Illegitimate Sun

Last night, I saw the comedian Stephen Lynch at Mississippi Nights. Angie came with me and we both had a great time laughing to such songs as “What if that guy from smashing pumpkins lost his car keys?” and “Half A Man” (a song about being testicularly deficient).

For some reason, the power went out in my building and the blocks surrounding it. A few candles took care of the problem, but I kept waking up in the middle of the night wondering if I had slept late. On top of that, I wandered around my apartment at 3:00 trying to turn on the air conditioning or plug in a fan and wondering why nothing happened.

I’m not at my brightest that late at night.

Highlights from the past weekend include Becker moving into St. Louis, smoking cigars with the Becker boys and Phil, and attending a Gin Blossoms concert in a downpour with Ruth.

Forward looking plans include audtioning for a big-budget movie that’s being shot locally. I’m hoping to get the part of Bystander #3, but I need to get a headshot done by Saturday, and a Marilyn Monroe Movie block at the Fox Theatre next week.

Had dinner with Angie last night. We ate at Kobe Steakhouse. I think our chef was a trainee. He made an excellent meal, but did not have the showmanship that I was hoping for.

Dessert was cheesecake and jazz at Riddles Penultimate in the Loop.

Lastly, Angie toured my apartment. She approved of my library and agreed that my futon was way too comfortable. We sipped hot chocolate and watched A&E’s biography of Cary Grant.

I got her home a little later than we intended – being a weekday and all – but I place the blame squarely on Cary Grant and some good editing by A&E.

To make up for that, I’m downing the Dr. Pepper for that friendly caffeine buzz.

Flugtag – five men launch a human powered machine out over Monroe Harbor. Amateur Craft / professional drive / no brains. Somehow, I’ve talked my friends into doing this with me. We’re submitting an entry today for the August 9 contest in Chicago.

We’re thinking about building a hang glider with a giant skull in the front and “flames” streaming out behind it.

I get to pilot the craft, as I’m the lightest of my friends. That, and it was my idea.

D’oh!

Had a good weekend. While the Meng never materialized and the clouds never parted before the sun, there were some memorable moments.

I played racquetball with Phil for two hours on Saturday. It was only our second time playing together and Phil’s second time playing ever. In that time, Phil’s developed a mean-ass serve that drops the ball in the back corner with just enough force that it dies at your feet. He’s really given me a run for my money. I just hope I improve enough to keep up with him.

Received a call at 8:30 AM on Sunday morning. Anyone who knows me, knows that the likelyhood of my being awake at that time is roughly equal to Frosty’s chance of surviving a tour of Hell. Still, I was able to anwer the phone the second time they called. John Irvine and Ruth were calling from California. They had been apartment and furniture shopping on the West Coast and need a ride back from Lambert Airport later that day. I was happy to pick them up. I still owe John a host of favors and I’ve never gotten to spend enough time getting to know Ruth.

Sunday evening was spent with Angela. We had a great dinner at BARcelona and saw A Mighty Wind at the Chase Park Plaza. Both the meal and the movie were good, but the company made the evening.

Today…I felt like crap. I was dizzy, naseous, and had a disassociative headache. It felt like I was watching the day unfold like a movie. I could see it, but I wasn’t there. These are symptoms that come from my allergic reaction to Nutrasweet. The secretary brought me a fountain drink today (at my request), so that could have been a diet soda.

I don’t think she got me diet on purpose, but something in that drink made me ill. It took five aspirin and a 1/2 hour nap to get me through the day.

On top of that, I played racquetball with Phil for two hours the night before. I woke up with a sore neck.

Combined, I’m just glad the work day is over.