Grrrr...slept in and horny

So yeah...I forgot about daylight savings time. (not really though, I set my watch ahead, but not all the clocks in the house, specifically my alarm clock)

Woke up, kind of in a fog, with a memory of the dream I was having and the knowledge that I talked to a good friend last night.

Sitting here now, waking up and sipping my coffee and chocolate milk.

Realized I don't have anything to write about at the moment.

But I am horny.

Gonna go take care of that.

Be back later when my brain boots up...

Opportunity and Life!

The windows and doors are open, sunshine and fresh air blowing through the entire house, the smell of Spring and life is in the air and all my spaces are clean and ready for an awesome, kick ass day! Ran this morning and just took it all in for the few miles that my body moved. Light streaming into my eyes, air chuffing hard and the rhythm and pace of moving past it all cleared my head in a way that is only possible by working the body hard.

Home again smelling of man, sweat and life, soon to be washed clean in the shower. I am due for a good scrub down after a night of hard sleep and this mornings exercise. Kind of brings to mind all those morning PT sessions in the Navy. I think that entire base in Groton, CT was made of hills! Up and down, through the woods, past the harbor, moving in step and pace with my band of brothers, each one working it out in our heads, hearts and bodies. There was such a simple peace in finding ourselves, amongst ourselves. Sometimes we called cadence, when joy or exhaustion was metering us. That communication that went unsaid, when one of us was hurting, either emotionally or physically. The changing of speeds and steps to ensure that no one was left behind. No one should be left out. We start together...we end together. Memories lane is somewhat golden at times...cause truth is...I hated running. But I loved being a part of something more than myself. All souls, united for purpose. So we ran...

After working through my "weekend" I find myself with a day off! So much to do, to see, to be! Tonight brings promise of time spent with Michael. I have missed him so in our time apart, but it has been good and rich for us both. I think this is the longest we have spent apart in these last few months, but it is good to see that bond of friendship is still there. So good to hear his voice and know that life is coming together for him. I was somewhat surprised that upon taking Brian to the airport, he didn't hop the plane himself for a short visit to the city that now his heart in many ways calls home. He is excited too! He gets his car/baby back today. Maybe tonight I will have time to wash and detail it for him.

That reminds me...got to clean the car soon. I had 5 awesome days of clean, gleaming machine, then the rain hit us for a few hours. Grrrrr...another bit of time shaved off my day, but I love washing cars. There is something cathartic and soul pleasing to me about spending time with my machines. They have always been my true loves. I still have the first Mustang I ever bought and he doesn't get out of the garage much. So many years, relationship, travels and stories that car has has brought me through. Wrecks, near death, catastrophe. When I left of the Navy in my new Wrangler, I left him a crashed heap in my Dad's hands to do what he wanted with it. I was hurt and upset that he was wrecked...but also was trying to distance myself from the pain by acting like I did not care.

When I returned home on leave...my Dad had something to show me.

Sitting there under a car cover was HIM. My first true love. Lovingly and painstakingly restored and better than when he rolled out off the assembly line. Gleaming red and black, 5.0 HO engine rebuilt, new aluminum Tremek race transmission, 850 double pumper Holley carb, high rise aluminum intake, roller rockers, roller cam, equal length headers, custom 3'' H-pipe and Flowmaster duals, completely reupholstered interior, massive wheels and rubber...ready to eat the streets! He was alive!

I was stunned, floored...and moved to tears.

This...this is how my Dad showed me he loved me. I was his beloved son. We speak to each other in actions, in machines...even in post it notes. Each time I take the cover off to wake him back to life and roam around the streets and scenes of my youth, I smile. And not just a simple grin...I mean a big, toothy, shit eating, happy as all fuck, my life is awesome smile!

This is a gift my Father gave me. He erased the past mistakes, reworked the broken pieces, replaced the parts that were beyond repair and slowly rebuilt the machine of my youth. He brought peace and new life to that which I had wrecked again and again and again.





You catching my drift here?





This is an amazing picture of what my God, my daddy, does for me each time I wreck this life beyond all recognizance. Those hard smashes into the guard rails, the losing control off the road, the burn outs, the fender benders, the hydroplaning, the drunken, mangled stupid choices. The relationships, the lies, the fears, the mistakes, the choices made, the lack of control, the over abundance of power harnessed to a boys desires, all of these things I keep doing over and over and over.

When I get out of the way...

When I step aside...in that space, when I am not watching, busy with so many other cares. Playing with new toys new people, new places, new ideas...

He is working. In that shop of all time. With tools too arcane and complex for me to comprehend. He lovingly, tenderly and sometimes painfully starts restoring my wrecked life.

My crushed and dented soul.

My rusted and poorly timed heart.

And it takes time. In the process there is flames, sparks, the shriek of tortured parts being made straight. The ugliness of body work and primer. But slowly...it starts taking shape.

And one day...one day...

When I open up the bay doors of my mind and spirit, possibly in the last and later moments of my life, I will see something, a shape, under a cover and I will wait with breathless anticipation, hoping, praying, wanting, dying to know...

And those lights will break open...that cover, that is my body, will be pulled back and underneath it all...

I will sit revealed. Fashioned as HE had planned. Better than the day I was born. New. Restored. Healed. Beautiful. Perfect.



And man...I am going to get in and drive.

That open highway that is all eternity...


:D Peace guys! Can you tell I am having a good day?!

Up early today!

Wow...woke up at 5 am today, but I also crashed at 9 pm last night. Had been up way too late the day previous thinking I was to have the day off, and then was asked to please come into work to cover for "him who shall not be named". So, being the sport I am, and seeing that I had at least two hours sleep, I headed on in and actually had a pretty awesome day! Though once I got home last night....zonk!

So yeah, I remember some odd thoughts, before sleep took me in his warm embrace, last night. They seemed to center on the idea of taking care of myself more, and giving less thought to what others may think or attempt to interject in my life. Kind of like, screw all that noise, I am being me! But I don't quite remember...I was pretty tired. It might have just been me being selfish, so no worries. I will still be taking input from any and all givers...not that all will be acted on, mind you. :P

Today is now a day off! I decree it so! The day off that I was supposed to enjoy yesterday, but missed out on. And how cool is it, that I am rested now and can enjoy it! I guess it worked out much better than I could have imagined, 'cept for the weather and all. But....meh. Who cares?

So my feet are propped up, feeling good, got my flannel pants on and am just considering what to do today. Maybe the art galleries? That's always a great venue for gray and wet days. I might even wear some black or gray too! Not colors that I often put on my body, though I have been branching out a bit in the color spectrum lately. I know coffee is in there somewhere, sketching and reading...um...people watching for sure! I love springtime and the glow and secret smiles it brings to people's faces when they think no one is looking.

Life is better I guess. Kind of got back on my feet and am rolling along again. Thanks to all for the encouraging emails and phone calls. I love you guys!

I should have more to say at the moment, but I am not awake yet and my friend just messaged me...so I am off!

When I Fail?

So yeah...it's Saturday and I am home tonight by choice and somewhat by necessity. Meaning, I still feel like crap and need some time to recover...but I am getting ahead of myself in this story, so I guess I will start at the beginning, or at least where I left off yesterday.

Hmm...left the house yesterday in an awesome mood with a full day of fun and hope ahead of me. The sun was out, the car was clean, life was good!

And then somehow I managed to jack the whole day up, like the fool I am at times!

Let me put it together, once I got into the city, headed down Broadway towards my coffee shop and then realized I was starving something fierce. I didn't want to deal with fast food, but did not want to wait much, so I stopped into Out of Bounds to grab some chicken strips and fries.

Mistake number one.

Out of Bounds belongs to a friend of mine in the community and is a sports bar and restaurant. It is a great place to catch the game and chill with some friends, shoot pool and take it all in. It has a great location on the corner and that whole area of the city has always been near and dear to my heart. I kind of grew up there, so to speak, on Broadway and the whole Plaza, Westport, Midtown, Downtown corridor.

But it is a gay sports bar. Not that I have a problem with that...lol

There is nothing inherently wrong with the place, as it is simply a fun and safe place for all of us guys and girls that actually like sports and want to hang out and catch the games, get some good food and generally have a fun time without dealing with all the crap that goes along with most homophobic sports bars and their crowds. I feel more comfortable there I guess, though I don't mind the straight bars either. But I am rambling...

Went in, friend was tending bar and there were a few guys around that I knew, hanging out. Got to talk to Phillip. Had not seen him for a long time and he is doing good! Got a new earring and really cool tattoo, his first one, of his family crest and seal. Very nice work and it looks good on him. The kitchen wasn't fired up for lunch yet so I had to wait around for awhile and should have just went on to 303 or hit Chubby's or something, but I didn't. Sat down like a idiot and had a drink with some friends. Nothing bad, but it set the tone for the day. Instead of coffee and heading out to church, now I was in a gay bar, grabbing a few brews with the old crowd.

There was this one smoking hot guy that come in with his boy friend and he was one of those rare creatures that just walked in beauty and grace and had no idea. He was not cute. He was beautiful, what I like to call "man pretty". Phillips boyfriend showed up on his crotch rocket and they shot some pool, I hung out with Caleb and some other friends. Finally I get my food! Yay! A smart guy would have eaten and went on with the day as formerly planned...but nope.

Remember, car show with Michael and Brian, new restaurant, all that? Didn't happen. It was past noon and they still had not called, so I was kind of upset. I mean I realize they were out late last night, but I would have liked to known the game plan.

Phone rang, its Geoffory. He wants to hang out and I figure I have some time to kill, why not?

Mistake number two.

The rest of the day went to crap from there. Needless to say, we rounded up the guys (not Michael and Brian) and headed out for a day of tomfoolerie. Grabbed my schedule and check from work and we hit the town. Took a long drive our in Kansas while it was nice and then decided to catch some live music and some more brews.

Mistake number three.

End of the night found me pretty well hammered, hanging out with all the old friends in the gay clubs here in Kansas City. Bouncing from club to club, music, lights, dancing...just like old times. Seeing and being seen. Working the crowds...

And who should walk in?

My boss and friends from work. You know the ones that I have been witnessing to and invited to church? Yeah...them. :( I remember talking to them, but not much about what was said. I was convicted in my heart something bad, and knew I had to get out of there. So I called a friend and had him drive me home. I wonder how bad I messed up my testimony and what validity my words now have with the guys and girls who are just like me? Did I make Jesus look like crap? Will they believe me when I continue to share my faith? Or am I just another fag like them, just one who happens to go to church... :(

Woke up this morning hung over and hurting and have spent the day trying to get my heart and head wrapped around what happened and how poorly I chose yesterday. I simply was who I used to be. How did that happen? That disconnect and acceptance of living the way I used to?

Come to think of it...

I have a boyfriend now. I've been spending my free time with my old friends. Besides my church and relationships I have with friends from there, what evidence really is in my life that it has changed? I have slowly just let things back in my life that for so long were not acceptable?

And it sneaks up on you, a little at a time...until one night...you're at a club, living the life and celebrating your brokenness with just one more shot, just one more dance, one more game of pool and all the darkness that comes with making irresponsible choices.

Or you wake up in the morning, laying in the sun, legs and arms tangled with a guy who you truly care deeply about, and you stare at the ceiling fan and smile, but really wonder in your heart... where this is going? As you kiss the back of his head, you wonder what he feels about this journey.

So I guess that is where I am at?

At odds with my choices, hurting from a day of stupid and wondering how Michael is doing tonight. I am just giving him and Brian some space to enjoy each other and know we can catch up tomorrow after church.

I am not beating myself up, though I do feel bad. I have some choices to make and hope that tomorrow is a much better day. What to do about it all?

I need God to meet me. I am tired of being the screwed up guy who keeps falling down. Today sucked cause I've been horny all day, but have just been ignoring it. At least I got some food and rest in me. One thing at a time man...one thing at a time.

Just like Tigger!

Welp, sitting here for a bit waiting for my caps to dry. Hand to hand wash them. (damn lamb's wool, don't them 'lil sheep live outside?) Grrrrrr...

But it gives me a few moments to check email and all the other net worthy things we do to keep in touch with our little corner of the world. Seems like all is right with the world and I have another beautiful day to enjoy! Spring is definitely in the air and its nice and warm out. (I need the cap cuz I buzzed all my hair off before hopping in the shower today.)

Going to grab some coffee with a friend...go figure...and then run down to the Plaza to pick up my schedule and plan my weekend. Got caught up on emails and downloaded some new music for the driving weather I've got today. Leaving the top on though, cause it's not quite that warm yet...but soon!

Today is going to be great. Going with Michael and his friend Brian to the International Car Show at Bartle Hall, then grabbing some lunch at a new restaurant. (wow! I spelled that right on the first try...ever have those words you misspell your whole life cause you learned 'em wrong the first time?) So I am excited, though kind of nervous. Brian has known him MUCH longer than I have, so I wonder what his take will be on me? Trying not to worry about it, but that's how it goes when you enter new circles in peoples lives.

Ever wonder what it would be like to grab ALL of your circles of friends ( family, work, church, social, clubs, school, university, childhood, relationships) and throw them all together in one big party where the only common thing would be that they know YOU? Hmmm...that might be an idea for something this summer at the lake. Water is a good equalizer and it would sure be interesting letting all of those worlds collide!

So yeah...dryers going, I am cleaned, clad and polished for the day. Kind of going for that scruffy, very casual, whatever... it's Friday thing. Puma's, ripped jeans, layered Quiksilver t's and a smile. I think that will work for another day off!

Hope all is well in your part of the world! Have an awesome Friday and pay at least one stranger and honest and sincere compliment. It will change BOTH of your days and put a smile on your face! :)

Oh and about the title today...

MY MOOD IS.....




And now I am OUTIE HERE! :)

Lunch time and Dad

I like being clean! Took a long hot shower and scrub in the sunshine today and genuinely reveled in being myself and this body I have. I am not talking about some kind of self serving narcissism that comes from loving oneself and appearance above all others, but that satisfaction that comes from being at peace with yourself and truly enjoying this amazing gift we have in our physical bodies.

Much to be thankful for today as I completed the simple tasks that make my life run much smoother when times are hectic. All the laundry done and folded into its neat little stacks. Changed the bed linens and aired out the house. Spring is in the air and everything around me is waking up to the possibility of new life! I cannot wait to get back outdoors and start digging into all my planting projects, tending the gardens and flowers and I am simply dying for some sweet corn! I appreciate life and this space I have made for myself. I am me...and me is happy!

Was working on some homework today for a class I am taking and had to answer many questions about my Dad and I. What our relationship is like, how he raised me, the man he is and the man he called me out to become. The name he gave me. What I have made that name come to be known as. Our love, the way we communicate. Places and times that he failed and hurt me. Events where I hurt him, or brought him disappointment. It was kind of hard to work through that all, but a necessary thing to do, in order to become more at peace with myself, with my Dad and my present. An easy way to sum it up, as the relationship we share is private, is that...My Father, my Dad is my hero. I only wish someday to be the man that he is. As I grow older, the more we realize in the family, that I am the son most like him. I am my Father's son.

Cooking lunch now, some braised pork chops with mushroom and thyme stuffing, Honey caramel apple sauce and some new crisp green beans. I can hardly wait to get my grub on. Food and cooking has always been an art form to me, and sharing that with others is one of the ways that I show love and thankfulness for them. Food meets needs of our body, but the sharing of meals feeds our souls. I have so many happy memories linked to cooking with friends and family, gathering around tables or outdoors to eat, talk and simply enjoy each others presence. The way to a man's heart is often through his stomach? I think there be some truth to that. We associate that instant with all the times we have been fed when hungry, by our Mom's, our Fathers, family, dates, friends. Many of these shared times revolve around a meal.

I like food!

Well, it is almost time to feed, so I will leave you with this simple thought. Be good to yourself. Love the body you are in. Smile at others today and share a bit of the amazing love that can be found by simply caring for someone else.

Peace.

Night time after WOW talks with strangers...

Okay...first off....how the hell can mashed potatoes and chicken pot pie be so good that it makes a guy moan and shake a fork at it when you have it in your mouth?!

Is that even legal here?

I dunno...but holy freakin' wow! (and yes Mathieu, I am trying to watch my language...but it is really that amazingly, awesomely, unbelievably orgasmic to my taste mouth thingies)








Can you tell I forgot to eat today again?! :)


So yeah, got some questions from a reader and thought I would try to answer them before I sacked out on my bed which looked so good when I last saw it. I do love my sleepy time!

Okay...more food...om, nom, nom, nom, nom nom.!

First question, " Do you always feel that you're just wandering around, so to speak?"

The simple answer is yes, The thought and phrase that has rang my bell since I was a kid was...

"I walk the earth."

It is really that simple. I am just a wanderer and sojourner in this strange and different land. Nothing profound really, but I always knew I was just passing through. If I had a pedometer that could log the miles on earth, sea and under the water I have been...well, lets just say...I have been around! (and not in some sick, sexual, all wise man whore way either!)

OMG...more mashed potatoes...soooooooo good!

Second question, " What are the organizing principles in your life?"

Honest answer...I do not have any. I live...that's about it. Should I have something profound to say?

Third question, "What are your concrete goals for the next 6 months?"

Ummm...buy my Dad something really good for his birthday. Water ski and swim as much as humanly possible this summer. Increase saving from 20 percent of income to 35 percent of income before tax. Read more of "The Classics". Make true love to Michael. Finish the restoration on my 1939 Chevy. Spend more time with my brothers. Skinny dip on the summer solstice. (tradition, sorry) floss more, swear less. lose 8 pounds, finish reading the Old Testament, stop jacking off every single day and uh...try to make my bed when I get out of it?

Fourth question, "Does that make any sense? "

Yeah it does. Give more than I take. Working on it man! :)


So yeah, I am going to eat some more, then shower, then put on soft cotton stuff and come back here. Give me a bit!

Three days off...

Why is that even when I stay up till dawn to watch the sunrise, even after a bit of sleep, my body simply wakes up again and the day starts all anew? As I sit here, a bit groggy, and take in all the sunlight and music that greets this days start and a yawn splits my face, I contemplate three whole days off of work!

Now, before I go planning a short road trip or wander off, I do have somethings that I need to get done and obligations to keep. I have grown up a bit over time. Got the car club meeting tonight and I sure they would like to see me and the new beastie. There are still things to put away around the house and some cleaning to do, all the usual domestic tasks that fall to me, as far as I know. 'Cause I have looked around and still can't find that butler, maid or husband anywhere! :P

So yeah, got some time to enjoy me and this new idea of spring. Definitely need to wash the SE and get him waxed up for tonight. Got to make a good impression, though I know they will love it. I think he will be the only British Racing Green Special Edition in the club to date. I am sure Deb will try to rope me into all the Snake Day Parade stuff, but I don't have the time this year, for that or the Colorado trip, though I would love that one. Just not with them? Is that a bad thing? I would do that drive and all, just with strangers! Hmm...

Need to pick up three pairs of swimming trunks for Jeff for his trip to Aruba. He leaves on Sunday with everyone and I know he is soooo excited. He deserves a vacation, so good for him! (even this guy is still just a 'lil jealous)

Wow...so yeah...not a lot on the list to fill three whole days. Got the International Car Show on Thursday with Michael and his friend from Atlanta, that will be awesome! And got everything started of right last night by actually getting home, alone and in one piece. I wasn't really sure after seeing the turn out of friends and community at 303. One of my friends manged to text and call me at a opportune time and I was able to extricate myself from the evening and all its festivities. Got to love that!

So yeah...three days...I know they will be good. I mean, it was nice to "sort of" sleep in today! :) Something I have been thinking about so might throw it out there...

To the few people who read this blog...anyone have any questions for me? I know as I read other peoples stuff, much comes to mind, but I don't pry or really ask them anything, especially when I do not know them that well.

If there is something you'd like to know about me? (within reason and good taste) I will do my best to answer them the next three days...or whenever someone might get around to asking. Just post em in your comments here, I guess?

Later all!

A new day!

So woke up this morning to another awesome song playing a bit too loudly and rolled over and saw the sun streaming through the drapes and realized...it is another new day! I get to do it all over again! :)

Stepped outside to check the weather (much more reliable than those talking heads on the noise box) and am now going about my morning rituals and patterns. That sounded scary I guess. I meant that I am slurping my coffee, checking out my face in the mirror (who is that guy?) and generally getting ready for today in the best way possible.

All too soon it will be time to hit the shower and put some clothes on, but I am taking a few minutes to read, check in with God and write a few words here. What is it about life that just continually fascinates me and keeps me so full of joy, even in the midst of the turmoil and confusion I see around me so often?

Am I too simple to realize its complexities, or just content and happy enough to not be deeply bothered by all the circumstances that others seem to fixate on? I truly am a happy person by nature and just really dig each and every day. I guess if I thought hard enough, I could remember some bad days that I have had, but those seem to fade with each new opportunity for personal greatness and service.

That is one thing that makes me full of joy to be alive. Purpose in life and being of some good to others and contributing in my way to a better today. People need me and I can make them happy by simply doing what is required, asked and over and above what is expected. I live to serve.

So yeah, fell asleep last night perusing the latest schematics for in ground thermonuclear reactors that may soon be used in remote areas for electrical power generation. The amount of tech they are able to back into such small packages amazes me! It is good to see that the research and possibility that has been harnessed to military applications is finally working its way into the civilian sector in order to service the common man and his real or perceived needs. Two different models are in the works and I have to hand it to Toshiba for the ingenious design of the self limiting containment module. Talk about confidence in their people, to let a reactor go un-contained and unchecked to prove that it literally will cease its function in the absence of the operation of the cooling plant. I can't wait to see how this concept is realized in production and how the civilian sector will react (pun intended) to the availability of a renewable energy source that does not rely on fossil fuels.

Random I know, sorry, but it made for some interesting dreams. Think 12 Monkeys meets White Squall...hmmm

Back to today, work till 5 of course and then how to fill this evening with good things? I know that I am not alone in the hopes that this day will be full of peace and that in some small way I will learn, grow and share life with people who love themselves, me and others.

Time to get rolling I guess. The car is clean, the clothes are ready, breakfast is made, lunch is packed, phone is charged, shoes are shined. Yep, yep...here I go!

Leave you with these words:

Jude 24-25

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

I am liking it! So to all of you, have a good day! I know I am! :)

US Navy Drill Team

Grrr...not liking it at all!

Today was pretty good, I must say. Well I don't have to say it, but I did. Anyway...got plenty of rest last night and bounced up bright and early. Not alot on the agenda besides work and being lazy later and managed to get both done, thank you very much!

Got a call from my neighbor when he locked himself out of his parents house and waited with him until the locksmith showed up. He's a nice guy, pretty cute too, but kind of dumb. Okay not dumb really, just pretty young. Freshman in college now? That sounds about right...Once that was taken care of and we got him back inside where he belonged, Michael called and needed a favor. Just a pick up from the dealership and run him over to the car rental place while they financially butt rape him over some maintenance and dubious "suspension" issues. Or at least they tried...

He dropped off the car in the morning and they gave him a loaner to head into work. How nice...then called him later in the day and dropped the bomb. Five grand and change estimate! Not a warranty issue, but some incident causal effect BS and said that insurance would handle it. I think they are trying to take him for a ride and that does not sit well with me at all. Oh, and he can't keep the loaner, but needs to rent a car. Grrrrrr...

I don't know for sure yet but I am willing to bet they saw a nice new BMW and then they saw him and the way he carries himself and thought...we can soak this little guy for as much as he will pay. I mean for crying out load, its a brand new car!

So, I was hopping mad and ready to head on in there and read them the riot act and I think he could tell, even though I was staying calm and just asking simple questions. Needless to say, he called me back awhile later and had the dealership drop him off at the rental place...lol

I think he knew what I had planned and decided to keep angry Daemon away from dealership maintenance prick. I will still be taking a look at the estimate and talking to them about the situation and vehicle, but at a later time and with a better frame of mine. The adjuster will be out there in a few days and until then Michael will have to suffer with some cheap tawdry non-German import. Poor baby... ;)

But c'mon! What the hell? They wouldn't try that shyte with me or my brother. Why are they trying it on him? Just because he's not mechanically inclined, and might be a bit "softer" and dresses nicer DOES NOT mean he is not a man. All of us should be treated with respect and honesty REGARDLESS of how we present to others.

NONE of us are free, until ALL of us are free.

Okay...I need to calm down again. Grrrrrrrrrr...

So tonight is simple. It is Monday and I am pretty worn out actually. Got my running in today and a light workout. Good food and rest will help alot. Was really freakin' horny this morning and ended up having to get off like 4 times. Still not sure what all that was about? Crazy body and hormones or something. Oh well...it has been a good day. I want to write some more later about things on my mind, but that will have to wait for a bit.

This week is going to be nutz I think...but good, I hope! Now if I can just get my hands on that guy at the dealership...lol :)

Peace