spring break

I've done a horrible job of reporting back the days of spring break. Actually, I haven't reported back since day 1. Let's see if I can remember basically what happened by days. Also, keep in mind that the Golden Girls were a constant when we were in Erie.




Day 2: We traveled on to Columbus, Ohio to meet Jen's family and see her little brother, Greg, compete in a grappling tournament. He entered himself, after he extensively trained himself, and guess what! He took home the gold! (Well, the silver, actually, but after emailing the boss and the first place winner being deservedly disqualified, Greg was told that he was in first place.)

I recorded the event, but due to unfortunate data-loss, I won't be able to edit the video and impress Jen's 'rents. I should have used another tape instead of recording over the jujitsu matches, but I was hasty, so I didn't do that. Very sad, indeed.

I met Valerie, Greg's girlfriend, and she was, true to Jen's description, very cool. She and Greg engaged in a lot of affection, but Jen and I were polite enough not to even hold hands. That might have been culture-shock (or something) for her parents, because, after all, they've only had 6 years to get used to the fact that Jen is gay, lesbian, and queer. Jen's mom warned her, prior to the trip, to not be "all over each other," explaining that these things take time to get used to. (This time may be infinite, in our case.)

We met Matt, Greg's gay roommate, and we scoured the conference center for free stuff with him. We got Militia's autograph, and since Jen told me he had been in gay porn, I freely told him that we saw his videos. He quickly dismissed my comment with, "Oh, cool. How do you spell your name?" He did not want to talk about it, obviously.

We stayed the night in a hotel room with the 'rents, and Greg and Val. It wasn't nearly as awkward as I had imagined.


Day 3:
The girls went to eat at Johnny Rockets, then went window shopping at Easton, a huge mall that is both indoor and outdoor. The boys met us after taking full inventory of a bike-shop.

The parents headed back to Erie. We did some shopping. After several hours, we found an above-suitable souvenir, and an Ohio State hat for me. Panera. We had a quick hang-out in the dorm, and said goodbye. Then, we headed back.


Day 4: Waking up in Erie, watching Golden Girls. Reading a story.

We went to a casino and hotel in Niagra Falls, NY. Seneca/Niagra. I ate steak and eggs at dinner, which were spectacular, and we headed to the Dionne Warwick concert. We were in the front row, and Dionne was...something else! She smiled at us, and we smiled back.

The casino/hotel was completely carpeted on the lobby floor, and you could light a cigarette anywhere!

The 'rents left for Erie, which was only about 2 hours away.

Story reading in a steamy bathroom.

Jen's mom gave us money to gamble with, and we did. It was fun and we had good luck several times, but were determined to spend the full $20!

Sleep, but not until after sheet-wrestling.


Day 5: Left the hotel.

We ate at an Olive Garden in Buffalo, served by Steve, who made idle talk with us, and despite our initial wait for drinks, we enjoyed very much. (I think I speak for both of us.) Got a to-go coffee!

Again to window shop in the Galleria in Buffalo. After window shopping a shoe store for Pumas, I bought 2 pairs of shoes and 2 shirts at Steve & Barry's, which cost me about $35. NICE.

Back on the road, with some bad weather, but not too much. Arrived in Erie at about 6:30, and went to eat at Max & Erma's, of which I had never been. Yum. Soup, salad, and hot tea.


Days 6 and 7 were spent in Erie, full of Golden Girls, poll-watching, story-telling, Boston's and Eatin' Park. Also, I tried, maybe too hard, to make conversation with Jen's dad, but I did make him smile every now and then. Electronics talk is fun for me, and hopefully, he enjoyed giving me his 2 cents about stuff.

Met Kumal! Love that guy too much for words.

Side note: Jen's dad blow-dries his hair, and also works out for hours every day. These are both his anti-drug, I feel sure.


Day 8: Drove to my hometown. Had Norwegian pancakes with Pop and stepmom for dinner. Got to hang with my brother and Stevo for the night. Read stories and...BAM BAM & CELESTE! Got Hardee's breakfast at 3am.


Day 9: Brotherboy left, and Stevo hung out. Breakfast: scrambled eggs with Don Juan. We watched a rather disturbing film called Sugar.

Linner: Velveeta Shells and Cheese.

Hung out with Brandeye, and enjoyed ourselves thoroughly on our quest to postpone homework.


Day 10: Norwegian pancakes for brunch with Pop. Seeing sickly Mom and Edi for a few minutes on the way out of town. Miss Mom so much sometimes, I could cry and go to sleep.

Driving, driving, driving.

Back to the dorms, quick visit with Neighbor girl, and then studying/watching Arrested Development. Wow is that show good.



I think that just about covers it!