, 15 -- hardcover Star Trek novels.

On weekends, unless I have something pressing to do, I'm something of a layabout. I got up, did some laundry, and then ventured out for breakfast around 3 pm. On my way back from the KFC, I noticed that the Treasure Chest, the little junk store near my house, was open, so I stopped in.

That's where I came upon these Star Trek novels, hidden on a bookshelf behind a row of videotapes. At a dollar per book, I pounced on them. I love to read, and it's my dirty little secret that I actually enjoy reading crap on occasion. Nobody will mistake these for fine literature, but they'll make for an enjoyable afternoon or two.

80/365 -

March 20

Today is the first day of spring. And while I know and understand that spring comes every year, this year's winter makes me absurdly grateful for the arrival of the new season.

From my workplace, I have a good view to the west of the Christian Science Church complex, and occasionally the sun setting behind its iconic dome. I thought it would be nice to say goodbye to winter with a pretty sunset, even if the weather outside is a mite chilly. It's better than New York, where Spring arrived with snowfall. I think, were snow to fall today, I'd lose it (or the tiny amount of "it" that I've ever had).

79/365 -

March 19

One of the symptoms of Pogo's diabetes is occasional incontinence. Most of the time he's fine, but we've had to adjust his insulin dose again, with the result that he sometimes has accidents at night. It also bears mentioning that he sleeps in the bed with us.

I have to give Boyfriend credit for taking the situation with good grace and a sense of humor. As he put it the other day, with a resigned sigh, "I never thought I'd be so blasé about somebody peeing in my bed."

Neither Boyfriend nor I have the heart to banish him from the bed, since it's where he's slept since he came to live with us years ago. He wouldn't understand why he couldn't get on the bed, and it would feel like he was being punished. So instead, we're doing a lot of laundry. Since our dryer at home is broken, we've been making more than a few trips to the laundromat. That's where today's pic of our pretty green bedsheets in the dryer was taken.

It's tough watching Pogo grow old, but we do our best to keep him healthy and comfortable. We owe the little guy that much.

78/365 -

March 18

Anybody who has known me for more than a few minutes probably knows how much I enjoy drinking Dr Pepper. It's my little taste of the South, no matter where in the world I've wandered.

The company has released a new variation on Dr Pepper: Dr Pepper Cherry. This is apparently a follow-up to the ghastly Cherry Vanilla Dr Pepper they released in 2004. I was of two minds about this new development -- should I just buy the regular flavor, or should I try it and see if it's any good? I opted to try it.

Surprisingly, it's not bad. I still prefer Dr Pepper to this new flavor, but I wouldn't turn down Dr Pepper Cherry if it were offered to me. And considering how many of these things I imbibe in a week, I think it's perfectly appropriate that it make my Photo of the Day for today.

77/365 -

March 17

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Or, since I'm in Boston, I suppose I should say Happy Evacuation Day!

Normally I wear a pretty blue Addison on Madison silk necktie as part of my uniform. However ... (select below):

1. ... in honor of St. Patrick driving the snakes from Ireland, I decided to wear this pretty green necktie instead.
2. ... in honor of George Washington driving the British from Boston in the first major victory of the Revolutionary War, thus setting in motion the events that led to our independence from Great Britain, I decided to wear this pretty green necktie instead.

Whatever reason is given, it's a dandy excuse to wear a pretty new tie to work. :-)

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