Clear day. Finally.

What's playing on the iPod: Red Dead Redemption (downstairs on the TV)

Today was a summer day. Unbelievable. I mean, it's only taken two and a half months, but hey, we got our summer day. I gotta quit being so demanding. Asking for a few weeks of summer in August is a little much.

Still, it was a great summer day. We heard some music at Rock the Bells while dropping Zack off. I went last year. It's a great way to spend a day.

Patrick Bear Grylls led us as we hiked the cliffs near Half Moon Bay, climbed up trees and down gorges; we saw a pair of red-tailed hawks hovering above and a few dolphins swimming along the coastline.

We hiked down to the beach and played on the sand; we put our feet in the water; we carved our names in the hillside.

We visited Cameron's Pub and Restaurant in HMB and ate some damn good food; we took the long way home and had dessert in the Castro. I've still got some left.

We drove home and bathed and relaxed. Indy's asleep next to me. He was a little trooper and loves to hike with his brother, matching REI backpack and all.

The day would've been complete if Zack had been with us, but he was enjoying his day with Method Man and Snoop and the RZA, and the lovely Lauryn Hill.

So cool to have Joey with us again, and always nice to have the Mexican. ;)

I need more of this. I need a week of this. I know it's a lot to ask, but only the squeaky wheel gets oiled. The open mouth gets fed, etc.

I need a vacation. I need a vacation. I need a vacation. There's no place like Hawaii. There's no place like Hawaii. Squeak, squeak, squeak.

Reality barks and bites.

You can say and say and say what you want, and live in your fantasy world, but

reality talks louder than you do.

And your actions scream louder still.

Reality stings more than denial, but I'd rather cut off my arm than continue to take a thousand little jabs.

And there's always someone who's happy to help me heal. There usually is, when I'm thankful for all the good in my life. When I shed my pathetic, self-depricating skin, I wear my joy well, and it becomes a magnet.

Like attracts like, and that's my chosen reality.

One step back, two steps forward...with a different dance partner.

What's playing on the iPod: Lucid Dreams by Franz Ferdinand

It's okay if you don't know how to dance; it's not okay if you don't want to learn.

Some people just think they can get by with only a few little movements here and there. It's true, they can get by, but I'm not looking for a partner who can just get by.

I'm looking for someone who knows how to dance, someone who knows how to sweep me off my feet every now and then.

The same old, tired dance is only appealing to me because of its familiarity, not because it has anything new to offer me, to excite me. Looking back, I see that it's been a long time since it has, and each time I think we're ready to try new steps, I realize that one of us really can't hear the music. It's not that we hear a different beat; one of us isn't interested in learning anything new. I want to get back at least half as much as I give out. No, actually, I want just as much.

I don't really need this buzzkill. I know plenty of exciting dances with the right partners, especially my permanent partner. Get him in the right arena and he shines.

I keep telling myself that something better will come along, and I think it finally has. We'll see.
Even if it hasn't yet, I'll keep my dancing shoes on...

Gasoline dreams.

What's playing on the iPod: nothing. I'm listening to the sound of rain on my sound machine.

Romance is not expensive. Romance doesn't have to be complicated. But keeping romance alive and well is tantamount to keeping gasoline in my favorite ride.

I am running out of gas, and looking for a new filling station. I keep turning down help from the local roadside assistance and good samaritans alike, in the hopes that my vehicle will make it back to my favorite fueling point. But what happens when that well is also choking back the last bits of dust, and wondering, as well, when the schedule will allow a re-fuel for all?