elvis--the good one, not the dead one--had this "Clubland" song from my second- or third-favorite album of his (after My Aim is True and maybe Armed Forces), Trust. Friends of mine loved it, but i never connected.

prolly just not there yet. don't know any of the lyrics, cause they didn't make a mark. need to dig it out now, though, i have a feeling . . .

thought i was too cracked out--just hung over, really, but cracked out sounds so much more chic, doesn't it--not sure i could even make it tonight. sort of mildly dreading doing this x they gave me last night that i didn't want to do then cause i knew i needed to pace myself. so lusting over getting to do it tonight, but tonight came and i felt a little out of it.

but two or three shots of vodka on the couch watching trading spaces and . . . who knows.

better done without alcohol, i know, but better done on a good mood than an edgy one. dark things happened the last time i tried to jump-start my mood with a big bold dose of seratonin.

i'll let you know. alcohol may be all i need. feeling good though finally, ready to play again.

and just sure elvis had some commentary on this i could benefit from.

If you are reading this, then the remote access if finally, finally working!

I'm at home, but dialing in right now. It's slow as hell, but it seems to work.

I should be able to keep my blog alive while I'm gone now. Praise Jesus!

Dan Balz has written some of the best political stuff this season, but today's piece in the Washington Post is standard lameo political drivel. Nothing offensive, just not too much that's interesting.

But I'm linking anyway, because its central idea--that Iowa may prove crucial this year--is getting more an more compelling. It's worth a quick skim.

The most compelling sliver:

In New Hampshire, [Howard Dean] already holds a solid lead over Kerry, but in Iowa, Gephardt stands squarely in his path. A Gephardt victory on Jan. 19 could significantly complicate Dean's path to the nomination.

Heeheehee. That's what my friend Daniel called me last night.

Four guys were up from Albequerque, and they called to say get over to the hotel to hang out till clubtime. I said I still had to soak my aching back and stretch it out, but they had a jacuzi, so just bring my stuff and head over. I left my gym back in Chicago yesterday, so I just shoved my shaving kit, the shirt I was going to wear and a few other things in the first plastic bag I saw and hopped in the car.

They thought it was hysterical. "Most gayboys would show up with a nice little Louie Vitan bag, you show up with Home Depot plastic."

Louie Vitan? Who's Louie Vitan? (OK, that one I know, more or less, but I don't expect to own anything from him in this lifetime. Never say never, though.)

Anyway, had a blast. And felt so safe and so loved with those boys. Can't wait for tonight. But I need a nap.