Cool Cold Reality | johnozed

Didn’t write last night and judging by all the emails I received (read: NONE) I was surely missed. Actually more like surely mist. Last night was the party at Bill’s law firm. I wasn’t too sure whether or not I would be admitted, but of course had it all planned out. Then there was the weather to contend with. It was sleeting out and quite windy and icy. That held up a few people coming into work and promised to make going home difficult too.

There’s been a lot of tension in the office this week, none of it was my doing, but of course I was affected by it as were other people. Someone may be getting the ax, and I don’t think it’s me. I’m pretty sure it’s one of the Three Stooges. It’s funny though since two of the stooges have been friendly lately. They even asked me out for beers this afternoon, but I decided not to go, having had a few pints last night, and I really don’t like to drink during the day. I don’t know when that started but I prefer to get my drink on once the sun goes down. Unless I’m at the beach or hanging out with Harry. Or Pedro. Ok, it depends on who’s asking me for a drink. There. Happy?

Yesterday while getting my lunch in the sleet I had my Putman Livell umbrella, big red and white golf umbrella I was walking back to the office when I see Danny Putman walking down the street. His office is across the street from mine and I see him from time to time. He liked me when I worked for him and when we see each other he usually says keep in touch as we walk away from each other. This time I saw him, he didn’t see me and I didn’t care to chat. I had an umbrella, he didn’t and he was getting wet in the cold icy rain. I had to laugh as I passed him since his name was on my umbrella. I imagined him wrestling me for it and me shouting for him to get off, ‘You’re name’s not on it!’ but in all actuality, his name was on it. I also saw two other people I used to work with yesterday, one I said hello to but didn’t remember her name but commented that she looked great since she was pregnant. I would have said the same thing even if she wasn’t pregnant.

The day crawled, and with the rain it seemed even slower. Eventually I made my way across town to Bill’s office, making it there before 6:00 as the plan was planned. I gained admittance into the very big building on Times Square. Met Bill at his desk where I stowed my gear and Bill and I made it down to the party in the cafeteria. It was a good time, Bill introduced me to so many people that I forgot their names. It was sweet though, Bill introduced me as his partner and his coworkers seemed all very happy to see me. Had some appetizers then we started drinking Guinness which instantly replaced food.

At one point Bill and I went down to the street so I could have a smoke. There I saw yet another former coworker who’s name I could not remember. He didn’t see me so I just let him pass without any awkward introductions. We got back upstairs, the DJ started playing dance tunes, which according to Bill are the same dance tunes he plays every year. Bill danced with his coworkers I held up the wall talking to a couple of Bill’s friends. Eventually, Bill and I split having been there for about three and a half hours. Bill all sweaty from flipping and flopping on the dance floor. It really is a good time to watch Bill dance, he just loses himself. Bill was going to book a town car to take us home, on his dime, but I suggested just taking the bus since we were so close anyhow and he needed to watch his spending. Ha! Me, counseling someone on their spending habits! Ain’t that a kick in the head?

And now, some pics….

The view from the party

I just love this pic. It reminds me of what I love about Bill.

Me photographed by Bill talking to Billie in DC

Bill on the dance floor

A Sunday spent mainly indoors. Not a bad way, considering that now it’s 30 degrees outside and that’s the highest it’s been all day as far as I can tell. Yesterday was ok, nothing much to report, nothing much in the way of replies either. So much for that. There was a plan to meet up with Rand for a drink at McSwells around 8:00. Bill showed up around 7:00 just to run in and get his boots before he went back to his mother’s apartment. I texted Rand to let him know I was going to be there at 8:30 instead, so I might be able to spend some more time with Bill.

But Bill was in and out and his visit was about 15 minutes. That was ok, he has to do what he has to do, and it freed me up some more time so I wouldn’t have to hustle and get ready to go out. I walked up to McSwells, listening to the iPod which I put on shuffle. Oddly enough two Paul McCartney songs came up, followed by a Beatles track. Got to McSwells, Rand wasn’t there. I was proofed at the door and the door guy didn’t recognize my id, being a NJ State ID, it doesn’t look authentic, but it is. I mentioned that I used to work there and the door guy put a yellow wrist band on my hairy wrist. Ouch.

I had a quick pint then ran out for a quick smoke. Rand was turning the corner midway through the smoke and we went inside. The timing was perfect because as soon as we both walked in, two seats opened up at the crowded bar. Four or five bands were playing last night, and the crowd would ebb and flow like the tide between acts. We had some catching up to do since I hadn’t seen Rand in a few months it seemed. Perhaps even longer than that. We mainly communicate through texting each other these days. He’s busy, and I guess I’m lazy.

Still it was good to hang out over drinks and share a plate of French fries. I did ask Rand if he wanted to go back to my place which was probably the first time I had ever said that in a bar in any sense, sexually or platonically and in any event the idea was turned down. After a few pints and me stepping out for two more smokes, we settled out bill which was quite low, considering the amount we drank, and tipped extravagantly. I was home by 11:30, and watched a bit of SNL, though about 45 minutes into it, I started to feel the effects of the Guinness and decided it would be best to go to sleep, rather than watch a repeat from last year.

Slept better than I did the night before and woke up to snow falling outside the window. Took me by surprise since I was expecting the snow until later in the day. I got myself together and headed out, calling Julio to see if he and Stine and her parents wanted any bagels. He was a bit groggy after having gone and seen Momma Mia last night with his wife and in laws on Broadway. Got the bagels and headed home and haven’t been out since. I don’t think I missed anything. Do you?

And here are some pics of the snow in Hoboken…..