So my boss saw how tired I was and took pity on me - he took me out to lunch. Nice gesture and good food, but I wasn't really relishing the thought of spending an hour or more mono-a-mono with him. The thing is, I'm a pretty outgoing guy. If I like you and can engage you in conversation, I can connect with just about anyone. But I've always thought that my boss is a little intimidating. I am just never "on" when I'm around him. The normal Mike-magic that impresses the ladies and makes the guys jealous (ok...so I'm a little vain!) just isn't there around the bossman. So we're sitting at lunch and he's going on and on about some useless topic or another and a realization hit me. Its not that he's intimidating - its not that I can't be me around him. I realized that I have never been interested in a single thing he's ever said. My laziness takes that a step further and makes me not want to waste my outward personality on the guy - what's the point? In some very weird ways, I feel like a weight has been lifted off me. Once you realize that a person does not intimidate you, their power over you decreases. My boss is one of those guys that likes to take *everything* seriously. Screw him. He may be the boss, but its MY job - I'm calling the shots now.

Well they're calling for snow here in Baltimore - anywhere from 5" to 27 feet. I hate being "one of those people" but I really don't have any milk, bread or eggs (or porn) in the apartment and the last thing I'll want to do if we have half a foot of snow is fight all the other bozos to the store, so I think I'll brive the crowds after work....

The snow may throw a kink into the New Year's eve plans. Roomie #1 worked a deal with a friend of ours who owns a bar in Canton. $75 for a dinner buffett and all you can drink - no closing time. I rented a tux and my entire group of friends is going black tie. I love wearing a tux. I got a dark navy vest and tie - I'm gonna look incredible.

My friend Julia is coming in from out of town. Jul and I have a minor history. We lived next doo to eachother senior year and were good friends - until we graduated. A few months later we hooked up and there's been this wierd (sexual) tension thing going on ever since. The last time I saw here, we were both plastered and started to kiss, but then (I'm ashamed to admit) we both passed out. So Jul's coming for New Years and we've been chatting over email. Her last message before she went to spend the holiday with her family ended "Don't worry, I'll see you soon enough..."

I think she did that on purpose. Well, I'll say this, this weekend won't be boring.

OK folk, as always thanks for stopping by. Regardless of whether you're painting the town red or staying home and painting your nails, I hope everyone has a happy, fun, and safe New Year's.

Happy 2K1 -

Mike