Fire Island 2005, Episode VI -

Dan and I made a return to the Pines after a three-week stay from the "The Island." I got there late Friday night as I stayed in the city for a fun Queer Eye party Friday afternoon. My football league and I will be featured on a episode of QE next season - more on that as it approaches.

It was hot as hell in our house Friday night. Sans AC, I opted to sleep on the roof. While there were some sprinkles around 1:30, it was an amazing way to spend the night. On the horizon over the ocean was an incredible display of dancing sheet lightning. It lit up the clouds for over an hour as I dozed off.

Derek Hartley and his bf, Sean, were out with us this weekend. They were great to have around. Very relaxed and easy-going. They got in later than I did on Friday night and kept me company on the roof until I had passed out.

The sun awoke me Saturday morning; it was both bright and hot. I swear I got most of my tan that day before 8:45am. I made raspberry and pecan pancakes for the house; and they were damn good. The little secret I've discovered: mix some oatmeal with the pancake mix and use a touch of orange juice. Just trust me.

Saturday was incredibly relaxing. There was no volleyball being played on the beach in front of our house, so I opted to play hearts with Derek, Sean and Dan, write a preview to the 2005 fantasy football season, and take a nap on the beach in the late afternoon. We headed to a cocktail party in the evening, but I could have skipped it. Whether they're in the city or on the island, these parties are all the same: the same music, the same alcohol, the same people all doing the same things (cruising, chatting, hooking up). I can take them or leave them; I usually do the latter, but from time to time I opt for the former.

Saturday night was a great four-course meal prepared by one of our housemates. I was dead-tired and hit the sack before anyone else in the house (though I didn't manage to actually get to sleep until about 2am).

Sunday was nearly sabotaged by a migraine. It came on around 2pm as I was sitting on the beach. Luckily, I've gotten into a strong routine that minimizes the pain they inflict: I take two Advil Migraine, start rubbing my upper left shoulder and neck, and take a hot shower until the aura goes away. On Sunday, knock on wood, this prevented almost all of the pain. I was lucky.

I headed home on the 3:55pm ferry with Derek and Sean and had a great ride home with them.

It was a strange weekend in that it was totally relaxing and enjoyable. Yet, for some reason, I was tired and didn't feel well the whole weekend. I came home feeling more tired than when I went. Some good sleep this week should cure that.