magicbeans. nothing if not awkward.

My party was just about the worst party ever. But I'll get to that.

I spent the afternoon waiting for Cybèle and George to arrive in the city. I had no real idea of either's time-frame. Chris spent this time trying (unsuccessfully) to fix his hot water heater, and so we didn't get our customary Saturday brunch at Life.

I cleaned. I had an espresso. Bought chips for the guacamole that I would make with the avocados from yesterday's shopping. Hummous and pitas. A vegan ice cream sandwich, which I ate. I rearranged the furniture. Hooked the TV up to the cable jack, allowing closed circuit access to the camera in the building's buzzer.

Cybèle's bus got in about 6. Still no word from George, but I decided that since I hadn't had brunch that it made the most sense to go into Manhattan for a good meal before the party. After much weekend subway confusion, Chris and Cybèle and I all met up at Tiengarden around 8. Paolo called to ask what time the party would be starting.

After dinner, Chris and Cybèle headed to a party in Queens, to make an appearance, and to return to mine later. I headed home.

I made the guacamole. Sliced up a lime. It was nearing 10 by this point, and while this is still somewhat early on party time, I was starting to worry that my party might very well flop.

Paolo did eventually stop by. 'Since someone else is here, and I won't be drinking along, I think it's time to make myself a martini.' After a little bit Chris called. He and Cybèle had had a terrible time getting to Queens. Almost all the train lines are running on adjusted routes/schedules this weekend (or not running at all). Paolo received some calls from his roommates, who were at Union Pool, a bar in Williamsburg, and asked if maybe I wanted to head over there. 'Well, I'm going to give it until the end of my third martini, if no one else shows up by then, we can take off.'

And that was pretty much it for the party. I really appreciate the fact that Paolo did show up, and it was nice talking with him, but it was hardly a party. After the bar, where a number of kids did wish me a happy birthday, even if they didn't come to my party, and where Chris and Cybèle eventually met up with us after an hour long train ride back from Queens, the two of them came back to my place. But Chris was drunk, and I was drunk, and we ended up fighting.