The day after and my birthday. Last night’s ramble was over 2,300 so technically I can take the next couple of days off, but I wouldn’t want to leave you hanging. That’s just not my style. As I was writing last night a documentary on 9/11 was on. I kept noticing throughout the day when I looked at my phone or the date and saw September 11 I had a chill run down my spine. I don’t recall that happening in the years between yesterday and 2001, I chalk it up to hype and the fact that five years is a landmark of sorts.

It was a relatively sober day yesterday in most every sense of the word. Just a puffy puff on a jazzie as I wrote, nothing dangerous to take the edge off and there was an edge. Bill came home and we chilled out watching the Daily Show which was of course, very funny, even with the date being what it was. Bill gave me a gift that he had wrapped at Farfetched by my dear friends Susan and Lois. I guess it was because it was for me but they actually wrapped the box that wasn’t bought at the store which is taboo. They simply don’t do that.

I got a new cellphone which is ultra Fab. Love it and still trying to get used to it. Apparently when you open it, it answers the call, whereas I just had to reject it by hitting a button. I’m sure there is a way around it but it’s probably in the manual and I haven’t gotten that far into it though. Phone calls and emails abounded today and I’m also happy to report that Juan is on the mend which is a nice birthday present in itself. He, being a younger me would make the real me a tad unwell.

Work was very nice today, everyone wishing me a happy birthday. I set out a box of dark chocolate kisses, like back in school days when it was your birthday you usually brought in candy or cupcakes to share with the entire class. Bill had a very nice, very sweet flower arrangement sent to the office for my birthday. He stopped by yesterday for less than a minute and was struck by how white the office was and wanted to send me some color. Felicia got me some cigars Padrons and La Gloria Cubanas and also took me out to lunch at a café on Hudson Street. She’s an interesting one. She tends to psychoanalyze everything and feels she has a bead on most everyone in the office, and she probably does. She even mentioned Amiable Alan and how nervous he seems when she talks to him.

I couldn’t tell her the truth but did tell her she can be intimidating, which can mean, she’s fucking nuts sometimes. She reminds me a lot of Susan Sher, a funny little Hitler. Over four Stella Artois’ and a turkey sandwich, while Felicia had 4 glasses of wine and a bucket of mussels. We both had pomme frites, as it was Belgian café. Then we walked back to the office and she ordered me that when I should go back to the office to log off the computer and go home. I couldn’t help but obey.

Now Bill and I are going out for dinner, to Arthur’s. We just got back. A nice dinner on the street, not many people out, too cool for most, but not for mammals like Bill and myself. Steaks, potatoes, and Guinness makes for a good menu. After a good dinner we strolled up Washington Street and I smoked a Padron. Good night for it. Outside our building was Mr. Softee and Bill bought me an ice cream cone and one for himself and we sat on the stairs, talking. A wonderful evening indeed.