This is where I bitch.

I've been listening to some of the Dresden Files books that B has on her iTunes at work. While I like a lot of the world and plot, the people annoy me too much to continue. They all react too strongly to too little info. Everyone's actions are so extreme, it's not even realistic. I have a hard time believing that police officers will arrest people and jump to assumptions without getting all of the info or listening to explanations. Just too much to accept. James Marsters as the narrator was fun though.

I'm caught up on my part of the project, so am now helping other people. The overtime might drop off a bit until the customer gets files back to us.

I made inroads into fixing financial problems and such today. A bit concerned, as I always am after large life decisions, but I'm sure its for the best.

No plan this week so Paul and I can hang out more, since next week he starts school and will be very busy. We will have less time to spend with each other with his full time job, school and homework.

The parade for pride was fun. Not a huge crowd, but we got to wave at friends. JP came along too, can got many compliments. The best float was Club 5's, as they had their foam machine on it and were blowing foam all over the Capitol square.

Volleyball at pride was a lot of fun too. The wind was pretty intense over the lake and ball control was an issue. I played a bit of pick up before our games and had a lot of fun with the best team in the league, I always enjoy playing with people better than me, it forces me to play better. Sore today, grass courts can be brutal.

Pride was fun. We got up later than expected. A bit too much beer with Wendy, Drew and the crew at the Essen House. It was really nice to see everyone. I spent most of the evening chatting with Drew. Will see more of them this week. After that party we made it to the Shamrock for two drinks and a shot with Toni.

After rolling out of Bed Sunday we hit the grocery store for supplies for the "bring your onw food/drink picnic". Everyone thought JP was cute and wanted to play with him. I ran in Carmen and her moms and said hi to a few other people. Then we met Jess and Lari downtown for Maxwell Street Days (i.e. sidewalk sale on State St.).

Volleyball was fun, though really warm. Then the girls watched Golden Compass and Meet the Robinsons with us. Golden Compass was OK, book was better, a lot of the plot seemed rushed and trimmed up for time reasons. The Disney flick was a bit predictable, but enjoyable.

Gonna be a busy week. Long days with over time. Deadlines looming. Sports. Act6 fund raisers.

The softball games against Milwaukee went fine. My team lost both games we played, but I had a good time. It was very muggy and hot, my face is fairly burnt. Paul got a little color on his shoulders too. JP had a good time getting picked up and kissed by everyone and playing with the other dogs. He was quite wiped out. After the games we grilled out brats at home with Jess, then I had to go and work at the mall till close. I left both my boys asleep on the bed. They were so cute. Got a pic on my phone, will try and upload later.

Tonight we are going to met up with Wendy and Drew and the gang for a few at the Essen House, then hit a few of the gay bars to celebrate pride. Tammy Baldwin is talking on the capitol steps tomorrow and then there is a bring your own food picnic. I have to play volleyball tomorrow evening too.

Paul has had a few more people leave work, so he's going to be working a lot as they are horribly understaffed now. This will be his last weekend off for a while, so I'm looking forward to spending tomorrow with him.

Last night was apparently puppy night at softball, fortunately we were all set. JP had a very busy evening meeting a lot of other dogs, all of which were at least twice his size, and being picked up and kissed/petted by everyone we ran into. He was by far the cutest one there, which other's agreed with. Paul seemed to enjoy the attention too.

We ended up loosing our game, unfortunately. It was a very close game, the other team won with a final run in the last inning. I didn't hit very well at all, don't think I made it past 2nd base. I did have a nice triple play though. I caught a line drive at the pitcher's mound, through it to third to get the runner out and then Dean threw it to second to get that runner out too.

We left soon after my game as the bugs were getting bad. Today my ankle hurts from sliding into second. I don't think it will affect volleyball tonight.

This weekend is Pride for Madison, and it looks to be a busy one.

Lots to report on, been a busy weekend.

Friday after I stopped at the Hookah Lounge for a quick one, Paul and I went to one of the Pride kick off parties. The Shamrock was still (and is still) closed, so we went to the Corral Room after eating a late dinner at the Tornado Room.

Saturday I had an eye appointment (where we found out I might have a benign tumor in one eye--nothing to worry about right now, but I have to go back in 6 months to check on it) at the mall and then stopped by the bank. Went to Maxwell Street days and picked up some cute shoes. Then off to Pride for my security shift. Same as last few years, it was sunny, hot and I just wondered around and chatted with people. We went out to Club 5 for the drag show on the patio that night. My ex-BF (and friend) Bob was far gone and inserted himself into the drag show, doing back up dancing for Miss Gay Pride 2006, Lulu. We plan to never let him live that down.

Sunday we tried to get up for brunch, as Glenn (owner of the Shamrock) was catering brunch to Genna's. We slept and but still made it to the Pride picnic in time for my security shift. I helped direct traffic for the parade and then wondered the vendor area. Paul was working as a bar tender that day and seemed to enjoy the free beer. Then we went to volleyball at Bowl-A-Vard. I had expected it to be canceled for Pride, but we took a vote and it was 2-to-1 to play. We won all three again, still undefeated. Then we played pick up until the mosquitos drove us away. Paul even got out on the court.

Last night we had the early game at softball. It was also skirt night (for the Orange team) and I got a lot of compliments on my cute legs. Seems a short orange mini skirt shows off my calves. I also hit an in park home run, which is a first for me this year. We lost, but had fun.

Tonight is a double header for volleyball and then pick up until we break for pizza and beer. I've decided (I think) to not play softball this fall. I'm playing 2 nights of volleyball and want time to spend with Paul. I will try and play in the tournament on Labor Day in Milwaukee, if anyone asks me.

I'm only logging on to post this. I haven't had time to start HP7, so don't want to risk spoilers. Wednesday I plan to make a dent into it while I wait for the concert on the square to start.

( some pictures )

I have some work today, and more coming. I'm not sure how late I will stay, but makign up hours from the early days this week wouldbe nice. Our company is looking to hire more production people (in Madison). So I guess they are expecting the work to pick up, as they have been saying. (Sorry aunt Carol, they don't do freelancers, only in house people). I had wanted to get up earlier and bike to work, but going out last night and staying out till 1 put a stop to that.

Yesterday after getting out of work at noon I picked up the boy and we went out shoping. We found some boots for Leather & Lace and a pair of vianl pants that we will turn into shorts for Paul. I suggested that we add zippers to the shorts so the legs can be put back on for cooler days. Now we need someone to do that sewing. WHile Pual or I could, we have no sewing machine.

After bringing him to work I went home and took a bike ride. I found a fun loop that takes about an hour. It goes by work, so I stopped in and asked about how much work I'd have today. Then I went home and did the cleaning that I said I'd do lat night and never did.

Volleyball was meh. I didn't play well, kept hitting everything out of bounds. And I hit a 12 year old kid. She wasn't hurt, but still, not good. We headed to Club 5 for a few drinks, since the Shamrock is still closed, and geeked out with Robert and Dave's friend from Milwaukee, Mike. We all have treo phones and talked geek toys for a while.

Tonight after Paul closes at work I think we will try and go out again and start off the weekend with a Pride kick off party.