Hedonism

he·don·ism - the pursuit or devotion to pleasure.
I went out tonight with a former roommate. We went to a gay club here in Columbus. Knowing of course, that I'm dating Chris, I went in knowing I'd go home alone. But let me set this up for you. The front part of the bar has a dance floor. Walking past, i would guess that 25% of the people on the floor had their shirts off. I went into the back part of the bar where two strippers were performing. I went back to the front and saw two shirtless boys simulating sex acts on the dance floor. (I'm no prude, but I'll leave it to your imagination.) That's when I got the idea to write about this. What brings pleasure. All of the five senses can bring pleasure in one way or another. Taste-Who didn't have a drink? Those under 21.
Touch-There was a LOT of that going on. Strippers in thongs and shirtless boys dancing together.
Hearing-Everyone could feel the thump of the beat of the music. The melodies wafted into the air and even I found myself singing along to some of the songs. Smell-Maybe not so much this one.
Sight-Do I really have to explain? Boys with smooth chests moving like snakes on the dance floor. I have to be honest; I found myself staring.

I was sitting on a stool. My friend was talking to a couple people and I didn't want to interrupt his game. I was watching people walk by, and Leonard approached me. He asked if I wanted a drink.
I said, "I'll take a drink if you're buying, but I'm not single."
He said, "Is your boyfriend here?"
"No"
"OK let's go." he replied.
I told him once again that I would drink, but I was not single, and I would not be doing anything more than talking. He introduced himself and then introduced me to his niece. After, drinking some of my beer, I told him I was going to look for my friend. He was still talking to the guys from earlier, so I asked if he was going home with me. He shook his head no, so I left the bar.

Hedonism? Oh yeah. I observed some tonight. I even participated to an extent. But I am proud to say that I came home alone because I have a ring on my finger. My devotion to Chris is tested in small ways time and again. I love him. Every time I go out without him, I realize that more. Every time I go out with him, I appreciate what we have.

January Already?

My last entry was entitled "Time Flies." Boy, does it. It's almost the middle of January. I have things I have to do every month at work, such as monitor phone calls and "grade" them. Every month I resolve to get them done sooner. When I turn around, it's the middle of the month already.

Something happened tonight that I want to discuss. I have a friend who drinks. A lot. And drives. My basest feeling is this: she has driven and lot and always gets where she needs to go. She is also very headstrong. I know that you're supposed to get the keys. The dilemma every time is this. Is it worth fisticuffs to take the keys when chances are pretty damn good that she will get home ok. My answer to that is no. So each time, I let her go. And so far, each time she has made it home. I will kick myself that one tiem she doesn't.

I'm going to Florida in a week and a half. It will be the first time I've flown since 9/11. It'll be the first time I've flown since 1994. Honestly, I'm a little bit nervous. I'm sure everything will be fine, but you can bet I'll be thinking about this posting on the way down if something happens. :) (Dark humor there, but what's life without that.)

Chris and I are still together. Almost two months now. I'm going to have a little fun with him for Valentine's Day. On the chance he might read this, I'll tell you afterward what my plan is.

I'm going to go for now. You know, save some of my thoughts for another night. Have fun and be safe!