So, here I am, back in Columbus after a fantastic trip to New Orleans. I managed to catch a few papers at the conference I attended, and talked to a few folks during my poster session. Mostly, though, I spent my time in the French quarter. I drank every night, but never got wasted - perfect. I will discus below the regret part, in order to deal with everything that didn't revolve around my new favorite bar. Firstly, Czarina and I never managed to hook up for drinks, due to her intestinal problems which she gave me way too much information about. I saw an excellent blues/ragtime band called the Kitchen Syncopators, bought their cd. That prevented me from eating well the rest of the time there, but it was worth it. I spent only one night out on Bourbon street with some archaeologist friends. Weakest drinks in the world, let me tell, are to be found there. I did not throw any beads at women, but instead assisted a woman I was standing next to on a balcony in picking out guys to throw beads at, including one of my crew, who didn't get what was going on. I nailed him in the head with some beads I had picked up. I then went down, and recieved some beads the old fashioned way - I earned them. Pretty fun, but I wouldn't care to do it again. Here's the regret part, and it's regret due to the great time I had. The first night in, I and Steve the Gothic Archaeologist found a little place called the Pirate's Alley Cafe, in Pirate's Alley off Jackson square. Turns out to be a little bar that serves the sanitized version of Absinthe and great drinks at reasonable prices. What was truly great about the bar is that both the clientele (artists, skaters, a couple goths,and the generally overeducated) and the staff (ditto) were the friendliest folks I have ever met in a bar. Topping the list of these folks is the bartender, Diana. Brilliant deep pink/red hair, an expressive face and dark eyes. The first night she was playing Ramones all night long. We talked a bit and she seemed to take to us immediately. Even turns out she's a SubGenius, too - in fact, the first other one I have met in the flesh. She's vastly intelligent, will be going to Notre Dame on a full ride for Medieval studies, goes to school full time now while holding down 3 full time jobs ( actually, she's part-owner of three places, including the bar). It was just one of those very rare situations when you instantly make friends with a person, you know? Another instance of Vonnegut's "Karass" is what I think. Anyway, I ended up spending most of my money and time at this bar, specifically for her company and also for the company of the other folks, such as this cute nanny who once studied linguistic archaeology (Steve TGA seemed to think that she was quite into me) and Jimbo, another bartender whoe had degrees in English, Art History and Architecture. It was really hard leaving that place. I don't know if it's in part to the fact that I haven't made any friends outside of work here, or that Diana is simply one of the coolest people I have ever met. The whole place in fact, strongly reminded me of here, in the types of people and conversations, and the atmosphere. Or maybe just because I was accepted and fit right in immediately. Shit. I want to go back. Am I overreacting to this? I mean, I am at a sort of vulnerable spot in my life right now, and let's face it, it has been about8 years since I recieved that much attention from that many women at one time. Christ I do not want to be here now.

don't be a pussy and pass it up boy...you're not over reacting at all. Call her up at the bar.....say you were thinking about dropping into town again because you had such a good time.....and you wondered if she would like to hook up outside of her work...ask her to show you some of the more interesting parts of "Nawlins" or what have you. that outcome should anwer all your questions. she's says yes, you go, she says no, you move on. life short live now go sem go sem go sem go sem go sem go sem go sem

Are you looking for a lost weekend with her, or a more serious thingy? She'll be moving to Indiana for school, can you follow her around? Or actually, South Bend's probably a 6-7 hour drive from Columbus. Or maybe she could transfer to OSU. Patrick's right, might as well give it a go.

To tell the truth, I recognize that such a thing is not viable at this time. I htnk I just want to not let a budding friendship die on the vine. Dating is pretyy much out of the question, which is probably the best for my sanity (I've had enough of dating bisexuals with too many items on their schedules). Her description of her current (well, practically dead) relationship was along the lines of the current boyfriend, not seen in a couple months due to travel, was unaware of the other boyfriend and girlfriend during the relationship. That's a red flag if ever I heard one. Plus, I get the idea that she's outta my league and we both know it. Still, an incredible person I want to interact with more. The problem with dropping in again anytime soon is the money. I have none. Taxes ate everything this year.I need to get rid of debt before I go anywhere else not business related. I am going back though. Thanks for the supprt though, guys. Need to find something here to dive into so to move on today, feeling a bit out of sorts and useless.

that's kinda how things went down between kevin and me. we both remained committed to a long distance friendship, purely platonic and enjoyable friendship, and look what happened one year later. if she's that cool, if you guys clicked, don't let distance make it fade away. those kinds of connections are rare, but real. don't psyche yourself out of it. stay in touch with her, enjoy it for what it is, and have fun seeing where it goes. you never know, sem...

Yo Sem...I say just keep in contact with this cool azz chick. After all you will be spending eternity on the Pleasure Ships with each other anyway right.? Glad to hear that yoy had a good time though.

Shit, Sem. You make me wish I'd blown off my 90 year old grandparents and went to the Big Easy to meet you... OK, I wouldn't have blown off my grandparents. But I still may head down to New Orleans after I get back to Dallas. (I'm in New Jersey at the moment.) That bar sounds too interesting to pass up... Last night I saw an ass kicking show in New York by an Argentinian performance troupe called De La Guarda. It was fantastic! In one sentence: sexy wet Argentinian men and women suspended from ropes who dive into the audience, scream at each other, kiss audience members, and get everyone dancing with music that vibrates your whole body. Definately worth the price of admission. Hell, I might just go again if I wander back into the city later this week.

That sounds fun. If you do go to N.O., be sure to grab a meal at the Clover Grill, 900 Bourbon Street. Best goddam diner food I have ever had, freaking unbelievable hamburgers. Plus, all the employees are flamboyantly gay and trade witty flaming patter back and forth the entire time, including the following exchange: short order cook1: "So, how was your hamburger, dear?" customer: "Great!" s.o.c.1: "Johnny, he says he absolutley loves your meat." s.o.c.2: "Thanks, love, I think you're special too . . . just like everybody else." Then they burst into gay disco songs. FYI: I am currently waiting on the email address for Diana from Steve TGA (although I think he has a crush on her [I'm cuter though!]). almost done with work here, now I must figure out what to do tonight. Unpack, put away laundry from last week, maybe clean up a bit.

Christ.... Czarina's illness kinda makes me feel okay I missed out.... But I have always wanted to do New Orleans.... Shit. Not even gonna divulge my opinions on Long Distance thangs as they've always been wretched....just watch yo ass, chief....

You know it, bud. I'm too old and scarred up to fall into that trap again . . . I will add that if we everdo organize a sorabji-fest, New Orleans is my first choice.

what about Austin?

Maybe. You are living there soon, doesn't Droopy live there too?

the droopster is in Ft Worth i thought.

droopster?

dave.ster?

droopy is in ft. worth. i hope to get up there to see him before the year's end. did i happen to mention that i'm going crazy? i am. it's these goddamn motherfucking hormones driving me insane. i have an appointment with the gyno on monday. people: i am going on THE PILL. I GIVE UP I CAN'T TAKE THIS SHIT ANYMORE.

yeah, the pill won't make you any more whack. speaking of such, these prescribed sleeping pills ... i don't know what to think of them. they lay an edge on me that i can't explain. and the dreams. shit. I LIT MY PANTS ON FIRE. i think i've slipped this time. i really do.

what are you confused about dave?

gothstar

suffixizing namerinos, dudester.

thats funny. touch me im sick

take a napster.

"droopy is in ft. worth. i hope to get up there to see him before the year's end. " Jeez, and what am I sarah, chopped liver? Sigh... I get no respect around here. Oh, and I vote for Austin. I't just a 3 hour drive for me, and a bitchin' town. How about we all meet at Threadgills? I can show ya'll the place where I shared butt prints with Lyle Lovett.

Would you make Antigone... Antigonester or Antister?

I'd just make a lovely lampshade from Antigone.

I'd stuff him and have him mounted up, like a big ol' grizzly bear, his mouth wide in a snarl of fury.

From whence hast come all this agnostic antagonism for my person?

I think it's more affectionate antigonism.

Well then bring on the affectionate aggrandizement!

My Mum wants to be stuffed and mounted. She keeps threating that she'll write it into her will, and make it a condition of inheriting - she has to be over the mantleplace.

If I'm lucky enough to outlive my s/o,I want him stuffed and holding an ashtray,so he will be as usefull in death as in life,I love your mom Moonit.

I just spat oj over my keyboard. I'm going to suggest that to my mum. Thanks J

You're in fine form today, J.

hah! i watched some show at some point somewhere (i dont remember. witty cover up) about this guy who was all covered in tattoos, and when he died, he had his son skin him, and now all the tattoos are hanging over the mantel. that ruled.

thats absolutely sick kalli, what the hell?

What an heirloom. Has anyone checked out www.finalcurtain.com? It's a prank on a theme-park style graveyard. One guy wanted to be cremated and then have his ashes perpetually spinning in a blender.

you know how dead skin gets me hot.

there's a tattoo museum, in amsterdam maybe? they have old sailor tattoos in jars. they also have an arm. a shrivelly 'ol arm w/ tattoos.

speaking of which, have you guys seen this yet? http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1025663&a=9169156&p=47176049