tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79393552815935705662024-03-05T02:54:34.545-06:00Xanakas Raising a RuckusI fancy myself a writer of m/m fiction. If that isn't your cup of tea, please leave now. No *hard* - uh, feelings.
;)Xara X. Xanakashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06460849874337564581noreply@blogger.comBlogger237125truetag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7939355281593570566.post-41214049222787081292014-02-14T07:00:00.000-06:002014-02-14T07:00:09.349-06:00An Update and a Free Valentine's Read<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I'm sorry it's been a while since I've been here. I'm trying to get better, but... </span><strike style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I'm just so lazy</strike><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><u style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">no more excuses.</u><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Thank you for visiting, even if I'm not the most punctual or loquacious of posters.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I truly don't deserve you, but I appreciate the hell out all of you. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What, you ask, have I been up to while I've been ignoring this blog? I've read a shit-ton of Sterek fanfics. And I've been playing in <a href="http://xaraxanakas.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">tumblr</a>. Not much of an accomplishment, huh? So let's look at some real progress, shall we?</span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">My Sandy Auction story was accepted by Less Than Three press, and it's in the editing phase now. It's set in the bar band world, and Razor and Marcos from </span><i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.lessthanthreepress.com/books/index.php?main_page=product_bookx_info&cPath=106_105&products_id=306" target="_blank">Razor's Cut</a></i><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.lessthanthreepress.com/books/index.php?main_page=product_bookx_info&cPath=106_105&products_id=306" target="_blank"> </a>make an appearance. Since it was part of a fundraiser, I plan to donate royalties from this story to charity.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I'm nearly 5k into a story I outlined during GRL. It's been slow going, but I think I've managed to wrench that part of my brain back from Sterekville. I've made more progress this week than I have in the last few months.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I've got an idea for a *gasp* Het Rom-Com story, based on a trip from hell my parents took in 1974. Obviously a few of their mishaps shouldn't happen today, so updating them to meet our digital age is just one of the hurdles. Another is creating new characters, so I'm not writing <i>that</i> about my parents. ~shudder~ ;)</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Piper and I have teamed up for a few stories.</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">First up, we're working </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">on a story in Less Than Three's </span><a href="http://www.lessthanthreepress.com/charity-call-project-fierce/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;" target="_blank">Project Fierce Chicago</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> anthology. Let's keep paying forward, yeah?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Next, we've outlined and started the next Clumsy Cupid book. Ty's going to get tell his story now. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And, finally, the reason for this posting, we revisited Fee and Ash to give you this free short, Body Art. </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You may have already seen this story on <a href="http://pipervaughn.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Piper's blog</a> or in her newsletter. If you have, I hope you enjoy it again. If it's new to you, have a little taste of Fee and Ash from <i><a href="http://www.lessthanthreepress.com/books/index.php?main_page=product_bookx_info&products_id=348" target="_blank">The Party Boy's Guide to Dating a Geek</a>. </i></span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">This short takes place between the last chapter and the epilogue. For those who haven't read it, there aren't really any spoilers for any of the major events that happen in </span><em style="line-height: 1.5em;">Party Boy</em><span style="line-height: 1.5em;">. (Let me know if you want a downloadable copy. I'll talk to </span><span style="line-height: 24px;">Piper</span><span style="line-height: 1.5em;"> about making it happen.)</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Body Art, by Piper Vaughn and Xara X. Xanakas</span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><3</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“Ash! Come on. The taxi’s here,” Fee called from the front door. He knew Ash had been packed for days, so he couldn’t imagine what was taking so long.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“I’m just doing one last check.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Fee groaned and walked back to Ash’s bedroom. Ash was standing near the bed, patting down his pockets as he looked around. Fee stood behind him and rubbed his hands down his arms.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“You’ve got everything. Let’s just go. We’re going to be late.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“What if I forgot something?” Ash chewed on his thumbnail as he glanced around the room.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“You didn’t forget anything when you first packed, or when you re-packed two days ago, or when you packed it again last night. And if you did forget something, no big deal.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ash whipped his head around. “What?”</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“Ash, it’s New York. I guarantee, if you forgot something, we’ll be able to get it there,” Fee said as he bent down to pick up Ash’s overnight bag. “Besides, it’s only three days. You’ll be fine.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“All right.” Ash sighed. “Let’s go then.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ash’s knee was bouncing all the way to the airport, shaking Fee’s leg next to him. Fee dropped a hand onto Ash’s thigh to help calm him down. “Are you okay?”</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“Fine. Why?”</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“Just checking.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ash kept staring out the window, watching the city waking up as they rode to the airport. Their flight was scheduled to leave at six-thirty in the morning.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“It’s too early,” Ash whined. “Why do we have to go so early?”</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“We want to make the most of the day, don’t we?”</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“Yeah, but there would still be a lot of day left if we left a couple of hours later.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“Trust me,” Fee said, leaning in to kiss Ash’s cheek. “I’ll get you a coffee after we get through security, okay?”</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ash dropped a hand to cover his stomach. “Ugh. Maybe when we get there. I can’t even think about caffeine right now.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“Ash, have you ever flown before?” That would explain a lot of Ash’s nervousness. His emotions had been all over the map, one minute snapping at Fee, the next curling in on himself.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“Of course I have,” Ash snapped again as the cab came to a stop at the curbside check-in counter. Fee paid the cabbie and led Ash inside. They had already checked in and printed their boarding passes, and all their bags were carry-ons, so they went straight for the security gates. “Holy crap, these lines are long,” Ash said.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“Don’t worry. They’ll go quick.” Fee nudged him forward to get in line. Ash kept tapping his foot as they waited. When they finally got near the bins, Fee kicked off his shoes and unpacked his laptop while Ash moved to the side to unlace his boots, remove his belt, and empty all his pockets. He stepped through the scanner, but he set it off and had to go back through. A couple of people behind them groaned, but Ash turned his pockets inside out and tried to go through again. It went off again, and he was pulled aside to be wanded. Fee went through without any trouble and collected all of their things. He waited at one of the benches inside Security for Ash to be cleared. The extra pat-down didn’t find anything, and Ash was finally let in. The extra security checks cost them a little bit of time, but they made it to their gate just as boarding was beginning.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When their group was called, Ash turned to Fee with wide eyes, and Fee squeezed the back of Ash’s neck.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“Hey, don’t worry. I’m here, okay?”</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ash nodded and took a deep breath and handed his boarding pass over.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“Have a nice trip, Mr. Byrne,” the ticket agent said.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“Uh, thanks,” Ash said. He took a few steps and waited for Fee to join him before they went into the jetway. The line of passengers moved a few groups at a time as people reached their rows and stopped to stow their bags in the overhead compartments. Finally, they were at their row.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“I’ll take the middle,” Fee said, nodding to signal Ash to take the window seat as he put up their bags.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“No, I’ll take the middle.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“You sure?”</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ash swallowed and glanced out the window before he sat down in the middle seat. “I’m sure.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“Okay.” Fee shrugged and scooted in to take his place. Ash was already gripping the armrests tight, and Fee’s fingers hurt just watching him. He put his hand on Ash’s and tried to pry his fingers free. “Hey, are you sure you’re okay?”</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ash bit his lips and nodded. “Fine. I’m fine.” The baggage door slammed shut underneath them, and Ash jumped.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“Sure, you’re fine.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“Sorry if we’re not all world travelers,” Ash huffed and crossed his arms over his chest.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“Hey, I’m not judging.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“No, of course not. You’d never do that,” Ash drawled.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Fee let out a breath and counted to ten. Ash’s jaw was clenched tight, and his leg was bouncing again. Soon enough the doors were closed and they pushed away from the gate. Ash’s hands went back to the armrests, and he had his eyes squeezed shut. They rolled down the runway, and Fee put his hand on Ash’s forearm as he leaned closer.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“Ash, it’s going to be fine. This is a simple hop. Two hours is nothing, right?” The plane slowed as they got into position for take off. Ash’s breathing got shallow when the plane started moving again. “Ash, look at me,” Fee said, putting a finger under his chin to turn his face to look at him. “It’s going to be fine,” he said again. He leaned in to kiss Ash, and Ash ran his fingers through Fee’s hair, grasping tightly when the plane lifted off the ground.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ash kept his grip on Fee until after the plane leveled out and the flight attendant announced it was safe to use approved electronic devices.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Fee pulled back and smiled. “See? We’re airborne now.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ash nodded and took a deep breath. “Airborne’s good, right?”</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“Yeah, airborne’s very good. How else can we join the Mile High Club?” Fee asked with a wink as the plane hit a patch of turbulence. Ash’s hands flew back to the arm rests, and Fee pulled one hand closer and wrapped it in both of his. “How about we just sit here for a bit?”</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“Sitting’s good,” Ash said quickly when the plane bounced again.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“Sitting’s great, as long as I’m near you.” Fee smiled and leaned in for another kiss.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ash laughed. “God, that was cheesy.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“What can I say? You bring it out in me.” They spent the rest of the flight joking with each other and planning their weekend. When the doors opened, Fee could see Ash finally let go of the tension he’d been carrying in his shoulders.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The line at the cab stand was even longer than the security line at O’Hare, but it moved quicker. Fee had booked a boutique hotel near the Museum of Modern Art. He had been emailing the concierge during the week, planning a few surprises for Ash. He texted the man to let him know they were on their way by cab, giving him an estimated arrival time based on the cabbie’s guess. The ride to the hotel took about forty-five minutes with traffic, but Fee didn’t care. Ash was like a kid, moving between both windows, taking everything in.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“Thank you,” Ash said as the cab slowed in front of the hotel.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"<span style="line-height: 1.5em;">For what?”</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"<span style="line-height: 1.5em;">This.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Fee smiled and checked his watch. They were right on time, and the concierge had texted to let him know that their check-in was already taken care of.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“Mr. Navarro?” a man in a suit asked as Ash got out of the cab. Ash shook his head and signaled over his shoulder to where Fee was paying the driver. Fee smiled, came over, and shook his hand. “Mr. Navarro, I’m Gus. It’s a pleasure to meet you in person.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“Please, call me Fee. And this is Ash.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“Gentlemen, I have your room ready, and Ernie will take your bags up for you. Just come down and see me whenever you’re ready to go to the museum.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“Thank you, Gus.” Fee smiled and slipped him a twenty. They followed Ernie up to their room and waited as he set their bags down and pointed out the mini bar, thermostat, and light switches. Fee tipped him, and Ash collapsed on the bed after Ernie left.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“Nap time,” he said.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“Don’t you want to go get some lunch before the museum?”</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“Go on without me. Save yourself,” Ash said as he hugged a pillow tight.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Fee unpacked their bags, setting out their toothbrushes and hanging their shirts up while Ash relaxed. He finished by tucking the small surprise he’d brought for Ash into the drawer with his boxers and leaned against the wall.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“You’re not going to let me nap, are you?”</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“I promised you coffee.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“Tomorrow?” Ash asked. Fee chuckled at the hopefulness in his tone.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“Come on. You’re going to love it. I promise.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“Ugh. You’re so mean to me. Fine, give me a minute,” Ash mumbled on his way to the bathroom.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Fee sat at the desk and checked his email on his phone while he waited. He smiled when he saw the confirmation email he was expecting for the museum tour he’d arranged for Ash. The bathroom door opened, and Ash stepped out. Some of his hair was dripping, like he’d splashed water on his face and got it everywhere. He shook his head and a few drops landed on his shirt. Fee sat and watched him as he picked up his jacket and glared back at him.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“Well? Are we leaving?”</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"<span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Just,” Fee said, getting up. He went into the bathroom to get a towel. He dropped it on top of Ash’s head and scrubbed at his hair. Ash pushed at him, but Fee held tight. When he moved the towel away from Ash’s face, he was scowling. Fee couldn’t help the laugh that bubbled out at that, making Ash scowl harder. He smiled and pulled Ash into a kiss.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“You’re just lucky I love you,” Ash pouted when they separated. He grabbed the towel from Fee and went back into the bathroom. Fee gathered their jackets and waited near the door. He watched Ash as he combed his hair, just enjoying the way his muscles moved in his forearm. He’d never had a hand kink that he knew of, but he loved watching Ash when he worked. The way he held his pencils when he was drawing, his long, strong fingers wrapped around the wood, always graceful, always elegant. It was sexy in a way Fee had never considered before meeting Ash. Now, he couldn’t get enough of Ash’s hands. He was still staring when Ash cleared his throat. “See something you like?”</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“Oh yeah,” Fee said. He crowded Ash against the door and tucked his face into Ash’s neck.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“I thought we were going, not coming,” Ash whispered. Fee sighed, making Ash shudder against him. “You keep that up, and the only place we’re going is to that big bed over there.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Fee sighed and stood up. “You’re right. Let’s get going.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“Do we have to?” Ash started kissing Fee’s neck and rubbing his hips against Fee’s. Fee groaned and pulled back to look into Ash’s eyes.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“Yes, we do. At least for lunch. Because you’re going to need your strength later,” he growled against Ash’s neck when Ash started to pout again.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“All right,” Ash sighed. He took his jacket from Fee. “Feed me.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">They left the hotel and wandered around a little, taking in the sights before they made their way to a café the concierge recommended. After lunch, and four cups of coffee, Ash looked more alive. He was practically bouncing as they walked to the Museum of Modern Art. His eyes were sparkling as he turned to Fee.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“Let’s go in.” Fee nodded and grabbed the door handle. Ash grinned and stepped inside. He immediately started looking around the lobby while Fee went to the counter to check in. “We’ve got an appointment with Ms. Sheppard,” he said after he introduced himself.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“Hello, Mr. Navarro. You can call me Kelsey. It’s nice to meet you.” She shook hands with Fee and then turned to Ash as he walked up. “And you must be Mr. Byrne. I’m Kelsey, and I’ll be your guide today. Fee told me you’re interested in mixed-media artwork. Is that right?”</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“Uh, yeah,” Ash said cautiously.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“Wonderful. We have a new exhibit starting next week, and we’re prepping it now. Would you like to see it?”</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“Are we allowed?”</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“Of course. It’s part of the private tour Fee requested.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“Fee?” Ash turned to him, the question clear on his face. Fee nodded, and the look of confusion morphed into one of happiness. The smile that took over Ash’s face was even better than Fee had hoped for when he made the arrangements. His chest tightened as he smiled back.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“Happy Valentine’s Day, babe.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">****</span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">By the time they left the museum it was early evening. Their personal tour guide had started with the museum’s newest exhibition, and then led them throughout the various galleries, stopping occasionally to highlight and delve into the history of certain pieces. After the official tour was over, Ash had wanted to revisit the contemporary galleries and, unsurprisingly, the drawings gallery which featured a collection of abstract geometric drawings that seemed to fascinate him. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ash was practically vibrating with lingering excitement as they stepped out of the museum. He stopped Fee for a brief kiss just beyond the exit, grinning up at him as he pulled back.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“I can’t believe you did this,” he said. “Thank you so much. I’m sorry I was being such a grouch all morning.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“You’re welcome.” Fee kissed the corner of Ash’s mouth and linked their fingers together. He wasn’t really one for big PDAs, but they were in New York and this was their Valentine’s Day celebration. It felt right. “I wanted to give you something special. And don’t worry about this morning. I understand. I didn’t know flying made you nervous.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“I haven’t really done it very often,” Ash said as they started down the sidewalk. “Just a couple of times to Florida to see my folks. Not a fan.” He bumped Fee’s shoulder with his. “But you already gave me something special, you know? This whole trip was a gift. You didn’t need to add anything more.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Fee shrugged. “I wanted to.” And it was true. He’d been secretly planning this trip since Christmas. They’d exchanged gifts and celebrated Valentine’s Day with dinner and a movie on the day of, but at the end of the night, Fee surprised Ash with the plane tickets for this trip. He’d already arranged with Tank for Ash’s schedule to be cleared over the weekend. The only thing left had been to pack. It was costing him a small fortune, sure. New York wasn’t exactly cheap. But it was the first trip they’d taken together—the first of many to come, he hoped—so he’d tossed aside the idea of a budget and embraced the thought of a couple of hedonistic days spent not giving a damn how many times he swiped his debit card. It was oddly freeing. Most of the time Fee lived a rather frugal existence, aside from the rare splurge on whatever new high-tech gadget caught his interest. What was the point of hoarding his paychecks if he never actually let loose and enjoyed the money?</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“So where to now?” Ash asked.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Fee glanced at his watch. Friday night, just after six. More than enough time for them to go back to the hotel to shower and change before they needed to be in the East Village to make his eight o’clock reservation at Gyu-Kaku. He’d wanted to try the Japanese barbecue restaurant for ages, but somehow they never made it to the one in Chicago. Luckily, the location of this one was perfect for what he hoped to do after.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“Let’s go back to the hotel,” he said. “Then dinner and dancing, if that sounds good to you.”</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ash bounced. There was no other word for it. He smiled so hard it made Fee’s stomach warm to see it. “Sounds great.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;">****</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Dinner was fabulous. The two of them sat at a small table with a grill between them, sharing a bottle of hot sake while cooking a variety of marinated meats and vegetables. The novelty of preparing their own food at a restaurant kept them amused, though the noise level prevented any real conversation.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Afterward, they walked to The Stonewall Inn, which Fee had chosen for its historical value as much as the fact that the Yelp reviews said it was a great place for dancing. He figured Ash would get a kick out of visiting a bar so significant to the GLBT civil rights movement, and the way Ash’s face lit up when he spotted the name in the front window assured him he’d made the right decision.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">They caught the end of a drag show and had a few more drinks before losing themselves in the music and dancing. Ash ground against him, tipsy and flushed as he slipped his fingers beneath the hem of Fee’s shirt to stroke the small of his back. A guy crowded Ash from behind, causing a moment of tension when he asked if they might be interested in a three-way, but he just shrugged casually and moved on when Fee glared and said no. Ash laughed then and tossed his arms around Fee’s neck to tug him down into a long, slow kiss.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">By the end, Fee’s head spun and his cock was hard as a steel pipe in his jeans. He dragged Ash out of the bar amid breaks for kisses and gropes. They lucked out and caught a cab after a few minutes of wandering down the street. On the way back to the hotel, Fee fended off Ash’s advances long enough to text the concierge to set the rest of his surprise in motion.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ash was about two exits past sober and kept up the touching even as they made their way into the hotel and crossed the lobby, leaving Fee grateful for the fact that he’d researched and found a gay-friendly hotel before booking a room. The clerks at the front desk didn’t bat an eyelash as Ash fondled him while they waited for the elevator. Fee’s face heated as he blushed. But, then, this was Manhattan. They’d probably seen stranger things than a couple of drunken, horny gay men making out.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When they got to the room, Fee entered first. He breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing that everything inside was exactly as he’d requested. Room service had left a couple of covered trays on the table next to their king-size bed. Excitement surged in his belly as he thought about what was beneath those stainless steel domes and how he would use it on Ash.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“What is that?” Ash asked. He leaned heavily against Fee’s side and rubbed a hand along his arm. “Smells good.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“Another surprise.” Fee shrugged off his jacket and tossed it over the chair next to the table. He turned toward Ash and smiled at him as his fingers went to work on slowly unbuttoning his own shirt. Ash’s blue eyes tracked the motion, his pupils dilating with every inch of skin that Fee revealed. “Take off your clothes. Leave the cuff on.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ash’s nostrils flared as he drew in a shaky breath. He stripped down, baring his slender body and inked skin. As always he wore the soft leather cuff Fee had given him on Halloween, just as Fee never removed the bracelet Ash gifted him after Thanksgiving. Here they were almost three months later, still going strong. Fee wanted more, wanted Ash to move in with him and for them to start building a life together. But there’d be plenty of time to ask about that later. For now, there were surprises and yet another present waiting.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“Get on the bed,” Fee said once they were both naked. He grabbed the lube and his final gift for Ash from the drawer with his boxers as Ash obeyed his instructions. Then he walked over to the table and dragged it close enough to reach easily from the mattress. </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ash watched with obvious curiosity as Fee lifted the domes off the trays. Underneath one was a mini fondue set. There was melted caramel and chocolate, both white and milk. Beneath the other rested a tray loaded with various fruit—cantaloupe, pineapple, and plump, ripe strawberries—along with a cup of what looked like blueberry yogurt and a pile of large, fluffy marshmallows.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Fee gave Ash a naughty grin. “Dessert.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ash laughed as Fee settled on the bed beside him. “I like the way you think.” He reached for a strawberry, but Fee gently batted his hand away.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“Nope. Let me feed you.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Grinning crookedly, his face still flushed from the drinks at dinner and the bar, Ash leaned back against the pillows with his arms behind his head.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Fee grabbed a piece of pineapple and dipped it into the white chocolate before pressing it to Ash’s lips. Ash took a teasing lick before biting off the end. Fee popped the rest of the chunk into his mouth, watching as Ash chewed. There was chocolate smeared on his lower lip, but Fee didn’t tell him. He liked the look of it there, and besides, he planned on getting Ash a lot messier.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Next he picked up a strawberry. This went into the caramel before he offered it to Ash, but he pulled back when Ash went to take a bite, instead using the strawberry to trail caramel down Ash’s chin, over the lean line of his neck, to the hollow between his collarbones. He lowered his head and followed the caramel path with his tongue, relishing Ash’s soft moan and shudder.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Fee ate the fruit himself before leaning in to share a strawberry and caramel flavored kiss with Ash. Slowly, he used the melted dips and various chunks of fruit and marshmallows to paint designs on Ash’s chest. Ash laughed and whimpered in turn as Fee teased him, his cock resting hard against his abdomen, adding slick precum to the mix.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Just when Ash started to tremble, his body showing signs of impending climax from Fee’s tormenting alone, Fee stopped to reveal the final present he had for Ash. It was a vibrator, sleek and arced perfectly to apply direct pressure to the prostate. </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Fee played with it, turning it on so Ash could hear the vibration, his fingers moving over the silky surface as Ash’s breathing grew ragged. “Ever used one of these?” he asked. He knew Ash liked toys, and they’d used the occasional plug or dildo in the past, but he hadn’t noticed one of these in Ash’s collection.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ash shook his head, his teeth digging into his lower lip.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">F<span style="line-height: 1.5em;">ee smiled and turned the vibrator off. “Draw your legs up. Let’s see how long you last.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ash groaned but obeyed, parting his thighs, grabbing his own legs behind the knees to expose himself for Fee. He shook visibly as Fee clicked open the lube and slicked up the vibrator. Fee fought a groan of his own as he took in the sight Ash presented, his cock slick and leaking liberal amounts of precum, his pale thighs spread wide, lips kiss-swollen, chest covered in caramel and chocolate. He looked totally debauched, and Fee was nowhere near being finished with him.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Fee swirled a bit more lube around the puckered skin of Ash’s entrance and slowly pressed the vibrator in. It was slender enough that it went in easily, but Ash’s stomach muscles tensed and his eyes were wide by the time the base rested against his ass.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"<span style="line-height: 1.5em;">Okay?” Fee asked.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“Y-yeah.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“Good.” Fee turned the vibrator on its first setting, grinning to himself when Ash jumped a little before moaning long and low. “Right there?”</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ash nodded jerkily. “God, yeah.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Fee reached for the pot of milk chocolate and dipped two fingers inside. It was warm, but not scalding hot. In other words, perfect for what he intended. He watched Ash’s face as he traced a line of chocolate from the base of his cock to the wet-tipped head.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ash’s blue eyes were huge in his face and his chest rose and fell as he panted. Fee lowered his head and took the tip of Ash’s cock in his mouth, circling his tongue around the ridge.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“Oh, shit.” Ash’s head fell back and his hips bucked. Fee sucked him deeper, humming at the taste, sweet chocolate blended with the more bitter tang of Ash’s precum. They’d only been going without condoms for the past couple of weeks after receiving their negative test results at the end of January. Fee couldn’t deny he loved the experience without the latex, loved the feel of Ash’s hard, silky flesh on his tongue. He couldn’t do this with just anyone, but with Ash…with Ash it turned him on to the point that his own hips started working, grinding his cock against the bunched up comforter beneath him as he increased the suction and did his best to blow Ash’s mind.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">He gave Ash another minute or so on the lowest setting before he turned the vibration up. Ash went rigid, a sharp crying tearing free of his throat. Fee pulled off his cock to let him get used to the feeling and trailed his tongue along the line between Ash’s balls over his taint to where his skin stretched tight around the girth of the vibrator. Fee licked him there too, tasting lube, but he didn’t mind. The brand they used was vanilla-flavored and water-soluble.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ash’s thighs trembled on either side of his head, and Fee pushed them farther apart, spreading him wider. The sound of the vibrations paled in comparison to Ash’s increasing cries. Finally, when Fee turned the vibrator up to its highest setting and covered the tip of Ash’s cock with his mouth once again, Ash lost it completely. He made an agonized sound, and salty heat flooded Fee’s throat.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Fee moaned around Ash’s cock, the taste of Ash’s cum driving him wild. He shoved a hand between his body and the mattress and fisted his own shaft, stroking hard. It only took a few moments before he came too, wet warmth seeping through his fingers and slicking the last few tugs.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">He had enough presence of mind to turn off the vibrator and gently withdraw it from Ash, who lay in a boneless heap with one arm thrown over his eyes. Fee put it aside to clean later before flopping onto his back, his breathing ragged. He reached out and grabbed Ash’s free hand, lacing Ash’s fingers with his sticky ones. There was chocolate and caramel everywhere and he hated to think of the state of the sheets beneath them, but who cared? It was worth potentially scandalizing the housekeeping staff in the morning.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"<span style="line-height: 1.5em;">That was amazing,” Ash said breathlessly. He removed his forearm from his eyes, looking over at Fee. “Thank you.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Fee grinned at him and reached out to brush sweaty bangs from Ash’s forehead. “Yeah, it was pretty great.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ash caught Fee’s hand and pressed a kiss to his knuckles. “I love you.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Fee felt his own smile go goofy as pleasure bloomed in his chest. It had taken them a while to get those words out in the open between them, but he didn’t think he’d ever tire of hearing Ash say them. “Love you, too.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ash laughed, scooting closer. “Best Valentine’s Day celebration ever.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5em;"><span style="color: #073763; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Fee chuckled softly and kissed him. “It really was.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: red;"><3</span></span></div>
Xara X. Xanakashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06460849874337564581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7939355281593570566.post-3750240274113298942013-10-11T12:07:00.000-05:002013-10-11T12:07:06.789-05:00Hiding Out In (*from*) the Crowd, GRL Edition<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">GRL is less than a week away. I'm registered as a reader this year. After the abysmal way Spunky's been treating me (or is it the other way around?), I would have felt like a fraud taking up Author space when I've been buried under an avalanche of The Nothing taking over my brain. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, are you ready for next week then? I am looking forward to hitting Atlanta and hanging out with all y'all. And I'm not. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love meeting up with friends I don't get to see often. I love being around people who have share my passion for passion. And I love making new friends. But, I hate it at the same time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">See, I am a Public Introvert and a private extrovert. Here's what I mean:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Meeting new people is tough for me. For one thing, I really, and I mean <i>really</i>, suck at small talk. It's not that you're not interesting. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's not that I don't want to get to know you; I desperately do. I just have this 'thing' going on in my head when I'm in a group of people. I am completely and utterly convinced you have better things to do than talk to me. Look at all the people around us -- why would you really want to waste time talking to me? I also don't want to impose on you when surely you must be looking for someone with more to offer.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCnV1rbwn6sg6ugDFRTFmu0Pdr-jRdaqF9inRFRcIZrbAjl6-aCwgrVCBXhcflAhMEbQtW41soMWB2FztpEh4lie85LHT1GlhAh7fcKBpjS6EhyFGt7dDGvI4_jdtlBTXNqAobBmt7rgc/s1600/introverts_1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCnV1rbwn6sg6ugDFRTFmu0Pdr-jRdaqF9inRFRcIZrbAjl6-aCwgrVCBXhcflAhMEbQtW41soMWB2FztpEh4lie85LHT1GlhAh7fcKBpjS6EhyFGt7dDGvI4_jdtlBTXNqAobBmt7rgc/s320/introverts_1.png" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If we're in a crowded room, and you're standing next to me, don't be offended if I disappear when you turn around. It's not you; it's not me... it's just that this..room...is...too..SMALL!!!! MUST LEAVE....ahhh, look at all this space in the hallway, outside the door. Feel the clear, non-stuffy air (even though it's the exact same air as in the room...). I'm not really claustrophobic. Except when I am. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yeah, I get that it makes no sense. It just is. It's the same thing that makes me want take a Valium before I go to Costco. *shudder*</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At the same time, if we're in a small-scale environment, I will be chatty as hell and cutting up with the best of them. I will laugh and joke and make you scratch your head wondering where I come up with some of the shit that comes out of my mouth. I'm almost a completely different person at those times. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I guess in a way, I am. I know my boisterous self is best in small doses, and I know others feed on the energy of a crowd. I'm not one of them, but I'm happy to stand off to the side, lurking in a corner, just enjoying the vibe around me. If you wanna hang with me, that's cool. Maybe we'll loosen up enough to join the crowd (after a few shots). Or maybe we'll just sneak out the side door into the quiet night air. Either way works for me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Okay, now I feel a little more ready. If I could just find a damn suitcase.... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">See y'all there!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">~xxx~</span><br />
<br />Xara X. Xanakashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06460849874337564581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7939355281593570566.post-51300588310421533082013-07-18T07:00:00.000-05:002013-07-18T07:00:09.985-05:00Thirsty Thursday: X Rated and Kinky<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXCAnWo6H67ll4w3so3AdDyXRYW-RwVuWEkznATI8qDSlupVxGqvKELJNg9Tfi7RtWvsQdyohnka_PVchVjr816sdGxPnc-_WCu4xf9XZSlL5ZZIYOKKOfxLYCbexzoVqDFKPlQztYi54/s1600/minions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXCAnWo6H67ll4w3so3AdDyXRYW-RwVuWEkznATI8qDSlupVxGqvKELJNg9Tfi7RtWvsQdyohnka_PVchVjr816sdGxPnc-_WCu4xf9XZSlL5ZZIYOKKOfxLYCbexzoVqDFKPlQztYi54/s400/minions.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I taste tested the flirty fruity fusions for you. You're welcome.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They're both pink. Both combine vodka with passion fruit, blood orange, and mango. Kinky lists the mango first, while X Rated touts the blood orange first in its listings.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRJ1mxcwbx7PmQ6M7WhTSgPJSkQ_Yf9yNPhIptWeU6LnrVxvTVcINDF8SR25ICNQwYV-VdWjEHPivrC-i4zlUMNPkKITb-dX_rXNUvESM0g2gPvyqZXw8JSsOlGjvwlNMczokXuUOJ7zU/s1600/Kinky-liqueur.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRJ1mxcwbx7PmQ6M7WhTSgPJSkQ_Yf9yNPhIptWeU6LnrVxvTVcINDF8SR25ICNQwYV-VdWjEHPivrC-i4zlUMNPkKITb-dX_rXNUvESM0g2gPvyqZXw8JSsOlGjvwlNMczokXuUOJ7zU/s320/Kinky-liqueur.png" width="94" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTh_fUph0D-WCDXGisKJUFSVCaZ5IJnDDIlV_rxK86kGCUs7Pq-WmhhsbSGzPwLEffYyhKn_F0LAJVwmDPXqh6af5L7KymwRvCrgM7I1k6NBquMhEgU1_YOMRkeSRakqqE0D0hatzpBHw/s1600/xrated.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTh_fUph0D-WCDXGisKJUFSVCaZ5IJnDDIlV_rxK86kGCUs7Pq-WmhhsbSGzPwLEffYyhKn_F0LAJVwmDPXqh6af5L7KymwRvCrgM7I1k6NBquMhEgU1_YOMRkeSRakqqE0D0hatzpBHw/s320/xrated.jpg" width="182" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Bottle Shape:</b> X Rated has a kind of X-shape to the bottle, which makes it easier to hold. Kinky is shaped more like the bomb that's going to go off in your taste buds. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Color: </b> I'll give X Rated the lead here. It's a deeper hue of pink, electric and exciting in its presentation.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Flavor Profile:</b> Both lived up to their flavor listing order. X Rated has the bitter tang of the blood orange as it's lead flavor. Think grapefruit, backed off a hair. Kinky is more mellow in its sweetness, with mango as its primary assault. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Price:</b> Kinky costs considerably less than X Rated at my local Spec's. Perhaps because it's newer on the market? Or at least newer to <i>my</i> market. I've been drinking X Rated for years, and Kinky is new to me.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Verdict:</b> (because face it, bottle shape and color is irrelevant when it comes to actually drinking it) Kinky drinks smoother on its own for me, but either way, they are both sweeter than a basket of puppies cuddling kittens. Cut it with a citrus-based soft drink to help ease the acid. Your trachea will thank you. Trust your Auntie X on this one.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you want sweet and fruity, either will work well for you. Just be sure to enjoy it responsibly. And with something to help break down the sweetness, because, as Willa Wonka said, dayum.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">~xxx~</span>Xara X. Xanakashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06460849874337564581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7939355281593570566.post-71878449701280158382013-07-11T07:00:00.000-05:002013-07-11T07:00:10.014-05:00Thirsty Thursday: On Location<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Margarita Prima, from Macaroni Grill. Fried Mac & Cheese bites, along with bread, oil, and balsamic vinegar starters joining it. It's a lemon-based 'rita, with Milagro Silver (which is what I mostly use at home) and a Tuaca floater.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(Have I mentioned I like tequila?)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have fun, responsibly. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmoAJ9z8HCEXY_2m2pa21jS4J33OJBI2OgkAuwk0UoGoTXlRb53hPc6ou_MxVO_lA48B_iLENnsT3ib1aROYpcN41CtNYLULMx5QJ5bP42kEHMsReof1-78P1zphN9B18QkVRIuxkz8RY/s1600/2013-06-01+13.15.25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmoAJ9z8HCEXY_2m2pa21jS4J33OJBI2OgkAuwk0UoGoTXlRb53hPc6ou_MxVO_lA48B_iLENnsT3ib1aROYpcN41CtNYLULMx5QJ5bP42kEHMsReof1-78P1zphN9B18QkVRIuxkz8RY/s640/2013-06-01+13.15.25.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">~xxx~</span>Xara X. Xanakashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06460849874337564581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7939355281593570566.post-86517301581195244672013-07-04T07:00:00.000-05:002013-07-04T07:00:00.891-05:00Thirsty Thursday: Texas Breeze<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXCAnWo6H67ll4w3so3AdDyXRYW-RwVuWEkznATI8qDSlupVxGqvKELJNg9Tfi7RtWvsQdyohnka_PVchVjr816sdGxPnc-_WCu4xf9XZSlL5ZZIYOKKOfxLYCbexzoVqDFKPlQztYi54/s1600/minions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXCAnWo6H67ll4w3so3AdDyXRYW-RwVuWEkznATI8qDSlupVxGqvKELJNg9Tfi7RtWvsQdyohnka_PVchVjr816sdGxPnc-_WCu4xf9XZSlL5ZZIYOKKOfxLYCbexzoVqDFKPlQztYi54/s400/minions.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Vodka? On the 4th of July? Sure, why not? When it's from a Texas distillery at least. :)<br /><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><u>Recipe:</u></b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxWuCmsbhCulxOYzhuFzCNlaONQtVGd5c9rPPJGrS42ARtarj0mnftuMxPewky5gnOCdSy-FKhlo6tPB7NbDacl8BKtXwRhUncouS6PrUMtDIOWh5k1zYVZNBh4VUcPF86734B-tB869I/s1600/DSV-Texas-Orange.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxWuCmsbhCulxOYzhuFzCNlaONQtVGd5c9rPPJGrS42ARtarj0mnftuMxPewky5gnOCdSy-FKhlo6tPB7NbDacl8BKtXwRhUncouS6PrUMtDIOWh5k1zYVZNBh4VUcPF86734B-tB869I/s320/DSV-Texas-Orange.jpg" width="229" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1.5 oz Dripping Springs Orange Vodka</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3 oz Cranberry Juice</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 oz Grapefruit Juice</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><u>Results:</u></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The grapefruit juice overpowered everything else for me in this drink. I added another 1.5 oz cranberry juice, and that mellowed everything out more and brought out the orange in the vodka better.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But it's your taste. Have at and have fun. Responsibly.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">~xxx~</span><br />
<br />Xara X. Xanakashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06460849874337564581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7939355281593570566.post-57421358062343101152013-06-27T07:00:00.000-05:002013-06-27T07:00:08.130-05:00Thirsty Thursday: On Location<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Chuy's Texas Martini. Who needs the glass? Just give me a straw....</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisjjQ91ReySsBOg0FHDhf6ALpC9uZ1HX2Hgs-d0K7ma2k2-fyWcl95f_fIPGK6vNs8CsYO6lXS6SAgVcHWHOPakSq60poOBlbSZJp00Jx6dZJajhLa7unIgxnn7eQEZIa3VfNpxMf5vH8/s1600/Chuys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisjjQ91ReySsBOg0FHDhf6ALpC9uZ1HX2Hgs-d0K7ma2k2-fyWcl95f_fIPGK6vNs8CsYO6lXS6SAgVcHWHOPakSq60poOBlbSZJp00Jx6dZJajhLa7unIgxnn7eQEZIa3VfNpxMf5vH8/s640/Chuys.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Be safe. Be responsible. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">~xxx~</span>Xara X. Xanakashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06460849874337564581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7939355281593570566.post-90108228352606551272013-06-24T14:20:00.001-05:002013-06-24T14:23:09.675-05:00My Birthday, You Get The Present<a href="http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1381664-the-five-times-raptor-messed-with-the-bull-and-the-one-time-he-got-the" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkoGsMLMS7-ErWnyeSlehnBO5AcMx_DNDvNC3FFhQACoXyezUet4c5fffXoe-c3a5qcVbQCQ2zsB82dwzFBNBXdjC1Txv2GMddf4-dRP9-wF8Si-o5hl9Xbv4sHYMbgX72kGiFtCXmekY/s400/THE-FIVE-TIMES-COVER.jpg" width="250" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Well, my birthday was actually yesterday. And yeah, a new freebie from me isn't much of a present, but this awesome cover by the fantastic A.J. Corza is something, right?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">(This is my convoluted way of saying my Love Has No Boundaries story is up today at the Goodreads MM Romance Group.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1381664-the-five-times-raptor-messed-with-the-bull-and-the-one-time-he-got-the" target="_blank"><br /></a></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1381664-the-five-times-raptor-messed-with-the-bull-and-the-one-time-he-got-the" target="_blank"><b>The Five Times Raptor Messed with The Bull</b></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1381664-the-five-times-raptor-messed-with-the-bull-and-the-one-time-he-got-the" target="_blank"><b>(and the one time he got the horns)</b></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Raptor has been the only openly out officer in his SWAT team for a while now. Being smaller than the other guys, and leaning more toward pretty than handsome, he's had to work extra hard to prove himself to the bulked-up 'roidheads that continuously challenge his abilities. When Bull shows up in the middle of the night, he presents a new challenge for Raptor: keeping his heart from getting in the way of doing his job.</span><br />
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<br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><strong>STORY INFO:<br />Genre:</strong> contemporary<br /><strong>Tags:</strong>
law enforcement, sparring turned sticky, back alley hand job, public
shower handies, seriously handsy protag, bathroom blowjob, self-denial,
repeated cases of blueballs, snarky heroes, plot-what-plot?<br /><strong>Word count:</strong> 9,599</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I'll have the download available here and on my website soon. (I guess that means I'd better get on getting my site updated, huh?)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Happy reading!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">~xxx~</span><br />
<br />Xara X. Xanakashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06460849874337564581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7939355281593570566.post-41418617303849870382013-06-20T07:00:00.000-05:002013-06-20T07:00:12.418-05:00Thirsty Thursday: Let Them Drink Cake<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXCAnWo6H67ll4w3so3AdDyXRYW-RwVuWEkznATI8qDSlupVxGqvKELJNg9Tfi7RtWvsQdyohnka_PVchVjr816sdGxPnc-_WCu4xf9XZSlL5ZZIYOKKOfxLYCbexzoVqDFKPlQztYi54/s1600/minions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXCAnWo6H67ll4w3so3AdDyXRYW-RwVuWEkznATI8qDSlupVxGqvKELJNg9Tfi7RtWvsQdyohnka_PVchVjr816sdGxPnc-_WCu4xf9XZSlL5ZZIYOKKOfxLYCbexzoVqDFKPlQztYi54/s400/minions.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Smirnoff Iced Cake Vodka.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yeah.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dangerous stuff. Seriously. Tastes like frosting. Licking a(n alcoholic) cupcake. You can easily drink it straight. Keep it in the freezer so it's always chilled. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yeah.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you're mixing it, remember it's got a sweetened vanilla flavor to it, so mix </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">wisely. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDdRkPb2IEmlz_yYHFrFw8d-tkWG69jfbA2NzupIwErsPdk-nAFOONgSt8mhekM8FWqVt9Uc5y2YNHQkblZWoLVxNQ_FVKcxr7mYy63WqtZDXcdCQimk0ab5Wfd2OaqTWz6xaJgeAnisA/s1600/SMIRNOFF+Iced+Cake+HIRES+%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDdRkPb2IEmlz_yYHFrFw8d-tkWG69jfbA2NzupIwErsPdk-nAFOONgSt8mhekM8FWqVt9Uc5y2YNHQkblZWoLVxNQ_FVKcxr7mYy63WqtZDXcdCQimk0ab5Wfd2OaqTWz6xaJgeAnisA/s640/SMIRNOFF+Iced+Cake+HIRES+%25281%2529.png" style="cursor: move;" width="238" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Although... Iced Cake Vodka and orange juice? Think it would taste like an Orange Julius Screwdriver? Guess I've gotta hit the grocery store for another taste test. Stay tuned... and stay responsible.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">~xxx~</span></div>
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Xara X. Xanakashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06460849874337564581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7939355281593570566.post-54646353802962510802013-06-13T07:00:00.000-05:002013-06-13T07:00:04.716-05:00Thirsty Thursday: Shake It Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXCAnWo6H67ll4w3so3AdDyXRYW-RwVuWEkznATI8qDSlupVxGqvKELJNg9Tfi7RtWvsQdyohnka_PVchVjr816sdGxPnc-_WCu4xf9XZSlL5ZZIYOKKOfxLYCbexzoVqDFKPlQztYi54/s1600/minions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXCAnWo6H67ll4w3so3AdDyXRYW-RwVuWEkznATI8qDSlupVxGqvKELJNg9Tfi7RtWvsQdyohnka_PVchVjr816sdGxPnc-_WCu4xf9XZSlL5ZZIYOKKOfxLYCbexzoVqDFKPlQztYi54/s400/minions.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I know all these Thirsty Thursday posts could give you the impression that I always have a cock...tail in my hand. That I'm a lush, that I have a problem and may just need an intervention.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm going to let you in on a little secret: I really don't. Seriously, when I do drink, I tend to drink heavily. But, I'm perfectly content to go months without having a drop of alcohol. I do enjoy the spirits, but they are not a part of my every day life, and I try to indulge safely when I do. I usually do my heavy drinking at home - saves money and public embarrassment. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At restaurants, I'll order the first drink. The second is on the waitperson - if they ask, why, yes, I will have another, thanks for asking. If not, I'll just have the one and be content. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is all just an aside to get to the real point of this post: Shake It Up. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Want another secret? I'm a closet health food freak. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have no bread in my house, no pasta, no deserts, no packaged food stuffs. I'm not going gluten free or anything like that. My thing is what I like to call "closest to the source." I eat fresh fruits and vegetables, whole cuts of meat, and a lot of nuts. I like to recognize what's on my plate for what it once was, and I like to know exactly what I'm eating. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That's not to say I don't love all the other stuff. I could eat Texican/Tex-Mex/Mexican food all year long. And pasta? Dayum. Gimme. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Alas, that doesn't help me reach my ultimate goal. (Yes, weight loss, looking better, feeling better, and more energy is part of that, but my <b>Ultimate Goal</b>? Stay medication free for as long as possible. That's it. I just want to stay off any maintenance medication for as long as I can.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> So, it's salads, steamed broccoli, and grilled turkey for me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And protein shakes. Yes, those 'delicious' liquid creations to help save muscles after a work out. So, let's shake up this Thirsty Thursday, why don't we?</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9KuQu158T-0Vo4tfNrUJbVJTGOrcl3hhNjoln7HdTyBdpg8mbkEzDrNLZFYZDA8o6ywTlGLzjqefKAwcfVwcaKkCTJgpIgYmLAz6fU7GClVLmdqnrOjzzPWep05qFnVoiAOU-vRJs1Zk/s1600/4F2AC035-A05F-4D50-4A64-BF046200A10D.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9KuQu158T-0Vo4tfNrUJbVJTGOrcl3hhNjoln7HdTyBdpg8mbkEzDrNLZFYZDA8o6ywTlGLzjqefKAwcfVwcaKkCTJgpIgYmLAz6fU7GClVLmdqnrOjzzPWep05qFnVoiAOU-vRJs1Zk/s320/4F2AC035-A05F-4D50-4A64-BF046200A10D.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Try it. You'll like it. ;)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b></b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Almond Joy Protein Shake</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 cup Coconut Almond milk </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 scoops Cookies and Cream Protein powder </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">**Mornings, I add 1/2 cup Oats to it and blend the heck out of it.</span><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEdWVKsXZ5SqHbW6F_k-ZxpGcG1GZXfpN22a57IW91jat_f1y5VQHp7zQu7KjmR9WAkH-dag1PK9nQgZ2bPlsYDJVQ4QJslSzamNuLDRFHaoX6fNHYJgu9FktPdr95uXIbDkx_E_lMQkQ/s1600/protein1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEdWVKsXZ5SqHbW6F_k-ZxpGcG1GZXfpN22a57IW91jat_f1y5VQHp7zQu7KjmR9WAkH-dag1PK9nQgZ2bPlsYDJVQ4QJslSzamNuLDRFHaoX6fNHYJgu9FktPdr95uXIbDkx_E_lMQkQ/s400/protein1.jpg" width="249" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> (I use Intek Isolate. Its Cookies & Cream is more chocolaty,<br /> and the cream makes it smoother.<br />Isopure is also good, but its Cookies & Cream is more cream than chocolate)</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You can use a shaker (do yourself a favor and get one with a wire whisk ball in it. Trust me.), or your <a href="http://willitblend.com/videos" target="_blank">blender</a>. If you're adding the oats, definitely use the blender. Big flakes of oats in your drink is just nasty.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Till next time, live long and prosper. And maybe get off the couch for a while. You'll feel better for it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">~xxx~</span><br />
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Xara X. Xanakashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06460849874337564581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7939355281593570566.post-16625590037389244702013-06-06T07:00:00.000-05:002013-06-06T07:00:03.491-05:00Thirsty Thursday: On Location<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXCAnWo6H67ll4w3so3AdDyXRYW-RwVuWEkznATI8qDSlupVxGqvKELJNg9Tfi7RtWvsQdyohnka_PVchVjr816sdGxPnc-_WCu4xf9XZSlL5ZZIYOKKOfxLYCbexzoVqDFKPlQztYi54/s1600/minions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXCAnWo6H67ll4w3so3AdDyXRYW-RwVuWEkznATI8qDSlupVxGqvKELJNg9Tfi7RtWvsQdyohnka_PVchVjr816sdGxPnc-_WCu4xf9XZSlL5ZZIYOKKOfxLYCbexzoVqDFKPlQztYi54/s320/minions.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Jumbo Zapata at Mi Tierra in San Antonio's Market Square. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Don Julio Reposada Tequila, Paula's Texas Orange, and Lime.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwmZaM43kDbT5Y7eHYeoTf0DhaK1vArXcpTXRzXazHYDJ2q5xEldj4KFUkO4ZahwGoBE3umsrbIK5ncsf6x9VmDK08jGnOYjZHUvRPV1IuYDPUfQAe-DYsL76vKvlegZgo6PbxBTHfPcw/s1600/2013-05-26+12.02.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwmZaM43kDbT5Y7eHYeoTf0DhaK1vArXcpTXRzXazHYDJ2q5xEldj4KFUkO4ZahwGoBE3umsrbIK5ncsf6x9VmDK08jGnOYjZHUvRPV1IuYDPUfQAe-DYsL76vKvlegZgo6PbxBTHfPcw/s640/2013-05-26+12.02.20.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Be fun. Be safe. Be responsible.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">~xxx~</span></div>
<br />Xara X. Xanakashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06460849874337564581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7939355281593570566.post-65501883740900223682013-06-02T07:00:00.000-05:002013-06-02T07:00:00.050-05:00Suit Up Sunday: Fury!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYrK9haydRYDEUbqNkh9Bn4Rkp5tNo5COMcQrPQw8PD2Q0jZoH62hrNj1IcOV2R8rZgsYhLwZYuxzKhzSQflKoCMBx0tMKsl1H3I46WCZCdz7r5usz7qYv_LYLV1uvJs1p1JAeelFEJ6k/s1600/Dan+Feuerriegel+Spartacus+War+Damned+LA+Premiere+VyF7ezx7Mxmx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAtJY4FNt_5U0fdPG-DNuvwz_ocNL_zZf3RRrFXRotGjPxS-L2JFtY08pFcM-21Nny9b2bwPDIoly9fKNIPu8URJx5PQcC6kRxrujY8hgdPl4ojSmiZWP_0g8VISeHMHP6ilcv-ihSSBM/s1600/Fury1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAtJY4FNt_5U0fdPG-DNuvwz_ocNL_zZf3RRrFXRotGjPxS-L2JFtY08pFcM-21Nny9b2bwPDIoly9fKNIPu8URJx5PQcC6kRxrujY8hgdPl4ojSmiZWP_0g8VISeHMHP6ilcv-ihSSBM/s400/Fury1.png" width="270" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As in Dan Feuerriegel. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(dude, you're killin me here)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkoTWh5-I7pRP7JocabUFYQWRbyyVZzgATCYgGN2yCsyc0dTx_U5bkLFUkEtCtX5d6d-cXDE9W38lhjr9X4Yuimi_5ChUQgfb5a3e8-Lwqfb2KUupj64o1GYo7JtbL8S6T5_YXPIHxQqs/s1600/spartacus-feuerriegel-agron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkoTWh5-I7pRP7JocabUFYQWRbyyVZzgATCYgGN2yCsyc0dTx_U5bkLFUkEtCtX5d6d-cXDE9W38lhjr9X4Yuimi_5ChUQgfb5a3e8-Lwqfb2KUupj64o1GYo7JtbL8S6T5_YXPIHxQqs/s320/spartacus-feuerriegel-agron.jpg" width="231" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMUq2rmXCX2dbhuwQPOHkxNM0-6L5NZM9Pl3SrrXAsTb71vm0xqdW0jyb05cVP9CVCwElS4Z5DqLluKV0V453Egf__PKjcoeM9BUsEIdynjVES02Np-VY9bOZwIhMxJ_3-jVDX3HdYTks/s1600/382061_505436192814466_316767941_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMUq2rmXCX2dbhuwQPOHkxNM0-6L5NZM9Pl3SrrXAsTb71vm0xqdW0jyb05cVP9CVCwElS4Z5DqLluKV0V453Egf__PKjcoeM9BUsEIdynjVES02Np-VY9bOZwIhMxJ_3-jVDX3HdYTks/s320/382061_505436192814466_316767941_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As in <i>Agron</i>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(roar!)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw_g4A02nlwBYYvEKRicuDKdI4vRjUO0hG_u4eMxu93ycimQc2P7oo0I4m26egN1_06TjaLBf0YHWcuTmvjM5_tOE82eeBPj1aTdmD1JSDAkFFERLJW7FSy7XfQkJNBqregtFZbCyRd2w/s1600/daniel-feuerriegel-premiere-spartacus-war-of-the-damned-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw_g4A02nlwBYYvEKRicuDKdI4vRjUO0hG_u4eMxu93ycimQc2P7oo0I4m26egN1_06TjaLBf0YHWcuTmvjM5_tOE82eeBPj1aTdmD1JSDAkFFERLJW7FSy7XfQkJNBqregtFZbCyRd2w/s640/daniel-feuerriegel-premiere-spartacus-war-of-the-damned-01.jpg" width="426" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With the dimples.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(sigh...smiles kill me.) </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxQGLAFRLx1Y4m3TpDKueBWlhPARb39PFKiMj5iQ3XEdbyNQwa55gAvl7tF2L1Bkl0exDTxiCEr9ytUNufPT2KQ9g6bzzCMAXmRbPCaVlgX8cCeeef-pq0G_7zQImC2a7-8mQ9z-V9xZA/s1600/dan-feuerriegel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxQGLAFRLx1Y4m3TpDKueBWlhPARb39PFKiMj5iQ3XEdbyNQwa55gAvl7tF2L1Bkl0exDTxiCEr9ytUNufPT2KQ9g6bzzCMAXmRbPCaVlgX8cCeeef-pq0G_7zQImC2a7-8mQ9z-V9xZA/s400/dan-feuerriegel.jpg" width="396" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Who can wear a loin cloth </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(work it! that sense of humor, I mean. love a man who can laugh at himself.)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYrK9haydRYDEUbqNkh9Bn4Rkp5tNo5COMcQrPQw8PD2Q0jZoH62hrNj1IcOV2R8rZgsYhLwZYuxzKhzSQflKoCMBx0tMKsl1H3I46WCZCdz7r5usz7qYv_LYLV1uvJs1p1JAeelFEJ6k/s1600/Dan+Feuerriegel+Spartacus+War+Damned+LA+Premiere+VyF7ezx7Mxmx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYrK9haydRYDEUbqNkh9Bn4Rkp5tNo5COMcQrPQw8PD2Q0jZoH62hrNj1IcOV2R8rZgsYhLwZYuxzKhzSQflKoCMBx0tMKsl1H3I46WCZCdz7r5usz7qYv_LYLV1uvJs1p1JAeelFEJ6k/s640/Dan+Feuerriegel+Spartacus+War+Damned+LA+Premiere+VyF7ezx7Mxmx.jpg" width="419" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">or a suit ...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">or, uh, neither</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(.... dayum, where was I?)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yeah, I'm a Fury. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Kd4y0f7-N-kuO4Ej8xtYiVCN0vDnTDZFulJ3ibU4WYQbG_cmAxCTmyIe1A8owpvFsonMWFMdwUbTS6OT-vMLlxJTbg1LlKLJiPS_1mLz5z_EpIJ-bhFzV-u8q_gXeMf-Ayz4z_cqXoY/s1600/601582_10151517490097838_456859910_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Kd4y0f7-N-kuO4Ej8xtYiVCN0vDnTDZFulJ3ibU4WYQbG_cmAxCTmyIe1A8owpvFsonMWFMdwUbTS6OT-vMLlxJTbg1LlKLJiPS_1mLz5z_EpIJ-bhFzV-u8q_gXeMf-Ayz4z_cqXoY/s640/601582_10151517490097838_456859910_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Another day, we'll discuss the evolution of Agron over the seasons of Spartacus, from Duro's goofy big brother to Spartacus's right hand. Because his arc was really fascinating to watch, regardless of historical accuracy. We were only there for the sex and blood anyway, right?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">~xxx~</span>Xara X. Xanakashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06460849874337564581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7939355281593570566.post-54311018766609644372013-05-30T07:00:00.000-05:002013-05-30T07:00:11.086-05:00Thirsty Thursday: Getting Kinky with Poppy Dennison<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_PrUfWEIU_MfordvkdEybiOZ-D3UHNusNzsuwSehCFd1vQjYvUoEgWnbU-I422Ks_xvd-7RggmedLsBSTZulvHzjw-bw6vIp9h18-4YAvdqfNnZME4L2K-hSAij3qSRL-By1a9KJk6pg/s1600/2013-05-24+20.24.59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXCAnWo6H67ll4w3so3AdDyXRYW-RwVuWEkznATI8qDSlupVxGqvKELJNg9Tfi7RtWvsQdyohnka_PVchVjr816sdGxPnc-_WCu4xf9XZSlL5ZZIYOKKOfxLYCbexzoVqDFKPlQztYi54/s1600/minions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXCAnWo6H67ll4w3so3AdDyXRYW-RwVuWEkznATI8qDSlupVxGqvKELJNg9Tfi7RtWvsQdyohnka_PVchVjr816sdGxPnc-_WCu4xf9XZSlL5ZZIYOKKOfxLYCbexzoVqDFKPlQztYi54/s400/minions.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Minions at work, recruiting</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://poppydennison.com/" target="_blank">Poppy Dennison</a> was here visiting me, and we got a little Kinky Saturday night. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have you gotten <a href="http://www.kinkyliqueur.com/" target="_blank">Kinky</a> yet? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's bright. It's pink. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's sweet.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>(Seriously. This stuff is SWEET. As in Willy Wonka would say "Damn" at it.) </i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_PrUfWEIU_MfordvkdEybiOZ-D3UHNusNzsuwSehCFd1vQjYvUoEgWnbU-I422Ks_xvd-7RggmedLsBSTZulvHzjw-bw6vIp9h18-4YAvdqfNnZME4L2K-hSAij3qSRL-By1a9KJk6pg/s400/2013-05-24+20.24.59.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="300" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fire from the dragon</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's "a naughty fusion" of vodka, mango, blood orange liqueur, and passion fruit. And it's 17% alcohol by volume, meaning it's 34 Proof. Grand scheme in the liquor store, that's not a lot. Granted, it is more than a beer (given your standard Bud is 5% ABV or 10 Proof), but compared to, say, Jack Daniel's, which is 40% ABV/80 Proof, this is nothin'. Which makes it very dangerous, because before you know it, the bottle will be empty. And then, well...what happens after Kinky stays after Kinky. And maybe on Twitter, depending on your handlers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How I drink it:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One shot Kinky Liqueur</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fresca</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Add as much Fresca (or other citrus soft drink) to tasted, and to cut the sweetness down to a more tolerable level. Just be responsible when getting your drink on. We want you to stick around, in one piece, for a long time to come.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">~xxx~</span><br />
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Xara X. Xanakashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06460849874337564581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7939355281593570566.post-67056663193491907972013-05-26T16:15:00.000-05:002013-05-29T16:01:35.915-05:00Suit Up Sunday: No Bones About It<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I give you Karl Urban. You're welcome.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4mkIbVHtbTT-6YtSrtJADgE7uHwG2U9xHSXy3wJxNPAp1OdQ5xo8R1epdohXTQ4_33d76PG0oTCPv9Ti5vheg7wxomFr_R9887k9mq_wnyg1AuC2OECHYeBjOBN_PZGv535Jln49z91Q/s1600/Karl-Urban-karl-urban-1155226_792_1003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4mkIbVHtbTT-6YtSrtJADgE7uHwG2U9xHSXy3wJxNPAp1OdQ5xo8R1epdohXTQ4_33d76PG0oTCPv9Ti5vheg7wxomFr_R9887k9mq_wnyg1AuC2OECHYeBjOBN_PZGv535Jln49z91Q/s640/Karl-Urban-karl-urban-1155226_792_1003.jpg" width="504" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghoVtwXEQMwu6PKZLvgPaJRecr9kM1x_cQv0tJxYGcBz0kIKRhHiwCWRhv8pSI8xdiD7I2Vo2pHXkMyAd-AqXS7tBZfbfoN_xXttkVunRK84Xu8fK-H4opEWYF5KQwiPfmuR1OUTOareI/s1600/KarlUrban.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghoVtwXEQMwu6PKZLvgPaJRecr9kM1x_cQv0tJxYGcBz0kIKRhHiwCWRhv8pSI8xdiD7I2Vo2pHXkMyAd-AqXS7tBZfbfoN_xXttkVunRK84Xu8fK-H4opEWYF5KQwiPfmuR1OUTOareI/s640/KarlUrban.jpg" width="522" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">~xxx~</span></div>
Xara X. Xanakashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06460849874337564581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7939355281593570566.post-29855806030314227802013-05-24T10:00:00.000-05:002013-05-29T16:05:40.769-05:00Trust me. I do this for a living....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://rlv.zcache.com/i_am_the_it_guy_t_shirt-rf86ce3e0cac24a029d1e56e4aac43450_8n2hx_512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://rlv.zcache.com/i_am_the_it_guy_t_shirt-rf86ce3e0cac24a029d1e56e4aac43450_8n2hx_512.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We all have our moments, right? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No matter what you do for a living, you have had an EPIC!Fail in your field. And it's always embarrassing, no matter who you are. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was reminded of one of the first rules of SysAdminning this week: ALWAYS check the physical first. But I forgot. Or rather, I only half-checked. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">See, I have UVerse for my cable provider. We have one of those "You kids got it so good now" wireless TV receivers, but we haven't really been using it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I went to use it this weekend, and lo and behold, it has no signal. I checked the connection to the TV, unplugged it all, plugged it back in, and nothing. Zip. No signal.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It paired with their device just fine, but it never initialized the client (which means it acted like it was talking to the box just fine, but it got no TV shows from it). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I tried to initialize it several times before I finally gave up and called Tech Support. I followed all their instructions, allowed them to remotely reset my connection (wiping out my phone, cable, and internet while it rebooted), and still nothing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One Service Call, coming up. Luckily, I was not at home when the service tech showed up to fix the problem. Spouse got to show him our set up and set him to work on the problem. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He found it immediately: the network cable was unplugged to the receiver unit. He plugged that cable in, paired the receiver, and MAGIC! Reception!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It took him longer to fill out the paperwork than to actually resolve our issue.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bottom line: ALWAYS check the physical first. And then laugh at yourself for having a momentary moment of moronicness. (what, it's a word. now.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yep, I am a professional IT person. *head. desk*</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It happens to all of us at one point or another. Don't let it define your qualifications. Just laugh it off and move on. Because there's always another minor catastrophe just waiting around the corner to teach you a little humility again. </span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">~xxx~</span>Xara X. Xanakashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06460849874337564581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7939355281593570566.post-18430359933188086342013-05-23T20:25:00.000-05:002013-05-29T17:24:00.724-05:00Thirsty Thursday: On Location<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.jackallenskitchen.com/usrfiles/files/Round_Rock/JAKs%20Menu_Nov2012_RoundRock_Drinks.pdf" target="_blank">Blood Orange Rita and Deep Eddy Rumble</a>, spotted accompanying the Red Chile Fries on our table at <a href="http://www.jackallenskitchen.com/" target="_blank">Jack Allen's Kitchen</a>. 'Nuff said.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfeQ4ViwpjfsTIvwFQrQH71IpTStXt_rwn9eqZx4JCUrOLCcBmWU6cgBJsVx6eDG12QH3Ggaka4sLtlbHjIBD4hd7y1FAamFClMTwezmC0xxxidbb9Gs-kT2TUWEpwaVomkpu6q99mXCs/s1600/20130523_201645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfeQ4ViwpjfsTIvwFQrQH71IpTStXt_rwn9eqZx4JCUrOLCcBmWU6cgBJsVx6eDG12QH3Ggaka4sLtlbHjIBD4hd7y1FAamFClMTwezmC0xxxidbb9Gs-kT2TUWEpwaVomkpu6q99mXCs/s640/20130523_201645.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
~xxx~Xara X. Xanakashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06460849874337564581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7939355281593570566.post-41595134730342048382013-05-21T07:00:00.000-05:002013-05-29T16:04:28.388-05:0024<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAsjQXC8woNl87Z70jq_QLZyJlzo1SYQxR0fHBrDM0jTb6sK-PhgQ8J309VjVAaOWDUzn9QX9QC4mWoR4QfRMTsYn3J_xXYPZI9jkmPTs0EMKhdkDEG119PbsWmNmu-fPwHbM_Va5dk6M/s1600/24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="409" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAsjQXC8woNl87Z70jq_QLZyJlzo1SYQxR0fHBrDM0jTb6sK-PhgQ8J309VjVAaOWDUzn9QX9QC4mWoR4QfRMTsYn3J_xXYPZI9jkmPTs0EMKhdkDEG119PbsWmNmu-fPwHbM_Va5dk6M/s640/24.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That's two dozen, for those keeping track.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That's the number of hours in a day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That's 99.9% pure, if you're talking about gold.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That's nearly two and a half decades I've spent with you, Spouse. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That's not nearly enough. That's not even halfway to enough. That's just the start.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(And that's the beginning of the Elvis Silver Anniversary Celebration campaign.... Remarried, by Elvis, in Vegas next year. Who's with me?) </span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>"Love isn’t an emotion or an instinct – it’s an art." Mae West</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">~xxx~</span><br />
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Xara X. Xanakashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06460849874337564581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7939355281593570566.post-64059484730413241642013-05-17T07:00:00.000-05:002013-05-17T07:00:06.503-05:00Who Made You?<br />
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When you hit that 'tween stage, the media starts telling you how you should act/dress/behave for your gender. That's when you start to identify with the role models who will shape your life.</div>
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There's the teachers, and the firemen, and the soldiers, who all inspire you to reach your greatest potential, to give back, to stand brave in the face of adversity.</div>
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There's your friends, family, and the strangers who make a difference every day. The web is full of them.</div>
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Your heroes. They help create your overall outlook on life.</div>
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But that's just a part of who you are. </div>
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You're human. You have these...urges. Needs. Desires. And that's what I want to talk about today. Because we always look up to our heroes, and we all have our career aspirations, but has anyone ever asked about your sexual identity? </div>
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I'm not talking about your preferences, blond or brunette, bear or twink. It's not what you want in your bed, but how you project yourself to get them in it. Can you look to someone and say 'yeah, that's what I'm going to be like when I grow up'? Someone who had the qualities you just knew would become your own?</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I was young the public library would show old movies every Saturday afternoon. </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(For your reference, I hit that point during the late 70s, early 80s, - yeah, forever ago)</i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I remember going to those showings and seeing a bombshell up on the screen, completely owning the world and her place in it. She had curves, and she wasn't ashamed to show them off. She was sensuous, sexual, and a bit scandalous.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk_5LXqoIbI13ccYyVk7pY5ckofOHwn-HmlGJtOQoQIQg3Of3Ko7MamRVtfp6VfcDmqkva6_Zz5x6uBBcCwBdOpkaNRG_q7DiZHppkKp1ToUV5KcfnRY8MC5yxtwWZGsWIkz-_eX7r7KY/s1600/marilyn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk_5LXqoIbI13ccYyVk7pY5ckofOHwn-HmlGJtOQoQIQg3Of3Ko7MamRVtfp6VfcDmqkva6_Zz5x6uBBcCwBdOpkaNRG_q7DiZHppkKp1ToUV5KcfnRY8MC5yxtwWZGsWIkz-_eX7r7KY/s200/marilyn.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She was blond. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She was brassy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She was sassy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">She was <b><u>not</u></b> Marilyn Monroe.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We don't have her vulnerability, my maven and me. We don't say 'Please love me.' We say 'you do or you don't' and leave it at that.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQve9GG-Ozd7K6w-RGFnBXECORhCd30M7XQhzU6VSl9qVeUio-kp_wv458mRDWGeq_OlXOuaQXoIxmzMChFYLjZDNNE2_10Gn_w-yx1XM9POhixsCNTSg3G-UnOfXFRCQw8zDU-yzaHU/s1600/greta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguQve9GG-Ozd7K6w-RGFnBXECORhCd30M7XQhzU6VSl9qVeUio-kp_wv458mRDWGeq_OlXOuaQXoIxmzMChFYLjZDNNE2_10Gn_w-yx1XM9POhixsCNTSg3G-UnOfXFRCQw8zDU-yzaHU/s200/greta.jpg" width="155" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We don't have Garbo's mysterious aloofness. We put it all on display for everyone to see.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio2fMG4_xmR-efFD8BKgZ9xvmmOWAYtByBMf8YLCtYOyj9X8oURBA_FFuB9rrcE2lkxgl2ZPe_lGhllMmqG4gGbFHvK8sagF-8ibPAKcli2LpLC8BuLgqHRpl2yvN_cALGcKBbsPQB5Bw/s1600/audrey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio2fMG4_xmR-efFD8BKgZ9xvmmOWAYtByBMf8YLCtYOyj9X8oURBA_FFuB9rrcE2lkxgl2ZPe_lGhllMmqG4gGbFHvK8sagF-8ibPAKcli2LpLC8BuLgqHRpl2yvN_cALGcKBbsPQB5Bw/s200/audrey.jpg" width="161" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl8KxCo-7g7eQcDUFj4EPIcTiPcCVL9CGh8gkFba_CFXu8hWOSedLJ-YlQUGHaSFBvWuSQm4Z9dzLi7Ew03PYAY_JUflqNJH7r_50HCXcL1g2M06J0JJQR1DoVl2gjyTVuQXTw_D2El9U/s1600/katharine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl8KxCo-7g7eQcDUFj4EPIcTiPcCVL9CGh8gkFba_CFXu8hWOSedLJ-YlQUGHaSFBvWuSQm4Z9dzLi7Ew03PYAY_JUflqNJH7r_50HCXcL1g2M06J0JJQR1DoVl2gjyTVuQXTw_D2El9U/s200/katharine.jpg" width="136" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We don't have the grace, elegance, or sophistication of either Hepburn. We're dirty and a bit rough around the edges. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidCnPfYblQ8aJZCu8ptOP9kZaNDTAJGTkh2ocKtcW40gj_66MzI-cI_3mz32udDJkVtNcbTr5BwpNsak77TgvieyWti0f2dI7oalLXq143waJrtT3_VJJDflEf5tN2ryskzVTD4_IINiQ/s1600/lauren.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidCnPfYblQ8aJZCu8ptOP9kZaNDTAJGTkh2ocKtcW40gj_66MzI-cI_3mz32udDJkVtNcbTr5BwpNsak77TgvieyWti0f2dI7oalLXq143waJrtT3_VJJDflEf5tN2ryskzVTD4_IINiQ/s200/lauren.jpg" width="159" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We don't exude Bacall's cool confidence. We're bawdy and brash.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nope. I am a Mae West. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiW1W9vGITVT1-spME-_prN6Z9kHP7wzxO1sqxNcHqz3Mnr57N2uUL3E_aP2UEC8PDV9y2Ab2P872oac5oNIYToT9GO_81IGQz35xtdig_Lk8sjrp_OIkSf-H4QMr9yN70Kt_d59H0e14/s1600/maewest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiW1W9vGITVT1-spME-_prN6Z9kHP7wzxO1sqxNcHqz3Mnr57N2uUL3E_aP2UEC8PDV9y2Ab2P872oac5oNIYToT9GO_81IGQz35xtdig_Lk8sjrp_OIkSf-H4QMr9yN70Kt_d59H0e14/s400/maewest.jpg" width="335" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Confidence is sexy as hell, don't you think?</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The wit. Check (I think?)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The comedic timing. Check (mostly? sometimes?)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The voluptuous curves. *looks down* Uh, yeah. Big, round check.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The heaping helpings of innuendo. Fill that box with a long....fat.....check. Repeatedly. ;)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Like her, I'd say I'm a terrible flirt, but I am so good at it. She knew her assets, but she also knew they didn't begin and end with her measurements. Her curves were a big part of who she was, but they didn't define her. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Unashamed, unabashed, and unassuming. Not a bad way to live your life, don't you agree? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, who helped define you as a sexual being? Are you still looking for someone to jumpstart your self esteem? </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You're always welcome to come up and see me sometime. Because you're perfect, just as you are. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">~xxx~</span><br />
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Xara X. Xanakashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06460849874337564581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7939355281593570566.post-41105769019553752992013-05-16T07:00:00.000-05:002013-05-29T16:00:39.142-05:00Thirsty Thursday: Mexican Martini<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mmmm. Tequila..... </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXCAnWo6H67ll4w3so3AdDyXRYW-RwVuWEkznATI8qDSlupVxGqvKELJNg9Tfi7RtWvsQdyohnka_PVchVjr816sdGxPnc-_WCu4xf9XZSlL5ZZIYOKKOfxLYCbexzoVqDFKPlQztYi54/s1600/minions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXCAnWo6H67ll4w3so3AdDyXRYW-RwVuWEkznATI8qDSlupVxGqvKELJNg9Tfi7RtWvsQdyohnka_PVchVjr816sdGxPnc-_WCu4xf9XZSlL5ZZIYOKKOfxLYCbexzoVqDFKPlQztYi54/s320/minions.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My mini minions, lined up for battle</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I gotta tell ya, I'm a big fan of the margarita. It's pretty much a staple down here, deep in the heart. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You just can't go wrong with tequila, triple sec, and lime juice.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When you start tinkering with it, the options become endless around these parts: rocks or frozen? regular or flavored? salt or no salt? floater or not? It goes on and on.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then you get to the Mexican Martini. Tequila, orange liquor, and citrus juice, served with the shaker (built in refill - hell, yeah!) Neighbor and I did some tinkering with the basic recipe, and we've come up with something that, well, you just might not remember tomorrow, so go easy....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There's no real measurements to this - it all depends on your taste and the size of your pitcher (and yes, you are making a <b>pitcher</b>, not a glass of this). Remember, this is supposed to be fun. Roll with how you like it, not what some recipe demands.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fill your pitcher with ice</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fill about a third with tequila</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fill a third with triple sec</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fill half of what's left with orange juice</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Add One (</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1) can or bottle Mike's Hard Limeade (or the Black Cherry or Cranberry for a different flavor)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Squeeze an orange, a lemon, and a lime</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Stir, and serve. In a <span style="color: blue;"><b>BLUE </b></span>Solo cup. (Yeah, I went there. I know red is the popular choice, but let's buck the trend here).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'll be over there. Probably on the floor. But that's okay too. Because it's five o'clock somewhere....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">~xxx~</span>Xara X. Xanakashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06460849874337564581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7939355281593570566.post-46667675601046913942013-05-15T11:14:00.001-05:002013-05-15T11:14:45.879-05:00Weigh-In Wednesday: The Accidental Hiatus<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So..... yeah.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I haven't done this in a while. Why? I can't tell you. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Seriously, I can't say why. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's not because I'm some big secret-keeping secret keeper. There's no hidden agenda. No massive project brewing. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's really nothing. Or, probably more accurately, The Nothing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7fqQ5_X1eUUNGALRHJtpu9wX-u-8gZ7kY5fTfG40PmTACKcFib_4d6ga1xf9RJWMn84YK1tp9DzUls2_50WKpq_RCSI-LRH7sGEL5cdnImc6-K6ZbpIavsQSTpHR3NO4Zdu44XRYs5pI/s1600/rockbiter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7fqQ5_X1eUUNGALRHJtpu9wX-u-8gZ7kY5fTfG40PmTACKcFib_4d6ga1xf9RJWMn84YK1tp9DzUls2_50WKpq_RCSI-LRH7sGEL5cdnImc6-K6ZbpIavsQSTpHR3NO4Zdu44XRYs5pI/s400/rockbiter.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Nothing crawled inside my head and made its way to my heart, and took over.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've been a big blob of 'meh' for a while. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I haven't been able to do any writing. It's not a block; it's more of a pit. A big black hole (without the cool robots), sucking every bit of light and energy out of me. I get about three sentences in, and I get an overwhelming feeling of 'blah' about everything, then I wind up back on the web. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And we all know where that leads, right? The evol that is AO3. I found my way to Sterekville, lost for months now. I took a couple of turns and wound up hanging out in Nagronia for a while too. (Don't worry - there will be more blog posts coming discussing these boys. I can't.... I just ... yeah. We'll talk about it later.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBLyKZd2iEtHuFlezfGoNEw8aD3oLwq1OvN2-Xq9hvfmitWXbI_dCBUMA8qZ0csI7D_LlG-qDkWm63utLxZx6AgmwVIJMKIh17Fp5XzoVQBUT04EP6y3UEbpSLt2Phzd3Ka6WlM25WNus/s1600/head_up_ass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBLyKZd2iEtHuFlezfGoNEw8aD3oLwq1OvN2-Xq9hvfmitWXbI_dCBUMA8qZ0csI7D_LlG-qDkWm63utLxZx6AgmwVIJMKIh17Fp5XzoVQBUT04EP6y3UEbpSLt2Phzd3Ka6WlM25WNus/s200/head_up_ass.jpg" width="161" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The real problem here....</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, I've identified the problem, and now I need to resolve it. (That's me. I'm a problem solver.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm working on breaking out of Beacon Hills. Stepping away from the Sterek.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've finished a story for the Goodreads MM Romance Group's Love Has No Boundaries event. It was like pulling teeth, but I'm pleased with the results. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And Lauren, I'm sorry. You're next, and.... It. Will. Be. Done. This. Month. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMz9yRCKqjw1Gb2S2CZ_If6AqoqD5a8ZMlqfBQsInrNy0ZwrRSjUXO3_XGkHH0aBAvJ9Pnk9SWJMW40-kJJTIfNzhVhT7b3EBEmmxaS3K4yc6yaW7oep4ht70r_9fgkH6l0F0x-e1slv4/s1600/falcor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMz9yRCKqjw1Gb2S2CZ_If6AqoqD5a8ZMlqfBQsInrNy0ZwrRSjUXO3_XGkHH0aBAvJ9Pnk9SWJMW40-kJJTIfNzhVhT7b3EBEmmxaS3K4yc6yaW7oep4ht70r_9fgkH6l0F0x-e1slv4/s320/falcor.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Falcor, will you give me a ride?</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Time to pull my head out and get on with the getting on. Where's my luckdragon when I need him? Because this really is a neverending story. All we need to do is keep writing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">~xxx~</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />Xara X. Xanakashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06460849874337564581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7939355281593570566.post-22554914052534323432012-09-18T10:44:00.000-05:002012-09-18T10:44:00.405-05:00Aaron is Coming Soon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb7m-IIs3PTFkg4ig75Q6as_Z5gQMESyMgcPocS7r5sUVWWcqdFqy8LbhqcSnoJL4viePv4wy6kF7QBzalA30r7AjZfsA5aGbeQRxIeWQVQ_Ou92KnMnqiVCMEVhMKQlSWWglmwU5l9nQ/s1600/MonkeyWrench_FBbanner_DSP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb7m-IIs3PTFkg4ig75Q6as_Z5gQMESyMgcPocS7r5sUVWWcqdFqy8LbhqcSnoJL4viePv4wy6kF7QBzalA30r7AjZfsA5aGbeQRxIeWQVQ_Ou92KnMnqiVCMEVhMKQlSWWglmwU5l9nQ/s400/MonkeyWrench_FBbanner_DSP.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Actually, he's not.<br />
<br />
Sure, Monkey Wrench comes out tomorrow (get it at <a href="http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3225" target="_blank">Dreamspinner</a>, and you still have time to enter to win it at <a href="http://www.stumblingoverchaos.com/archives/20846" target="_blank">Stumbling Over Chaos</a> and at <a href="http://mjandpiper.blogspot.com/2012/09/giveaway-monkey-wrench-were-menagerie-2.html?zx=f0787688c81ae0d0" target="_blank">Babes in Boyland</a>).<br />
<br />
Aaron has always felt like he had to prove himself. He's the little guy, the underdog. Monkey Wrench really is his coming of age. Sure, he's an adult, and a police officer, but he's still very innocent and immature in some ways. See, he understands the mechanics of relationships and intimacy. He's seen his friends pair off, and as a cop, he's seen the ugly side of it as well. He's just never applied the idea to himself. For most of his life, he's been asexual.<br />
<div><br />
</div>If you're looking for hot monkey sex, I'm afraid I'm going to disappoint you. (<i>What? xXx wrote a story <u>without</u> sex? Inconceivable!) </i>Aaron just wasn't ready for it. He's learning about himself. In the end he's happy for now. That's not to say a certain bobcat shifter hasn't piqued his interest.<br />
<br />
But that's another story...<br />
<br />
~xxx~<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3225" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqvW1Iv1_bXUoqAnak_M4L545EkEGvY-HhO5ffV1iTt9I2L8AT5EYNr6FEyr5u_A37PMdY0OMzCIbTeMaKguWHpDAjzYxCvTTgDnZwk_8VdFpE6mM8oYt0EQzDn5YhAbQRkwp6UQy6Edo/s320/MonkeyWrench_postcard_front.jpg" width="217" /></a><i><u></u></i><br />
<i><u><i><u><br />
</u></i></u></i> <i><u>Monkey Wrench, A Were Menagerie Story</u></i><br />
<i><br />
</i> <i>Twenty-year-old virgin Aaron Thorne has a lot of irons in the fire. He’s on a career-making case investigating a new party drug that induces shifts in werecreatures, and his friend is the prime suspect. Outside of work, a literal silver fox has captured his attention. And just when life start going smoothly for Aaron, a tall, dark, scowly bobcat shifter named Iggy appears and sweeps him off his feet.</i><br />
<br />
<blockquote><i>After being attacked in the course of his investigation, Aaron starts to feel like he has something to prove. It’s a good thing he’s got all the energy of his shifter animal, the spider monkey. He’s going to need it to solve the case, sort out his love life, and decide what kind of man he wants to be.</i></blockquote><br />
<br />
Xara X. Xanakashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06460849874337564581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7939355281593570566.post-38126850070273845462012-07-22T08:52:00.000-05:002012-07-22T08:52:06.845-05:00Suit Up Sunday - HangoverWe've all been there. Had such a good time, your mind shut itself down from overload. Happy fun times, but not without punishment. The hangover. Here's a tip - it gets worse the older you get. Or maybe it's just me. Today, I'm nursing a work-hangover from way too much going wrong even after the best-laid plans of man and Systems Administrators.<br />
<br />
(then again, any excuse to post Bradley "YumYum" Cooper with his pants down...)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn1JbLiLjLLX-kt0G6O6FOJbWffUHtAZGn-Xmxwp8RsXp4uLaLX3URAZiUlm3XzpzzPpIUBpM_Mzpxs8lHlETx7czynxbN5-BbCTWhDi7ANi_1ly4hPqJd6dI4GN7sMrP6Zzbc3ID91w0/s1600/hangover2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn1JbLiLjLLX-kt0G6O6FOJbWffUHtAZGn-Xmxwp8RsXp4uLaLX3URAZiUlm3XzpzzPpIUBpM_Mzpxs8lHlETx7czynxbN5-BbCTWhDi7ANi_1ly4hPqJd6dI4GN7sMrP6Zzbc3ID91w0/s640/hangover2.jpg" width="464" /></a></div><br />
<br />
~xxx~<br />
<br />
<script src="http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=125782" type="text/javascript">
</script>Xara X. Xanakashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06460849874337564581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7939355281593570566.post-22006220354186272422012-07-08T09:22:00.000-05:002012-07-08T09:22:23.447-05:00Suit Up Sunday - Morning PaperNothing like getting up Sunday morning and reading the paper. I can't find my reading glasses, so I may just have to get a little closer.... Much, much closer.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuvI0DECz4efKZ9jByowbuP0VLwZSjSggNbPodN7AxKrSzCqy7PwcjACRdeZwIQ3gDlSfyn0hLp8CNfxzGdzMNELKxA16Dd7iiub1rDnGPAyNX3Z7VOcEOkehdNFZXLbLUlLmK8X3TPv4/s1600/anderson-cooper-new-your-times-suit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuvI0DECz4efKZ9jByowbuP0VLwZSjSggNbPodN7AxKrSzCqy7PwcjACRdeZwIQ3gDlSfyn0hLp8CNfxzGdzMNELKxA16Dd7iiub1rDnGPAyNX3Z7VOcEOkehdNFZXLbLUlLmK8X3TPv4/s640/anderson-cooper-new-your-times-suit.jpg" width="466" /></a></div><br />
~xxx~<br />
<br />
<script src="http://www.linkytools.com/basic_linky_include.aspx?id=125780" type="text/javascript">
</script>Xara X. Xanakashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06460849874337564581noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7939355281593570566.post-85932756738065272722012-07-01T09:23:00.001-05:002012-07-01T09:23:42.482-05:00Suit Up Sunday - A Treat<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My friend Poppy asked "<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">So what about you? Did any of your teenage crushes influence the type of man you find attractive today?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"> "</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqkHYBZl3ctP0B09KWIec-qblTe5x6ZxWUv-gARkFuLqXmIbPX089PvKoKJGaqd7mlu6MC0A1YfFFKXzMcY1ih-mnF_nzj36X1gp9lk24dcXPtxhjBLuF8qSSw3L8FVrzDpDM3_jlbo_I/s1600/1318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqkHYBZl3ctP0B09KWIec-qblTe5x6ZxWUv-gARkFuLqXmIbPX089PvKoKJGaqd7mlu6MC0A1YfFFKXzMcY1ih-mnF_nzj36X1gp9lk24dcXPtxhjBLuF8qSSw3L8FVrzDpDM3_jlbo_I/s1600/1318.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">I'll admit it: Treat Williams has been a life-long crush of mine. Tall, dark, handsome, and damn, that smile. Slayed for life. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAqndAmrN5-oGxvCGxqW8y_YD3Nr9doSTbsZnMcx6zMCDUIPLwV2a26sZXfLC0V9wnPc5vbvB8nl7SCZsXQ06zE8B2kWGPv8s5XLgEf5vEX4PzzggW91LA9ST-JQv70xIlxOidGnpZGXE/s1600/treat-williams.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAqndAmrN5-oGxvCGxqW8y_YD3Nr9doSTbsZnMcx6zMCDUIPLwV2a26sZXfLC0V9wnPc5vbvB8nl7SCZsXQ06zE8B2kWGPv8s5XLgEf5vEX4PzzggW91LA9ST-JQv70xIlxOidGnpZGXE/s320/treat-williams.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">Most of you probably know him as Dr. Brown on Everwood, but let's travel in the Wayback Machine and visit a time when he marked himself indelibly on my psyche.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">My first real awareness came from his part as Stretch, a Corporeal who has severe disdain for eggs, in Steven Spielberg's 1941. What can I say? That jawline in a uniform? Yowza! for this then-ten-year-old.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeojoIJljYuMIC3A3CbAYHQWiSfffnrQcte5P7OjEIMuje_qbbhQNurf1LZFlwWJQck51O9wfXalckECF9WVK0hEJR9iz3AwJATtQ3JMQm3ZwXwknPH5z5OqC818TfDIGDhyrYwbdYNSg/s1600/1941-1979-12-g.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeojoIJljYuMIC3A3CbAYHQWiSfffnrQcte5P7OjEIMuje_qbbhQNurf1LZFlwWJQck51O9wfXalckECF9WVK0hEJR9iz3AwJATtQ3JMQm3ZwXwknPH5z5OqC818TfDIGDhyrYwbdYNSg/s400/1941-1979-12-g.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 20px;">The same year, he was the free spirited Berger, who underwent a makeover for his friend, in the movie version of Hair.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKmHtzKY16K8teu-Z3JAMjy8cyIgxBDbvhIWdfwrVbXyggsRgjaJAfdu25wG9205QdauPzSPmylffS14xpc1zOFfQTYWpJVXf1aYhh9N_ea76Gra8OwUA4WANBpnsrlnxUkd53Ces3oKg/s1600/tumblr_m4yq4tmBbU1qfw98bo2_r1_250.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKmHtzKY16K8teu-Z3JAMjy8cyIgxBDbvhIWdfwrVbXyggsRgjaJAfdu25wG9205QdauPzSPmylffS14xpc1zOFfQTYWpJVXf1aYhh9N_ea76Gra8OwUA4WANBpnsrlnxUkd53Ces3oKg/s1600/tumblr_m4yq4tmBbU1qfw98bo2_r1_250.gif" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzCiraWyiS2CCeSxvyFnasQe61XGuY9CMwV1RuHCC1MZfDIxybWZgMd1h-98ztEcPMhGZDjsfY8QtEwvcRmUwGVlfdVHY168cnRIHq7XPEaPdr85rOqm3-4g04rdu-RAyRzoulXAfROaI/s1600/471235377l1km.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzCiraWyiS2CCeSxvyFnasQe61XGuY9CMwV1RuHCC1MZfDIxybWZgMd1h-98ztEcPMhGZDjsfY8QtEwvcRmUwGVlfdVHY168cnRIHq7XPEaPdr85rOqm3-4g04rdu-RAyRzoulXAfROaI/s320/471235377l1km.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 20px;">Just. Damn.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifXeZqULxRILe768nx4-xBAUGwCM0bMeOFKJZQdSrbLH6RX-jqpoRjx_fznKiYnQpPwMLfx-Ba_RLN3QsohnzhHJ180VSOfZoUGovzCI8zQ-wWVf2VlX4NrIaRUyTZMlo7oRyHC5GBdE0/s1600/%2521BfjZy%2521%2521%25212k%257E%2524%2528KGrHqYH-CIErodRksGBBLBwUH%2529po%2521%257E%257E_3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipSUqPxkPxOPiKzcEfRcWNQHi3JxQwoPUm57WDDJJAsv_ylx2iesumRVmYJ31C2jdEyKcxMzhBKaYcnJjQSgElHkxdEjjT6tboCs7oSuowHPRdScyJrZXf-yUCQ8zSllGouE-Dpkwb6K4/s1600/xanderdrax.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipSUqPxkPxOPiKzcEfRcWNQHi3JxQwoPUm57WDDJJAsv_ylx2iesumRVmYJ31C2jdEyKcxMzhBKaYcnJjQSgElHkxdEjjT6tboCs7oSuowHPRdScyJrZXf-yUCQ8zSllGouE-Dpkwb6K4/s1600/xanderdrax.jpg" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">Yes, he was in the awful Billy Zane version of The Phantom, but he rocked the hell out of the 1940s look. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifXeZqULxRILe768nx4-xBAUGwCM0bMeOFKJZQdSrbLH6RX-jqpoRjx_fznKiYnQpPwMLfx-Ba_RLN3QsohnzhHJ180VSOfZoUGovzCI8zQ-wWVf2VlX4NrIaRUyTZMlo7oRyHC5GBdE0/s1600/%2521BfjZy%2521%2521%25212k%257E%2524%2528KGrHqYH-CIErodRksGBBLBwUH%2529po%2521%257E%257E_3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifXeZqULxRILe768nx4-xBAUGwCM0bMeOFKJZQdSrbLH6RX-jqpoRjx_fznKiYnQpPwMLfx-Ba_RLN3QsohnzhHJ180VSOfZoUGovzCI8zQ-wWVf2VlX4NrIaRUyTZMlo7oRyHC5GBdE0/s320/%2521BfjZy%2521%2521%25212k%257E%2524%2528KGrHqYH-CIErodRksGBBLBwUH%2529po%2521%257E%257E_3.JPG" width="262" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7g74O0o4mH9J25QHP0_YH3GoMxWBe5PCj1Gb_KO5L3PiHUL76OuLzcClW0ogZbJHb04fdRVEcXxjGHB2vgKX4KhCGhNMfKVuj6ToChQb8Hx618kNJrjsu8M4n9xKqjGNTTgOh0B8PtI/s1600/annmargaretwilliams.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7g74O0o4mH9J25QHP0_YH3GoMxWBe5PCj1Gb_KO5L3PiHUL76OuLzcClW0ogZbJHb04fdRVEcXxjGHB2vgKX4KhCGhNMfKVuj6ToChQb8Hx618kNJrjsu8M4n9xKqjGNTTgOh0B8PtI/s320/annmargaretwilliams.JPG" width="212" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">And he played Jack Dempsey and Stanley Kowalski. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">Good guy?</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">Bad boy?</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 20px;">Misunderstood miscreant?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">Yes, please!</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 20px;">I'll keep my other two lifelong crushes under my hat for now. Maybe next time? :)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;">~xxx~</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzCiraWyiS2CCeSxvyFnasQe61XGuY9CMwV1RuHCC1MZfDIxybWZgMd1h-98ztEcPMhGZDjsfY8QtEwvcRmUwGVlfdVHY168cnRIHq7XPEaPdr85rOqm3-4g04rdu-RAyRzoulXAfROaI/s1600/471235377l1km.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a>
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</script>Xara X. Xanakashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06460849874337564581noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7939355281593570566.post-80010160940257175022012-06-24T07:00:00.000-05:002012-06-24T07:00:06.500-05:00Suit Up Sunday - Yes, Sir<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9o6J4gnZ2zFyJOD3WxSdchZGWFYCVvVvx4cIxCOVKSjaX7w0o_SelE3hkqKKCcasWUoELLUTAsz2whs5eSIQuFyN-mnTCZZLJIGT-NxIEInHXT6K0NYm2_qNeXkfy34PPbHN9KBDy-AM/s1600/spartacus-gods-of-arena-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9o6J4gnZ2zFyJOD3WxSdchZGWFYCVvVvx4cIxCOVKSjaX7w0o_SelE3hkqKKCcasWUoELLUTAsz2whs5eSIQuFyN-mnTCZZLJIGT-NxIEInHXT6K0NYm2_qNeXkfy34PPbHN9KBDy-AM/s400/spartacus-gods-of-arena-11.jpg" width="273" /></a>He was hot wielding the whip in Spartacus, but sweet jeebus, that smile is even deadlier.<br />
<br />
Yes, sir, Doctore. Whatever you say.<br />
<br />
~xxx~<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZsckH91zoBY62VqD-RtoLWHT06MoFBhRMXXF-lzidm8qEYt5ozqRcf-bWLwylIZI5fpthY0q0PD28nsXmECpxTv5biPUBM84P2uQxAv9mKOa2SlTlJ8SbtNc-rdHIKTWjivdjHoNDLww/s1600/peter_mensah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZsckH91zoBY62VqD-RtoLWHT06MoFBhRMXXF-lzidm8qEYt5ozqRcf-bWLwylIZI5fpthY0q0PD28nsXmECpxTv5biPUBM84P2uQxAv9mKOa2SlTlJ8SbtNc-rdHIKTWjivdjHoNDLww/s400/peter_mensah.jpg" width="300" /></a><br />
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</script>Xara X. Xanakashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06460849874337564581noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7939355281593570566.post-17010853368061404952012-06-23T13:07:00.001-05:002012-06-23T13:08:45.221-05:00Saturday Snark - Shopping with Vin<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Here's a little tease from <i>PreCaution</i>, the sequel to <i>Close Encounters</i>, my <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/907302" target="_blank">LiAW story</a>. (You can also download <i>Close Encounters</i> from my <a href="http://xaraxanakas.com/x/Freebies.html" target="_blank">website</a> or directly from <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15703619-close-encounters" target="_blank">Goodreads</a>)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Pre was still a teenager and a ward of the state when he went into the experiment with the others. Vin's been trying to be a helpful big brother since then.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">---------------------</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">Since his eighteenth birthday, Vin had been offering to take him out, to help him celebrate the ancient rite of passage, but he'd refused. After meeting the prince four months ago, he'd relented and compromised with Vin. During one of his filming breaks, he'd asked for Vin's advice. Udo had woken something in him, and he needed to release it. Vin had taken him shopping, bouncing around like a kid in a candy store. He pulled things off the shelf and handed them to Pre as the wandered up and down the ailes. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>“Hold on. What is all this stuff?”</i> he asked. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>“Well, this is a plug, and this is a sleeve, and that,” </i>he said with a smile, <i>“that is the Alleviation Station. The Rolls Royce of fuck toys. Self-lubricating, density-sensing sininium core, this sucker can tell how hard you are and give you the ride of your life.”</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;">Pre raised an eyebrow in skepticism. <i>“I don’t think I really need a Rolls Royce. How about a nice, moderate Chevy?”</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>“Trust me, kid. You want the Rolls. If nothing else, take this. My treat.” </i>Vin slid his cred chip across the counter and paid for it. <i>“Now, how ‘bout we find someone for you to use that stuff with, unless you already have someone in mind?”</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Rolls versus Chevy. Sounds like a no-brainer to me.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">~xxx~</span><br />
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<br />Xara X. Xanakashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06460849874337564581noreply@blogger.com0