There are things that even I cannot believe. Like when someone looks over a cooking school calendar and asks, "Are the classes free?" Especially when the price is boldly printed next to each class. Or when someone insists on having classes that appeal to a very narrow audience. "Why yes, I would like to offer some stewing and braising classes where we make goulash and stroganoff... most likely when the appropriate weather is upon us."

But what I still to this day cannot believe is how I can be great friends with someone and totally despise one of their great friends. How does this happen? And what does it say about me? And how the hell do I get roped into hanging out with this fool? Do I really like my great friend that much? Am I crazy?

My friend R. has been a great friend for a decade. We used to party like it was 1999. We even travelled together often to go to parties and had a great time. One of our trips was so legendary, we still talk about it. We have been close even to this day when we don't see as much of each other as we wish we could. When we do get together, it's always like old times. Even without the drugs.

R. has a friend Z. I have had my good times with Z. Mostly because I was so high I had no choice but to tune him out. He, in a nutshell, is a dickhead. You know that person who is just totally inappropriate always? The person who has no interest in anything but himself? The person who is obviously so insecure that he creates this transparent irritating persona with the hopes of making you ignore his very extensive number of shortcomings? That's Z.

Whenever I get R. to hang out, he brings Z. along. I hate to not hang out with R. because we do it very rarely. And with Z. there, it becomes a test of my patience. The one good thing is that R. loves to go dancing with me and in a club, I can tune Z. out. Until he throws some water or something at me. The last time he did that, I took him aside and told him that I would kick his face in the next time he did that. He laughed. I didn't. He hasn't done it in years. Although, once in a while, I see him do it to the person next to me. Which is normally R. So, it gets laughed off. By them.

I love R. I have a great time with R. I really have a great time when Z. isn't around. R. knows that I have my differences with Z. But he also knows that even with Z. around, I will still have fun with R. And I stay. Which is something that even I cannot believe. Later.  ¶ 9:26 PM