Hustlin? Not me, YET, anyway!

(Melanie and I at Jack and Jills)

There is this thing that happens when someone is so relaxed around you and so positive that they bring out the best in you and you start to radiate your own self generated happiness. You start to smile so much it hurts (SSMIH) and laugh so hard that you pee a little (LSHIPAL). You also start to get interested in new things, especially those things that seem to bring little kid joy to the person who seems to be able to make you giggle (and wiggle). Its all a process of understanding, both who they are as well as who you are. In that process you find a bit more of the self that you forgot was there, and you begin to take those pieces and run with them, like it was a 73YD touchdown in a bowl game.




The past few weeks I have been finding myself not only working out, but working hard at learning the game of pool, something I always found so difficult, that I would walk away from it more often than not. On a recent trip to AR to see that HBG (Hill Billy Guru), a more than decent pool player, I was intrigued by his coaching and how changing a few little things about the way I approached the game would make it so much less frustrating. I have played almost every day since. I am starting to love this game as much as I do my bike and looking at it in a similar manner, practice makes perfect, but only if its perfect practice. (hustlin? maybe soon, lol)


A note to the HBG, you have opened a can of worms and oh baby are you in for some competition next time I see you! (giggle)


So where have I been playing?


Jack and Jills, Brewster, NY (FM rating 12++) This place is a throwback, and the food is outrageously good!!! Play is by the hour. It's a tremendously friendly place!


Tom and Jerry's, Brewster, NY (FM rating 8.5) This is a great little pub on the outskirts of town. It even has a few craft beers on tap. Bar sized table that is great to play on when it's not busy, but when the regulars are there it can be a wait for a game. Its great if you are learning as you can get yourself into a competitive situation with random players, but it can be kinda intimidating to a newcomer.

Laboring over? (...which dress and boots to buy and what beer to drink)

I was Saratoga bound on Labor Day weekend. It finally felt so right and so normal. I had the bike in the car, the school work just in case, the clothes for every possible equation, a breakfast date with my Coici, and a picture of the H.B.G. to explain my latest thoughts to my friends. I even had $$ to spend on clothes (and one very fabulous pair of damn sexy and YES I love the SOUTH cowboy boots!!!).

My weekend started off in MACY's, dress shopping. I found three fabulous dresses, two I bought and the Lauren, it was 175. and warranted an OH, HELL NO despite looking incredible on. I made my way to Pete's for pizza. Going to Pete's is always a great thing. We have been friends for nearly 40 years yet at times it feels like he is still the chivalrous kid fending off the bullies on the playground.

I made my way to my mom's where we promptly went out to Nanola for a beer. Yes, my mom was sitting there enjoying the music and sipping a pilsner. We had a BLAST!!! The next day I started on the bike, then went to meet Alison and I went over to check out her new boat then for a light dinner and a hunt for boots. Sunday, I engaged in a hill ride, then an eventful breakfast and shopping with Coici judi and YES we discussed the H.G.B.  and found that Lauren dress for $46. !!! This was followed by a intimate Lucchese session at Saratoga Saddlery and a walk to get the dreamy Dan Post boots that I found the day before. OMG I was thinking about how incredible I would look getting off that plane in Memphis in three weeks!!!

My weekend ended at Alison and Rich's place and the nitty gritty details of my trip south. Lets just say that by the end of the night, thanks to Alison,  the H.B.G. will live on in glory!

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Just spent another weekend up there so I thought I would combine posts since they are only 2 weeks apart. This past weekend, I spent time running a 5K (insane Inflatable) and the bike with Alison (around Saratoga Lake) and a tremendous hike with Jon. I also trekked down to Hudson for Justin's gallery opening. I have to say, this was a surreal experience as the soon to be ex and I arrived separately. We have been talking a lot lately about the collapse, and there is absolutely no hope. This means arriving at the gallery was a bit awkward and dinner was even more so. It hurts, a lot, to know that he did nothing!

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The places I visited Labor Day:
Nanola - (FM rating 9.5) decent beer list, good food, great bands.

Druther's Brewing Company (FM rating 9) Decent Beer and food in an upbeat atmosphere.

Sutton Market and Cafe  (FM rating 9) A bit pricy but breakfast was good! Right near all the outlets if you are so inclined (I am not unless its with Coici Judi)

Jill's Wondering Cowboys (FM rating 8.5) Eclectic selection of western ware. THIS IS WHERE I GOT MY BOOTS!!!

Saratoga Saddlery - (FM rating 7) pricy but great selection of Lucchese boots.

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Places I visited last weekend:

The Factory (FM rating 9) great food decent beer list

Asion Fusion (FM rating 5) Food was ok, service was not great. There are much better places in this hip college town.