I smell like a wet dog.

And I have enough dog hair on me to be mistaken for a dalmation. That's right, just got back from the dog wash with Trek. To say he is shedding his winter coat would be the understatement of the century. Today I decided Trek will no longer be going to the groomer. There is no need. I can take him to the dog wash and have him in and out in an hour. The lady helps me wash him, actually clips his nails to where they aren't clickty-clacking on the sidewalk (like they should be), she can perform the once a month "cleaning" (I'll spare the non-dog owners here), and I get to be there to make the whole process less stressful. Bonus, Trek loves her. Bigger bonus, it is half the price. Okay, that was today's epiphany. Moving on... I have really been slacking on the blogging, yet again. From all the comments and e-mails in my absence, I gather you actually miss me. Awww, thanks! I feel like I should have some awesome post after all this time. Don't get excited because...well... I don't. Let's see... Enquiring minds want to know about the guy I met online. Recap, our first few dates were amazing. Then I began to notice he talks, A LOT. To the point where since my body language and lack of response were missed, I'd just lay my head down. He'd keep talking. When I told him I wasn't really having a good time hanging out, it developed into this awkward conversation. Give him a chance, he still wants to hang out, blah, blah, blah, blah. This is the point where any normal person would have ended things. But nooooo, not Brea. Brea was too much enjoying the physical intimacy. Then during one of his late night ramblings he mentioned something about not wanting to break my heart. Whaaaaaaaaaat?! My heart? Who does this guy think he is? Yes, he's super cute. Yes, he's a nice guy. But come on! My heart?! That's when we stopped talking. Then after weeks of not talking or seeing him, the lack of closure began to irritate me. I have this need for closure. I need that last conversation, even if it is just to say we're done. So that's where I am right now, irritated that I missed my chance for closure. Oh, and lesson learned, hands off. Physical intimacy somehow turns off my brain. I have been actively searching for a creative community to belong to. I haven't found it yet, but the search has been fun. I attended an open mic night and discovered these guys:They are a local group called Righteous Soul. Very talented, positive message. I'm discovering the art scene in Baltimore is very small and at times clickish - it's irritating. I'm not giving up though, there has to be an open art group in this city where I will feel connected and comfortable. My search has taken me all over the city to places I've never been. Cool. My party animal has been put to rest. I over did it winter break which spilled into my spring semester. And let me tell you, playing catch up was no fun. But this night out with my co-workers was...Focus. I'm done, really. By now, the week after spring break, I'm done. I found a new paddling buddy for the 2006 season. Introducing...Chris! This pic was taken after he'd finished the Sam Adams around the world tour and I a bottle of wine. Good times. No wonder he's my new paddling buddy, he can drink like a sailor. Straight shots of Old Grandad after his beer tour. Yuck! I've also been touring rehabs in the city. Baltimore is undergoing a huge effort to rehabilitate abandoned/unkept housing and revitalize city neighborhoods. While on the surface the effort seems great, there is another side to it. Here is an example: This is a home I toured this weekend. They did an excellent job, the home is gorgeous. This home is now selling for over $335,000. Fine. Here is where I see the problem. These rehab projects start with abandoned housing. Then developers start to buy occupied housing. Effectively, pushing poor people out of their homes. Landlords no longer want to deal with tenants when they can rehab and sell their property for a huge profit. There should be a balance of affordable housing for displaced residents, but there isn't. I'm no expert in urban development, but something has got to give. Well, that about covers it. Sad isn't it? Even Trek has fallen asleep. Well I need a shower. I'm not dead, thanks for checking in on me. I think I may be blogging more, but don't hold me to it.