Trip Epilogue

As I head out into the Florida rising sun to head back north, I find myself pensive and thoughtful. Being here in Florida among friends was exactly what I needed this week. In some ways, it became also what I was trying to avoid - even amongst the old friendships and good times were peppered stark and ever so harsh reminders of what I no longer have but still treasure so dearly.

I am at a crossroads - having been yanked unceremoniously from a happy dream and placed roughly at an intersection by unseen hands. Instead of choosing a path, I have been trying to climb back into a womb that I never knew, knowing what I need and want but dependent on others unable or unwilling to be a part of it. Story of my life.

The time will come when more unseen hands will let me know in no uncertain terms that I must choose a direction and get moving, but for now I sit at the branch in the road, looking forlornly back the way I came, knowing that path is the only one I cannot travel.

Today my choice is predetermined. My path takes me true north. Not to home, but towards home, and into the future.

In dreams you have no choices: either there are no decisions to be made, or they were made for you long before the dream ever began.

- Neil Gaiman

Day 9 - Last Day of Vacation

I didn't do squat today except sleep in and read. It was nice. Brian took us out to dinner in Titusville (over by where they launch the shuttle) at an authentic Florida eatery, where we dined on various different kinds of shellfish. We then drove through a nature preserve as the sun set, and saw a wild boar and various raccoons and 'possums. It was beautiful - the wildlife here is really something else, and Brian's knowledge of it makes for a really interesting tour.

Tomorrow morning early I head out, trying to hit my halfway point of Fayetteville, NC before I get too tired to push on. I should be home by Saturday night.

I want to thank Brian for hosting me, showing me a great time and driving everywhere, and to Mark for letting me use his bed while we was house-sitting. I had an incredible time, and really don't want to head home. I will certainly be back, whether to live or just visit remains to be seen...

Day 8 - Ladies Night

No way am I driving home tomorrow. Tonight, Brian and I went out tot the Ale House to celebrate what was to be my final night here, and it happened to be Ladies Night (ladies drink for free). There, we consumed copious amounts of alcohol and chatted with everyone we could, while I somehow refrained from stroking anyone's hair inappropriately. It was a great and mostly harmless time, but there's no way I will be in any shape for a 9 hour ride tomorrow. Mostly because Patti was there, bringing with her the inevitable shots of vodka.

So I plan on sleeping in (poor Brian has to get up early for work) and maybe chilling by the pool and writing a bit, perhaps heading out Friday morning.

I don't think that either Brian and I want to see me actually head back north any time soom, but I have to - if not just to plan or my inevitable permanent return.

Day 8 - The Gator Whisperer

After waking up quite late Brian took me out to Gatorland, where he used to work as an alligator wrestler. He was a wealth (a virtual cornucopia) of interesting information about reptiles, the Florida ecosystems, and the park itself - it was a fascinating trip. I never thought I'd have the capacity to learn so much in the condition I found myself in this morning.

Possibly the coolest moment of the trip was when Brian summoned about 10 alligators over to the bridge we were standing on by making a clucking noise - apparently despite their small brains they have been trained to eat.

Now we're just chilling at the apartment playing GTA, resting up for tonight's final outing before I head home tomorrow.

Day 7 - Ow, My Balls

Vague, hazy recollections of last night:

Awesome steak dinner at Cheesecake Factory with some gay martinis and mohitos...

Getting kicked out of the Blue Martini before we even got in because we were "under dressed"...

Sampling vodka shots at Gina's with Patti the bartender (this is where it gets fuzzy)...

Having fun watching the game with two UCF co-eds at the Ale House...

More vodka shots from Patti when she got to the Ale House...

Celtics win woo-hoo!

Talking Hunter Thompson with some bald dude...

Trying unsuccessfully to get Patti to dance with me...

Deep thoughts with Brian on the patio over a cigar...

Day 6 - I'm a Cheeseburger in Paradise

Not much to report about yesterday, I simply relaxed - read my book, sunned by the pool (now I'm even more spotty shades of red and white despite my best efforts to sun evenly), and ran a few errands. I hooked up the boys with a new wireless router which will significantly improve their Internet scene here in the apartment, and then I sat out on the patio and wrote during the afternoon thunderstorm. I was napping when Brian got home from work, and then we went out to the Ale House for a subdued dinner, came back and fell asleep watching Blades of Glory.

Boring to you perhaps, but paradise for me.

Today: more of the same. I love vacation.

Day 5 - The Pictures

Here are some pictures from our awesome Epcot visit. It's a wonder we don't look more shitfaced...

Drinking in England:



Chillin' in Africa:



Two brothers:



Obligatory Homo-eroticism:


Waiting for the fireworks:


The crew: