Radio Silence!

Loyal Readers, Friends and Fans:

I have one request.

Don't knock on my door before the 1st of September.

I am home friends, but I am not home to anyone for the next two days.

(This includes: texts, emails, phone calls, &tc . . .)

I do hope you understand.

Thanks for a great summer.

Regardless, let me give you a brief re-cap of yesterday and then I'll be back in the mix soon.

I feel like my life is one transparency over another but everything has been shifted from 1/2 an inch to 2 feet in an awkward direction. Got to get my bearings.

So.

I got up in the morning and rented a Zipcar so I could get a pizza puff from the Jewels.

No really, I was showing the G's the mechanics of the thing and helping them to run a few last minute errands before Sarah headed to the burbs. Below you can almost see where she left a bum print in the frozen food aisle.

She also did her impression of MegaMan for us. Well the Brown Bagger anyway! Ha Ha!

Tony was a true gent and helped me hump my bags to the top of the Irving Park station one last time and I had a pretty uneventful trip from the Blue to the Orange.

I even got a skyline pic through the dirty train window. Not bad for a last second decision, eh?

After the train, I gave the end of my 7 Day pass to a young fella in the tunnel that takes forever to the airport itself. I got through ticketing fairly quickly and then hit security. *That* is a true CF at Midway. Of course I forgot it was a holiday weekend and I seldom fly the same time as regular citizens so those were contributing factors.

I got a wing seat and besides the 3rd-to-last-sat asshole sitting in the middle seat elbowing me all the way to LAX, it was a quick flight.

I liked this image as I de-boarded and headed for the luggage. I missed the Flyaway by about a minute and found an outdoor plug to siphon some power before catching the next one a half an hour later.

I waited a bit at Union Station for the next train but then caught the 217 (!) at Hollywood and Western and made a pit stop at Quick Stop for a couple of tall boys before trudging across the Beaches at Hollywood and Normandie, encountering the idiot neighbors that live below me as my homecoming crew (ick).

One of the most surprising things to me was the monster tree on the corner with the tripping sidewalk trap is gone and it looks like any other old regular corner now. : )

Oh and our elevator smells like piss now. Hooray!

But it was nice to get home, kick off the shoes, wander around, open mail and quaff a bevie whilst sitting in my chair and looking at the Observatory. I missed that.

There's much to do, but the Sojourn is done. And I couldn't have done it without you.

Look for my synthesis in the coming days, but not today. And not tomorrow.

It's HOT! *phew*

This is what I actually meant to post last night (stupid mobile youtube!) . . .

See you all SOON!

Best,

M

Later On

Hard to believe I've been gone for 109 days. Harder to believe I'm going back to Cali today.

Yesterday was nice and easy.

After breakfast I got the chance to check out Pete's Barber Shop. I got a trim and some Beard Oil. Here's some of the swag Pete has adorning the place.

I probably should've taken more pix but I was too interested in beer and convo with my old pal.

I decided to head back the G's and decide what to do next. I ended up scrapping plans to go to Q and see Ben as many people had ducked out for various reasons and got an unexpected nap in for my trouble. That was nice.

I did go meet Pete and Amber on the patio of the Orbit Room and Steve, happening to be in town for a show, stopped by and hung out, as did Ben. I felt better about ditching dinner and ultimately lunch today because of it.

And it was exactly the kind of low-key "see ya wouldn't wanna be ya" that I had hoped for before leaving.

Thanks folks!

I'm gonna run a few more errands with the G's before the little one heads out to the burbs for Sheetal's wedding prep and then I'm gonna hit Flight # 461 Southwest 5:15pm  MDWY to LAX and I'll be back in the arms of heat by 7:30p tonight.

Crazy.

Best,

M

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Funding:                114.6%

Days in Chicago:    15

Days Away:           109

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Today travel is underwritten by Loyana Maria Garcia Vodicka

Thank You and Good Night!

I spent much of yesterday recovering from the previous evening's Northside hijinks. Woof.

Beautiful day though. Check out the sky. And the tracks. Mmmm

Once I got it together I made my way to Belmont and as I was a touch early I stopped by the Alley and got some (unfortunately ill-fitting) socks. Beers and bottles of beer on the wall.

I headed straight for the bar at Cesar's and ordered a Mega Margarita. I was soon joined by Shelly Brewster and we talked about old times until Laura showed up and then we talked about everything under the sun over dinner and more Margaritas. Yum!

We should have tipped stronger, but I didn't realize we'd been comped a couple of 'ritas til we were already on our way to Clark and Wisconsin.

We got there early and talked up Mr. Crowley behind the bar while Chris the Karaoke master set up his rig.

There were some characters in the bar and at least half of them belonged to us. : )

We were visited by Mr. Morphis and many current or former Q employees. We also had the pleasure of singing with Matt Roben, Ellen, Kiel and we all got onstage alot.

 Love Shack, Baby, Love Shack!

Costumes for the K-Rock

And we met the owner of Drop, who was awesome and generous. We got comped some stuff and basically brought the party.

Good times.

I found this morning that I didn't have to run the errand I thought I might so after a lovely late breakfast at Anne Sather I'm headed into what I hope will mostly be a low-key day/evening before I head back West.

Ay yi yi!

Best,

M

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Funding:                114.6%

Days in Chicago:   14

Days Away:          108

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Today is sponsored by Steve Haskin

Adventure Time!

It was Sarah's birthday so after she got her mani/pedi together for the coming weekend wedding situation she and I headed over to Lakeview. We rode the Irving bus over and walked down Clark to Strange Cargo.

I don't know how many times I've taken pictures of this fucking sign, but it's always made me giggle. Still does. Obvs.

I found a few things at the store and then we walked toward Belmont. She was hungry so we stopped at a gluten-free shop, Cassavas, and had some excellent balls and empanadas. It was all delicious though it took long enough to bite into our walk-around time as we hoped to meet up with Tony after work. So I'd say check it out, but not if you're in a hurry.

After eating we stopped and I snapped a pic of the old Bar San Miguel spot. It's for sale again. Miss that spot. It needs a paint update. As time was running out we hoofed it over to Reckless where I had been taking Sarah as a surprise. She's a vinyl head. She didn't find anything immediately so I got her a gift certificate for later Sarah-speed shopping and we stopped at the L&L for a birthday shot of tequila before grabbing the train down to meet up with Tony.

They left me at Dick's Last Resort where I spent a pleasant time nattering with Nate and had the bonus of Miss Sara Linker's company as well. Nate got cut early like he had hoped and invited me over to his Monday night tradition of WWE and beers &tc.

That weird liquor store at Wilson and Sheridan had this going on.

Nate's mustache is out of control.

I've known Evan longer than most of you. He was a student at Pre-College Programs when I worked there a million years ago, so I met him when he was 12. Yep.

And then there's Zack. Great to see ya buddy!

I talked Nate and a few of the guys into visiting the Uptown as I hadn't seen it yet. Lawrence looked the same. The view across from the bar was too.

They finally removed the wall permanently from the VIP room, but the staff in there really sucks now. The bouncer was trying to tell me the wall was taken out 10 years ago and that he's a doorman not a bouncer and the 'tender was just *bo-ring* - a far cry from the fun I used to have there. As far as I'm concerned, RIP Uptown Lounge.

I wouldn't bother people.

I then decided since I was up I might as well check out the Oasis as it was on my list. Lewie and Ally met me out and we had a little more beer. That place looked the same, but just didn't feel as awesome without Gigi shouting everybody down. Still it was fun.

Look at those little faces. So. Cute.

I stumbled back to the Loyola stop and then caught the train downtown to switch to the blue, all in fairly short order until I fell asleep and rode the train to O'Hare. Oops.

I crawled in to the G's around 6 after torturing a few too many of you with texts (sheepish grin) and inexplicably joining snapchat. *shakes head*

Hope that was a fun read for y'all.  Now I'm going back to sleep.

Tonight's Shorthand:

7p - Cesar's (killermargaritas.com)
3166 N Clark 60657

9p ish - Drop (dropchicago.com)
1909 N Lincoln 60614

Costume Karaoke starts at 10p

Later on.

Best,

M

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Funding:                114.6%

Days in Chicago:   13

Days Away:          107

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Today is sponsored by Steve Haskin

Old Friends

In a surprise 11th hour donation, Steve Haskin came through to bring our percentage up to 114.6% *and* I got to see him yesterday! 

I know I said early on in this process how great it was to re-connect with old friends and I'd like to say that again. Not only did I get another donation, I got another Hang Out and I get to brag about somebody else. Awesome!

I've known Mr. Haskin for 20 years. We met at the Muse Machine production of Oliver my junior year of high schol and also worked together in Peter Pan the following year. Steve went to Stebbins so was from further into Dayton than I was, but we saw each other a lot as he took the spot as the bassist for Zodiak, our high school band. 

This was the cover for the one EP we released: Acid Baby

Someday maybe I'll get around to the other material I have, but I wouldn't hold your breath. Steve and I have different memories of that time though we both agreed it was a fun thing to do.

We re-connected in Chicago many years later. Steve had gone to film school at Tisch at NYU and I had landed here after Northwestern and we had many friends in common. I even played Jorel for him for a short film he worked on with the Chicago All Stars. My first green screen work! Heh.

Steve worked for a company in the 'burbs for many years as a Staff Producer and Production Manager, but since going solo as the owner of DikDik Productions he's picked up largely Audio and Producing jobs as well as the occasional editing gig. He's dong well. I'm very pleased for him.

I not only got to see Steve, but his wife Maggie and their son Oscar showed up for dinner at Moody's with me and the G's. I hadn't seen miss Maggie in quite some time and I had never met the boy, so it was a fun night of new and old.

In case you've never been, Moody's has great burgers and an excellent outdoor area. We enjoyed our visit and then Maggie took the kid home and we went with dad to Carol's Pub, one of my old hang outs.

The Haskin Family 8.25.13

My Polaroid is getting close to empty (not sure how many shots are left) so this is a great 70's style vacation shot with closed eyes and half heads. Hee hee. Love it. Y'all look great.

Carol's was a typical mess with a drunk lady telling us "That's why everyone hates white people" when we refused to give her money or buy her drinks. Tony found this particularly funny. We talked over a few pitchers and generally disrupted Diamondback from filling the empty room. 

(They really are quite good. Have a listen if you're ever in the area.)

CJ wasn't in but I got to bandy a few times with Jimmy, so I got my fix. 

Thanks for making the time Steve. It was *great* to see you.

On another note, this is the shorthand for tonight: 

Dick's Last Resort - 6 ish 
315 N Dearborn 60611  

*Note: This party may move depending on when my buddy gets cut; let's keep it low key!

AND Happy #Birthday Sarah! : D

Best,

M

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Funding:                114.6%

Days in Chicago:   12

Days Away:          106

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Today is sponsored by the Griffith-Garcias

#Birthgay

Oh my my my. Yestergay was Fabuloso! Ay Papi!

In the a.m. the G's made breakfast using Sarah's gluten-free mixer which trapped me in a corner for some time. But it was worth the breakies. Yum yum!

Then we all got it together to ride the bus over to the Jewels. I bought a bucket of wings and beers and stuff. The G's got snacks and liquids and ices. We caught another bus and made it to the USGAY CroGAY party at Winnemac Park! Yeah!

Ultimately I didn't manage to play but saw many good old friends and met many new and drank in a nearly empty beautiful park a few blocks from Matty's house. Great day!

Great group of people!

Cool ass croquet mallets!

Super funs!

Michael Henry and Dr. Funkywheels!

Lil G on the FlAG!

After drinking we made a pit stop at Matty's house before heading to Garcia's in Lincoln Square for mucho Margaritas and good fundido. Some of the same company! Some others. The G's (ironically) went out to celebrate Sarah's incoming birthday, but I missed it. Sorry kids.

Big 20 top table!

Birthday snot! I mean, flan! Ick.

After dinner (which was well-served and well-priced if not all that delicious) we hit up Huttenbar across the street and had a few drinks and I doled out a few ass-slaps at the request of our birthday queen. He even got a little sparkly lip-gloss for his troubles. Pretty Princess Funkywheels!

A small cadre made it back to Homo Sweet Homo and rocked out to Matty's new bluetooth speakers until the girls had to go and we left our hostess thusly, setting alarms so she could get to the church on time!

I think it was a good birthday for him.

I was glad to be there.

Hameen and I headed back to the G's and had some Subway and some convo with the G's when they got back. We all finally got to capacity sleepy and conked out.

This partially explains why I'm so late in getting this blog out.

Please forgive. Or just accept. It's really just easier that way.

Oh and if you're in Chi and want to catch up with me over the next few day, check this out and show up or see if we can schedule some other time together.

I've got the same cell number I've had since 1999.  Use it.

Best,

M

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Funding:                114.6%

Days in Chicago:   11

Days Away:          105

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Today is sponsored by the Griffith-Garcias

It's Friday. It must be Naperville. [Mauloff/Elsen Hang Out]

It sure was. I dressed nice to "sell beer" and had the pleasure of being forcibly leaned upon by a young mentally challenged boy until I got to the loop. I missed the BNSF train by 6 minutes, so I hung around Union Station and had some shitty food. Got tricked by a CTA announcement into getting off the train a stop early and sweated salt stains into my dress shirt as I tried to make it on time.

I made it to Napeville in short order and after a little hunting I slunk through the Irreversible ped-tunnel and walked into a genius little bar called Orazio's which must do a hefty transit business. I had a PBR and Mike joined me and did the same. We jawed a bit and then decided to get moving.

I asked Mike to show me Naperville and let me tell ya, it's a beautiful place. We spent some time nattering and checking out the Riverwalk, chock full of fountains, statues, Quinceaneras and all manner of good stuff.

I liked this one.

This is the "beach," one of the many old quarries from Naperville's past re-purposed into a public swmming hole.

The Naperville Carillon. Pretty neat, though Mike reckons the 2 million might have been better spent in the school system.

Near a *super* creepy 9/11 memorial that reminded me of this.

Creator of Dick Tracy was from here, Mike felt him up. Dick. Tracy.

You'll have to take my word for it, but the above map, outside the Naperville library is hella neat. It depicts all sorts of places and historical events from Naperville's history and presents them as rubrics. If you're ever in town, have a looksee.

We met with the lovely Miss Christel and had some drinks at Jimmy's before heading out to the Bavarian Lodge. So much to say about that place. Pierogis, Wurst Plate, Liver Dumpling Soup, food food food, beer, beer, beer. Killepitsch and Barenjager.

Killepitsch

I was happy.

And I liked this wall hanging as well.

Then we went to Pondscum (Mike's new abode) and it warmed my heart to see some of the trappings of our old apartment (though nicely hung and well-framed). We messed around, drank more beers and played You Don't Know Jack, until it was time for me to catch the last train back to the city.

Coon and Vulva Never Say Die!

On my way through the station, several trixie types were screeching in an SUV about hearing them roar or some such nonsense. It was fairly hilarious and simultaneously terrifying. I caught a (blessedly) quiet train back to Union Station, fielded a call from the O-H whilst ambling back to the blue line and made it back to the G's by 1:30a ish.

I'm a little sleepy, but ready to eat breakies with my hosts and head off to Matty's B-Day. Should be a good day if a bit sunny.

Let me know if you're about today/this even.

Best,

M

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Funding:                111.75%

Days in Chicago:   10

Days Away:          104

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Today is sponsored by Ben Hameen Morphis