Because I recently returned from Maine and one of the best weekends of my life, and because I’m off to Boston this weekend for more excessive partying and self-abuse, and because August was a huge month for me and the site, and because I’ve been crazy busy at work and with other things, and because I haven’t done so in ages, I’m taking this week off. 

(I think.)

(I say "I think" because I don’t really view this as a job but as a relief for all the other stuff going on, so I may be inspired at some point to write on here.  So we’ll leave it at "I think" for now.)

But before I sign off until next week (probably), a few notes:

1) Thank you for all the recommendations for a good Mexican place and for the best mac and cheese in NYC.  Although I should have said right away that I was and am aware of S’Mac and further stressed that I was looking for an upscale Mexican restaurant (Tortilla Flats, though tasty, is not upscale), I got literally dozens of good suggestions.  I’ll whittle them down and let you know the results. 

2) Thank you for all the suggestions at to how to improve my knee pain.  The good news is that the time away from running has helped and my knee is now 100% back to normal.  Additionally, many of you suggested that I a) closely monitor my increase in distances, which I will begin to do; and b) invest in a good pair of running shoes.  This is something I intend to do immediately, as my current running shoes are the same sneakers I wear all time, a pair of two year old New Balances.  So I’ll get myself a nice, new, and proper pair of running shoes.  So thank you.  The good people at Mastercard also thank you, since Uncle Jason is a little cash-strapped at the moment and will buy these on credit.

3) If you’re in NYC and looking for something to do on Thursday night, you should check out Charles Ramsey at Kenny’s Castaways at 9pm.  Charles is an old friend of mine from high school who blew my fucking brains out when I heard his music, which I find truly remarkable.  The show should be a great time and if you’d like to hear a sample of the music of Charles Ramsey, check out his MySpace page, have a listen, and be his friend.  My personal favorites are still "I Still Exist" (when I’m feeling sad) and "So Much Better Off" (when I want something a little happier and am thinking about stealing other dude’s girlfriends, which I do often).   

(That is, thinking about stealing girlfriends, not actually doing it.)

(Also, if "So Much Better Off" doesn’t get your foot tapping, then you probably don’t have a foot.) 

4) If you’re in Boston and looking for something to do on Friday night, you should go to Lir (where I fell in love with a waitress) on Friday night.  There will be a fundraiser there for a memorial fund started for a Boston College alum, Mike Holden ’00, who passed away recently and was a reader of this here lil’ site.  Mike’s friends have started the memorial fund to contribute to different organizations, including for scholarships to BC and in his hometown of Allentown, PA.  The event will be held in the private area of Lir from 9pm-12am on Friday night and will have free appetizers, a cash bar and some prizes and raffles.  Donation is $20.  A good bar with great food, hot waitresses, potent drinks, and for a good cause – what more can you ask for?  

Otherwise I’ll see you next week.  I’m really looking forward to Boston, as I haven’t been there since June, which is a very long time for me.  And there’s tailgating for BC’s first home football game on Saturday, which will be nice.  After that, we’ll be back to normal.  Thank god summer is almost over. 

But just to prove that I love you, here is an unprecedented look into my sweaty life: some pictures I took in Maine (it’s so unprecedented that it makes me kind of uncomfortable, but I feel guilty for abandoning you for the next few days, so there you go).  If you view these pics as a slideshow, be aware that they are backwards because I am an idiot.  And no, even though I lost some weight, I’m still not quite ready to take my shirt off in the ocean.  Maybe next summer.

(And to Corinne, Lauren, Brian, and Jeremy - I’m sorry.  I probably should have asked your approval before I showed these pictures to a few thousand strangers, but hey – we’re all really good-looking.  And you already know that I didn’t put up the ones in which we’re really, really messed up, so try to keep your angry phone calls and emails to a minimum, ok?)

[Have a good week/weekend.]

[I think.]