We're having a birthday party for Elizebeth and I sent out invitations to people last night. I've already got someone RSVPing "Maybe" with a note that they aren't sure yet what will be happening that weekend.

Maybe it's just me, but if a friend invites me to something and I don't already have a conflicting event, I don't wait around to see if something else comes up. If someone invites me to something else afterwards, well, then I'm already engaged. Are they waiting around for a better offer?

Because it tells you where I am right now.
"Here's my deal: I'm a happily married guy and have been for more than 9 years. My wife and I have had an open relationship for as long as we've been together, even before we got married. There’s really only one thing I enjoy that my wife isn't into, and that's going to the bar and having a few drinks.

"I have a friend that I used to go out to the bar with about once a month, maybe twice at most. She and I would drink our cocktails, talk, laugh, and flirt a bit. Some of those times there'd be some naked fun after the drinks, but not always. She is now in a monogamous relationship that takes up a lot more of her time, so I find myself without a drinking buddy.

"I'm a fat guy, with a beard and glasses. I also have a lot of tattoos. I enjoy classic cocktails, especially ones made with whiskey or gin. I'm a history geek, a smart ass, and a photographer. I'm a regular at my neighborhood bar, so I can promise we'll get good service and the occasional free drink.

"I'm attracted to women of all body types and races. I want a smart person with a quick wit who enjoys a cocktail or three. Sex is optional, I mostly want someone to drink, talk, and flirt with. Tattoos are a big plus."

All things considered I've had a pretty good holiday weekend. I've spent a lot of time loafing around the apartments with Elizebeth, I went out to Elixir last night and tonight. I got to see both Danielle and Jesse this afternoon.

I'm in a good mood, but at the same time, I'm feeling a bit...wistful. A friend who I thought was a good friend canceled standing plans I had with him for this afternoon. What did he do? BBQ outside by the pool with someone I can't stand. Mind you, he had out of town guests he was entertaining, but he invited the asshole to join him, not me. Or the asshole invited himself. Either way, I'm reminded that he's more this other guy's friend than mine. I'll live; it’s just a bit of a downer. Lately everyone seems to be busy when I'd like their company.

Ah well, I'll make friends here, right? I was talking to someone I met on Craigslist a bit ago. It seemed like she and her husband had a lot in common with E and I. Then she stopped replying to the emails. It does seem both harder and easier to connect with people these days. Initial connections are more effortless than ever, but the more meaningful friendships never seem to develop.

I know, I’m a big old whiner. In my defense, I’m really only writing this to increase the “complete” rating for my profile. How about a subject change?

Is anyone else out there looking forward to the return of “Mad Men” on the 27th?

There's been an after-the fact claim that it's all a joke, but...

WTF??

Joke or not, I'm almost relieved a woman wrote it. I'd be embarrassed for my gender as well as my species if it was a guy.

Over the weekend I had a cocktail party. I worked the bar, mixing drinks for all my guests. Those who ordered highballs definitely made it easy on me. Much quicker to mix those for folks than shaken or stirred drinks, as you would expect.

Weirdest drink of the night? A friend asked for a custom Gin & Tonic:

• 2 oz gin
  
• 4 oz tonic water
  
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  
• Garnish with a line wedge and an olive

I didn't get a chance to try one, but she really seemed to like 'em.

The trickiest to make was the Floridita, but everyone who had one seemed to like it. I also mixed a few Harvey Wallbangers, a couple Mojitos, and some Sours, both rum and bourbon.