It’s so quiet here at work. There are only about a dozen of us here on the second floor and we’re all pretty well spread out. Not much talking or movement, everyone’s just focused and calm. There is something to be said for work in the absence of management. I’ve gotten so much done in the last three days it’s just amazing. Without meetings and distractions my job is actually manageable — who knew?

The Weekend

We had a terrific time at Pride. Just fabulous. After getting off to a rough start in the rain Saturday morning, the sun came shining through and the energy at Piedmont Park just kept climbing. We took off shortly before 5 and joined Katie, Nicole and friends Patty and Crystal for grilled ribs and a dip in the hot tub (I never made it to the hot tub but everyone else did).

The next morning, we rolled off Katie and Nicole’s futon and headed out for a quick bite at the Georgia Diner and then hit the park for the main event. There were a bazillion people there and even though we missed the parade, most of the participants were winding their way along the footpaths heading for tent city so we still got quite an eyeful.

Michael’s friend Julie hooked us up with a tent to camp under and we had beer and snacks and soda and a huge vat of water to get us through the heat of the afternoon. Tanya brought the ever important ‘toilet bag’ for braving the port-o-johns all day. I swear that bag saved my life, cuz you know how often I go to the bathroom, ya’ll.

We partied and talked and watched and met a whole slew of people. Good times, good times.

The Gym Report–Month 1

One whole month. ONE WHOLE MONTH. I made it to the gym every morning without fail (except Sundays) for an entire month. That is something that has never, ever, ever happened before. ROCK!

I had a super 50-minute cardio workout on Saturday and a powerful upper body session this morning. Which should make up for the fact that I slacked off like the hung over idiot that I was during Monday morning’s cardio–but damn, ya’ll! I was there. No excuses!

I’ve also managed in that month’s time to take my vitamins, eat a good breakfast, drink at least 64 ounces of water and eat two to three fruits and vegetables every day. I’ve cut soda out almost completely and I find that the more water I drink, the less interested I am in the coffee every morning, so who knows, I may try to quit drinking that too.

The scale only indicates a loss of about 3.5 pounds for all of this, but that’s fine with me. My pants fit better, I’m walking taller and Tanya tells me I look firm and strong to her. Muscle weighs more than fat so as long as I keep at it I’m going to get to my goals. Besides, if I consistently lose 3.5 pounds a month for 12 months I’ll be almost to goal number one in a year, which ain’t too shabby.

Coming Up

We leave Friday morning for Kentucky to attend a wedding and hang with the fabulous Holland family.

Beyond that excursion we’ve got very few days left now before the big move to Clairmont Road. Tanya started packing big time yesterday since she’s got some time off at the moment. The apartment is taking on that trashed out, packed up, yucky look that apartments get at a time like this. I hate that. It feels nasty and messy. The walls look like shit without pictures hanging on them. It’s bleak. I’ll be so, so glad when it’s all over.

Tanya’s mother is planning to come help out with the move–painting and cleaning in the new place and generally lending us moral support. There’s a lot to do between now and then so if updates become short or infrequent, be patient with me.