by the power of gay skill

The diabetes walk is okay but the AIDS walk is fabulous! So many more people show up and dress up. A lot of costumed people were mythological beings, hence He-Man and She-Ra above! Too AWESOME!

Andrew came with me this year as well as some of my regular friends and co-workers. It was a small group of us in comparison to last year but I liked it more. Dean came again this year and did great!

Also, we went straight to Ashes' soccer game afterwards so Dean got to come there too. The game was fun and Dean got a lot of excitement today although he looks pooped in the picture above. It was great because I'm anticipating being really busy next week and really for the next 9 months as school starts again so I was thrilled to have a great weekend with friends and Dean.

net rippin'

Today I watched Ashes play with the soccer team the Net Rippers at Delta Park (my first time there) with Victory. Bastard also played but they were at the same time and the Net Rippers' game had seating. If my ribs and tailbone didn't hurt so bad, I think I would've gotten a lot more into it. It was still fun though and it was a nice lazy thing to do on a Sunday.

the gang at the game

When we all went to Oneanta, Andrew had mentioned that he had a friend years and years ago who was always taking pictures of all of their friends, almost to an annoying level. However, many years later, he started uploading those pictures and was able to share those moments which all of his friends thought were lost and they were very grateful to be able to relive those times.

Tonight was one of those nights that I knew I'd want to capture. I don't think Jesse has been to a game before and I haven't been to a MLS Timber's game with my friends (except for the reserve games) ever either. Plus it was an awesome game that we won!

I also walked back downtown with Bastard from the game so he got to show me his work at the courthouse while we retrieved his bike.

What else?
On Tuesday, August 28th, I helped Victory haul her art project from PCC to Al's studio and then I helped haul Al's band equipment to Laughing Horse Bookstore where Dominic repaid me for the favors. It was fun just to hang out with everyone and to be able to help.

On Wednesday, August 29th, I ate a the Denny's in Wilsonville and I felt like I needed to shower afterwards. Yes, I'm a food snob but that crap was gross.

On Thursday, August 30th, I contacted people through Craigslist about getting tickets for the game. I also wrapped my brake-line around a pole in the Corridor because I spaced out while listening to the Nerdist podcast (my new favorite podcast). I know I said earlier that it was safe and I will pay a little more attention now. Still, it's an easy fix and Corey fixed it already for me.

I ended up getting onto the Facebook page Timber's Ticket Exchange which was a lot easier than trying to contact and wait for a reply from Craigslist posters.

eclipsed

There was a solar eclipse today. They say you're not supposed to look directly at it. However, there was just enough cloud cover in Portland to make it safe but still visible. I was unaware of how quickly these things happened. I was biking home from watching a Timbers game at 442 and I looked up to see that it was maybe 40% covered. I biked two more blocks, looked up again and saw the image pictured above. I don't think I've ever looked at a solar eclipse before. Being the superhero geek I am, I was hoping that this would be when I got my superpowers. C'mon telekinesis!

What else?

I went to Knott Park today with Dean to watch Ashes play soccer on his team Pelada against Old Growth, a group sponsored by the Timbers for over 40 people. They played for 120 minutes and the score was 11-0 Pelada. It was fun to watch it, even if it was in the rain.

On Tuesday 5/15, I tried a different kind of the Mac & Cheese at Herb's cart.

On Wednesday 5/16, Andrew and I went to Proof for the first time. They had good drinks and okay food.

On Friday 5/18, I found out that I got a raise! It's only 2% but it's still the first raise I've had in years (due to them paying for my schooling).

On Saturday, 5/19, Andrew and I hung out, walked around and went to A Better Cycle for the first time, just because we were passing by and I needed a new thing for the day.

my lil guy turns 11

Recently, vets got together and made Dean younger. Actually, they made all old dogs (and cats) younger by recalculating how dogs and cats age. Traditionally, people would multiply a dogs age in human years by seven to determine how old they are. Now, they figured that this isn't an accurate portrayal of a dog's age so now it's not a standard measurement but it worked in Dean's favor. Instead of being 77 in dog years, he's now 60! Unfortunately, he did start showing his age more today. He's limping ever so slightly again and he has developed allergies. I've been giving him Benodryl upon the vet's recommendation because he's been sneezing a lot. Maybe when he's better, I'll take him out to do something fun.

For his birthday, I took him to the pet store today to buy him a cookie, a bone and a toy. I love this guy and I wish I could buy him more time with me. I just have to figure out some way to be able to bring him to work daily.

What else?

It's also St Patrick's Day and a Timbers game. Victory and Caroline decided that they wanted to go to the Rose and Thistle, a Scottish pub I've never been to and I'm not sure I'll return to. True, people have different reasons for going to the pub on St Patrick's Day besides to watch the game. However, it was almost impossible to watch or enjoy the game there. It was really loud, we could barely see the TV and the table across the bar from us kept shouting dumbass stuff like, "No Homo" as they posed for pics together. Between them and the guy who came in wearing a Redskins jersey, I was gonna hit someone.

At half-time, I told Ashes, Victory and Caroline that I was ready to go. Instead, we went to check out the back patio where it was quieter, there was a better view of the TV and the people were a lot cooler. There was a long rainbow picnic table that was only half full of people so we asked if we could join them and they said yes. The people were awesome and the view was a lot better. There were still obnoxious drunks there but they were tolerable. If I go back, I will head right to the back patio.

Also, after the game, I met up with Andrew, Sophia, Xbox and Jesse to watch Harold and Maude at the Bagdad. I've recently discovered the movie and I love it. Jesse, Sophia and Andrew also love it so it made for a great night.

Also, yesterday was my last 8 hour class and my last class of the quarter so I have a lot to celebrate!

the bitter end at the beginning

Today was the Timber's first regular game of the season and it's a home game. Ashes got a ticket to go so Victory and I went to watch the game at the Bitter End (for my first time there). The Bitter End is within two blocks of the stadium so a good number of people were packed into the bar up until the national anthem was playing. Then they headed over to the stadium.

It's a nice place although the vegetarian options are very limited. Still, it was a rainy rainy day and being inside where a veggie burger and a beer doesn't cost $20 and I can be dry was really pleasant. Also, the game rocked! Philadelphia scored the first point but we answered it with not one, not two but three goals! Boyd, our new hottie from Scottie, had an awesome header. Kalif Alhassan set it up for him and also ended up scoring the last goal. I'm hoping that we're going to be a better team this year. I'll watch either way though.

Also, Ashes told me where I could buy a soccer scarf. I've been eyeing the Republic of Cascadia scarf for weeks now and right after the game, I ran over to the truck where they were selling them and bought one!  Whoo hoo!

What else?
On Friday, I bussed out to Jen's for the first time to watch Paranormal Activity 3. It's nice that it's just one quick bus trip from my house to her's. Then I bussed it back down to the Laurelhurst Theater where Dom, his friend, Jesse, Sophia, XBox and I went to Flash Gordon. I'm a bit surprised by this but I don't think I've ever seen the film all the way through.

On Saturday, Andrew and I brunched, went shopping at Saturday Market where I bought a wrist band and then we went to the Red and Black to play Battle-Line. I love that game and I love hiding from the rain in a friendly cafe with Andrew. Afterwards we went Roadside Attraction for drinks and then Bonfire for food. Such a simple lazy day.

double header

Yay! It's soccer season again! I have really missed this. Maybe it's just because it means summertime is going to come eventually. However, I think that I really just enjoy hanging out and watching the game.

Today was a bit more of an investment though as it was two soccer games back to back. The first one wasn't even the Timbers. It was still interesting but I couldn't help thinking that I should be doing homework instead. The Timbers game was great even though it ended in a tie. Cheering with the Timbers Army is a lot of fun and the stadium was packed...for a preseason game...on a cold Monday night. Go Portland!


I 

sexiest sport ever

Today I watched my first bit of rugby at 442 after a soccer game. Not only are the guys extremely hot but they toss each other up to catch the ball like cheerleaders!

go wildcats

Every other year, I arrange a big tour of work clients to PGE park or, as it is now named, Jeld-Wen Stadium. Since we went pro, tours are a little more difficult to arrange but I was persistent and the tour department at the stadium was kind enough to give us the school rate since we are a non-profit. A lot of the clients said they enjoyed it but reallly, the tour was for Ashes and me. We were like kids at Disneyland when we saw the players practicing and Coach Spencer!

It was a lot of fun for everyone though, especially since we took the work bus. We have a relatively new short-bus, similar to the Tri-Met lift buses for work usage. One of my clients is in a wheelchair and I typically can't transport her myself since our other vehicles aren't equipped to handle a wheelchair. However, we took the bus out for the first time and she was able to participate without feeling like an outsider or an exception.

My other favorite part of the tour was when our tour guide said he was a Beavers fan. One of the clients promptly puffs up his chest and says, "Well, I'm a Ducks fan." Then, another new client says, "I like the Wildcats." The tour guide asked who the wildcats are and the client turned around and showed the guide his backpack which was cute, pink and black and from High School Musical. Too damn adorable!

What else?
I started another alias tonight. I think I just have too much time on my hands. I'm not going to promote it here and it's primarily used for a social-networking site. It's mainly a venue for me to express my creativity elsewhere.

from tot to teen

Around seven years ago, I moved into a house with three people, one of which was a six year old. In the initial stages of discussing the potential of us all living together, Ashes said, "You know I have a six-year old, right?" At the time, it seemed as though it may have been a deal-breaker. However, because of my oldest niece, I kinda like kids but I'm not too sure about teens. I've said before that, if I had a kid, I would have to give them away before they became a teenager because I can't stand the teen's attitude. However, Raven kind of changed that and today, we celebrated him becoming a teenager. Wow, how time flies...

Raven started acting like your stereotypical teen a while ago with the attitude and the voice changing and making his parents feel uncool. Shit, I know I was an ass when I was a teenager. However, watching Raven grow up and living with him for his formative years, I've had a change of heart. I still think that I don't care that much for teenagers as a general age bracket. Raven's a lot different though. He's a good kid who may have some attitude but it comes from a real place and he never gets mean and nasty, like I remember teens being when I was one of them. Initially, I was hesitant about moving in with a kid but I'm glad I did. I'm glad I got to help enrich his life and I'm glad he got to enrich mine and I look forward to seeing him become an awesome older teen and (OMG) one day (soon) an adult.

For his birthday, we went to Glowing Greens mini-golf course for the first time. It was okay although it did separate out his party quite a bit and it didn't allow for good picture taking because it was all in a black-light-lit basement. Afterwards, we went to the park for celebratory donuts. Next year, I'll remember early enough and bake him a cake.

What else?

 A handful of us continued on afterwards and headed to Circa 33 where we had the Blind Pig punch in a carafe for the first time. It's a nice place to drink at with the back porch and all.

who you callin' a HO

In my Grandma P's barn, there was a basketball hoop in the hay loft.  The hay was all pushed to the back of the barn so that the front part could be a court.  I was never good at basketball, at least not the physical contact part but I loved to shoot hoops.  Played HORSE and PIG was great, even when I lost which was most of the time.

Today, Ashes, Raven and I headed to Laurelhurst Park with the soccer ball.  Before we got to kick the ball around, we started shooting hoops with it.  Before long, it evolved into a game of HORSE and then PIG.  It was Raven's first time playing either and not surprisingly, Ashes won both games.  Still, it was an afternoon/evening that I will fondly remember and I love the picture above that I took.  As Ashes pointed out, look at Raven's shoes.  His feet are bigger than mine now.  He's growing so fast.  I hope that this is one of those days that he will look back on fondly as well.

following the game

In Oregon, people tend to identify either as a Beaver or a Duck due to the silly civil rivalry between the schools.  I'm a Timber.  I actually really like watching these games.  Tonight, we played our rival, Seattle.  Because it was a big rivalry game, the Bagdad Theater was showing it for free.  Justin, Ashes, Victory, Atomic and I went there, got good seats and enjoyed our tie.  I wish it had been a victory because one of the guys from the place that was putting it on said we would march in the streets if they won.  Maybe we can do that when we defeat them on our home turf later this summer.

What else?
Muffin HQ is starting to feel more like home.  Today, I hung up my pictures and artwork.  I made some exact measurements and got all DaVinci Code precise about it.  I'm not moved in yet but I'm one step closer. 

taking the biscuit

Today was the second tweed ride for the year. The last ride was all about virtuousness but today was all about the vice. When we say vice, we don't tread lightly. Some people dressed scantily (while still in tweed). We then rode to the railroad tracks and placed bets with a bookie on a wrassling match between a skater and a bike punk. I lost five bucks. Sophia won $2.50. I think my guy would have won if they had gone more than five rounds and had decided not to settle the tie with a thumb wrestling match. Still, I'm amazed by how much I enjoyed it. The photos weren't as good for me as the last ride's were but it was still a jolly good time.

quite resortful

In 1987, I went back to see my childhood friend that I had moved away from the year before.  He had just gotten an original Nintendo and he was playing the water level of Super Mario Brothers.  I was floored and thought that it was way beyond me.  It was also something I wanted.  Eventually, my family got one and every Christmas for the rest of my youth became about getting the newest game.

This Christmas was a throwback to the days of yesteryear as I got Wii Sports Resort.  Today, I tried it out and it was quite addictive.  I took Dean for a walk first so I wouldn't feel guilty when I began throwing a virtual frisbee to a virtual dog.  My favorite games on it were the Frisbee dog, wake-boarding and the 3 point shot competition which was the most exhausting and hazardous to our ceiling.  It was nice to take some time to just have fun before school starts but, when the time comes, I'll have to get all serious and study again.  Childish things and all that.

What else?
I loved being back with my family and getting snowed in together but it was absolutely delightful walking around Portland without a jacket.  While on store visit downtown, I went to buy my books for next quarter and took a nice walk in the sun to do so. 

but i'm a cheerleader

Despite my gayness and my lack of athletic ability, I like some sports but in the form of spectating, not playing. In high school basketball, I was a particularly good bench warmer my sophomore and junior years. My senior year, I decided that it was time to follow Principal McGee's advice and, since I couldn't be an athlete, I'd be an athletic supporter.

Don't get me wrong. You wouldn't really catch me at a football game actually paying attention to the game. In a town of 308 people, there's not a lot else going on during a Friday night but I would only go for the social aspects. I could have given two shits less about the game. However, during basketball, I was completely absorbed. The coach actually had to tell me to sit down a few times because he didn't want me getting a T for cheering (or balking at the ref).

I also loved going to watch softball games during the summer. My dad played for various teams and I always found it entertaining. Every now and then, I would fill in as well, although I usually got placed in the 'girl' positions (Sophia's term, not mine). That was fine with me though. I preferred to be 'in it' as little as possible but was glad to help out.

Today, I went to see my friend Sophia play (and get on base). It seems like something I could enjoy. They're not that competitive and it's just softball. There is a gay softball league in town but I think they're pretty competitive. Sophia's asked me if I want to play and I just might some day but I would also be fine with just cheering.

gooooooooallll! (repeat four more times)

This was the highest scoring soccer game I've ever been to and fortunately we were the team that was scoring so much. Portland played Minnesota today and just stomped them. It really really made the game worth going to. I was high-fiving strangers and all that. It was just a damn good time. Once a few of their players got red carded, it was pretty much in the bag.

It was also the teddy bear toss game. It was quite funny seeing everyone tossing bears onto the field after the first goal. Quite a few got tossed the second goal too. There were a handful on the third goal. Hardly anyone held onto them for the fourth and fifth because how often do we score that high? I was just glad that I chose to go to the game at the last minute, mainly because I have a shirt in the Timbers green and yellow colors that reads, "Goodbye Minnesota."

out to the ballgame

I got to go behind to the scenes of PGE Park today. I had some clients who were interested in going and I was definitely interested in getting a tour of the place and getting out of the office for a morning so I arranged a tour for 14 participants (and five staff). It was cool. I was hoping to see locker rooms or some of my favorite soccer players but I did learn a bit more about the park to make me appreciate it more. For example, they use green products for all of their cleaning. Also, there are 10-15 cats living in the park who have their own area there. They keep them around for mice control.

timber land

Today was the first game of the new season of Timber soccer. Despite my last experience at a Timber's game, I decided to give it another go. It was good as far as a lack of homophobic and misogynistic comments go but a lame game overall. However, the company was good.

My friend just got a job at a brokerage firm that some of my clients are funded through. Without going into detail, she now works with people that I have to maintain a professional relationship with. Therefore it was weird when we went to pick her up for the game tonight and she brought along one of her co-workers and my client's personal agent. I guess it wasn't that weird. It was just unexpected but it actually was a good way to build rapport with her and at least I don't feel like I wasted my night, waiting for the Timbers to score (which they didn't).

let's get ready to ROOOOOLLL

It's been my goal for a while to go see the Rose City Rollers as one of my new things. After getting my college application done this week and my taxes done today, I felt the need to treat myself.

Despite what many may believe, roller derby is a sport. It's not just people bumping each other while skating in circles. However, I could not tell you the rules. I could try to explain them but I'd probably mess them up. By the end of the first bout, I think that I had a general idea of how it went but there are a whole lot of things I don't get as well.

It was fun though. The skaters each have clever names and I got to watch it with good friends. I would definitely go again but maybe I'll study a little more on how it's played so I can get a little more out of it.

unsportsman-like conduct

Athlete and athletic supporters (he he) have always made me at least apprehensive. A 'dude' mentality, complete with homophobia and sexism, seems to flow freely through the sporting circles, at least from my viewpoint.

I have heard more than my share of disgusting slurs from drunken sportsfans but I don't think that it applies across the board. There are some fucking awesome people, both on the fields and in the stands. Some people can sit back, enjoy the sport for the sport and be rad to be around. Then there's who see the need to figuratively wag their penis around in order to secure their masculinity while rooting for their team. We ran into those guys tonight.

I knew that it was going to happen. We went to the Portland Timbers last home game of the season and the stadium was packed. We sat amidst the Timbers Army too which is generally the rowdier section. In front of us, there was a guy who looked like Pacey from Dawson's Creek who started off yelling things like, "You Dick-Ass" and soon came up with "Cock-sucker" which led to "You pussy faggot." After Charleston ended up scoring a second goal to our one goal with only two minutes left in the game, we decided to leave. We didn't go fist-to-cuffs because the drunkard wasn't worth engaging and we were deep in hostile territory. Another fan somewhere behind us yelled "Beaner" and another guy threatened the person sitting next to him because he wouldn't stand up to support the team. It felt wrong leaving early because people were being assholes but then again, I had no desire to stay any longer.

I think that I could like sports if it wasn't for the fans. Like the picture above, taken in while we were stranded in Cannon Beach, I can enjoy pure appreciation of the game.

Also, as an additional bit of related information, I found out last week that the homophobic 'church' group, the Westboro Baptist Church outta Topeka, Kansas will be attending the Nebraska Cornhuskers Games. However, they will be protesting, not supporting, the Cornhuskers. These are the same people who run the GodHatesFags website. Apparently, they believe that god hates Nebraska because Nebraska recently seperated Church and State in its courts. These people will be starting with the Virginia Tech game in Lincoln, saying, "Thank God for the Shooter" because god hates Virginia as well. But I wouldn't take it personal. They also say that god "definetely hates Kansass."