This time, it's personal

For the unitiated, Texas is the one of the only states in the US which was originally it's own country. Yup, I'm not kidding. Texas declared independence from Mexico in 1836 and existed as an independent nation until annexation by the US in 1845.

Hello Everyone, I'm turning 26, whcih means that cetain chapters of my life must close (aka being thrown out of bars, hooting at girls, throwing we paper-towels at my friends while they use the bathroom), while others, of course, will open. To mark the occasion I challenge you to join me on an adventure that will literally sweep across the city and will be forever remembered through the lenses of our digital cameras (unless I break all of them). The name of the game is Monopoly. The rules and details are known to me and me alone until the evening of the event. It's going to be a night to remember! ...until I black out...and am thrown out of tia lou's once again. -Martyn

For those who aren't aware, a monster is coming, and it's a pretty damn big one. 'Cloverfield' is hitting theaters on 1-18 and it's going to document some big-ass baddie ripping apart New York. So, of course, we're doing something ridiculous to mark the occasion. For the intrigued, we're going to start drinking at my place, then crawl to a midnight show (hopefully at the Cinerama). There are, however, two rules you must follow: 1. You must bring a weapon of some sort to use on the monster hunt. While toy guns, swords, and suction-cup arrows are very desired and appreciated, feel free to be creative :-) (remember we are trying to take this stuff into the theater). 2. Leave no man behind. Unless he or she is being eaten, in wish case laugh, and then run like hell. Remember to bring your courage...and a jacket ;-).

Dear Martyn, I am impressed. Bravo. Sincerely, Gayle PS: I kinda like it better this way. Can I keep it?

On this day, Oct 25th, 2007, Martyn Ellis consumed one bacon martini. This physically, mentally, and spiritually destructive act was the result of the loss of two bets. The first bet, involving guestimates of invite lists, Martyn insists was justified, as he insists he is more intelligent than Gayle (though he did lose). The second, however, was clearly stupid, and involved attempting to consume a bar of bacon-chocolate in 30 seconds (as a result of losing his first bet).

We have a very important task ahead of us. Martyn's away for the weekend and has given me his keys because of the construction going on at my place. We'd really be letting Martyn down if he returned to find his condo in the same condition that he left.

A little over a year ago six brave people sat down to a delicious meal at Buca, accompanied by a 5L bottle of wine. In the tradition of bigger is better, let's see if the 12 of us can take down 2.