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December 2001
Well my Civilization III did not arrive today. Bastards. I guess it will arrive on Monday. However, I did have a pleasant day nonetheless, burning CDs to send to the siblings at home, and continuing my general theme of tidying. I also went up to Smyrna with Lauren to give moral support in the purchase of a refrigerator.
The All Blacks were playing the Pumas in Buenos Aires tonight. Unfortunately I couldn't find a broadcast of it. Fox Sports World were playing the South Africa vs USA game (the Springboks won, 43-20).
I picked up Lauren and went to the Local for dinner and a couple of beers. Later, a larger crew arrived, including Clair, Scott, Rosalie, James and Karen. I however, was heading off to Jenny and Lisa's with Steve. We found the party with little difficulty, and spent much of the evening talking with Ben and John, with their respective dates. Around twoish, Steve and I headed back to Local for a car bomb and then I went home to bed, and to make a phone call.
Woke up, read the latest Economist, had a brief email/page conversation with Amy, did similar with Lauren. Lauren wanted me to come with her as she dropped James and Rosalie home and then went shopping for a futon. This really held no interest for me, as I wanted to have a shower, clean my bath and then have a lazy day at home. John was making breakfast, so I was even less inclined to go out. Sorry, Lauren.
I checked on last night's rugby game between the All Blacks and Pumas and found that not only did New Zealand win (24-20), but they are now top of the world rugby rankings. Rock on.
Geek things I want:
- large hard drive (60GB+)
- webcam
- a new computer
- 256MB memory module
Sunday night TV was super-fun. John had bought some trout for dinner and he cooked that up with a sauce out of my Mediterranean cooking book. It was good. Yay for John!
Oh happy days! Oh glorious days! My Limited Edition release of Civilization III finally arrived today! Me so happy! Me going to hermitize myself tonight...
Earlier in the day I went to the periodontist, who took out my stitches and put me on doxycycline, another antibiotic. I don't know why, but I didn't ask.
Work was more or less successful, depending what part of the day you ask me about and what project I was working on at the time.
Today is the fourth anniversary of my arrival in the United States. Who would have thunk it four years ago? I certainly didn't. But within a month of my arrival, I knew my stay was going to be longer than the original three months; I just didn't expect to be here, doing the permanent residency thing. Freaky really.
Work today started reasonably, but by the end of the day my workload for the week had grown immensely. Some days are just like that, I guess.
On my way home, I picked up a couple of bottles of liquor for Saturday night, and some fried chicken for John and I for dinner. I invited a few close friends over for a few drinks to celebrate today's anniversary. Lauren and Clair popped round and the four of us (including John) had a pleasant evening just hanging out.
Work got really busy really quickly as I tackled the project that I had inherited yesterday. The later afternoon was ,slower once I had submitted the document I had to write.
In trivia we didn't so good. Tonight though we had a full team: John, myself, Charlotte and Jenny. After the game I headed home fairly early.
Pete Montgomery's birthday
Work was alternately busy and slow. These sorts of days happen. Mostly successful I think.
When I got home I found among my mail, two parcels from the home country. Thanks, mum and dad. I shall open them on my Monday :-)
Went over to Lauren's to have a drink with her and Shawn and Matt, who she had picked up from the airport earlier in the evening. I picked up a 750ml of Absolut Mandarin, and we four polished it off quick smart. Then we went up to the Local. Lauren and I didn't stay long, as we had work to attend to on Friday, but the boys went off to the Chamber with Stacie. Skippy Will was also present and possibly more people that I can't recall right now.
Bad news of the day: Peter Blake was killed by pirates in Brazil. It's a crazy world.
Kevin Geraghty's 30th birthday. Happy birthday wherever the fuck you are.
After work, Peter and I went for a couple of beers at Slocum's, a bar/restaurant close to work. This was very cool. After a couple of drinks I had to take off to the airport to pick up Amy.
I arrived home to get changed first, and then short over to the airport. According to the online update, her flight was in early. I arrived in good time however, and didn't have to wait too long for Amy. Then we shot home to clean up a little and then we headed over to the Local.
We ate and had several drinks and then headed over to The Highlander, as Pete was celebrating his birthday there. This was cool, too. Lots of people to see. Lauren was already there with Shawn and Matt, and lots more people were also in attendance. Our next move was to Club Rarity.
I dropped the car home and Amy and I rode with Lauren and the boys. John and Charlotte ended up coming along to the club anyway.
Waking up was a rough process, but to ease through the ordeal, I opened my birthday present from my mother. I knew what it was going to be, based on a conversation we'd had previously, but I still wanted to see it. It was a photo album of The Many Faces of Damon Auger, and it was great. There were photos from babyhood through to my mother's 50th birthday, including all (and I do mean ALL) of the bad haircuts I have had. Heheh. Thanks mum, that was great. You'll be pleased to know that it brought much amusement to many people at the party.
Amy also took this time to present me with Chubbles, the irridescent purple hippo that we had found at FAO Schwarz when I was last in Chicago. Yay, a new stuffed toy for Damon :-)
I took Amy for brunch at Radial Cafe. It was very tasty (as always). Then we ran around doing chores and picking things up: photos of San Fran for Scott and Dan; tequila and keg, other things I can't remember. Next task was to finish tidying the place up and prepping for the night's festivities, including a wee rest for Amy.
For dinner, Amy and I went to Apres Diem. I had pasta and a glass of red wine. Yummy. We came back and finished off the preps.
Matt from work was the first to arrive, and with that, the keg was opened. The beer was somewhat foamy to begin with, but over the course of the night it settled down. The party itself grew from strength to strength and ended up as one of best parties we've had, and they've all been good. I must admit though, that there is a lot of it I really can't remember too well.
What I do know is that everyone from work who said they'd be there, did indeed show up. The British contingent seemed to have a great time. Matt got really drunk. He wasn't alone there, though. There were so many drunk people; it was crazy.
One of the best parts was the amazing gifts that I received. My friends know me very well, and gave me some quite moving gifts: Rosalie gave me a small portrait she had done of me; Russ gave me a frame enlargement of the photo he took of me at Pirate's Alley Cafe in New Orleans; Jesse gave me a Power Puff Girls DVD and tickets to the opening night of the Lord of the Rings movie; Thompson gave me the game, Operation. Liquor also featured prominently - in particular the huge bottle of Belvedere from Lauren. Amazing. Thank you to everyone who gave me something - it was not necessary, but muchly appreciated. Other bits and pieces included a stuffed bear in bondage gear, a bottle of Bacardi, a Stereophonics CD.
Some photos were taken. This is good, because without them I don't think I would have been able to recall some of the later events of the party. As previously, much action occurred in my bedroom; I guess it has to do with all the Power Puff Girls merchandise I have there... Anyway, Ashe, me and Shane, me and Stacie, Ashe, Charlotte and (Warwick's) Stacy give love to Damon, and Damon feels happy. If anyone else has photos, please let me know, as I'd love to scan them and add them to the site.
Courtesy of Amy: Jenny and John, Amy and ???, Amy and Duane.
Once again, waking up was hard and horrible. The place was a wreck. But Amy and I did eventually get sorted and went out to meet Lauren, Matt and Shawn at Waffle House. Food was soooooo good. After feeding we came home and tidied the place up. Insanity. Then it was nap time again.
Sunday night TV was in full swing starting at 7pm and included some of the best TV in ages. Alice and Sarah brought over fried chicken. Lauren and Matt also turned up. Futurama was outstandingly funny. King of the Hill was entertaining. The Simpsons was grest (although maybe not as good as last weeks). Malcolm in the Middle was hilarious. I missed most of X-Files because Ryan turned up at that point to give me a gift. He needed a hand from me to get it out of the car. So down I went to get it.
Well, that wasn't the entire truth - he had come to deliver the gift in his most recent military acquisition - a Daimler armoured car from the 1960s. This thing was beautiful. He then took me for a drive round the block in it. Very cool. More cool than I can really articulate. And, to top it off, he gave me a pre-production sketch from Power Puff Girls. This has been the best birthday ever. Steve, myself and Ryan, and a Daimler Ferret
More TV was watched, and more of the keg was consumed, but when 12:30 came around, it really was time for bed.
Damon's 30th birthday
Yep, today I woke up 30. Well, if you want to be really pedantic, I don't actually turn 30 until 11:07pm, but hey, who's going to squabble over a few hours.
Amy gave me another, very cool, gift: a bottle of Lagavulin, which happens to be my most favourite scotch. This really has been a great birthday. I also opened my gift from my sister, a Steinlager sweatshirt. Very cool.
We went to eat at Eats, and then ran around doing a few chores like dropping of film to be developed and picking up soap and water and shaving cream. The afternoon was very lazy.
This evening's celebratory events took place at, surprise surprise, The Local. Lauren, Jesse and Eric were already present when we got there. Eric apologised for not making it to the party and gave me a bottle of Glen Livet. Un-fucking-believable. We got into a game of Mexicans which proved to be quite deadly. Vanessa bought be a shot; Stacy and Dill bought me a shot; Daniel bought me a shot; Ben bought me a shot; other people bought me shots. Shawn and Matt turned up. Brad turned up, bearing another bottle of Belvedere. Our table sang rather loudly over the top of the karaoke people and I got up to do The Ramones I Wanna Be Sedated. Very, very drunk. John says we left around 12:45. I would have to believe to him, because I have no idea.
Pictures can be found on the pictures page.
This morning was tough. There were multiple reasons for me not wanting to get up and take Amy to the airport, but, alas, it had to be done. And then to rub salt in the wounds, I had to sit for an hour in rush hour traffic just to get home from the airport. But I was able to sleep again when I did get home.
Back to work after a long weekend always sucks.
After work I had a few beers with Peter at Rock Botton Cafe and then headed home for a night of excess. I put on my red suit; John put on his. Charlotte dressed as an angel (not quite sure on the reason for that), and we headed up to the Local. We weren't the first to arrive.
Steve and Reid were already present and getting into the spirit of things. We followed suit. Ben soon arrived, and a photographic record of the night began. The attention we got from the patrons was very amusing. A photographer from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution was there and he took a few pictures, too.
From the Local we walked up Ponce De Leon Ave to North Highland. We receieved many car horn honks and waves and shouts. This was heaps of fun. First stop in the Highlands was Neighbors Tavern, where our party of Santas caused quite a stir. Were I in the market right now, tonight would have been a great night to pick up chicks - so many girls came over to talk and hug and I believe Santa even got a kiss or two. Saraha and Alice joined us here; they were going to wear elf costumes, but didn't get to the store in time.
When we were done with Neighbors, we wandered further up North Highland to Atkin's Park, another excellent drinking establishment, where more shots and more liquor was consumed. I was on a vodka and tonic kick tonight.
Next on the agenda was the Dark Horse Tavern. There we encountered a group including a girl from South Africa. We chatted to them for quite a while.
Then it was time for the walk back to Ponce and to the Clermont Lounge. Even more fun was had here, although, to tell the truth, I really can't remember any of it. There is proof Santa D was there, but I'm afraid I can't fill in details.
At some point we did head back across the road to the Local. I do recall sitting in a booth with Sarah and Alice. Lauren joined us. I think I called her from the Clermont originally, but she met us at the Local.
From the Local, Lauren and I went to Kroger to do some shopping, and picked up a bottle of wine, which we took back to her place. Brad was already there and he hung out for a bit while Lauren and I polished off the wine in short time. Then I crashed there.
Pictures can be found on the 2001 Pictures page.
Rock Stars At The Lake House
Lauren dropped me home via Harry's in a Hurry. Hmmmm, good food. Then I spent the day relaxing and getting ready for going up to Scott's lakehouse for another night of excessiveness.
Lea's 21st Birthday
Um, went to Riviera for Lea's birthday. Didn't drink much though, as I was tired.
Lord of the Rings movie: In-fucking-credible. Go see it. PS: Thank you so much, Jesse.
This is from Clair. Be afraid. Be very afraid.
Watched the remake of Planet of the Apes. Interesting, I guess. Then Charlotte and I went to the Local. Surprising patrons of the night - Heather and Erica. Hey there, sexy-chicks!
Rained all day so I did not go outside at all. Charlotte picked me up some food, which was nice of her, and then she went home.
Christmas Eve
Finished my shopping. Beautiful, if cold, day. Breakfasted at Waffle House.
Went to the Local, found it closed, so I went to the Highlander to meet up with Shawn, Wendy, Sarah, Joe. Others turned up: Ryan, Laura, Rob. We weren't getting any service so we came to my place for an impromptu Christmas Party. This was good fun.
Christmas Day
Lazed around most of the day. Picked Lauren up from the airport. Came home and made roast dinner - chicken and potatoes and vegetables. Had a nice Chardonnay with dinner (Saintsbury Carneros Chardonnay 2000). Heather and Lauren came over for some food. John and Charlotte arrived back not long after we started eating. Good meal. Followed by drinking and TV watching and chatting about stuff.
Boxing Day and Heather's birthday
I had cunningly taken today off work, so I slept in. Needed to. Then got up and spent the afternoon playing CivIII. Went down to the Local for dinner (no Trivia tonight) and did the Creative Loafing crossword with Steve. Then around 10pm I went across to Lauren's to get together for Heather's birthday. Pete was already there, and we were joined by Heather, Brad and John. After a drink we shot over to Nomenclature.
Work then home to pack and rest up for the weekend.
I spent a good amount of time at work, coding for the new iPAQ. This was fun, but I need to get a little more rigorous with my coding (I'm a little out of practice with the C++) and also get more material on the platform I'm coding to. But it was good.
After work, I raced home and collected up my bags and shit. Charlotte was already there, and Lauren was near. John came home via the bank and we loaded up Lauren's car. Then it was off to the airport to check in and find the Crown Room to begin the weekend's excessiveness. I was able to get my three companions in with no difficulty, so we set about downing three rounds of free alcohol and then raced off to the gate to get on our Chicago-bound plane. Yippee!!
Lexi met us at the airport and we zoomed over to Amy's to unload our stuff. We ordered food from Philly's Best. I lost my tooth part way through my cheesesteak, but at the end of the meal I reattached the tooth with no difficulty. No matter, I shall be seeing the periodontist next Friday. Matt and Tim also were in attendance at some point.
After eating we had a few drinks (well, that was more like while eating) and then we headed over to Neo. Much alcohol consumtion. Excessive amounts. Lexi showed up. Dan showed up. More people I don't know showed up. What a great night!
Late sleep in, which in turn led to a late breakfast at Clarke's. Then John, Charlotte, Amy and myself headed off to The Field Museum to check out the current Cleopatra exhibit, and also learn about natural history while we were there. Most of the Cleopatra stuff was good, but it was way too crowded, and it got cheesy at the end when it started to go on about movies about her. Oh well. The natural history side of the museum was very good though, with lots of interactive things to play with and great displays, including the largest tyrannosaurus rex skeleton known, and a couple of fighting elephants.
It was dark and cold as we made our way back to the train. Very cold. I wouldn't be surprised if the temperature (with wind chill, which was significant) was into the single digits of the Fahrenheit scale. I need a scarf the next time I go to Chicago! (I will note that my gloves, hat and jacket all performed very well, but the scarf is most definitely necessary as well!)
We freshened ourselves up and headed out to a party for the thirtieth birthday of a former roommate of John and Amy. This was rather pleasant, and they had good food, too. It was way out in the suburbs, and we had a little difficulty getting a cab back into town, but we were eventually successful in getting back to Amy's.
Snow Elizabeth's birthday
Late sleep in. Very late. Then breakfast at Lake View Cafe on Broadway. David, John, Charlotte, Amy and I arrived there first, by quite a margin; so much so that Lauren, Matt and Lexi only arrived as our plates were being taken away. Oh well. We then went shopping for groceries and food while the others ate, and then it was back to the apartment. Did the New York Times crossword.
In the evening time we watched Sunday night TV, ate Chicago-style pizza, played Uno (which included arguing with Charlotte over the rules), watched music videos (Blondie, Creation Records bands, Love and Rockets), drank whiskey and coke.
New Year's Eve
Amy went off to work and I got more sleep. Later, John and Charlotte went off into the city so John could show Charlotte around a bit. I called Lauren and arranged for her to come over to Amy's, from which we would get some lunch and also head into town.
For food, we ate well at Eat-A-Pita. Very tasty goodness, and then we caught the 'L' (brown line) to Wabash and Adam, the best drop-off point for (a href="http://www.artic.edu/">The Art Institute of Chicago. I tried to contact John, but with no luck, so Lauren and I went and purchased tickets for the Van Gogh and Gaugin The Studio of the South exhibition. John managed to get in contact with us while we were getting a drink from Au Bon Pain. So we went back across and I bought John and Charlotte tickets and we waited for them to join us.
The exhibit was rather good. That's all I'm going to say for now.
Afterwards, we met up with Matt and when John and Charlotte got out, we headed back to Amy's. We stopped off at the liquor store to pick up some, well, liquor, and made our way home. Amy and David had pretty much finished tidying and setting up. We ordered some Chinese food from downstairs and ate well before the party. Drinking started (well for some of us) quite early and then proceeded to increase in pace as the evening went on.
The evidence: Lauren, John, Matt, Tim, Damon,
