tradition dictates that we return to popo's grave three days later to burn incense. towards the end, she'd developed a taste for root beer floats that she'd have with the grandchildren when they were in town visiting, so we all had one after the incense was done. everyone was cranky because it was so hot outside, but it was a beautiful memorial day standing on the cemetery hillside and looking at the view that my grandparents get to peep for the rest of their time.

my mom's high school friend's gay son invites me to his place for a get-together. we've never met before, or at least not since i was six, but what the hell. i go, but it turns out he and his three queeny white friends are dropping e and going club hopping. fine if you're into that kinda thing but not really my schtick lately, plus i feel square in a polo, jeans, and brooding mien. when i use his bathroom and see a box full of hemorrhoid pads, i know that this queer as folk, aloha edition is not happening for me, so i pull the jetlag card and get my no-need-for-medication-here ass outta there. moms is too cool to ask why i'm home so soon and i'm too embarrassed to tell her.