There are voices that want to be heard...

This weekend was somewhat a disappointing one. First, I couldn't sing in the competition I'd been looking forward to and preparing for due to poor vocal health. Second, things were a bit strained between Ed and me. He was stressed out by the competition and some other factors, and I wanted to have some fun "away" time with him. The weekend wasn't a total bust though. I got to see my mom, and soak up some sun while laying in the grass with Ed. "You can't always get what you want, but ya get what ya need!" (yay Stones)! I'm proud to announce that Ed placed in the top five in his category with honorable mention and took home some cash! In addition, last night Ed and I previewed our costumes at a party. We left after only a few minutes, cuz we didn't know many people there and felt a bit conspicuous, but tomorrow night is gonna rock!

I've come to the realization that Ed and I are at a point in our relationship where it's not all easy and the relatiosnhip actually takes work. I think it's here where many relationships crumble due to lack of strength, laziness from one party or the other, or a sheer unwillingness to put forth the effort from one or both parties because of lack of return on the investment. It's easy to love, but harder to commit. This weekend was a bit of a struggle for me, but it was another "growing" experience for us, I think. Good news is, it confirmed my commitment to the relationship. I do love my Eddy G.

On a side note, I do love the extra hour for sleeping provided by the time change. I loathe how dark it is at 5:30 now, however. Winter with it's impending cold air, snow, cloudy skies, and sadness is fast upon us. Le sigh... I'm trying to think of the positive things: cuddling, hot drinks, sweaters, and leather coats.

Roller coaster

Life has a funny way of taking you up and down. Last week, I was worried about my bf, worried about our relationship, and freaking out about work, my brother's wedding, etc. Today, I feel like Ed and I are closer than ever, the wedding went well, and I sold $5,000 while I wasn't even there at work this weekend. Now all I gotta worry about is NATS this weekend, but even that shouldn't be too bad, cuz my voice is cooperating for the first time in almost a month. Life is good!!

Ps, I was funny and charming in my best man speech. Yay!

Wish you were here. . .

I think true love is letting go a little bit when the only thing you want to do is hold on tighter. It's also one of the hardest things to do. I think tonight may be the first time I've ever done it.

so, so you think you can tell heaven from hell
blue skies from pain
can you tell a green field from a cold steel rail?
a smile from a veil?
do you think you can tell?
and did they get you to trade your heroes for ghosts?
hot ashes for trees?
hot air for a cool breeze?
cold comfort for change?
and did you exchange a walk on part in the war
for a lead role in a cage?
how i wish, how i wish you were here
we're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl
year after year
running over the same old ground
what have we found?
the same old fears
wish you were here

Somewhere along the road...

Yesterday marked six months of being together with Ed. This entry is an homage to him. I am so grateful to have someone so wonderful in my life. Here's to you babe!

Somewhere along the road
Someone waits for me
Beyond the present storms that blow
Waiting patiently
No secrets held in an open heart
A spirit that soars over mountains
Somewhere along the road
Someone waits for me

This I swear by the stars

I have never put much stock into astrology, but it's uncanny how the supposed traits of my particular sign often apply to me. I've noticed the same thing in others. However, I stumbled across a list of celebrities that are my fellow fish. I hafta say that such a diverse group of people cannot be adequately described by a set of astrological values! But I now know why Jon Bon Jovi and I are soul mates!

70's suit

This pic doesn't do the suit full justice, but you get the idea!

You can tell by the way I use my walk...

Today I wore my pimpin retro suit to work. It's brown polyester from the vintage store! Totally hot! However, polyester and inertia do not mix as demonstrated by the 20 oz. Coke slipping right out from between my legs and onto the floor of Keri's car!

I sold matching white gold bands to two guys who were gonna get married in Canada. They had been together 22 years! I thought it was way cool. They were NOT your stereotypical gays. One worked maintenance for example, they wore old flannel and jeans, etc. One guy had been in to look before on my day off. Coincidentally, Jesse happened to be up front and showed him some rings. Since he doesn't get commission, he gave the guy my card and said "Ask for Craig, you'll enjoy working with him." Silly straight boy. But hey, they did enjoy working with me and I got a good sale out of it.

Irony

Today I had a college student write a check for a $16,000 diamond ring. He works at the McDonalds on campus. Go fig!?!?!

Waxing philosophical

The only eternal things are God, art, and true love.

Musings a la Craiger

Notes forgotten from yesterday: One of my 264 swings at the batting cage landed a screamin' line drive that went right back through the very tiny opening from which it came and hit the pitching machine. I could not have TOSSED that ball in there in 264 tries! Speaking of the batting cage, that many swings WILL give your stomach a workout! I actually am a little sore! Ha!

In other sports-related news, saturday night at the gym is fun cuz there's not a lot of people there and it encourages the not-so-athletic types to emerge. There was one fat white kid who yelled "I need the rock!" which is, of course, ghetto for pass me the ball. I spent many fun hours playing hoops where I schooled a few guys on the art of posting up. Unfotunately, I also gave them a demonstration of how to pad your rebounding stats (i.e. miss many shots in a row) culminating in hurling the ball at the opposite wall. This is a perfect example of how I earned my sports nick-name Animal (as in the Muppets).

More thoughts on gays and straights: Today Jesse was once again bragging about his new suit (I know, gay!) by telling me of when Mills and some other dudes stopped by his place. They all admired it, got excited, and asked to see what shirt he'd wear it with, and then what tie, etc. Now, I remember when a bunch of guys sitting around discussing clothes and getting worked up about it was a GAY PARTY!!!!! Now the metros do it while the fags are playing sports and such. What is this world coming to?

Mills' comment on Jesse talking to the prospective "new guy" at work who is an aspiring bench jeweler: "Could it actually be possible that he'd talk to the new guy even more than he talks to you?"

My response: "You're gonna have to calm down Mills Menser!"

The end.