LONDON, United Kingdom
July 25, 2007 (Wednesday)
I had a restless sleep and woke up with huge pain. In the evening I slowly made my way home.
As I entered the apartment, I suddenly burst in tears – tears of sadness. It was not just crying over a chick-flick movie or victims of natural disasters. These were real tears of sorrow. I did not know whom to trouble and have a comforting chat. It simply did not appeal to me to bother others in the late evening on a weekday.
I texted Will, my best friend, and got a nice reply. My Korean friend and I talked, which helped a bit. I hate crying in front of people but this time I could not help. Tears started rolling in my eyes and pouring down my face in front of my Korean friend. Sometimes a mere word of encouragement is enough and means more than anything else. Then phone rang. It was a call from Scandinavia. The conversation was very brief and agreement to talk tomorrow was reached.
I truly hope that tomorrow will be better with more joy. I have to encourage and rely on myself. There is a little time left and then everything will be fine. I just need to be patient and keep trying. I have learned throughout my life that patience is a virtue. I was rewarded not once for being patient and doing my best. Hopefully, my reward will not take long to claim. I have a busy day tomorrow and, at least, that will keep my mind occupied.
With patience,
~ζ
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Smirting and Hot Human Rights Activist
LONDON, United Kingdom
July 23, 2007 (Tuesday)
It all started in Dublin, Ireland, in 2004 when the smoking ban was introduced. Smirting is basically flirting while smoking; it is one of these words like fragmeration from fragmentation and integration. Anyway, I have noticed that so many people are outside bars, cafés and pubs smoking and having fun.
People are using cigarettes as a tool for social networking. Asking for a lighter or a spare cigarette is one of the few pick-up lines. I was smirting with Nathan couple of weeks ago. Here is reminder of that:
"...I was desperate to get home when a hot stud approached me. It was Nathan, American-born half-Norwegian and half-Chinese from Los Angeles. One cigarette turned into many more and we were making out in his hotel suite on the Piccadilly..."
In essence, you have about three minutes to sell yourself during that smoke date, so to say. It is a smoker to smoker pulling and, in a way, the smoking ban turned into a bonus activity for singletons of the capital. The street life livened up and people are chatting with each other rather than acting indecisive indoors.
For those who would like to try smirting, here are few places that could be fun to check out depending on what kind of crowd you like.
Media people usually smirt at The White Horse on Newburgh Street. Gay smirters highly recommend the Rupert Street Bar in Soho. If you are into Australians, New Zealanders or South Africans then The Walkabout in Shepherd's Bush is a good location to flirt while having a fag. For fans of Latin looks, Café Kick on Shoreditch High Street is worth trying. Fashion divas, cinema fans and admirers of architecture are welcome to smirt in Shoreditch House on Ebor Street. If you want to hook up with a City professional, then Le Coq D'Argent in the City is perfect for you. However, you can smirt anywhere as long as there is a potential date and chemistry, and, of course, a cigarette.
Today I have met with Anton. He is a London-based Russian human rights activist. Anton is a very handsome young man with striking dark eyes coupled with intelligence. I guess Mother Russia was generous with some. Our date was somewhat in a Russian-style with laughs, tea and some sweets. He was not too tall but taller than me. It turned out that he had somewhat similar educational and ethnic background as Michael, my former boyfriend in America. Anton's first degree was in Physics and is a Jew. Michael had Bachelor's degree in Mathematics and is Jew as well. Both of them are now in law and human rights. For some reasons, I was always attracted to Jews subconsciously despite I never agreed with Israel's policy towards Palestine.
At some point during our rendezvous I felt like I was on of these reality shows where a bachelor interviews all potential candidates. I thought he was evaluating my looks and me overall. We sat tête-à-tête and I could see some parts of his body. I was satisfied with what I saw. Man, that dark hair, eloquent and flawless Russian speech, his smile and our freedom of press talks were surely checking all the ticks. He was dressed trendy and relaxed; his apartment was very clean and there was a vase full of fresh roses on the table. Matryoshkas, Russian wooden dolls, portraying Vladimir Lenin, Joseph Stalin, Nikita Khrushchev, Leonid Brezhnev and Mikhail Gorbachev, caught my attention. Anton is a native of Siberia where my ancestors come from. After a nice afternoon, we gave each other a tight hug (melting) and agreed to meet very soon. I cannot wait to our next meeting.
Happy smirting,
~ζ
July 23, 2007 (Tuesday)
It all started in Dublin, Ireland, in 2004 when the smoking ban was introduced. Smirting is basically flirting while smoking; it is one of these words like fragmeration from fragmentation and integration. Anyway, I have noticed that so many people are outside bars, cafés and pubs smoking and having fun.
People are using cigarettes as a tool for social networking. Asking for a lighter or a spare cigarette is one of the few pick-up lines. I was smirting with Nathan couple of weeks ago. Here is reminder of that:
"...I was desperate to get home when a hot stud approached me. It was Nathan, American-born half-Norwegian and half-Chinese from Los Angeles. One cigarette turned into many more and we were making out in his hotel suite on the Piccadilly..."
In essence, you have about three minutes to sell yourself during that smoke date, so to say. It is a smoker to smoker pulling and, in a way, the smoking ban turned into a bonus activity for singletons of the capital. The street life livened up and people are chatting with each other rather than acting indecisive indoors.
For those who would like to try smirting, here are few places that could be fun to check out depending on what kind of crowd you like.
Media people usually smirt at The White Horse on Newburgh Street. Gay smirters highly recommend the Rupert Street Bar in Soho. If you are into Australians, New Zealanders or South Africans then The Walkabout in Shepherd's Bush is a good location to flirt while having a fag. For fans of Latin looks, Café Kick on Shoreditch High Street is worth trying. Fashion divas, cinema fans and admirers of architecture are welcome to smirt in Shoreditch House on Ebor Street. If you want to hook up with a City professional, then Le Coq D'Argent in the City is perfect for you. However, you can smirt anywhere as long as there is a potential date and chemistry, and, of course, a cigarette.
Today I have met with Anton. He is a London-based Russian human rights activist. Anton is a very handsome young man with striking dark eyes coupled with intelligence. I guess Mother Russia was generous with some. Our date was somewhat in a Russian-style with laughs, tea and some sweets. He was not too tall but taller than me. It turned out that he had somewhat similar educational and ethnic background as Michael, my former boyfriend in America. Anton's first degree was in Physics and is a Jew. Michael had Bachelor's degree in Mathematics and is Jew as well. Both of them are now in law and human rights. For some reasons, I was always attracted to Jews subconsciously despite I never agreed with Israel's policy towards Palestine.
At some point during our rendezvous I felt like I was on of these reality shows where a bachelor interviews all potential candidates. I thought he was evaluating my looks and me overall. We sat tête-à-tête and I could see some parts of his body. I was satisfied with what I saw. Man, that dark hair, eloquent and flawless Russian speech, his smile and our freedom of press talks were surely checking all the ticks. He was dressed trendy and relaxed; his apartment was very clean and there was a vase full of fresh roses on the table. Matryoshkas, Russian wooden dolls, portraying Vladimir Lenin, Joseph Stalin, Nikita Khrushchev, Leonid Brezhnev and Mikhail Gorbachev, caught my attention. Anton is a native of Siberia where my ancestors come from. After a nice afternoon, we gave each other a tight hug (melting) and agreed to meet very soon. I cannot wait to our next meeting.
Happy smirting,
~ζ
My First Smoke-Free Day
LONDON, United Kingdom
July 24, 2007 (Tuesday)
I was shocked when I calculated that I spent £1031.13 (€1539 | $2127) in one year on cigarettes only! I smoked about 10 fags of Marlboro Lights or L&M a day and my calculation was based on their prices in London. Apart from the financial side, I have noticed what cigarettes were doing to my health. I have decided to quit smoking and treat myself next year at this time with spare £1031.13 I will save from not buying cigarettes.
Well, hopefully, giving up smoking will improve my health, skin, teeth and finances. I am saying 'No' to tobacco and giving up smirting too. Below are some of benefits of quitting smoking. Well, I have picked up few NHS brochures from a local pharmacist.
The Benefits of Stopping Smoking (Source: NHS)
20 minutes: Immediately after quitting smoking the body will begin to cleanse itself of the tobacco toxins. Blood pressure and pulse rate returns to normal. A circulation improves in hands and feet, making them warmer.
8 hours: Oxygen levels in the blood return to normal and the risk of a heart attack starts to fail.
1 day: Carbon monoxide is eliminated from around the body and the lungs start to clear out mucus and other debris.
2 days: Nicotine is no longer detectable in the body and the ability to taste and smell is improved.
3 days: Breathing becomes easier as the bronchial tubes relax and energy levels increase.
2-12 weeks: Circulation improves throughout the body, making walking easier.
3-9 months: Breathing problems such as coughing, shortness of breath and wheezing improve. Overall, lung function is increased by 5-10%.
5 years: Risk of a heart attack falls to about half that of a smoker.
10 years: Risk of a lung cancer falls to about half that of a smoker. The risk of a heart attack falls to about the same level as someone who has never smoked.
15 years: The risk of getting many of the diseases caused by smoking will be reduced to little more than that of a life-long non-smoker.
I did not smoke a single cigarette today and had no cravings. I hope to continue this way.
'Yes' to a healthier life,
~ζ
July 24, 2007 (Tuesday)
I was shocked when I calculated that I spent £1031.13 (€1539 | $2127) in one year on cigarettes only! I smoked about 10 fags of Marlboro Lights or L&M a day and my calculation was based on their prices in London. Apart from the financial side, I have noticed what cigarettes were doing to my health. I have decided to quit smoking and treat myself next year at this time with spare £1031.13 I will save from not buying cigarettes.
Well, hopefully, giving up smoking will improve my health, skin, teeth and finances. I am saying 'No' to tobacco and giving up smirting too. Below are some of benefits of quitting smoking. Well, I have picked up few NHS brochures from a local pharmacist.
The Benefits of Stopping Smoking (Source: NHS)
20 minutes: Immediately after quitting smoking the body will begin to cleanse itself of the tobacco toxins. Blood pressure and pulse rate returns to normal. A circulation improves in hands and feet, making them warmer.
8 hours: Oxygen levels in the blood return to normal and the risk of a heart attack starts to fail.
1 day: Carbon monoxide is eliminated from around the body and the lungs start to clear out mucus and other debris.
2 days: Nicotine is no longer detectable in the body and the ability to taste and smell is improved.
3 days: Breathing becomes easier as the bronchial tubes relax and energy levels increase.
2-12 weeks: Circulation improves throughout the body, making walking easier.
3-9 months: Breathing problems such as coughing, shortness of breath and wheezing improve. Overall, lung function is increased by 5-10%.
5 years: Risk of a heart attack falls to about half that of a smoker.
10 years: Risk of a lung cancer falls to about half that of a smoker. The risk of a heart attack falls to about the same level as someone who has never smoked.
15 years: The risk of getting many of the diseases caused by smoking will be reduced to little more than that of a life-long non-smoker.
I did not smoke a single cigarette today and had no cravings. I hope to continue this way.
'Yes' to a healthier life,
~ζ
Monday, July 23, 2007
Simple Pleasures of Life
LONDON, United Kingdom
July 23, 2007 (Monday)
In the midst of our daily routines we tend to forget about simple pleasures that our lives have to offer. For example: ironing your clothes. Usually, I hate ironing but today I really enjoyed it. We all like to wear clean, ironed and nice clothes. I was ironing my shirts as if they were adding more beauty to my looks. It is very naïve thought but sometimes clothes do matter. As a person in the media and finance world, I should be thinking more about my appearance. Ironing clothes, in a way, reminded me biking at night alone in Amsterdam, Netherlands. It was my bike, empty roads, my thoughts and me, and nothing else. This time it was my clothes, iron, my thoughts and me. I found it very pleasing despite it might sound so simple. I was doing it until the phone rang.
It was my former Scandinavian partner. We had a long conversation, as we always had in the past. It was a very constructive dialogue, which we both enjoyed. I am glad that Sam and I started talking and keeping in touch. No matter what happened in late spring, we still had a lot of wonderful times together. I am thankful to him for many joyful and unforgettable memories, and hope to continue being in each others' lives as close friends. He told that he does not like his blog name – Sam. If you remember, all names in my blogs are changed for privacy reasons. Now I have to think of a new blog name for Sam, maybe Stan, Stanley or Sylvester? Guys, which name do you think will suit tall, green/grey-eyed handsome and young-hearted Scandinavian man?
Talking on the phone with someone can be very pleasing and enjoyable. It felt good to speak with my former boyfriend and let some past grudges go. Other simple pleasures that I found today were Amy Winehouse's performance and the first Afro-Caribbean actor to play Othello in William Shakespeare's play.
Despite that Amy Winehouse is exhausted, drops the microphone and messes up, she is still a great singer. I have always enjoyed her songs and I did tonight as well. On the other note, it will be very unusual to see non-Caucasian play Othello. Eamonn Walker will be performing at the Shakespeare Globe until August 19, 2007.
Another simple pleasure is smoking a cigarette. However, I am quitting starting tomorrow. So, wish me good luck and my next entry will be about benefits of stopping smoking.
Simple pleasures to you all,
~ζ
July 23, 2007 (Monday)
In the midst of our daily routines we tend to forget about simple pleasures that our lives have to offer. For example: ironing your clothes. Usually, I hate ironing but today I really enjoyed it. We all like to wear clean, ironed and nice clothes. I was ironing my shirts as if they were adding more beauty to my looks. It is very naïve thought but sometimes clothes do matter. As a person in the media and finance world, I should be thinking more about my appearance. Ironing clothes, in a way, reminded me biking at night alone in Amsterdam, Netherlands. It was my bike, empty roads, my thoughts and me, and nothing else. This time it was my clothes, iron, my thoughts and me. I found it very pleasing despite it might sound so simple. I was doing it until the phone rang.
It was my former Scandinavian partner. We had a long conversation, as we always had in the past. It was a very constructive dialogue, which we both enjoyed. I am glad that Sam and I started talking and keeping in touch. No matter what happened in late spring, we still had a lot of wonderful times together. I am thankful to him for many joyful and unforgettable memories, and hope to continue being in each others' lives as close friends. He told that he does not like his blog name – Sam. If you remember, all names in my blogs are changed for privacy reasons. Now I have to think of a new blog name for Sam, maybe Stan, Stanley or Sylvester? Guys, which name do you think will suit tall, green/grey-eyed handsome and young-hearted Scandinavian man?
Talking on the phone with someone can be very pleasing and enjoyable. It felt good to speak with my former boyfriend and let some past grudges go. Other simple pleasures that I found today were Amy Winehouse's performance and the first Afro-Caribbean actor to play Othello in William Shakespeare's play.
Despite that Amy Winehouse is exhausted, drops the microphone and messes up, she is still a great singer. I have always enjoyed her songs and I did tonight as well. On the other note, it will be very unusual to see non-Caucasian play Othello. Eamonn Walker will be performing at the Shakespeare Globe until August 19, 2007.
Another simple pleasure is smoking a cigarette. However, I am quitting starting tomorrow. So, wish me good luck and my next entry will be about benefits of stopping smoking.
Simple pleasures to you all,
~ζ
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Book Market: A New Cruising Area for Gays?
LONDON, United Kingdom
July 22, 2007 (Sunday)
This is a very special day in my life and more details can be found in my Russian blog at http://996312.blogspot.com.
I have heard of Barbara Streisand before but was not aware that she was very popular until I purchased her compact disk last year as a gift for my former partner in Scandinavia. A friend of mine is a security officer and told me that I should see her concert at the O2 Arena last Wednesday. I completely forgot about that until I saw it in local papers the next day. Today was her second concert in London but for some reasons I did not go. Of course, tickets were sold out long ago and cost from £100 – £500 (€150 – €747 | $207 – $1032)! There is one more concert of hers left but I do not think I will be there. I remembered that my former boyfriend liked her a lot. Anyway, I will keep my eyes open and see if there are any other events that I could go. The last big gig I went was George Michael's 25Live concert in Denmark. Maybe I will go to one of Amy Winehouse's performances.
Well, after a long weekend sleep, I headed towards South bank. As I sat on the pier in front of the Oxo Tower, a young, very hot, tall guy with green eyes took a seat vis-à-vis. He was Frederic, 23-year-old German and a City professional who recently moved from Bristol. I was looking at the Swiss Re Headquarters, Saint Paul's Cathedral and enjoying the City until Frederic's handsome face blocked my view. We started chit-chatting. I love doing a small talk with strangers, especially if they are cute. Frederic and I agreed to meet up for a beer and then his girlfriend showed up. What?! Luckily, she is leaving on Monday and Frederic and I already exchanged numbers. I really do not care if he is straight or not since I have slept with self-declared heterosexuals before. Well, straight by day and gay by night, who knows? I do not know but for some reasons I have been hanging out with too much Germans lately. So far, all Germans I know are good in and out of bed.
There I was in South bank under the Waterloo Bridge in the open-air book market looking for Yevgeni Yevtushenko's poetry collection, which I found. However, I also found out that the South bank book market is a trendy place to cruise. Personally, I have noticed it too but did not pay too much attention until it became too obvious. Lonely, smart and handsome single gay men spend hours under the bridge in search of a book, or, frankly saying, of a similar kind. I will certainly return there more equipped, look for a sophisticated book and maybe wear glasses to appear a bit geeky. Hopefully, I will not look too silly.
Later Takashi, my Japanese friend, and I met up. He taught how to properly use chopsticks and drink jasmine tea with no sugar. After a little bit of learning we hit some bars. I got tipsy but it did not prevent me from flirting in and smirting out. The rest is a boring and usual story.
"Whatsoever a man sows, that he shall also reap" from the Law of Consequence.
Happy consequences,
~ζ
July 22, 2007 (Sunday)
This is a very special day in my life and more details can be found in my Russian blog at http://996312.blogspot.com.
I have heard of Barbara Streisand before but was not aware that she was very popular until I purchased her compact disk last year as a gift for my former partner in Scandinavia. A friend of mine is a security officer and told me that I should see her concert at the O2 Arena last Wednesday. I completely forgot about that until I saw it in local papers the next day. Today was her second concert in London but for some reasons I did not go. Of course, tickets were sold out long ago and cost from £100 – £500 (€150 – €747 | $207 – $1032)! There is one more concert of hers left but I do not think I will be there. I remembered that my former boyfriend liked her a lot. Anyway, I will keep my eyes open and see if there are any other events that I could go. The last big gig I went was George Michael's 25Live concert in Denmark. Maybe I will go to one of Amy Winehouse's performances.
Well, after a long weekend sleep, I headed towards South bank. As I sat on the pier in front of the Oxo Tower, a young, very hot, tall guy with green eyes took a seat vis-à-vis. He was Frederic, 23-year-old German and a City professional who recently moved from Bristol. I was looking at the Swiss Re Headquarters, Saint Paul's Cathedral and enjoying the City until Frederic's handsome face blocked my view. We started chit-chatting. I love doing a small talk with strangers, especially if they are cute. Frederic and I agreed to meet up for a beer and then his girlfriend showed up. What?! Luckily, she is leaving on Monday and Frederic and I already exchanged numbers. I really do not care if he is straight or not since I have slept with self-declared heterosexuals before. Well, straight by day and gay by night, who knows? I do not know but for some reasons I have been hanging out with too much Germans lately. So far, all Germans I know are good in and out of bed.
There I was in South bank under the Waterloo Bridge in the open-air book market looking for Yevgeni Yevtushenko's poetry collection, which I found. However, I also found out that the South bank book market is a trendy place to cruise. Personally, I have noticed it too but did not pay too much attention until it became too obvious. Lonely, smart and handsome single gay men spend hours under the bridge in search of a book, or, frankly saying, of a similar kind. I will certainly return there more equipped, look for a sophisticated book and maybe wear glasses to appear a bit geeky. Hopefully, I will not look too silly.
Later Takashi, my Japanese friend, and I met up. He taught how to properly use chopsticks and drink jasmine tea with no sugar. After a little bit of learning we hit some bars. I got tipsy but it did not prevent me from flirting in and smirting out. The rest is a boring and usual story.
"Whatsoever a man sows, that he shall also reap" from the Law of Consequence.
Happy consequences,
~ζ
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