Text Message

Text Message
Originally uploaded by Mike Dec.

Being away from family sometimes takes a toll on me. I try not to rely too much on other people for support but it is incredible how nine words from a friend can affect your day.

Parapalegic Climbing System

Parapalegic Climbing System
Originally uploaded by Rappateng.

Spent my Saturday morning being trained in a climbing system who are unable to use their legs to climb. It's all part of Peak Potential's dream of taking some people outdoors some day.

Mugsy

Mugsy
Originally uploaded by Rappateng.

Alan helped me out today setting up my wireless internet, and Evelyn and Fu came along. What was supposed to be a short afternoon became much longer but everyone was a trooper, even good ol' Mugsy.

Went to Madonna's Concert last night at Madison Square Garden. It was her last show in NYC so everybody was psyched. As usual she was provocative and very sexual, which is why she has legions of fans like me. Alexis and her friends wished she would sing her old songs which she did a bit (Ray of Light, La Isla Bonita, and even Lucky Star). Didn't matter to me since I like her new stuff as well. My favorite number is her Like a Virgin on a one horse carousel decked in a riding outfit. Awesome!

Apparently, a microburst hit Upper Montclair the other day. It's an inverted tornado basically but the resulting damage was unbelievable. I felt like a mouse in a maze the next morning, trying to get to the highway to get to work since all the so many streets were unpassable. Here are some pictures I saved from Baristanet.com.

Photographers for Friends

POD-060718
Originally uploaded by JenFu.

One of the advantages of having photographers for friends is you get to document your life with pictures like these. Jen Fu and Renu took me out for dinner and Jen Fu as always takes pictures. Great night that ended with a deluge that left Upper Montclair an utter mess with downed powerlines and uprooted trees. Thankfully, the three of us only had a fond memory of cheese and Greek wine, dinner and ice cream, and leafing through home magazines to remember that night by.

Cooling Off

_DSC4446
Originally uploaded by JenFu.

With temps reaching the 90's, Mugsy and I went to Allan's house for some pool time. As you can see, pugs are not water dogs.

Lexapro

Lexapro
Originally uploaded by Mike Dec.

I wish my depression had some physical manifestation: a swollen limb, redness of the eyes, or maybe a rash. Something that would alert me of its onset. I end up second guessing every bout of sadness, every disappointment that lingers too long. The chronicity of depression always keeps me on my toes, wondering when it will creep up on me, disguised as loneliness, anger, or inordinate needs for company or seclusion. However, they all somehow end up in the same place for me:despair. These pills are one of the many weapons against it. It amazes me how a bunch of chemicals regulate things so personal to me as my personality, my mood, and my hope.

Project Sink

Sink
Originally uploaded by Mike Dec.

I bought this cast-iron sink at a local antique store here in Montclair. Marc, my friend Dawn's then boyfriend, helped me carry this up to my condo where I had hopes of installing this in my bathroom. To give you an idea how long ago that was, their daughter Lily just had her first birthday party! At least I've been able to change the hardware on it. Now all I have to do is remove the old vanity, beadboard the walls around it, tile the floor, then call my friend Matt to finally put the sink in. I should be done by the time Lily graduates from high school.

Kipp and Raymond's

Kipp and Raymond's
Originally uploaded by Mike Dec.

Being that I start at 12 and he was off this Friday, Kipp and I are able to have a brunch outdoors at Raymond's. This is why I love living in Montclair: easy access to the things I love. Raymond's serves good food with a classic/retro feel of a cafe. I could also gush more about how much I like hanging out with this guy, but since he reads this blog, I will not.

Sienna Rising

Sienna Rising
Originally uploaded by Mike Dec.

Here's the condo/retail behemoth that's being built a block from me. I think it's going to be 5 floors (or 7) with underground parking, a New York Sports Club (lucky for me), other retail stores (hopefully cool ones), and condos that will start at $500,000!

Voila!

POD-060629
Originally uploaded by JenFu.

Finished product

Jen Fu and Toy

Jen Fu and Toy
Originally uploaded by Mike Dec.

And here is the master himself! Jen Fu is the founder of Peak Potential, the group I volunteer for. Here is the rehab doctor with his first passion: life behind a lens. He will now demonstrate his powers in the next shot.......