Sunny Day in Daytona

Today, David and I are heading over to the beach for a little sun and fun... tomorrow, historic St. Augustine.

A Day in Disney

Here are some of the pics from Animal Kingdom and Epcot... I have more of the safari ride that I'll be posting... these are from Everest Adventure roller coaster, Spaceship Earth, walking through the different countries of Epcot, Mission Space and the fireworks at night.  107 degree heat, lots of loud children, a strong drink in England, a ham and cheese croissant in France, Teriyaki chicken in Japan, a Barvarian pretzel in Germany and some great rides later... it was an awesome day!!  (Double click on any pic for larger version)

A Little Hot Out

This was the temp in the parking lot at Animal Kingdom... very humid and hot.

Heading to Epcot

The last time I was at Disney, I was there with my ex, John.  We decided to walk around the area where they have Minnie Mouse's house and all that... and there were kids everywhere.  While walking through, we noticed this Dad pushing one of those triple-wide strollers and also had two kids on a string, tagging behind.  I turned to John and said 'can you imagine how awful that would be?', and with that, the woman walking slightly beside us, unaware she was there, said "I'm the Mommy, and that's why I'm way back here".  We were mortified, but it was so funny.  Wouldn't be the last time my mouth got me in trouble.

David squared is heading to Epcot today.

Please Turn Off All Electronic Devices, and Enjoy

I don't even know how they did it, but with my direct flight into Orlando last night, it only took 1 hour and 45 minutes... and despite being full of Disney-anticipating rug-rats, it was one of the most pleasant flights.  Having recently switched from US Scareways to Southwest airlines, I just love everything about them, from their plush gates and computer stations, to on-time scheduling, to the bag of Cheez-its you get in-flight. 

Having booked my car through Hotwire, I got a great deal ($99/week), but was a little worried about whether they were going to give me a Radio-Flyer wagon or a wheelbarrow, but I actually got a Nissan Sentra with only 2200 miles on it.  After an easy drive from Orlando to Daytona, I arrived at David's house, which is absolutely gorgeous.. with cut-out windows and skylights and multi-level rooms (even Mike Brady would be jealous) and even Mossy Oak hanging from the trees... and we sat up for hours catching up. 

When I moved to Philly at age 20, I busted out of my shell when I turned 21 a few months later and started going out to gay bars a lot.  That's where David and I met... and we became fast friends.  A few years later, he moved to the D.C. area and then down to Florida.  In 2004, my ex, Greg, and I flew into Savannah and drove down the coast to Miami and we stopped for a visit.  It's amazing how the friends that you make along the way in your life, you keep, through moves and life changes, etc.  We were able to pick up where we left off and seemed to have a lot of the same life experiences over the years.

I have found my second home (Barnes and Noble), which is right across the street from the Daytona 500 Speedway... (and to my straight friends, I know, wow!! ... NASCAR.  To my gay friends, the whipping around of the cars makes for a nice breeze to provide that 'pouty but slightly wind-blown' look that Linda Evangelista can only hope for in a Vogue shoot).  Anyway, it's supposed to be 95 degrees today, but with the heat index, it's supposed to feel more like 105.  A little unlike the 105 degrees in the dry deserts of Las Vegas that I experienced (where the heat wraps around you and hugs you like your grandmother would, gently kissing your forehead and offering you a slice of pie and a birthday card with a dollar in it), this heat wraps around you, and then tries to smother you like your creepy Uncle Harold would do while you were asleep, all the while simultaneously and unappropriately trying to fondle you, leaving mental scars that a three-session-a-week psychiatrist can't unravel, even with a cocktail of a few mind-altering meds and some shock therapy.  And............ ok, I'm back from that tangent.

Tonight, we are going to a local Tex-Mex place where it apparently 'happens' on a Tuesday night... and tomorrow, we head for Disney.  A friend of David's is getting us a free stamp to get in, saving us about $85.00.  Epcot is set up to look like various European cities, each with it's own cuisine and decoration to match, and I'm looking forward to back-packing through it, doing a lot of tasting.  In a little while, I'm going to take a drive down the beach... I can't wait to see the ocean.

Miss you, Jesse  :)

Sigh....

Although I got my grass cutting done yesterday in an effort to make today easier, it still turned out to be a hectic day.  Laundry... packing... cleaning over at my Dad's... paying bills... and getting the paperwork signed for accepting the offer on the house.  Coincidentally, there were two calls about the house today... one was from someone who saw it, low-balled an offer and then decided to sit with their thumb up their butt for a few days... only to be kicking themselves when my agent told them it's too late.  Meanwhile, I'll probably be second guessing every little thing about it for the rest of my life.  I'm hoping to be able to process some of my feelings and anger about it while I'm gone.  I have until September 24th to work through it before I may or may not punch the buyer in the face.  Should be do-able.  I'm optimistic.

I would rather get to an airport 2+ hours before a flight.  You never know what will go wrong... and I just like to relax a bit without worrying about anything from the point that I hit the gate.  The flight boards in a half hour... and I'm relaxed.

Trip to Florida (Car and Flight):  $350.00
Admission to Epcot (Thanks to my friend's friend):  $0.00
Not having to wipe up toast crumbs (After my Dad):  Priceless

-1 Magic Kingdom, +1 Magic Kingdom

I am happy to report that after a flurry of activity over at my Dad's with 2 or 3 offers over the last day or so, we are going to the real estate office today to accept one in writing.  With the current situation of the market, it pains me to accept an offer for $136k on a house that appraised at $170k a year ago... but it is what it is.  To be able to move on from this whole situation will totally be worth it.  And considering my Dad paid $14k for it when they bought it in the 50's, he's happy.  He'll get all his bills paid off and still have money left over, plus start to build a cushion from his pension paycheck as well.  All is good.

Throughout this whole process, I thought that my Dad would have a much harder time of it.  I mean, it's his first house... and the one bought with my Mom... and she practically died in it... and it keeps him busy with cutting the grass, etc.  But between sorting through everything in the house and now, selling it... he's been kind of detached from it all.  It's going to be a little emotional for me in a few ways.  First of all, relief... it's been a tough road getting to where we are today... and to not have to worry about it any more is beyond words for me.  Secondly, it is the house that I grew up in and I have so many memories from there.  I don't think that I will be able to drive by it knowing someone else lives there.  It's definitely an emotional sell for me... and it's not just the land and house, but moreso, the lifestyle (family growing up in the 70's suburbs) that I'm selling.  I hope that the new people (a young couple) appreciate what they are buying into... let alone the price that they are buying it for.  Lastly, with all the good memories comes the bad.  What my brother put my Dad and me through over the years has tarnished every surface of that house... and having to clean it and fix it all up by myself was definitely an exercise in my patience.  My anger runs deep, and maybe now I can start letting go of some of that... just in time for my brother and nephew to come around again with their hands out now that they think there's cash lying about.  My brother made an interesting comment a few months back... while I was telling him that I had to pay some of the taxes and bills because my Dad didn't have the money... he said 'what about Daddy's investments?'.... at which point I turned to him and told him that HE was my Dad's investment... about $150k over the years... and look how that turned out.  My Dad probably would have faired much better with Bernie Madoff.

Today I leave for Daytona via Orlando to spend a week with my friend David for a much-needed break, which couldn't have come at a better time... with finalizing the sale today.  David's friend is getting us into the parks free... and my friend Elaine gave me a $50 gift card for Universal Studios that she had, so we are all set.  I have another friend, Ricky, in Orlando that I hope to see while there as well.  I went to the Marriott and got the grass cut yesterday, so all I have to do is pack.

Shame On You

Bonfire Extinguished

Last night, Jesse and I went to a bonfire cookout at Courtney's (his brother's now ex-girlfriend) Mom's, Robin out in the 'sticks'.  They have an absolutely gorgeous log cabin home that they built themselves back on a secluded piece of property... it's spectacular.  Robin is the kind of mom that you don't even realize is a mom because she's young, beautiful, vibrant, funny... and you can see what a tight bond the family has, with her at the helm.  Her daughters are smart, gorgeous and funny as well... and the whole family looks like they've been carved out of cream cheese.  There are people that you bond with instantly and can see right down to the core of their heart right off the bat... and these are the people.

We got there just as it started to rain, so the bonfire was a little bit out of the question... and the lights went out and stayed out until 10 minutes before we left... but we still had a great time.  Good food and drink... conversation... and excellent hospitality.  We managed, with a few gallons of gas and kerosene, to get somewhat of a fire going, but it kept petering out.

I'm really happy with my little family... Jesse, Chi Chi and me.  My reconciliation with Jesse is more than I could have ever hoped for in getting back together... and we are truly blessed to have such a deep, loving connection.  We can't always explain it, but it's just there.  I am very happy.

In other news, I'm still getting ready for my trip... and dealing with my Dad's house.  I'm meeting with my cousin in an hour to talk over a rent to own situation, but in the meantime, yesterday someone put in a cash offer and, although low, I countered and we're waiting to see what happens.  I'm still filled with rage about where we are offer wise in comparison to what the house is worth, but I can't do anything about the market... and to get my Dad's stuff paid off, be able to start accumulating some money left over from his pension every month and have some money in the bank will be such a load off my mind.

3-Minute Meals

These are my favorite Mad TV skits... about a tv chef who tries to show the audience how to make something in 3 minutes, but everything goes wrong and she usually has a breakdown... if you're only going to indulge in just one, I'd pick the tuna melt one.... it's hilarious.

3 Min Banana Split

3 Min Chili Dogs

3 Min Tuna Melts

Progress

It was a busy day... shampooed the carpets... helped Matt move some stuff... looked at a job that I'll be doing when I get back... and talked to my cousin, who still wants to buy my Dad's house (we're supposed to meet on Sunday to discuss).  Although a step in the right direction, he'd be renting it for 6 months until his house sold... I'd rather just be done with it now, but not looking a gift-horse in the mouth.

Discrimination, Right in the Center of the Bullseye

It seems that Target has gotten themselves into a designer 'pickle'. With a recent Supreme Court ruling that corporations and unions can back political candidates, Target took it upon themselves to make a $150k donation one of the candidates for Governor in Minnesota... which just so happens to be a large supporter against gay rights and marriage (supporting groups that support Muslims killing homosexuals).  All well and good, except that Target markets themselves to the gay community and, in fact, the gay community is the largest loyal customer base for the company.. not to mention the designers of a lot of their lines that they sell.  Seems like they are trying to go to the gay prom with a boy AND a girl... and that doesn't sit well with the LGBT communities, or HRC, the largest gay activist group.  They are demanding an equal donation be made to gay issue groups (a little harsh) and calling for a boycott... with a national boycott set for tomorrow (Saturday).

While it's fully in their right to support any one person or ideal, you can't have your proverbial cake and eat it too.  I mean, that's like if Wal-mart denounced pregnancy tests, Sarah Palin and guns in one fell-swoop... the redneck community would be outraged. What it comes down to is that if corporations want to enter the politics ring, they have to be prepared for a backlash and possible loss of revenue... and whether it's truly a gay issue or not, it's a further slap in the face to their loyal customers.  Someone should have thought about that. 

Coincidentally, I haven't stepped foot in a Target in a few months, for one reason or other.  Will I show up and hold a sign?  Probably not...it would only draw out the conservatives... but I will continue to not patronize a discrimnatory corporation.

Roads Converged

Today has been a very trying day... hell, it's been a trying week/month/year.  It's taking every fiber of my being to calm myself down and just breathe.  And nothing out of the normal has actually happened, but I am just one step closer to my nervous breakdown with every day.

I know that my Dad's house hasn't been on the market for that long (3 months), but it's been empty now for a year and a half.  That means about two years or more of dealing with what to do with my Dad's situation... the journey of fighting to get my brother out of his house... getting my Dad to realize my brother/nephew have a problem... and the decision to move here and move my Dad in... and dealing with getting the house fixed up... and dealing with my Dad's financial situation... and now with why it isn't selling, followed by an engaging round of second guessing my every move up to this point.  And all the while, my brother and nephew heaping their shit on top and swarming around waiting for the house to sell, thinking they are getting something more... and my Dad in some sort of daze, just going about his business (toast, Price is Right, horseshoes, repeat).

For one minute, I'm going to be selfish:  I'm tired of everyone getting theirs off the top, instead of the bottom line, after all the work is done.  When I think of all that my brother got away with... and my nephew (not to mention what he was able to attach to the house that will be taken care of with the sale)... it makes me sick.  When I think of what my real estate agent stands to gain from doing nothing, it makes me sick.  With the house appraising at $170k a year ago and what she thinks it is worth, there's a world of difference.  And that difference is her ability to sell and to truly believe in the property to begin with... ie: just because she wouldn't want to cut the grass, she thinks having a big yard is a downfall... just because she, etc., etc., ... it's almost like she's not even trying to put any effort into selling it.  I could understand when we had it originally listed for $178k, but now that it's priced even lower than she thought it was worth, it doesn't make any difference in her effort.  I'm a real estate agent, so I understand the way it works... and the market, but I had much more luck (having almost sold it for $190k a year ago) trying to sell it myself than now.  Lastly, I'm tired of how, if ever, when I do sell it to someone and they get the place for the ridiculous price that they will...I feel that I don't punch them right in the face at closing.

Somehow, I've been thrust into the position of being the responsible one... but for as many dreams as I have about selling the house and taking care of everything, I have just as many about dropping my Dad off at the old house to fend for himself and taking off... and that makes me feel terrible.  How my brother and nephew, being incapable of any remorse or responsibility, can just walk around without any of the burden or having the terrible feelings, is beyond me.  It's consuming me alive... I want to jump out of my skin.  I can't imagine that getting the satisfaction from one day selling it and moving on is a possibility any more.  I am mentally exhausted, weighed down and angry.

I have to figure out if I'm going to try to rent it out... sell it on my own... or just lower the price and be patient. 

Anyone Remember These?

Signs That Things Could Get Ugly

YUM !! (On The Team)

Slack Attack

I haven't been writing much lately... I guess having planned the trip to Florida has made me take a deep breath and let out a good sigh.  I'm glad that I have something to look forward to, and it will be a good turning point... I can come home and think about what my next step will be. 

I put in a full 9 hour day at the Marriott, cutting grass and detailing, etc. for their inspection today.  Although brutally hot and humid, it was great to work hard and sweat a bit.  The grass is still dead, as is mostly everything else... but I had some side projects to do there and that was my focus.  Plus, I was in no hurry.  I received a proposal from the sprinkler company that I need to review and revise.  The system there is very poorly laid out and the nozzles are inappropriate for most of the landscaping that I replaced over the last year or so.  With some minor timing changes, aim and nozzle tweeks, I should be able to improve the system.

My passport expired back in January... It marks ten years since I went to Paris, since that was the reason that I got it to begin with.  Since I look like a Heinz 57 mixture of nationalities and can pass for anything from Italian to Mexican to Middle Eastern, I am usually chosen for the random searches at airports.  I guess I look like the type that would have explosives taped to my boxers?  Not the 'big bang' that I would be hoping for.  This current picture doesn't do me any favors either... and I guess shaving would have helped my chances of slipping through, but it is what it is.  I guess a pat-down from a strapping guard isn't such a bad thing.  Now, with the full beard, I definitely look like a little fat Mexican with less hair. 

I haven't missed camp as much as I thought I would.  I mean, I miss the people but, in theory, I can see them just as much here, if everyone made an effort.  Scott and I have kept in touch and we're still doing our weekly meetings still at the casino.  Last time, we joined the 'players' club and got a free $15 worth of play and used that yesterday.  I wound up losing that and about $30.  On the way home, I stopped at Jesse's and we went to the new casino 5 minutes from his house, where I was able to win back $20... so all-in-all, not a bad day. 

Drop in the Bucket List

Funerals are such a catch-22.... it's always a sad event, but you get to see many people that you don't always get to see, and that makes you happy.  It was good for my Dad to go and see his two sisters (In pic, Rose on left (88), Rose Mary (86), My Dad (83) and my Uncle Mitch (Married to my Dad's sister Theresa, who died ten years ago)).  They are all getting too old to get around, and they don't see each other enough.  It's funny how families sort of fall apart when members die, which is what happened to us.  Gone are all of their spouses (Uncles Buck and John, my Mom, Aunt Theresa and my Uncle Joe).  When you are younger, you take for granted that the fun times you are having with everyone won't last when they're gone and things change.

I don't believe in the whole funeral process... part of me thinks that if you can't make time to spend with that person when they are living, then you have no business being hypocritical by being there in the end.  On the flip side though, it supports the surviving family members... although, after my Mom died, I really couldn't wait for everyone to leave.  I know that some people need closure and it is a respect thing, but it's grueling for the family members, I think.  Especially with the Catholics, who need to have 2 viewings, two days in a row, followed by the burial ceremony the next day and, of course, a meal afterwards.  It's a bit much.  I would like to be cremated... have a little, casual (shorts and baseball caps) ceremony maybe in a park or something where my ashes could be spread back amongst nature... perhaps a sing-a-long... some poetry readings... ring a bell maybe... followed by a picnic (not ontop of me though)... that is the way to celebrate someone's life.

Speaking of life, it really gets you thinking about what you are doing with yours... and how fragile it really is.  My cousin was only 53... and I have another cousin who isn't doing well, who is also young.  You take for granted that you have a lifetime... and you do, but how long is that?

I have been very fortunate to have done a lot of things in my life... I've done a great deal of traveling, I've done a few different careers, I've explored... but you can't help but have some regrets.  When I was 20, I moved to Philadelphia, which was a big move for a kid from a small town... but I wish that I would have had the balls to do it in New York City.  I also wished that I would have back-packed across Europe when I was younger.  I think that going to college would have made my life easier in ways... and I wish I spent more quality time with my Mom when she was alive.  There are other things that I want to do that I know are still obtainable, and I will obtain them... like a month-long cross country trip... that I will do.

I'm a pretty simple person.  And while I don't think that my life is over, by no means (in fact, in ways I feel like I'm right on the verge of a break-through)... but if I had to die in the near future, I think that I would feel content knowing that I did my thing... and hopefully, I did right by others and they would come to my picnic for a piece of corn and a hamburger.