Tippecanoe

Few things are better than a lazy afternoon spent paddling downriver in a canoe. The better things require less clothing or more food. Chris kept threatening that his Native American alter ego (post title) might appear - I thought my family was the only one with native ties - but I think it was the fear of mutually assured destruction that prevented an appearance. Next year (or maybe late this season) I need a proper camping weekend revolving around a little boat.

Simplicity

I believe in free will. I've never believed in fate. I don't like the idea that I'm not in charge of my actions and decisions. I don't subscribe to religion, unless you count the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster.
Why am I on this train of thought? Because I think I've really found something special with Chris. And not because it was supposed to happen, or because it was inevitable or some other nonsense. I think it was just one of those chance events where you happen to be in the right place at the right time. If we'd met years ago, or years from now, we probably wouldn't have been open to the opportunity, or not available to explore it. I definitely think I've found someone who is on the same path that I am. Or at least in the same neck of the woods.

IIRC

I left the Honda family earlier this year, after driving them exclusively (and largely without complaint) since 1993. The biggest repair I had over those 17 years and 3 cars was replacing the starter on my Legend at about 150k miles. A replacement was about $50 from a junkyard. Miss that car...sniff. Anyway.

After test driving at least a dozen cars this past January, and seeing what kind of deals I could get - or not - I wound up with a 2005 Pontiac Vibe (aka Toyota Matrix)...so far, it's been a good experience.

Well, it looks like there may be a recall coming for mine...this was announced today for Corolla and Matrix models from the same model year as my Vibe. I probably won't be far behind, since the same parts are under my hood.

I have noticed an occasional hard start issue when the engine is warm. It's more of a long cranking period than a refusal to start. I wonder now if that's an indicator of the defective ECM...some owner's forums have talked about this issue, the remedy is apprently an ECM swap. Will they include the Vibe in this recall? Guess I'll find out!

Update...yup.

Cycles

Ouroboros


This symbol signifies so much in our current society. Park 51 is funded by a major stakeholder in Fox News...the biggest cheerleader stirring up outrage over the project. With the laundry list of things that we have to face and handle today, not after the next election cycle, it's really frustrating to see the discourse circling around such a non-issue.

Case of the Mondays

And another weekend slips from imagination into memory. Fairly low-key...Chris and I went to a dinner party friday night hosted by my friend Jeremy and his euphemism Dale. Indulgent food, and fun people to chat away with for an evening. Saturday we went to his company picnic, at the home of a coworker of his. The place is called the Agler House...formerly a stop on the Underground Railroad. Very cool place, with more history within its walls than half of the city combined. Saturday we were cajoled into going to the big Homo block party...one thing I like about Chris is that he eschews crowded scenes about as much as I do. But it was good to see a few friends, and enjoy the Fabulous Johnson Bros in concert...their lead singer Aaron is so very easy on the eyes. The talent on hand for the stage shows was apparently all brought by them, as the quality of the acts went on a steady decline from there...the rain didn't send people home, but one memorably miserable act caused half of the attendees to run for the hills covering their ears, us included. At least it was free.
Sunday was again low key...eating and napping were big events. Nice. We went to a going away party in the evening for Paul, who I dated back in the late 90s. I was relieved that Chris wasn't hung up about going - acutally he was the one who remembered it last night. It was a nice little gathering, we just stopped in briefly for a drink and to say hello/goodbye to Paul and his husband. Paul said he still owed me from our parting of the ways...not sure how he intends to make good on that. Shrug.

Anniversary

Today would have been mom and dad's 44th wedding anniversary. Now THAT was some hair.

Resolve

Now with extra stain fighters.

I just realized that today marks 5 months since I decided to break the cycle and stop smoking. I bought my last pack on March 19...once that was gone, that was that. I would bum one occasionally or have a puff from somebody's here and there, almost always when drinking. But that stopped after several weeks.
I wasn't a heavy smoker by the standards of the International Chain Smoking Institute, but since stopping I have noticed more lung capacity, and I no longer cough disturbing looking things up in the shower each morning. My skin also looks better, and I feel a lot better about myself without my conscience nagging me that I know better. And, I have an extra $20 or so in my pocket each week. Which isn't much, but that covers most of my lunch budget.

It's been a good year - got in shape again, stopped my nasty vile habit...progress!