So things started well...

Friday night I went to see a band named Helmet with some peeps. Helmet was a pretty popular "metal" band in the 90s. Not metal like Metallica. More like Fugazzi. It was interesting to learn that only the lead singer is an original member. Apparently their only area shows were on LI and somewhere in NJ which explains why this place was packed out. The show was great. The guys played tight so the songs were pretty spot on. Drummer and bassist were amazing. During the break I went to the bar to get a round of drinks (mostly waters hah) and someone calls my name. I turn around and it's 2 guys I haven't seen in 10+ years. They are step brothers. One of them looks great and the other one is pretty banged up. We chat for a while and all the banged up brother does is talk about the past. I felt bad for him. He moved to AZ and sold drugs for awhile. Got locked up a few times and now he's back in NY. Supposedly there is a National Geographic documentary about him and his friends called "Raving Arizona." I haven't watched it yet. We talk about the rest of the group... some have died, some are in jail, others are MIA. Eventually the music starts again, we ask a random to take a picture of us, and I head back to my group. Banged up brother heads back to the bar. Glad that's not my life anymore. The second half of the show had a few songs that I didn't know so we spent some time people watching the 300-400 that had gathered in the place. This was an eclectic group of characters. Some were stuck in the grunge 90's with flannels tied around their waist and jean jackets. There were lots of bearded folk with black rimmed glasses and tats as well as a few pin up girls in polka dot dresses. Lots of bald heads hah and a few who had gone gray. Most were around my age although there were a few groups of teenagers (it was an 18+ show). Regardless it seemed like at least half the crowd actually knew the songs and sung along (which I love). I'm really glad we went.

Saturday was spent lounging around the house. I had some people over and we went in the pool. This may have been the last weekend with 80 degree weather this year booo. Saturday night was Addicts in Adventureland! Games, bumper cars and yoga pants galore! There were also a lot of strollers hah. Adam and John with kids in tow. It was a sight to behold. To top it all off Rob is back from California so afterwards we went for food and spent time catching up. I got home around 4 in the morning and was riding a pink cloud. Then I made the mistake that ruined my night.

I went on Facebook to look at the Adventureland pictures that people had posted of the night and at some point I searched for my ex. Believe me when I tell you that, for my own sanity, I try not to do this more than once every two weeks. My cheating, the first break up, the next few go arounds, and the very end are all in previous posts if you just stumbled upon this and are looking for background info. Anyway she put up a new picture. She looks happy. At first I think, "Good for her. So am I"... and then I saw the ring. She's wearing a diamond ring. I almost threw up in my bed. My stomach went crazy and I spent the next 2 hours in the bathroom. Meh. I finally fell asleep only to wake up early having to repeat the process. Sunday was literally a shit show! I was exhausted from a lack of sleep and I didn't eat a thing all day. Thankfully I spent time with a friend that afternoon and she cheered me up. After she left I planned to go to bed early, but John came over around 9 to pick up juice. Shortly thereafter Robby showed up. (I'm not sure how I feel about these unannounced visitors hah). Since they were both there I told them what I did and how it affected me. They could relate. Apparently I'm not the only one who has done this with ill effects. I don't really know why I do it. It makes no sense to do it. Anyway, I guess one of us had to get engaged eventually. I'm actually really surprised that it happened so soon. I would have preferred it was me first hah, but I'm happy for her.

My belly still isn't right today, but I am able to smile. Thank God for the people in my life. All I have to do is remember the guy I ran into at the show on Friday. He reminds me that my life doesn't have to be this good. I'm grateful that it is... most of the time. Sigh.