Tuesday, March 28, 2006

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.

Heads Turned for: "I smell like a wet dog."

 

Blogger Friar Tuck said ... (6:58 PM) : 

A number of thoughts:

@the dating thing--you always seem to have someone on the line dont ya!

@the rehab houses--the way urban development works, if you look at older cities (like the recent riots in Paris for example) is that when inner cities are rehabed then inner suburbs become places where more affordable housing develops--places where housing is a little less nice than outer rim suburbs. Then low income housing keeps moving out until the urban areas get run down again and the whole cycle starts again.

So...in 20-40 years the "inner city" will be in the suburbs and the suburbs in the inner city.

 

Blogger Cherise said ... (11:29 PM) : 

Glad to see your up and blogging again.. missed ya! I felt the same way about lack of culture in Vegas.. I hated it! That is one of the reasons WHY I needed to come back to Cali...

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (12:47 AM) : 

It looks like you have done a lot over the time you haven't been online :)

 

Blogger Miz JJ said ... (9:41 AM) : 

Glad to see your back. How long have you been paddling? I use to row in university.

 

Blogger Chinonye O. aka SincereCaramel said ... (1:10 PM) : 

You should, I missed you! That same urban-rejuvenation thing is going on here in Tallahassee Florida. Sad thing. Let's see, I just went canoeing for the first time two weekends ago! I kinda paddled :)

 

Blogger Jeni Angel said ... (1:30 PM) : 

Woo Hoo!

Thanks for the update!

Sounds like a fun and busy life-which is always good.

well, except for boring talks-a-lot guy. That's OK. NEXT!

 

Blogger The Sarccastik Variable Why said ... (2:44 PM) : 

i wished i had the money back then to buy homes..i would've and been ballin'....they're buying old homes here...putting new siding on them and calling them bungalows...starting at $220..w/ no garage...

 

Blogger Waddie G. said ... (2:51 PM) : 

I know you got a lot going on, but I'm glad to see you back...keep them heads turning!!!

 

Blogger Drea Inspired said ... (8:46 PM) : 

I have that same need for closure, but my problem is that I can never make that last conversation what it needs to be. I always end up letting things drag on and then I feel bad for ignoring the calls when I know that something needs to be said...I need to explain.

Don't worry about the slackin', I don't know how many times I've quit and come back!

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (7:26 AM) : 

welcome back!!!

take your time, girl... as long as you have fun in your real life, that's the most important part :)

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (11:34 AM) : 

Hmmm... Usound content though. Good on ya!

 

Blogger Hasan Mubarak said ... (12:29 PM) : 

It's so nice to have you back Brea...

And now, you can see me in the display pic too!

 

Blogger Stephen A. Bess said ... (2:53 PM) : 

Hello stranger! Have a great weekend! :)

 

Blogger Rose said ... (9:50 PM) : 

Hey Brea:
Welcome back. That was a great update. Glad to see that you and Trek are still Trekking along.

 

Blogger Unknown said ... (2:35 AM) : 

Good to see that you're back!

The adventures of dating continues. :)

The house does look nice, they did a good job.

 

Blogger kathi said ... (11:00 AM) : 

I played the video of Trek singing, LOVED IT. One of my dogs sings to any form of classic/opera. I play Andrea Bocelli and he just sings for an hour. So fun.
Sounds like you're livin life darlin, good for you. Enjoy :)

 

Blogger princessdominique said ... (2:40 PM) : 

Just listening to your grooming story and the clicky clack you make me miss having a dog. Currently I'm a 2 cat girl. I'm with your on the arts. Still trying to find something going on on a regular.

 

Blogger Brotha Buck said ... (11:34 PM) : 

lol, I thought women liked talkers, it's usually the other way around!

 

Blogger Chinonye O. aka SincereCaramel said ... (10:03 PM) : 

thanks for the words love...I needed it

 

Blogger Brea said ... (11:40 PM) : 

Friar Tuck:
Having someone on the line is not as much fun as having the right one. I'm already tired of dating!

Reesie Cup:
Awww, thanks! I'd love to move somewhere new...I'll be in Cali this summer visiting family, maybe I'll get some culture then!

Kat:
Somewhat.... Not as much as I'd like.

Miz JJ:
I've been paddling for about 4 years. I've never tried rowing but have always wanted to.

SincereCaramel:
Canoeing is fun - I haven't been in years! I only kayak now.

Jeni Angel:
Yes, NEXT!!! Lol!

Khalli88:
Thanks.

Sarccastik:
Yeah, there are a lot of people making some serious money.

ProfessorGQ:
Thanks!

NellaBella:
Will do.

Brownsoul:
Yeah, I always have this need to "make things work" or not hurt anyone's feelings. It's annoying.

'Ka:
Thanks!

Crude:
Getting there....

Hasan Mubarak:
Nice pic.

Stephen Bess:
You too!

Rose:
We sure are!

Stunner:
Ah yes, adventures in dating. I'm tired of this adventure already!

Kathi:
Isn't he cute?!

Princess Dominique:
The search can be discouraging at times.

Brotha Buck:
Not this woman anyway...

SincereCaramel:
Anytime, I'm sure you'll return the goodwill and encourage me when I need it.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (4:23 PM) : 

I always wanted to visit Baltimore.. sounds like such a beautiful city. Very historic, the bay and crabs... I would love to see the aquarium!

 

Blogger Brea said ... (4:31 PM) : 

Tu s. Tin:
You should visit, the crabs alone are worth the trip.

 

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