on pirate satellite

Briefly chatted with J (yes, that J) for the first time in months today. He told me that he was sitting right next to my friend, Theresa, and I pleaded with him not to tell her that we were speaking, lest she cancel our dinner plans tonight. (I kid; I will probably tell her about our chat during our first glass of wine.)

Yes, he is still with the girl.

Our road trip was already seven or eight months ago. Time flies when you're not speaking.

I wish him well.

Tonight brings dinner with Theresa, obviously. I'll be traveling into Manhattan City for wood-fired pizza, because apparently she and I can never eat anywhere except this same ol' place 'cause, um, it's yummy. The wine is cheap. It's close to the train. It's our place.

Theresa unfortunately won't be attending my potluck on the 30th, but I already have confirmations from KM, Scarny, Josh, my brother, and Paul. (I think? Unless he decides to skip town.) My co-workers are iffy. My brother will probably bring Monique and KM may bring Nicky and another new friend. Porkchop and Colleen are supposedly in-it-to-win-it, but I recently learned they'll be moving the next day into an apartment on KM & Josh's block.

Block parties all the time! I like the idea.

Tell me what I should make for this soiree, please. I'm leaning toward a pumpernickel bread bowl of some kind, stuffed with a spicy cheese spread? Or perhaps an artichoke and spinach dip? Potato and green olive salad? I may make an impressive savory tart a la Caddy. I may make a praline cheesecake. I may make the old stand-by couscous salad. I may make gooey butter cookies and a three-layered vegan chocolate Black Forest cake and a rosemary and feta lasagna.

I could go all Southern on everyone's ass and make pimento cheese finger sandwiches and Krispy Kreme bread pudding.

Josh promises lobsters stuffed with tacos.

"Suedehead" plays now. It was enough to bring that ex-boyfriend to tears, I remember. So many years ago.

I listened to "This is Radio Clash" on the train this morning and it took all I had in me to keep from dancing with a stupid grin on my face.