I'm kinda tired tonite, so getting ready to turn in. I just got home from another night at the Landmark Forum seminar. It was another fulfilling nite, but I'm pooped. It was a great weekend as well.
Friday nite we went to the Chanhassen Dinner Theatre for press nite and were treated like kings to free drinks, free dinner and a free show. The show this time was 42nd Street and it was really good! Jeremy gets free passes for us to go since his hotel and the dinner theatre have a business relationship. It's good to know important people! Jay and Marcella of course went too as Jay's also management now.
After that we all four went out to The 90's for dancing and more drinks. We completely overdid it. Got too drunk, came home, put pizza in oven, passed out on couch, burned pizza. What a waste.
So we slept in on Saturday til about 12:30. We had our family meeting about housing, finances, budgeting, etc, and then went to the grocery store to stock up on some stuff. We went by Marcella and Jay's at 6:00 to watch movies. Jay grilled Brats and Baby back ribs and Marcella made potato salad. Was delicious! Those two can really cook. We ended up watching Cops for a while and then Ultimate Fighter and finally around 9 I suggested we watch this movie called Into the Wild. It was pretty good, but a little too introspective for the majority of the group.
We left after that and went to bed at a relatively decent hour. Sunday was another fab day with the bff. This time we ended up going to Chili's instead of our normal TGIF's. But the big drawback to going there is they don't serve Honeyweiss, which is my favorite beer in the world. That Coors Light just doesn't do the trick, but it IS 2 for 1 there, so I'll have to switch back and forth between the two. So we laughed and talked and shitted around for a while, and then I came home and watched some tv, talked with Jeremy for a while and then we made our lunches for the next day and went to bed.
K, so now you're pretty much up to date. Now, I must lay my head down. My eyes feel heavy. Till later. Peace.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
A Pretty Scary Fairy Tale
Once upon a time in a land right around the corner, there lived a gentleman who was preparing to celebrate his 40th year on Earth. This gentleman had many things to celebrate along with turning another year older and wiser. He had great health, great friends, a happy home life, and a rekindled love affair with an old flame of his: writing.
As the day arrived for the gala event, which would surpass any party ever held throughout the land, he became more and more excited. He so loved to celebrate a day that was for him and him alone. He could hardly wait for everyone to fete him. He thought pleasantly of all the loads of cash he'd have thrown at him by his loving friends and family and the great gifts of electronics and laptops and endless pairs of jeans and shoes that he'd receive so copiously.
This gentleman had even decided to invite his kin whom he had left in a kingdom some leaps and bounds to the south. Just the idea of seeing them all again made his heart flutter. The arrangements had all been made and he tried to wait as patiently as he could before he would see his dear, dear friends again.
There was one thing, however, that was a bit of a concern to the lad. Since he'd left his home to explore a new world a little more than a year before, he'd gained a bit of an unsightly pudge around his middle. He'd always been a relatively slim and taut, lean and tight individual, but having become married and content in his new life, he'd become a gentleman of some excess. The steaks and wine and cheeses (oh my!) had definitely come back to haunt him. What do do, was his query? He only had a short bit of time to get back into the shape that he had been so notorious for. He could hardly celebrate his birthday with any modicum of gleeful abandon if he was constantly worried about his belly, could he?
So he set forth a time each day before the celebratory event to exert tremendous amounts of energy, hence burning enough calories to butcher that hog. He worked and he sweated and he sweated some more; push-ups and lunges and calisthenics galore! Before he knew it, he was as cut and lean as he'd ever been before in his life.....all in 3 days. Oh, he was a sight to see. There had never been another 40 year old in the history of time to be such a vision as he.
The day finally arrived and he could barely contain himself. He giddily made himself ready and sped off to the grand ballroom where the event was to be held. Just to see the looks on the faces of all of his friends would be worth the hours of sweat. His smile was so bright, he could supply all of Alaska with sun for days. However, when he arrived at the spot, he stopped short. What?! Where were-?! His spirits sank. The area was completely deserted. Not a baloon was in sight, not a reveler to welcome him.
Where were all the folks who loved him?! That said they were coming for sure; they wouldn't miss it for the world!? Where was his partner who was supposed to have been planning the surprise party!? How rude! To be so unwittingly fooled! With disgust, the deeply wounded gentleman turned around looking frantically for someone; anyone. "It's my birthday," he wanted to yell at the top of his lungs. "Doesn't anybody care?!" Where was his best friend who so blatantly boasted that only death could keep him from it. Well, he'd better damn well be sucking dust six feet under, the gentleman thought! After he'd slaved so hard on his body and wished so mightily for wonderful gifts. Oh, the disappointment of it all.
He just wanted to scream at the top of his lungs. As a matter of fact, he thought that he would! He would just scream and scream until someone paid him some attention! "IT'S MY BIRTHDAY! IT'S MY BIRTHDAY! IT'S MY -!"
Luckily, it was at that moment that Jeremy woke me up and told me to turn over cause if I slapped him in the face again, I'd be sleeping on the couch. Whew, that was a close one........
As the day arrived for the gala event, which would surpass any party ever held throughout the land, he became more and more excited. He so loved to celebrate a day that was for him and him alone. He could hardly wait for everyone to fete him. He thought pleasantly of all the loads of cash he'd have thrown at him by his loving friends and family and the great gifts of electronics and laptops and endless pairs of jeans and shoes that he'd receive so copiously.
This gentleman had even decided to invite his kin whom he had left in a kingdom some leaps and bounds to the south. Just the idea of seeing them all again made his heart flutter. The arrangements had all been made and he tried to wait as patiently as he could before he would see his dear, dear friends again.
There was one thing, however, that was a bit of a concern to the lad. Since he'd left his home to explore a new world a little more than a year before, he'd gained a bit of an unsightly pudge around his middle. He'd always been a relatively slim and taut, lean and tight individual, but having become married and content in his new life, he'd become a gentleman of some excess. The steaks and wine and cheeses (oh my!) had definitely come back to haunt him. What do do, was his query? He only had a short bit of time to get back into the shape that he had been so notorious for. He could hardly celebrate his birthday with any modicum of gleeful abandon if he was constantly worried about his belly, could he?
So he set forth a time each day before the celebratory event to exert tremendous amounts of energy, hence burning enough calories to butcher that hog. He worked and he sweated and he sweated some more; push-ups and lunges and calisthenics galore! Before he knew it, he was as cut and lean as he'd ever been before in his life.....all in 3 days. Oh, he was a sight to see. There had never been another 40 year old in the history of time to be such a vision as he.
The day finally arrived and he could barely contain himself. He giddily made himself ready and sped off to the grand ballroom where the event was to be held. Just to see the looks on the faces of all of his friends would be worth the hours of sweat. His smile was so bright, he could supply all of Alaska with sun for days. However, when he arrived at the spot, he stopped short. What?! Where were-?! His spirits sank. The area was completely deserted. Not a baloon was in sight, not a reveler to welcome him.
Where were all the folks who loved him?! That said they were coming for sure; they wouldn't miss it for the world!? Where was his partner who was supposed to have been planning the surprise party!? How rude! To be so unwittingly fooled! With disgust, the deeply wounded gentleman turned around looking frantically for someone; anyone. "It's my birthday," he wanted to yell at the top of his lungs. "Doesn't anybody care?!" Where was his best friend who so blatantly boasted that only death could keep him from it. Well, he'd better damn well be sucking dust six feet under, the gentleman thought! After he'd slaved so hard on his body and wished so mightily for wonderful gifts. Oh, the disappointment of it all.
He just wanted to scream at the top of his lungs. As a matter of fact, he thought that he would! He would just scream and scream until someone paid him some attention! "IT'S MY BIRTHDAY! IT'S MY BIRTHDAY! IT'S MY -!"
Luckily, it was at that moment that Jeremy woke me up and told me to turn over cause if I slapped him in the face again, I'd be sleeping on the couch. Whew, that was a close one........
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Random brevity
So, my honey went out tonite to celebrate his friend Chris's birthday. I wanted to go, but not really. Is it wrong that the only reason that I wanted to go hang out tonite was cause I wanted to go to Chris's birthday celebration to secure his place at my birthday celebration? I really didn't have time to go cause between my writing and my reality shows there's not much else to work. Anyway, tonite I hadda watch American Idol, etc. Chris is a great guy though; not to mention with an awesome voice. I woulda gone out just to hear him sing karaoke tonite. It's really that bad-ass.
But anyhoo, I just wanted to touch bases tonite. I'll holla back later!
Peace!
But anyhoo, I just wanted to touch bases tonite. I'll holla back later!
Peace!
Monday, March 24, 2008
How I spent my Easter Vacation.
Hey, peeps. I had another awesome weekend over the Easter Holiday. Did some traveling with the bf to visit his family in Wisconsin. We were going to leave on Friday after work, but as it turned out there was a big winter watch and it had been snowing all day. So we decided to just wait it out and leave in the morning. But I was invited to hang out with Dennis again for another Friday nite of fun. He works in the Accounting Department in the Westin hotel in downtown Minneapolis and he was staying overnight there for work or clients or some-such in the Presidential suite...very ritzy, I'll tell ya! So he invited me to come over and hang out for drinks and to go clubbin if we felt like it.
So I got downtown at about 11:30 and we chilled. His partner, Kelly was there, too and so was their cute lil' Jack Russell, Maggie. She was such a sweetheart, and smaller than your average Jack Russell. Anyway, I played with her for a while and we drank and talked about stuff. Fyi, Jer didn't come cause he played the "I'm so tired" card. So I left him the dust! Dennis, Kelly and I played Catchphrase and then moved on to Musical Catchphrase, which btw, is hard.as.hell. Seriously. Some of those songs...wait, most of those songs I had never heard before. So before long, we were back to regular Catchphrase, and drinking some more. Before I knew it, it was 2:20 in the morning and I had to head home. Was an excellent night. I enjoyed the suite, the dinner they ordered, the drinks, and of course, the fun.
We got up around 10:30 or so on Sunday morning, and Jeremy got some stuff taken care of that he needed to regarding his taxes, and since the roads were all clear and the sun was bright and shiny, we set off at around 1:00. We got to West Salem to his mom's around 2 1/2 hours later. His mom, Kathy, and her boyfriend, Larry took us to eat at Famous Dave's, where I'd been dying to go eat since moving here. That food was off-the-chain! I will definitely be going back there...soon!! Anyway, during dinner he and I talked about our experiences in the Landmark Forum to Kathy and Larry and set the groundwork for their eventual signup. They could certainly benefit from it. Needless to say, everyone can. After, dinner we all went home and Jer went to go see his Grandma, and Larry went and had a nap. Kathy and I stayed up and watched Michael Clayton, which was very good! I thoroughly enjoyed it.
After that was over and Jeremy got back, we took a ride down the street to his dad's. We had a really good conversation with him, too. Of course, we talked about the Forum, but we also talked a lot about how the Forum could help his dad, Robert and his dad's girlfriend, Missy. We talked a lot about some of the screw-ups they'd made in the past and how things were so much better for them today. His dad is really impressive to me. He's just a regular blue collar guy, but he's happy with his life and he's one of the most non-judgemental, peaceful and caring people I know. Very cool guy. And the surprise of it is, both his mom and dad love me death!! Cool, right? It's really an awesome sitch.
So, we left his house at nearly midnite and went back and crashed at Kathy's on her sleeper sofa. Next morning, we got up and had some coffee. Kathy made chocolate muffins and Tapioca pudding...btw, is that what they mean by 'porridge'? cause that's what it looked and tasted like to me. Not my cup o' tea, but I did have a coupla cups of coffee. We watched American Gangster (supremely auss movie!) and then it was about time to go to the family Easter gathering at Jeremy's Uncle Dave's house. It was a relatively cool experience. I think some of the people in his family aren't as completely comfortable with the whole gay thing as his mom and dad are, so people can be kinda quiet, although just so the record is straight, everybody was friendly to me. He's really got a nice family, but I guess that's just the Minnesota nice in them all, hunh? Whatever it is, it's a whole lot better treatment than some of the Southern families I know, mine not included. My family is awesome! A bunch of loons together constantly being ridulousness personified! Seriously, we have crazy fun, and they welcome everyone as part of the family.
After being there for about an hour and a half, we moved on to Jer's Grandma Dean's. She's got a big house on this huge tract of land. We'll be taking a caravan of our friends over there this summer to have a big happy auss camp-out! But I digress... We had dinner there with Jeremy and Kathy and her brothers and Larry and Grandma and one of Jer's cousins. Grandma Dean's cool. She can't get around all that well, but she's got a mouth like a sailor and she loves to read as much as I do, so we always talk about books. While we were there, the snow started coming down hard again. I'm thinking 'uh-oh', but luckily it didn't last. It only did the do for a little while, and we were able to leave about 4:45 to mosey on back to big M. Was a really nice weekend with the family. I can't wait to go home to be with my family again, but my sister is coming up for my big birthday party in May!!! AND, she's bringing my nephew with her. I'm stupid excited about it. My sister is sooooo much fun, and my nephew is a little charmer. He's about 8 now. I can't wait to see him.
But that, in a nutshell, was my weekend. Probably wasn't as exciting for you as it was for me, but just wait till my birthday! Ooooh-weee!!!!
So I got downtown at about 11:30 and we chilled. His partner, Kelly was there, too and so was their cute lil' Jack Russell, Maggie. She was such a sweetheart, and smaller than your average Jack Russell. Anyway, I played with her for a while and we drank and talked about stuff. Fyi, Jer didn't come cause he played the "I'm so tired" card. So I left him the dust! Dennis, Kelly and I played Catchphrase and then moved on to Musical Catchphrase, which btw, is hard.as.hell. Seriously. Some of those songs...wait, most of those songs I had never heard before. So before long, we were back to regular Catchphrase, and drinking some more. Before I knew it, it was 2:20 in the morning and I had to head home. Was an excellent night. I enjoyed the suite, the dinner they ordered, the drinks, and of course, the fun.
We got up around 10:30 or so on Sunday morning, and Jeremy got some stuff taken care of that he needed to regarding his taxes, and since the roads were all clear and the sun was bright and shiny, we set off at around 1:00. We got to West Salem to his mom's around 2 1/2 hours later. His mom, Kathy, and her boyfriend, Larry took us to eat at Famous Dave's, where I'd been dying to go eat since moving here. That food was off-the-chain! I will definitely be going back there...soon!! Anyway, during dinner he and I talked about our experiences in the Landmark Forum to Kathy and Larry and set the groundwork for their eventual signup. They could certainly benefit from it. Needless to say, everyone can. After, dinner we all went home and Jer went to go see his Grandma, and Larry went and had a nap. Kathy and I stayed up and watched Michael Clayton, which was very good! I thoroughly enjoyed it.
After that was over and Jeremy got back, we took a ride down the street to his dad's. We had a really good conversation with him, too. Of course, we talked about the Forum, but we also talked a lot about how the Forum could help his dad, Robert and his dad's girlfriend, Missy. We talked a lot about some of the screw-ups they'd made in the past and how things were so much better for them today. His dad is really impressive to me. He's just a regular blue collar guy, but he's happy with his life and he's one of the most non-judgemental, peaceful and caring people I know. Very cool guy. And the surprise of it is, both his mom and dad love me death!! Cool, right? It's really an awesome sitch.
So, we left his house at nearly midnite and went back and crashed at Kathy's on her sleeper sofa. Next morning, we got up and had some coffee. Kathy made chocolate muffins and Tapioca pudding...btw, is that what they mean by 'porridge'? cause that's what it looked and tasted like to me. Not my cup o' tea, but I did have a coupla cups of coffee. We watched American Gangster (supremely auss movie!) and then it was about time to go to the family Easter gathering at Jeremy's Uncle Dave's house. It was a relatively cool experience. I think some of the people in his family aren't as completely comfortable with the whole gay thing as his mom and dad are, so people can be kinda quiet, although just so the record is straight, everybody was friendly to me. He's really got a nice family, but I guess that's just the Minnesota nice in them all, hunh? Whatever it is, it's a whole lot better treatment than some of the Southern families I know, mine not included. My family is awesome! A bunch of loons together constantly being ridulousness personified! Seriously, we have crazy fun, and they welcome everyone as part of the family.
After being there for about an hour and a half, we moved on to Jer's Grandma Dean's. She's got a big house on this huge tract of land. We'll be taking a caravan of our friends over there this summer to have a big happy auss camp-out! But I digress... We had dinner there with Jeremy and Kathy and her brothers and Larry and Grandma and one of Jer's cousins. Grandma Dean's cool. She can't get around all that well, but she's got a mouth like a sailor and she loves to read as much as I do, so we always talk about books. While we were there, the snow started coming down hard again. I'm thinking 'uh-oh', but luckily it didn't last. It only did the do for a little while, and we were able to leave about 4:45 to mosey on back to big M. Was a really nice weekend with the family. I can't wait to go home to be with my family again, but my sister is coming up for my big birthday party in May!!! AND, she's bringing my nephew with her. I'm stupid excited about it. My sister is sooooo much fun, and my nephew is a little charmer. He's about 8 now. I can't wait to see him.
But that, in a nutshell, was my weekend. Probably wasn't as exciting for you as it was for me, but just wait till my birthday! Ooooh-weee!!!!
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Reality Check, please!
I had no idea how hooked I was! I've always professed to enjoying my reality shows, but today I had to "reality check" myself. Do you know that last night I watched some 5 eliminations - all on different reality shows? Thank God there's DVR! So having watched all of these shows you can imagine that even with skipping all of the commercials I didn't get to bed til at least midnite-midnite:thirty!
What makes it bad is that as long as I'm watching the reality shows, I've gotta have a glass-o-wine in my hand. For me it's a must. It's like I used to feel as a smoker. I couldn't have a drink without wanting to smoke a cigarette. Same deal. Wow, I got it bad. The reality (lol) of the situation is I have to watch them the night that they're on, because I hate the spoilers the next day! If I haven't watched it the night before and I'm reading something on-line, inevitably some article or some headline is gonna pop up and ruin it for me....and I hate that! I think it's cause I like to be able to predict and see if I picked the right answer. Just like when I was in school...heehee....
The eliminations were all correct, too. At least I agreed with them. So, let's see. I watched Marvita get the boot on America's Next Top Model. She deserved it. She was a 40-ounce drinkin' mess! Then I saw Amanda bite the dust on American Idol, whose time had come indeed. From there, I caught up on Big Brother, which had finished recording and I roared and clapped like a rabid cheerleader when that "shystee", lying bag of lies Matt got evicted from the house. Then we back-tracked again to watch Survivor and witnessed not one, but two people leave the island; Kathy, who just gave up and told the producers she just wanted to get the heck out and Tracy, who I never really liked anyhoo. So, that was a win/win for me, too. Finally, around the 18th glass of wine, (kidding, it was only like....10), I watched Top Chef stick the turkey-baster up Valerie's butt. Sorry, kid. That blini was a mess!!
So tonite we got Celebrity Apprentice! LOL...I know, I know, I'm a hot mess. But I loves me some reality shows. I guess I've always had voyeuristic tendencies. I really just like watching people. And it's really, incredibly interesting when you get to watch them being themselves and as a bonus see what crazy things they'll do to win at all costs. I don't like all reality shows mind you, but I must admit I do watch Beauty and the Geek and Girlicious regularly. (Sigh) Ok, wait. Lemme think. What don't I like? Well, just to name a few, I don't like The Real Wives of Orange County or whatever that crap is. I don't watch The Biggest Loser, although it's a decent enough show. I gladly channel surf past The Moment of Truth! What the hell's the deal with that show? People go on there, tell their deepest secrets in front of America, ruin their family lives and for what?! A check for $100,000.00? Gimme a break! I'd be willing to bet there's probably not a lotta "reality" to that show.
Don't get me wrong, though. I do watch other things. I like some television with substance, too. I like investigative reporting programs, too; 20/20, Dateline, 48 Hours, etc. And of course, I love me some sit-coms, but they're becoming more and more extinct as the reality shows take over. So I suppose I'm not the only one who eats those shows up. They're selling like joints at a Snoop Dogg concert! Every time you turn around there's another reality show coming out. Remember when Being Bobby Brown was on?! OMG! Talk about a hot mess!! That was the best, most awful, tragically entertaining show on TV. I would never miss it!! I can only hope Whitney has not barred those folks from releasing it on DVD. When they do, I am so there!
It's going to be very difficult to turn away from the television for an extended period of time to focus on my writing......pray for me. But my reality check is the knowledge that these reality shows aren't gonna give me the book that I wanna write. I need to be creating my own reality or shall I say the realities of the characters that I'm gonna be writing about. That's the real reality, but dang, there's gotta be a way to watch America's Funniest Home Videos, too!! That series shines a light on the humor in our everyday lives, and those are the best reality showings of all.
What makes it bad is that as long as I'm watching the reality shows, I've gotta have a glass-o-wine in my hand. For me it's a must. It's like I used to feel as a smoker. I couldn't have a drink without wanting to smoke a cigarette. Same deal. Wow, I got it bad. The reality (lol) of the situation is I have to watch them the night that they're on, because I hate the spoilers the next day! If I haven't watched it the night before and I'm reading something on-line, inevitably some article or some headline is gonna pop up and ruin it for me....and I hate that! I think it's cause I like to be able to predict and see if I picked the right answer. Just like when I was in school...heehee....
The eliminations were all correct, too. At least I agreed with them. So, let's see. I watched Marvita get the boot on America's Next Top Model. She deserved it. She was a 40-ounce drinkin' mess! Then I saw Amanda bite the dust on American Idol, whose time had come indeed. From there, I caught up on Big Brother, which had finished recording and I roared and clapped like a rabid cheerleader when that "shystee", lying bag of lies Matt got evicted from the house. Then we back-tracked again to watch Survivor and witnessed not one, but two people leave the island; Kathy, who just gave up and told the producers she just wanted to get the heck out and Tracy, who I never really liked anyhoo. So, that was a win/win for me, too. Finally, around the 18th glass of wine, (kidding, it was only like....10), I watched Top Chef stick the turkey-baster up Valerie's butt. Sorry, kid. That blini was a mess!!
So tonite we got Celebrity Apprentice! LOL...I know, I know, I'm a hot mess. But I loves me some reality shows. I guess I've always had voyeuristic tendencies. I really just like watching people. And it's really, incredibly interesting when you get to watch them being themselves and as a bonus see what crazy things they'll do to win at all costs. I don't like all reality shows mind you, but I must admit I do watch Beauty and the Geek and Girlicious regularly. (Sigh) Ok, wait. Lemme think. What don't I like? Well, just to name a few, I don't like The Real Wives of Orange County or whatever that crap is. I don't watch The Biggest Loser, although it's a decent enough show. I gladly channel surf past The Moment of Truth! What the hell's the deal with that show? People go on there, tell their deepest secrets in front of America, ruin their family lives and for what?! A check for $100,000.00? Gimme a break! I'd be willing to bet there's probably not a lotta "reality" to that show.
Don't get me wrong, though. I do watch other things. I like some television with substance, too. I like investigative reporting programs, too; 20/20, Dateline, 48 Hours, etc. And of course, I love me some sit-coms, but they're becoming more and more extinct as the reality shows take over. So I suppose I'm not the only one who eats those shows up. They're selling like joints at a Snoop Dogg concert! Every time you turn around there's another reality show coming out. Remember when Being Bobby Brown was on?! OMG! Talk about a hot mess!! That was the best, most awful, tragically entertaining show on TV. I would never miss it!! I can only hope Whitney has not barred those folks from releasing it on DVD. When they do, I am so there!
It's going to be very difficult to turn away from the television for an extended period of time to focus on my writing......pray for me. But my reality check is the knowledge that these reality shows aren't gonna give me the book that I wanna write. I need to be creating my own reality or shall I say the realities of the characters that I'm gonna be writing about. That's the real reality, but dang, there's gotta be a way to watch America's Funniest Home Videos, too!! That series shines a light on the humor in our everyday lives, and those are the best reality showings of all.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
The Wide World of Writing
I'm about to scream!! I just don't know where to start with this writing of mine. I've got so many avenues that I can take, but don't know which one to traverse! I suppose it's common knowledge that the best way to be a writer is to write, right? But I've always been the kind of person who doesn't like to go into things blind-folded. I like to know exactly what I'm doing when I'm doing it. I suppose that stemmed from a fear of failure. But since fear of failure is no longer a part of what I've created for my life, I guess I'd just like to know that what I write has some kind of structure and aptitude to it!
So, I have indeed been doing some writing; writing exercises, journal entries, the occasional poem, my blog, of course, and I've even began a couple of stories. But most of what I've been doing lately is simply learning things about the craft; that is, the art of writing. I've just finished listening to Stephen King's "On Writing" on audio. It was very inspirational. I was excited about it the whole way through and got lots of great guidance from it. He says that a true writer doesn't do it for the money. They do it because it's what they love. I agree with him on that account, although I would love to be able to sell my work and have my things published eventually; doesn't matter where. I wouldn't mind a blurb in Reader's Digest or even a short story in Ebony magazine or Playboy for that matter.
What I want for my writing is to be able to share it with people and have them say "Wow, I felt that! That really got me thinking" or "That was hilarious! I laughed all the way through" or "That was so uplifting! I appreciate you for that. It was so good!".....simple inspiration, and the provocation of emotions. That's it. Of course, a writing credit never hurt anybody either. I'd love to see my name in Vibe magazine as a "contributor", or in a collection of stories by new gay writers, "story by Darald Murray". I think I would literally pass out.
But I guess I have to start writing now for that, hunh? Start writing and keep writing, that is. There will always be things to learn about the art of writing, and of course, I'll want to know as many of these things as I can, but the challenge will be to write and learn these things at the same time. And Stephen King confirms - the best way to learn the skill of writing is to simply write. I can do that. I love doing that. I'm going to love challenging myself to be creative, to be imaginative in my descriptions and to expand my visions on paper.
As I've really only just begun as a writer, it's scary because my ideas won't always be exciting, my style won't necessarily be crisp and smart right out of the gate, and the person that I was liked to be right every time. I'm courageous now, though. I make note of my fear and I act anyway. So this writing thing won't scare me away. I'm in this for the long haul. The hours are gonna be long and it's gonna really take something for me to pull myself away from my beloved reality shows to sit down, put pen to paper and simply create for a couple of hours every day. But, inside the stand that I'm taking as a writer, it's all possible.
There's a million things that I could write and even more things out there to write about. I plan to tackle as much as I can. I'm going to write a novel I know, but first I've decided to create some short stories and see how they come out. I'm really excited to get those underway; to build up my portfolio, so to speak. So, I've gotten started. I'm writing and will continue writing, and once I get my laptop, create my own space where I can close the door against all distractions, get my printer and my reams of paper all set up and am really able to flex my arms, the wide world of writing better watch out!!
So, I have indeed been doing some writing; writing exercises, journal entries, the occasional poem, my blog, of course, and I've even began a couple of stories. But most of what I've been doing lately is simply learning things about the craft; that is, the art of writing. I've just finished listening to Stephen King's "On Writing" on audio. It was very inspirational. I was excited about it the whole way through and got lots of great guidance from it. He says that a true writer doesn't do it for the money. They do it because it's what they love. I agree with him on that account, although I would love to be able to sell my work and have my things published eventually; doesn't matter where. I wouldn't mind a blurb in Reader's Digest or even a short story in Ebony magazine or Playboy for that matter.
What I want for my writing is to be able to share it with people and have them say "Wow, I felt that! That really got me thinking" or "That was hilarious! I laughed all the way through" or "That was so uplifting! I appreciate you for that. It was so good!".....simple inspiration, and the provocation of emotions. That's it. Of course, a writing credit never hurt anybody either. I'd love to see my name in Vibe magazine as a "contributor", or in a collection of stories by new gay writers, "story by Darald Murray". I think I would literally pass out.
But I guess I have to start writing now for that, hunh? Start writing and keep writing, that is. There will always be things to learn about the art of writing, and of course, I'll want to know as many of these things as I can, but the challenge will be to write and learn these things at the same time. And Stephen King confirms - the best way to learn the skill of writing is to simply write. I can do that. I love doing that. I'm going to love challenging myself to be creative, to be imaginative in my descriptions and to expand my visions on paper.
As I've really only just begun as a writer, it's scary because my ideas won't always be exciting, my style won't necessarily be crisp and smart right out of the gate, and the person that I was liked to be right every time. I'm courageous now, though. I make note of my fear and I act anyway. So this writing thing won't scare me away. I'm in this for the long haul. The hours are gonna be long and it's gonna really take something for me to pull myself away from my beloved reality shows to sit down, put pen to paper and simply create for a couple of hours every day. But, inside the stand that I'm taking as a writer, it's all possible.
There's a million things that I could write and even more things out there to write about. I plan to tackle as much as I can. I'm going to write a novel I know, but first I've decided to create some short stories and see how they come out. I'm really excited to get those underway; to build up my portfolio, so to speak. So, I've gotten started. I'm writing and will continue writing, and once I get my laptop, create my own space where I can close the door against all distractions, get my printer and my reams of paper all set up and am really able to flex my arms, the wide world of writing better watch out!!
Monday, March 17, 2008
Wow, what a weekend!
It was a really full and bodaciously awesome weekend! First off, Jeremy got to partake in his Landmark Forum all day Friday, Saturday and Sunday and as a result he's completely transformed! He seems to be so much happier and at peace than he was before. He even had a most meaningful talk with his dad as a result of taking part. I've already done my Forum, and it was awesome!! That was the most awesome part of the weekend, but by no means the only great thing that went down.
I started off Friday nite while Jer was getting all transformed, I met up with our friend Dennis at the Saloon and we hung out there for a while, having a couple drinks there and watching the guys; harmless watching, mind you. After a couple of Citroen and grapefruit juices there (Dennis is an upscale drinker, I reckon), we headed over to the 90's for some better music. So we did a little bit of dancing, (not much), but got our groove on nonetheless and had a few more drinks.
It was a really fun nite all around, and I didn't get too wasted, so that's always good. HOWEVER.......Saturday was a completely different issue. My plan for Saturday was to go hang out with Jared and Larry and drink beers all day, and man did we ever!!! I arrived over to their house at about 12:15 and we headed out to Herkimer's in Midtown for lunch. At lunch, I had a couple eggs and some bacon and of course we got the day off to a solidly inebriated good start with a couple of Bloody Mary's. At least Larry and I did. Jared stuck with the usual...his dark lager. As u could probably cut me and I'd have wine pouring out instead of blood, such is the deal with Jared and his beer. We are lush brothers in the spirit!
After lunch, we got back to the boys's house and Larry decided to take a nap (lightweight!) and so J and I were left to our own devices. We ended up playing Rock Band for like 5 hours!!! It was sooooo much fun. I was on bass and he was on lead guitar. Our band is called Mister Mistress! Is that not the coolest name you ever heard for a rock band? I think I'm gonna sell it. LOL. It may bring to mind that 80's group Mister Mister, though. Oh, well. I still think it's hot.
So I made a brief departure from my bass guitar to pursue playing the drums for the group. Bad mistake; awful. I looked like a shoulda been wearing a helmet and a body brace as horrible as I was at that. I gave that up almost immediately. So, back to the bass guitar and of course, more beer. I was drinking Honeyweiss, which is my favorite now. Jared had his dark something or other. We went through a nice volume of beer that day. Larry eventually joined us for a couple of sets, but we ended up wrapping that up and moving on the Scene It, the Xbox 360 version which is bad-ass! Jared ended up crushing us both, twice. It's still a fun game, though.
Anyway, after that I made a lame attempt to go home with my last beer (from the 12 pack I'd brought over with me), and the guys were not having that! I was all "we do it all the time in Texas" and they was all "Better safe than sorry. Gimme that beer!" Reluctantly I gave it up and drove very carefully home. Was a really awesome day, but it didn't stop there. I got home just as Jeremy was returning from his 2nd forum day and man was he energized! I ended up sitting and talking to him for a couple hours, thereby having a couple glasses of wine in the meantime. We watched SNL, talked some more, and I finally passed out in a inebriated stupor.
Although the way I felt on Sunday morning was not one of the worst ways I've felt, neither was it one of the best. I think the weekend was finally catching up to me, and I...was....pooped. I got up, laid back down, and then got up again. I ended up making me a turkey/ham sandwich and watching the Nicole Kidman movie "Margot at the Wedding", which was pretty good; ok, well, it was just OK. And then I watched some tennis in between cat naps. Finally, as I was supposed to meet the boys, Larry, Jared, and Jer at TGIF's for Jeremy's graduate night at the Forum, I got up and put some clothes on and went to get my truck washed.
After washing the truck, I met the guys and we had dinner (I had shrimp key west) and then headed to our night at Jeremy's Forum graduation. It was real cool to see the people all happy and transformed. I get so inspired all over again when I see the miracle that this event is to people and their lives. I have no doubt that my relationship with Jeremy will be unlike it ever has before.
Anyway, it's almost time for my seminar and I gotta go pick up the guest I invited, Ocoy! Til tomorrow.
I started off Friday nite while Jer was getting all transformed, I met up with our friend Dennis at the Saloon and we hung out there for a while, having a couple drinks there and watching the guys; harmless watching, mind you. After a couple of Citroen and grapefruit juices there (Dennis is an upscale drinker, I reckon), we headed over to the 90's for some better music. So we did a little bit of dancing, (not much), but got our groove on nonetheless and had a few more drinks.
It was a really fun nite all around, and I didn't get too wasted, so that's always good. HOWEVER.......Saturday was a completely different issue. My plan for Saturday was to go hang out with Jared and Larry and drink beers all day, and man did we ever!!! I arrived over to their house at about 12:15 and we headed out to Herkimer's in Midtown for lunch. At lunch, I had a couple eggs and some bacon and of course we got the day off to a solidly inebriated good start with a couple of Bloody Mary's. At least Larry and I did. Jared stuck with the usual...his dark lager. As u could probably cut me and I'd have wine pouring out instead of blood, such is the deal with Jared and his beer. We are lush brothers in the spirit!
After lunch, we got back to the boys's house and Larry decided to take a nap (lightweight!) and so J and I were left to our own devices. We ended up playing Rock Band for like 5 hours!!! It was sooooo much fun. I was on bass and he was on lead guitar. Our band is called Mister Mistress! Is that not the coolest name you ever heard for a rock band? I think I'm gonna sell it. LOL. It may bring to mind that 80's group Mister Mister, though. Oh, well. I still think it's hot.
So I made a brief departure from my bass guitar to pursue playing the drums for the group. Bad mistake; awful. I looked like a shoulda been wearing a helmet and a body brace as horrible as I was at that. I gave that up almost immediately. So, back to the bass guitar and of course, more beer. I was drinking Honeyweiss, which is my favorite now. Jared had his dark something or other. We went through a nice volume of beer that day. Larry eventually joined us for a couple of sets, but we ended up wrapping that up and moving on the Scene It, the Xbox 360 version which is bad-ass! Jared ended up crushing us both, twice. It's still a fun game, though.
Anyway, after that I made a lame attempt to go home with my last beer (from the 12 pack I'd brought over with me), and the guys were not having that! I was all "we do it all the time in Texas" and they was all "Better safe than sorry. Gimme that beer!" Reluctantly I gave it up and drove very carefully home. Was a really awesome day, but it didn't stop there. I got home just as Jeremy was returning from his 2nd forum day and man was he energized! I ended up sitting and talking to him for a couple hours, thereby having a couple glasses of wine in the meantime. We watched SNL, talked some more, and I finally passed out in a inebriated stupor.
Although the way I felt on Sunday morning was not one of the worst ways I've felt, neither was it one of the best. I think the weekend was finally catching up to me, and I...was....pooped. I got up, laid back down, and then got up again. I ended up making me a turkey/ham sandwich and watching the Nicole Kidman movie "Margot at the Wedding", which was pretty good; ok, well, it was just OK. And then I watched some tennis in between cat naps. Finally, as I was supposed to meet the boys, Larry, Jared, and Jer at TGIF's for Jeremy's graduate night at the Forum, I got up and put some clothes on and went to get my truck washed.
After washing the truck, I met the guys and we had dinner (I had shrimp key west) and then headed to our night at Jeremy's Forum graduation. It was real cool to see the people all happy and transformed. I get so inspired all over again when I see the miracle that this event is to people and their lives. I have no doubt that my relationship with Jeremy will be unlike it ever has before.
Anyway, it's almost time for my seminar and I gotta go pick up the guest I invited, Ocoy! Til tomorrow.
Friday, March 14, 2008
These Dance Videos are gonna Kill Me!!
You may think it's hilarious, but for the last hour and a half I have been sweating like a pig in front of my television, learning the choreography for the new Janet video "Rock with u". And man, am I winded! Hell, you may think I'm too old for this, but this crap is fun! Just like the old days.
Peeps, when I was a kid, I used to learn the steps to every video that came out. I practically had the remote control glued to my hand half the time, rewinding and rewinding and rewinding one more time. Like many of us, I had "Thriller" down-pat! That was one of my all time favorites. I remember me and my two best friends at the time crowding in front of the TV everytime the video came on. Our favorites of all time were "Beat it" by the King and "Pleasure Principle" by the other Mighty One.
We loved choreography so much we even started ourselves a little group; called ourselves "The Classics". We even entered a few talent shows. We did routines off of "When Doves Cry", "The Glamorous Life" and Lionel Richie's "Runnin' with the Night". We had such hots for those videos.
Still today, I love me some videos. I may be hittin 40, but I still like to shake my tailfeather. I'm probably gonna be infatuated with music videos and intricate choreography until I leave this earth. I need to get into better shape now, too. Ugh, my stomach looks like I swallowed a small child. It ain't pretty. All this snow outside is not conducive to much outdoor activity. But, I think I mighta just lost 5 pounds jumpin around like a hyena. But it's so cool learning the steps and being able to do the dance along with the professionals. I wanted to be a dancer at one time, but hell, I didn't have the real stamina it took at the time, so my interests took me elsewhere.
I still love to dance, though. There's no better feeling to me (besides sex!) than listening to some dance music that I love and getting loose on the floor. Wow. How that makes me reminisce about Texas. That South Beach was the place to dance. And they had a video bar where they played all the best dance videos, too. Don't get excited...I never did any routines or anything at the club in the middle of the dance floor. That always gives me the ickies when I see people out there doing the routines. I don't know why. Envy, maybe? I don't know. I don't think so.
This Janet video is pretty damn smooth, though. The choreography is not too intricate, but it looks good as hell and it's slick. This is her second video from her latest album "Discipline". The first was "Feedback", a bad-ass jam and I've already learned the choreography for that one. Well as much as I wanted to learn anyway. Secret: Her single "Luv" is the baddest jam on the whole album; stupid crunk!!
This love for choreography didn't just creep back up either. I've been learning videos constantly for a while. I maybe shouldn't brag about it, but hey, I ain't shame. Let's see, I learned Justin Timberlake's "My Love", too. That was an awesome video.
I can picture myself at like 60 tryin to do a cross-step, change and breakin' a hip! LOL. Oooooh, that reminds me of one time when I was a teen-ager and I was in the back yard doing one of my many routines, and kicked my leg in the air and fell flat on my back! I couldn't breathe for like a minute after that. Once I regained my wind, I looked around to see if anybody had seen that, and when I was sure no one had, I laughed like a loon! That sh*t was funny!! Aaaah, good times.
Yeah, I'm gonna have to be careful of breaking a bone when I hit 50 or so, cause I know I'm gonna dance til I die. Music is my life and moving to the sound of it is as natural to me as breathing. So, I'm really looking for some great videos to come out with some awesome choreography. I might have a few years of "step-kick-turn" in me. Either way it goes, please don't stop the music!!
Peeps, when I was a kid, I used to learn the steps to every video that came out. I practically had the remote control glued to my hand half the time, rewinding and rewinding and rewinding one more time. Like many of us, I had "Thriller" down-pat! That was one of my all time favorites. I remember me and my two best friends at the time crowding in front of the TV everytime the video came on. Our favorites of all time were "Beat it" by the King and "Pleasure Principle" by the other Mighty One.
We loved choreography so much we even started ourselves a little group; called ourselves "The Classics". We even entered a few talent shows. We did routines off of "When Doves Cry", "The Glamorous Life" and Lionel Richie's "Runnin' with the Night". We had such hots for those videos.
Still today, I love me some videos. I may be hittin 40, but I still like to shake my tailfeather. I'm probably gonna be infatuated with music videos and intricate choreography until I leave this earth. I need to get into better shape now, too. Ugh, my stomach looks like I swallowed a small child. It ain't pretty. All this snow outside is not conducive to much outdoor activity. But, I think I mighta just lost 5 pounds jumpin around like a hyena. But it's so cool learning the steps and being able to do the dance along with the professionals. I wanted to be a dancer at one time, but hell, I didn't have the real stamina it took at the time, so my interests took me elsewhere.
I still love to dance, though. There's no better feeling to me (besides sex!) than listening to some dance music that I love and getting loose on the floor. Wow. How that makes me reminisce about Texas. That South Beach was the place to dance. And they had a video bar where they played all the best dance videos, too. Don't get excited...I never did any routines or anything at the club in the middle of the dance floor. That always gives me the ickies when I see people out there doing the routines. I don't know why. Envy, maybe? I don't know. I don't think so.
This Janet video is pretty damn smooth, though. The choreography is not too intricate, but it looks good as hell and it's slick. This is her second video from her latest album "Discipline". The first was "Feedback", a bad-ass jam and I've already learned the choreography for that one. Well as much as I wanted to learn anyway. Secret: Her single "Luv" is the baddest jam on the whole album; stupid crunk!!
This love for choreography didn't just creep back up either. I've been learning videos constantly for a while. I maybe shouldn't brag about it, but hey, I ain't shame. Let's see, I learned Justin Timberlake's "My Love", too. That was an awesome video.
I can picture myself at like 60 tryin to do a cross-step, change and breakin' a hip! LOL. Oooooh, that reminds me of one time when I was a teen-ager and I was in the back yard doing one of my many routines, and kicked my leg in the air and fell flat on my back! I couldn't breathe for like a minute after that. Once I regained my wind, I looked around to see if anybody had seen that, and when I was sure no one had, I laughed like a loon! That sh*t was funny!! Aaaah, good times.
Yeah, I'm gonna have to be careful of breaking a bone when I hit 50 or so, cause I know I'm gonna dance til I die. Music is my life and moving to the sound of it is as natural to me as breathing. So, I'm really looking for some great videos to come out with some awesome choreography. I might have a few years of "step-kick-turn" in me. Either way it goes, please don't stop the music!!
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Single vs. Married? Which guys have more fun?
There are some people who think that being in a relationship is the end of your days of fun and excitement and living the life of a happy go lucky guy. And then there are some who believe that the single life is really sucky, and who would desperately do anything to be in a loving relationship with someone. So which side are you on?
My friend who lives in Las Vegas, we'll call him Steve, (psst..that's his real name) is of the mind that he will NEVER be in a long-term relationship because he could never handle not doing what he wanted to do whenever he wanted to do it. He believes that a relationship is sacrificing more than he's willing to sacrifice. I know Steve, and I think that's really a little bit of baloney. I had his mentality at one time myself. It's probably why we ended up dating for a little less than a year in 2000. Although I wanted to be in a relationship, I was too immature to realize what a relationship required. I let a couple of really good relationships slip through my fingers because once the passion and the excitement died down, I wanted to be single again! Yeah, that's it! I wanna be single! There's more out there to be had! More guys to conquer! Bigger and better penises/asses to be grabbed!
And in reality, those are always going to be out there. There's always going to be someone who's hot and you have the possibility to get at, somebody who gives you the eye and you can take 'em home for the night......but the dilemma arises after you've been doing that year after year and all of a sudden one day comes and uh-oh, you're 45 and you're all alone. You live by yourself in your bachelor pad and you and your cat keep each other company every nite. Your club card is fresh, but not those gray hairs you have to dye right quick before you hit the streets to party all night.
I guess some people want to be by themselves,though; and for them, it really is more fun being single and not having anyone to control what you do and where you go. I know I'm not one of them. I'm glad that I now realize the value of having someone in your life who makes you happy and who you can have fun with. It's awesome knowing that whatever I do and wherever I go, when I get home there will be someone there waiting to kiss me goodnite. For me, being in a relationship is much more fun than being single.
Don't get me wrong, though! When I was single, I partied many the night away. I even took my fair share of guys home....and by my fair share, I mean 7. Yeah, let's go with that number. But my point is, I had fun going out and dancing, and meeting people and letting loose. It was good to be single.....but deep down inside, I wanted to have someone there; someone to make me laugh, someone to have fun with. But then I'd think too much about it again and say "but if I get a boyfriend, I won't be able to go out, and I won't be able to go hang with my friends anymore". Because I completely had that mindset. When I was in a relationship, it was ALL ABOUT him! My friends just had to wait. I was such a loser with a capital "L". And I would be so into them for all of 6 months, and then bam! "There's got to be bigger, better, different!" Wow..... How funny I was. Now I know you can have a rewarding relationship with your partner as well as with your good friends, all at the same time!
But my friend Steve just doesn't get it. When I talk to him these days, it's always the same. It seems that he wants to believe that he's happy being able to get with a different guy whenever he wants to, but I can hear some hint of longing in his voice. He really wants to meet that one guy that's gonna make him want to be in a relationship. He just hasn't met him because he thinks he doesn't want that.
What I want guys like Steve to know is that I'm in a relationship now and I have more fun than I ever thought I would. I still go out and party; that never stopped. Of course, it's not every weekend like I did before, but we go and party together when we feel like it. Jeremy parties harder than I do sometimes! (not usually, but sometimes) :-) I still meet new people. I don't get to fool around with people anymore, but I get to fool around with one particular, special person as much as I want to; a person who makes me laugh, a person who kisses me goodnight every night. I know there will always be someone hot and available giving me eye (at least I hope so for little while longer). But I'm mature enough now to know that all that glitters is not gold. Those sexy beasts that hypnotized me before, only mildly interest me now. I'm still a bit flirty. I can 't change that, but I'd much rather have someone there to slap me back into line when I step out than not. Single is good, but for me, married is much better! Uh oh......Honey wants to watch Survivor. "Comin, sweetie.....!"
My friend who lives in Las Vegas, we'll call him Steve, (psst..that's his real name) is of the mind that he will NEVER be in a long-term relationship because he could never handle not doing what he wanted to do whenever he wanted to do it. He believes that a relationship is sacrificing more than he's willing to sacrifice. I know Steve, and I think that's really a little bit of baloney. I had his mentality at one time myself. It's probably why we ended up dating for a little less than a year in 2000. Although I wanted to be in a relationship, I was too immature to realize what a relationship required. I let a couple of really good relationships slip through my fingers because once the passion and the excitement died down, I wanted to be single again! Yeah, that's it! I wanna be single! There's more out there to be had! More guys to conquer! Bigger and better penises/asses to be grabbed!
And in reality, those are always going to be out there. There's always going to be someone who's hot and you have the possibility to get at, somebody who gives you the eye and you can take 'em home for the night......but the dilemma arises after you've been doing that year after year and all of a sudden one day comes and uh-oh, you're 45 and you're all alone. You live by yourself in your bachelor pad and you and your cat keep each other company every nite. Your club card is fresh, but not those gray hairs you have to dye right quick before you hit the streets to party all night.
I guess some people want to be by themselves,though; and for them, it really is more fun being single and not having anyone to control what you do and where you go. I know I'm not one of them. I'm glad that I now realize the value of having someone in your life who makes you happy and who you can have fun with. It's awesome knowing that whatever I do and wherever I go, when I get home there will be someone there waiting to kiss me goodnite. For me, being in a relationship is much more fun than being single.
Don't get me wrong, though! When I was single, I partied many the night away. I even took my fair share of guys home....and by my fair share, I mean 7. Yeah, let's go with that number. But my point is, I had fun going out and dancing, and meeting people and letting loose. It was good to be single.....but deep down inside, I wanted to have someone there; someone to make me laugh, someone to have fun with. But then I'd think too much about it again and say "but if I get a boyfriend, I won't be able to go out, and I won't be able to go hang with my friends anymore". Because I completely had that mindset. When I was in a relationship, it was ALL ABOUT him! My friends just had to wait. I was such a loser with a capital "L". And I would be so into them for all of 6 months, and then bam! "There's got to be bigger, better, different!" Wow..... How funny I was. Now I know you can have a rewarding relationship with your partner as well as with your good friends, all at the same time!
But my friend Steve just doesn't get it. When I talk to him these days, it's always the same. It seems that he wants to believe that he's happy being able to get with a different guy whenever he wants to, but I can hear some hint of longing in his voice. He really wants to meet that one guy that's gonna make him want to be in a relationship. He just hasn't met him because he thinks he doesn't want that.
What I want guys like Steve to know is that I'm in a relationship now and I have more fun than I ever thought I would. I still go out and party; that never stopped. Of course, it's not every weekend like I did before, but we go and party together when we feel like it. Jeremy parties harder than I do sometimes! (not usually, but sometimes) :-) I still meet new people. I don't get to fool around with people anymore, but I get to fool around with one particular, special person as much as I want to; a person who makes me laugh, a person who kisses me goodnight every night. I know there will always be someone hot and available giving me eye (at least I hope so for little while longer). But I'm mature enough now to know that all that glitters is not gold. Those sexy beasts that hypnotized me before, only mildly interest me now. I'm still a bit flirty. I can 't change that, but I'd much rather have someone there to slap me back into line when I step out than not. Single is good, but for me, married is much better! Uh oh......Honey wants to watch Survivor. "Comin, sweetie.....!"
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Que Paso, Amigos?
I just finished my Spanish lesson for today, so I am feeling muy fantastico! It's so much fun learning Spanish. I don't know why. I guess I just get a kick out of learning, and to be able to speak a completely different language is so cool to me.
I've been trying to learn this romantic language for about 2 years now, so I know quite a lot of words, but the grammatical structure is what I'm mostly working on now. I think it'll be impressive to be able to say to one of my Hispanic co-workers "Yo hablo espanol muy fluentemente!" I'd love to see the smile on their faces as they don't know whether to laugh at me or be impressed. Usually when I say anything in Spanish to a Hispanic person though, the person'll get the wrong idea and start going a mile a minute, and I end up standing there, looking confused going "um, despacio, por favor?" Can't practice with just anybody.
I plan to start having more immersed lessons when I start going over to Marcella and Jay's house specifically for that purpose. Marcella is Colombian and she and Jay both speak Spanish fluently. I'm going to suggest that when I come over we speak nothing but Spanish, cause otherwise I have no one to practice my espanol with, and that's the only way I'm gonna become as fluent as I'd like.
I thought about one day becoming a person who taught English to immigrants coming to America or maybe opening a center teaching English speaking students Spanish and vice versa. I think it's more and more important these days to be bilingual, and to speak Spanish especially. I don't know what I'll really do with this second language, but I'm sure I'll find a way to use it in my life and maybe to benefit others' lives.
All I can say at this point is I'm completely fullfilled when I finish a passage or learn a song completely in Spanish. Yep, I do know some songs in Spanish and I love to sing 'em. My favorite Spanish artist is Shakira (although she's Colombian). I know most of the tracks from her last album. I also dig Julieta Venegas, who I sing to all the time, and Dominic Marte! He's got a beautiful voice, so I sing along with him constantly, as well.
I even ordered the Latino package with my cable, but that's been a big waste of money. I never watch it. I think whenever they first hooked it up, I watched for like an hour and my television has not seen that station since. I intend to watch more, though, cause there's more opportunities to be immersed there....at least an hour every other day or so. And those Latino folks are beautiful! Don't believe me? Turn on any telenovela and see for yourself. The men are all smouldering sex pots just waiting to erupt, and the women are so well made up and dark and beautiful, they could all be beauty pageant contestants.
I suppose that would be the reason I was on a Latino kick for a while a couple years ago before I met my beau. I tell you, it was like they could smell me learning Spanish, cause I was approached by one after another after another. But you know? They say you attract what you put out, so maybe subconsciously I was emitting a "lust for Latin" vibe or something. (Oh, snap! Could be because I was frequenting a Latino joint, too.....Hmmm...forgot about that). Whatever it was, I went through a period of some hot and steamy encounters. The Latino is a passionate being and I ain't mad at 'em for it. But I find that passion can easily turn to jealousy, so you gotta take the bad with the good. But hell, that's with everybody, isn't it? I know with me, you don't get all roses. Trust me. Jeremy will be quick to second that. But anyhoo.......
If anybody out there, including you Gerardo and you Ivan, want to communicate with me in Spanish and help a brother out with his lessons, envia me algo comunicacion in espanol y podemos hablar a veces!
Until tomorrow, my friends (hasta manana, mis amigos)! Viva Big pimp!!
I've been trying to learn this romantic language for about 2 years now, so I know quite a lot of words, but the grammatical structure is what I'm mostly working on now. I think it'll be impressive to be able to say to one of my Hispanic co-workers "Yo hablo espanol muy fluentemente!" I'd love to see the smile on their faces as they don't know whether to laugh at me or be impressed. Usually when I say anything in Spanish to a Hispanic person though, the person'll get the wrong idea and start going a mile a minute, and I end up standing there, looking confused going "um, despacio, por favor?" Can't practice with just anybody.
I plan to start having more immersed lessons when I start going over to Marcella and Jay's house specifically for that purpose. Marcella is Colombian and she and Jay both speak Spanish fluently. I'm going to suggest that when I come over we speak nothing but Spanish, cause otherwise I have no one to practice my espanol with, and that's the only way I'm gonna become as fluent as I'd like.
I thought about one day becoming a person who taught English to immigrants coming to America or maybe opening a center teaching English speaking students Spanish and vice versa. I think it's more and more important these days to be bilingual, and to speak Spanish especially. I don't know what I'll really do with this second language, but I'm sure I'll find a way to use it in my life and maybe to benefit others' lives.
All I can say at this point is I'm completely fullfilled when I finish a passage or learn a song completely in Spanish. Yep, I do know some songs in Spanish and I love to sing 'em. My favorite Spanish artist is Shakira (although she's Colombian). I know most of the tracks from her last album. I also dig Julieta Venegas, who I sing to all the time, and Dominic Marte! He's got a beautiful voice, so I sing along with him constantly, as well.
I even ordered the Latino package with my cable, but that's been a big waste of money. I never watch it. I think whenever they first hooked it up, I watched for like an hour and my television has not seen that station since. I intend to watch more, though, cause there's more opportunities to be immersed there....at least an hour every other day or so. And those Latino folks are beautiful! Don't believe me? Turn on any telenovela and see for yourself. The men are all smouldering sex pots just waiting to erupt, and the women are so well made up and dark and beautiful, they could all be beauty pageant contestants.
I suppose that would be the reason I was on a Latino kick for a while a couple years ago before I met my beau. I tell you, it was like they could smell me learning Spanish, cause I was approached by one after another after another. But you know? They say you attract what you put out, so maybe subconsciously I was emitting a "lust for Latin" vibe or something. (Oh, snap! Could be because I was frequenting a Latino joint, too.....Hmmm...forgot about that). Whatever it was, I went through a period of some hot and steamy encounters. The Latino is a passionate being and I ain't mad at 'em for it. But I find that passion can easily turn to jealousy, so you gotta take the bad with the good. But hell, that's with everybody, isn't it? I know with me, you don't get all roses. Trust me. Jeremy will be quick to second that. But anyhoo.......
If anybody out there, including you Gerardo and you Ivan, want to communicate with me in Spanish and help a brother out with his lessons, envia me algo comunicacion in espanol y podemos hablar a veces!
Until tomorrow, my friends (hasta manana, mis amigos)! Viva Big pimp!!
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Life is good
Sorry, don't have time to blog much tonite. I've been working on some writing assignments and have been really focused on that. I did some exercises and was pretty excited about the results. I'll share some of these exercises at a later date, but just wanted to drop a line to say life is great, I'm happy with my writing and I'm glad that I get to laugh every day!
I always feel so good after I write. It's not only cleansing to get stuff out onto paper or the laptop, but it's also so rewarding to know that I've created something that I'm proud of. Can life get any better?!
I promise to spend more time with you tomorrow.
Cheers!!!
I always feel so good after I write. It's not only cleansing to get stuff out onto paper or the laptop, but it's also so rewarding to know that I've created something that I'm proud of. Can life get any better?!
I promise to spend more time with you tomorrow.
Cheers!!!
Monday, March 10, 2008
My political 2 cents
Well, it appears that we've got a major race going in politics this year. Within 10 months or less, history could very well be made in the United States. And boy, does it have everybody in a tizzy! Not only am I living with a passionately political party member, but seems like everyone else is talking about it too. Will our next president actually be a White woman or a Black man? It's real, folks, and it looks like things are gettin' nasty!
Now, just so you know where I stand, politics and I have never been linked in the same sentence let along paragraph. I vote, but I don't really get into the whole what bill he/she voted for or who slept with who in the past or any of that crap. If I know the major issues the candidate represents, that's usually enough for me. So sue me cause I'm not politically minded, but I must admit that the dynamic this year is really kinda interesting. This race began as a strong pronouncement that Hillary Clinton was a force to be reckoned with and she was taking all comers! All of a sudden, Barack Obama stormed out and made it an actual contest and as a result, this is the closest race to the Democratic nomination that I can ever remember seeing, or at least witnessing with some level of interest.
Personally, I'm not even addressing the Republican nominee as I think it's a waste of time talking about such ludicrousness. The best candidate for President this year is obviously Democratic. I don't know much, but I do know that. That's the awesome thing about the race this year; we actually have two great candidates and there have been great arguments for both. The point for me is that with victory by one of these candidates, America will once again have some form of credility in the world, and things are bound to get better for our economy.
With such timely and important issues as healthcare, immigration reform, and this country's ongoing involvement in Irag, the new Commander-in-Chief needs to be someone charismatic, eloquent, knowledgeable, influential, and respected. I think both of these candidates have a high level of all these qualities, so it's a win-win for me. I know some people are severely tilted toward one candidate or the other. I even read where a supporter of one candidate stabbed a supporter of the other during an argument. Seriously? That's waaaaaaay more politically stressed than I'd like to be.
So, the divide is pretty distinct and pretty even between the two sides. Polls show that Obama, who's advocating a change in government, definitely has the Black vote and the youth vote and Hillary, who's campaigning on experience has the female vote, which I think may be lessening. Now don't quote me on any of this. I'm just going by what I pick up here and there while our TV is tuned to CNN, which seems to be most of the time lately. This divide, however, makes it extremely difficult for the two of them to be a part of the same ticket as has been whispered about since nearly the beginning of the race. That would be awesome! (in my opinion), but of course, at this time, neither candidate is going to give any leeway.
There have been some interesting issues during the race, too. Obama's middle name, for instance, is Hussein. You can imagine the flack that's created, but it's ludicrous really. So that's his middle name; what's the big whoop? I dare not go into that. It's said that Obama's had it easier in the press and during debates; a lot moreso than Hillary has. I'd be slightly inclined to agree with that, although I'm not willing to fight anybody about it. And it was said that the Clinton team played an awfully dirty trick and leaked a photo showing Obama dressed in traditional Muslim garb. Yep.....things have gotten testy.
I really hope things don't get so desperate for either candidate that they show less than presidential behavior. I am holding both of these candidates to the highest expectations and would hope that they don't resort to unnecessary mud-slinging. My vote is not yet committed to either candidate. I need to see some really spirited debates in the coming months however, with some sound ideas about how we're going to make this country great again. Change is good and experience is awesome as well, but without the keys to unlocking the secrets that will make our economy better and our status in the world respected again, it won't matter whether the President is White, Black, Canine, or Equine. We've got to get it together in this country, and the outcome of this election could be just the spark we need to explode again into the world. I'd definitely vote for that.
Now, just so you know where I stand, politics and I have never been linked in the same sentence let along paragraph. I vote, but I don't really get into the whole what bill he/she voted for or who slept with who in the past or any of that crap. If I know the major issues the candidate represents, that's usually enough for me. So sue me cause I'm not politically minded, but I must admit that the dynamic this year is really kinda interesting. This race began as a strong pronouncement that Hillary Clinton was a force to be reckoned with and she was taking all comers! All of a sudden, Barack Obama stormed out and made it an actual contest and as a result, this is the closest race to the Democratic nomination that I can ever remember seeing, or at least witnessing with some level of interest.
Personally, I'm not even addressing the Republican nominee as I think it's a waste of time talking about such ludicrousness. The best candidate for President this year is obviously Democratic. I don't know much, but I do know that. That's the awesome thing about the race this year; we actually have two great candidates and there have been great arguments for both. The point for me is that with victory by one of these candidates, America will once again have some form of credility in the world, and things are bound to get better for our economy.
With such timely and important issues as healthcare, immigration reform, and this country's ongoing involvement in Irag, the new Commander-in-Chief needs to be someone charismatic, eloquent, knowledgeable, influential, and respected. I think both of these candidates have a high level of all these qualities, so it's a win-win for me. I know some people are severely tilted toward one candidate or the other. I even read where a supporter of one candidate stabbed a supporter of the other during an argument. Seriously? That's waaaaaaay more politically stressed than I'd like to be.
So, the divide is pretty distinct and pretty even between the two sides. Polls show that Obama, who's advocating a change in government, definitely has the Black vote and the youth vote and Hillary, who's campaigning on experience has the female vote, which I think may be lessening. Now don't quote me on any of this. I'm just going by what I pick up here and there while our TV is tuned to CNN, which seems to be most of the time lately. This divide, however, makes it extremely difficult for the two of them to be a part of the same ticket as has been whispered about since nearly the beginning of the race. That would be awesome! (in my opinion), but of course, at this time, neither candidate is going to give any leeway.
There have been some interesting issues during the race, too. Obama's middle name, for instance, is Hussein. You can imagine the flack that's created, but it's ludicrous really. So that's his middle name; what's the big whoop? I dare not go into that. It's said that Obama's had it easier in the press and during debates; a lot moreso than Hillary has. I'd be slightly inclined to agree with that, although I'm not willing to fight anybody about it. And it was said that the Clinton team played an awfully dirty trick and leaked a photo showing Obama dressed in traditional Muslim garb. Yep.....things have gotten testy.
I really hope things don't get so desperate for either candidate that they show less than presidential behavior. I am holding both of these candidates to the highest expectations and would hope that they don't resort to unnecessary mud-slinging. My vote is not yet committed to either candidate. I need to see some really spirited debates in the coming months however, with some sound ideas about how we're going to make this country great again. Change is good and experience is awesome as well, but without the keys to unlocking the secrets that will make our economy better and our status in the world respected again, it won't matter whether the President is White, Black, Canine, or Equine. We've got to get it together in this country, and the outcome of this election could be just the spark we need to explode again into the world. I'd definitely vote for that.
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Homesick: To be or not to be.
Should I be homesick by now? It was a year ago today that I made the move from Houston, Texas to Eden Prairie, Minnesota to start a new life with my partner Jeremy. It was indeed a big move, but I've never regretted it. But people keep asking me if I'm homesick yet. I don't think so.
I do think about the good times I used to spend hanging out with my friends at South Beach on Friday and/or Saturday nites. THAT was a banging club! There's nothing like it here in Minneapolis. I sometimes still wish I could go line up for the free entry and drink specials between 10:30 and 11:00 on those weekend nites. I would dance the nite away. But missing the club doesn't really make me homesick.
I think about the friends that I had grown close to before I left: Ivan, with whom I would have great stimulating conversations; Lonnie, who was my partner in the appreciation of rad music and with whom I have danced many a night away; but I think most of all about my friend Maurice who died the week before I moved away. I still think about that because for a little while I was upset with Maurice for dying. I blamed him for not taking care of himself when he knew he was HIV+. I blamed him for popping ecstasy tabs every weekend, and smoking weed everyday, and not seeing a doctor when he knew he was sick. I think about that because I have to take responsibility for some of that myself. I could have done things to provoke his taking care and doing what was needed. I could see his demise approaching, but I didn't do enough. I guess my verbal warnings just weren't the possibility he needed to be moved by. But, I suppose that's neither here nor that at this point.
So to Maurice I say: I'm sorry. I'm sorry I didn't take more action in helping you. I thought you were selfish and shallow and conceited, but those were things that should never have mattered. You were my running buddy for years and I should have been more of a friend. I would do things differently now. I know you believe me.
In my thoughts of home, I think about my family. I guess that's what (whom?) I would be homesick for the most. My family and I had so many fun times. When you get a bunch of goofballs like us together, it's always non-stop laughter. It started with my mom, who passed her silliness down to me. I, in turn, am being blamed for influencing my sister's personality, and she indeed is a nut! My brother's picked up some of my comic facial expressions and man, you should meet my nephew. He's an amalgamation of us all! Not good! But whenever we get together, there's nothing but fun!
I think what helps me avoid the homesick bug is the fact that I'm so happy here. Although it's been like a negative 1000 degrees here this winter(!), I genuinely love Minnesota. I love my life with my partner and I love the people that I've met knowing him. I think there really is something to the concept of "Minnesota Nice". How did I get so lucky to be able to meet such great friends and have them accept me into their lives so easily? I've met the best friend I've ever had in my life here. You know who it is; my best buddy Jared. He and his partner are two of the most awesome guys I know. But there's also Jay and Marcella, who love us as if we're their brothers, and their daughter Charlotte as if we're her uncles. And there are no end to people we hang out with who love us and whom we love in return.
Back home, the tolerance level for homosexuals was no where near what it is up north. Here, people are much more accepting and a lot less judgemental. I'm still reeling from the number of inter-racial couples there are here, both straight and gay. It's so alien to what I'm used to encountering. But I've always thought my mentality was different from the majority of the people in Texas. I like to think that I've always had a more progressive outlook on life. Maybe it was reading that opened me up to the world outside of my immediate environment. Whatever it was, I'm thankful for it.
I thnk a lot about how happy my life is with my partner Jeremy. In Houston, I had a different sort of life. I was single, but was ready to settle down and couldn't seem to find anybody that I vibed with. Meeting Jeremy on the internet made a huge difference in my life. I knew once I got to know him that wherever he was, that's where I wanted my home to be. And I don't think I've made many choices in my life that were as wise as that one. Our home may have it's problems (what home doesn't), but I'm thankful for it. As he now lays in bed with his box of tissue and glass of orange juice close at hand, actually "home sick", I completely realize he's one of the main reasons why I don't have that same dilemma. I'm not home sick for one simple reason: I am home.
I do think about the good times I used to spend hanging out with my friends at South Beach on Friday and/or Saturday nites. THAT was a banging club! There's nothing like it here in Minneapolis. I sometimes still wish I could go line up for the free entry and drink specials between 10:30 and 11:00 on those weekend nites. I would dance the nite away. But missing the club doesn't really make me homesick.
I think about the friends that I had grown close to before I left: Ivan, with whom I would have great stimulating conversations; Lonnie, who was my partner in the appreciation of rad music and with whom I have danced many a night away; but I think most of all about my friend Maurice who died the week before I moved away. I still think about that because for a little while I was upset with Maurice for dying. I blamed him for not taking care of himself when he knew he was HIV+. I blamed him for popping ecstasy tabs every weekend, and smoking weed everyday, and not seeing a doctor when he knew he was sick. I think about that because I have to take responsibility for some of that myself. I could have done things to provoke his taking care and doing what was needed. I could see his demise approaching, but I didn't do enough. I guess my verbal warnings just weren't the possibility he needed to be moved by. But, I suppose that's neither here nor that at this point.
So to Maurice I say: I'm sorry. I'm sorry I didn't take more action in helping you. I thought you were selfish and shallow and conceited, but those were things that should never have mattered. You were my running buddy for years and I should have been more of a friend. I would do things differently now. I know you believe me.
In my thoughts of home, I think about my family. I guess that's what (whom?) I would be homesick for the most. My family and I had so many fun times. When you get a bunch of goofballs like us together, it's always non-stop laughter. It started with my mom, who passed her silliness down to me. I, in turn, am being blamed for influencing my sister's personality, and she indeed is a nut! My brother's picked up some of my comic facial expressions and man, you should meet my nephew. He's an amalgamation of us all! Not good! But whenever we get together, there's nothing but fun!
I think what helps me avoid the homesick bug is the fact that I'm so happy here. Although it's been like a negative 1000 degrees here this winter(!), I genuinely love Minnesota. I love my life with my partner and I love the people that I've met knowing him. I think there really is something to the concept of "Minnesota Nice". How did I get so lucky to be able to meet such great friends and have them accept me into their lives so easily? I've met the best friend I've ever had in my life here. You know who it is; my best buddy Jared. He and his partner are two of the most awesome guys I know. But there's also Jay and Marcella, who love us as if we're their brothers, and their daughter Charlotte as if we're her uncles. And there are no end to people we hang out with who love us and whom we love in return.
Back home, the tolerance level for homosexuals was no where near what it is up north. Here, people are much more accepting and a lot less judgemental. I'm still reeling from the number of inter-racial couples there are here, both straight and gay. It's so alien to what I'm used to encountering. But I've always thought my mentality was different from the majority of the people in Texas. I like to think that I've always had a more progressive outlook on life. Maybe it was reading that opened me up to the world outside of my immediate environment. Whatever it was, I'm thankful for it.
I thnk a lot about how happy my life is with my partner Jeremy. In Houston, I had a different sort of life. I was single, but was ready to settle down and couldn't seem to find anybody that I vibed with. Meeting Jeremy on the internet made a huge difference in my life. I knew once I got to know him that wherever he was, that's where I wanted my home to be. And I don't think I've made many choices in my life that were as wise as that one. Our home may have it's problems (what home doesn't), but I'm thankful for it. As he now lays in bed with his box of tissue and glass of orange juice close at hand, actually "home sick", I completely realize he's one of the main reasons why I don't have that same dilemma. I'm not home sick for one simple reason: I am home.
Friday, March 7, 2008
What if we could capture time?
The concept of time is bewildering. While one person is saying to themselves "where did the time go?" another is thinking "c'mon clock, hurry up!". I've been in both positions many times, but lately find myself constantly not having enough of it. I think it would be safe to say that time is something that people would gladly pay to have more of. But as that's not how it works, time rolls on....
Is there a trick to spending your time, though? I've heard "use your time wisely" often. What does "wisely" mean? Are we to spend it getting an excelerated education with our noses to the grindstone, getting "wiser" and "wiser" all the time? Or would a wise use of your time be sharing as much of it as you can with the ones you love? How about seeing as many places in the world as you can before time eventually runs out? I'm sure the workaholic who spends 12 to 15 hours a day at the office would say they spend their time wisest. I guess that question could be answered in many ways. I don't know that I have an answer for it. I know that trying to find time in the day to do all of the things that I want to do seems to be practically impossible; that is unless I don't wanna get my 8 hours required sleeping every nite, and is that really using my time wisely? :-) (Secret: I rarely get 8 hours. Do you?)
I remember when I was a kid and I had all the time in the world to sit around, read my books, talk on the phone, play jacks,(yep, I played jacks, but I also played marbles, so there!), and do any number of things and not worry about a single tick of the clock. The only time I worried about was that hour and minute when I heard my mom yell "time to get up!" Ugh, I hated that time. But in general, I had no concept of the mystery of time. But, what I wouldn't do to have those days back! Now, it's ALL about time. How much time will it take to go back and finish college? How much time do I need to get a master's degree? How much time will I have before I have to turn my book in at the library? How much time do I have before my car's paid off? How much time before I can be a successful writer? How much time before they send a disconnect notice for the cable bill? It goes on and on and on. Can I just be that 10 year old again who just wanted to go behind the house and play kissing games with cousin Trisha?
It seems the older you get, the faster time goes and of course, the less of it you have. My daily dilemma now sounds like this: How much time can I spend on my writing everyday, but at the same time devote myself to keeping up with my Spanish lessons, WHILE making sure I dedicate a slot to get a work-out in? Let's not forget I have reality shows I need to watch,and a boyfriend who needs attention! Eeesh, and that's just from the time I have from the moment I get off work til my head hits the pillow at night. And not so far in the past, I DID have two other jobs to boot! And somewhere in there, 8 hours of sleep is required. HA! Benjamin Franklin never had to worry about a Family Guy marathon!
I guess the challenge as an adult who now knows the importance of time and how precious it is, is to take every moment you have and cherish it. Don't spend a lot of time doing things that are negative or a waste of your energy and spirit. Do things with your time that make you happy, and that move you closer to fulfillment. If time is a mystery, then surely the concept of happiness is even more of an enigma. But I hope that whereas time will continue to be aloof and pass me by, I'll be able to grab and hold my happiness tightly, understanding it, nourishing it and making it grow. I know I'll have that, as time flies on......
Is there a trick to spending your time, though? I've heard "use your time wisely" often. What does "wisely" mean? Are we to spend it getting an excelerated education with our noses to the grindstone, getting "wiser" and "wiser" all the time? Or would a wise use of your time be sharing as much of it as you can with the ones you love? How about seeing as many places in the world as you can before time eventually runs out? I'm sure the workaholic who spends 12 to 15 hours a day at the office would say they spend their time wisest. I guess that question could be answered in many ways. I don't know that I have an answer for it. I know that trying to find time in the day to do all of the things that I want to do seems to be practically impossible; that is unless I don't wanna get my 8 hours required sleeping every nite, and is that really using my time wisely? :-) (Secret: I rarely get 8 hours. Do you?)
I remember when I was a kid and I had all the time in the world to sit around, read my books, talk on the phone, play jacks,(yep, I played jacks, but I also played marbles, so there!), and do any number of things and not worry about a single tick of the clock. The only time I worried about was that hour and minute when I heard my mom yell "time to get up!" Ugh, I hated that time. But in general, I had no concept of the mystery of time. But, what I wouldn't do to have those days back! Now, it's ALL about time. How much time will it take to go back and finish college? How much time do I need to get a master's degree? How much time will I have before I have to turn my book in at the library? How much time do I have before my car's paid off? How much time before I can be a successful writer? How much time before they send a disconnect notice for the cable bill? It goes on and on and on. Can I just be that 10 year old again who just wanted to go behind the house and play kissing games with cousin Trisha?
It seems the older you get, the faster time goes and of course, the less of it you have. My daily dilemma now sounds like this: How much time can I spend on my writing everyday, but at the same time devote myself to keeping up with my Spanish lessons, WHILE making sure I dedicate a slot to get a work-out in? Let's not forget I have reality shows I need to watch,and a boyfriend who needs attention! Eeesh, and that's just from the time I have from the moment I get off work til my head hits the pillow at night. And not so far in the past, I DID have two other jobs to boot! And somewhere in there, 8 hours of sleep is required. HA! Benjamin Franklin never had to worry about a Family Guy marathon!
I guess the challenge as an adult who now knows the importance of time and how precious it is, is to take every moment you have and cherish it. Don't spend a lot of time doing things that are negative or a waste of your energy and spirit. Do things with your time that make you happy, and that move you closer to fulfillment. If time is a mystery, then surely the concept of happiness is even more of an enigma. But I hope that whereas time will continue to be aloof and pass me by, I'll be able to grab and hold my happiness tightly, understanding it, nourishing it and making it grow. I know I'll have that, as time flies on......
Thursday, March 6, 2008
What if.....
What if I were rich and famous? I wonder if in fact my life would be happier? I wonder if Marilyn Monroe or Dorothy Dandridge or even Heath Ledger would live there lives all over again if they were guaranteed long and healthy lives should they forsake the fame and notoriety. I wonder.... Because so many people always think with money there's happiness, with fame there's power. I wonder how powerful Britney Spears feels now that her money and name has created such major chaos in her life. What about Lindsey Lohan?
I can't help but think that my old dreams of being an entertainer drifted away from me because I didn't want to have to share my private self with the public. Probably the gay thing had a lot to do with it. Back then, though, I wasn't secure in my homosexuality the way I am now. But still, today I feel the same as I did back then. I think to be rich and famous is to be exposed, poked and prodded at; goosed, if you will, by the public. I won't pretend that I don't wish I was influential to people and that I was able to grant people some part of myself, but I want to give them what I want to give. Not have them take what I don't. I've done things in my life that I know would not go over well should my mother see it in some tabloid magazine. I have to live with my past mistakes, but sharing them with people I don't want to share them with is just not what I call "fulfilling".
What if Ana Nicole Smith had just shopped in the grocery store that day like a regular person and never been discovered to model? Do you think she'd have become a solid citizen of the country with a hard-working husband and a couple kids? Do you think she'd be happy today? I don't know about that, but maybe she wouldn't be dead.
Life is mysterious. I find that from day to day I'm still trying to figure it all out. I know I should probably quit trying to, but I keep wishing I knew what I was here for. I'd like to think that I shine a positive light on people and that my existence in someway touches people's lives. I know that I'm happy in my life.......but what if......?
What if I were rich? What if I were famous? What if I were rock-solidly built? What if I had perfect teeth and perfectly colored eyes and killer charm? The what if's could go on and on, I imagine. But today, I'm glad to be who I am. I'm blessed to be able to say I have people in my life who love me, a healthy pair of legs that get me up everyday and allow me to move around and appreciate this place we call Earth, and a sense of myself that allows me to be comfortable, hopeful, and happy.........What if that were enough?
I can't help but think that my old dreams of being an entertainer drifted away from me because I didn't want to have to share my private self with the public. Probably the gay thing had a lot to do with it. Back then, though, I wasn't secure in my homosexuality the way I am now. But still, today I feel the same as I did back then. I think to be rich and famous is to be exposed, poked and prodded at; goosed, if you will, by the public. I won't pretend that I don't wish I was influential to people and that I was able to grant people some part of myself, but I want to give them what I want to give. Not have them take what I don't. I've done things in my life that I know would not go over well should my mother see it in some tabloid magazine. I have to live with my past mistakes, but sharing them with people I don't want to share them with is just not what I call "fulfilling".
What if Ana Nicole Smith had just shopped in the grocery store that day like a regular person and never been discovered to model? Do you think she'd have become a solid citizen of the country with a hard-working husband and a couple kids? Do you think she'd be happy today? I don't know about that, but maybe she wouldn't be dead.
Life is mysterious. I find that from day to day I'm still trying to figure it all out. I know I should probably quit trying to, but I keep wishing I knew what I was here for. I'd like to think that I shine a positive light on people and that my existence in someway touches people's lives. I know that I'm happy in my life.......but what if......?
What if I were rich? What if I were famous? What if I were rock-solidly built? What if I had perfect teeth and perfectly colored eyes and killer charm? The what if's could go on and on, I imagine. But today, I'm glad to be who I am. I'm blessed to be able to say I have people in my life who love me, a healthy pair of legs that get me up everyday and allow me to move around and appreciate this place we call Earth, and a sense of myself that allows me to be comfortable, hopeful, and happy.........What if that were enough?
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Worlds of Girls!
So, the girls had represented tonite on American Idol, and I do mean represented!! I know who the bottome ONE girl should be, but don't know who the other place is gonna go to. The judges were on some kind of acid tonite, but were generally in a good mood, excluding Simon who always seems to have just bit into a lemon. Let's go to the good part.....
Grade: A+
Syesha Mercado: The girl can do no wrong for me at this point. When I found out she was doing Whitney Houston's "Saving All My Love", I was both frightened and exhilirated cause that's a tough one. But ya girl blew it out of the water. She sounded clear, smooth and very convincing. Her personality is awesome, her voice is dynamite and she looks fantastic. This girl is a force. And guess what....The judges all just said "yeah" and moved along. WTF?!! Hateration, indeed.
Grade: A
Asa'h Epperson: She started the show with Whitney's "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" and it was an excellent choice for her. She sounds great, looks confident and struts her stuff. Paula is all up and dancing, and it's a really good performance. She has considerably proven herself to me tonite. Simon calls her a "second rate Whitney", but agrees that she sounded good.
Carly Smithson: Her roll continues, cause once again she sounds really powerful singing "Drove all Nite". She exhibits really good vocal control, and can really hold a note. Vocally she is on point! All the judges say yes, except Simon who thinks she chose the wrong song. Egads, somebody buy him a hearing aid.
Brooke White: She took on Pat Benatar's " Love is a Battlefield" acoustically, and I must say I was completely impressed. I was a little worried at first, but she sounded fabulous; really pure, really great with her vocal control. This is my favorite performance by her so far. Very nice. All the judges agreed it was a great performance.
Grade: B+
Amanda Overmyer: Well, the first thing I gotta say is she didn't really look like she was giving it her all. I think knowing that she was the girl's vote on "votefortheworst.com" has really bothered her. But she sounded good, raw rock edge, relatively comfortable. She was solid but not extraordinary. Simon says she's fantastic and ultimately the best of the nite. But something is up with her cause she doesn't wanna smile and she won't look directly at the judges. She's worried, I think...poor girl.
Kristy Lee Cook: She sounded really convincing singing "Faithfully" by Journey. She looked beautiful and her country style really made her take on the song unique. Her voice is nicely controlled, and you could really feel her performance. She got almost to the end and warbled a couple of notes, but overall very good. Simon, of course, says she was "forgettable". But she looks like she had a good time anyway. I like her!
Ramiele Mulabay: OK, so again Ramiele is good, but again she just doesn't blow me away. I WILL say that she's consistent. So, that's something. Maybe it's her performance quality that I don't get. I don't feel anything when she's singing. It's just blah for me. Nice voice, though...don't get me wrong. The judges think she was relatively good and that she deserves to be in the top 12. Simon says "old fashioned and not all that great". Ok, so we agree on that. I can be wrong sometimes, too....
Grade: C
Kady Malloy: Here we have the Luke Menard of the girls. Consistently bad. As soon as she started, I thought "uh oh". It was a slow song, so that's bad news up front. Her voice was shaky at first but she slowly leveled it out. Wasn't awful, but she kept going sharp and flat and off. She's got a long way to go to be able to compete in this group of girls. She should definitely be on her way out!! Let's hope so. We'll see tomorrow nite!!
I hope the next time I write I'm not crying my eyes out over the elimination of David Hernandez....My nerves are bad cause I really want him to be able to go far. Pray for me....... :-)
Grade: A+
Syesha Mercado: The girl can do no wrong for me at this point. When I found out she was doing Whitney Houston's "Saving All My Love", I was both frightened and exhilirated cause that's a tough one. But ya girl blew it out of the water. She sounded clear, smooth and very convincing. Her personality is awesome, her voice is dynamite and she looks fantastic. This girl is a force. And guess what....The judges all just said "yeah" and moved along. WTF?!! Hateration, indeed.
Grade: A
Asa'h Epperson: She started the show with Whitney's "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" and it was an excellent choice for her. She sounds great, looks confident and struts her stuff. Paula is all up and dancing, and it's a really good performance. She has considerably proven herself to me tonite. Simon calls her a "second rate Whitney", but agrees that she sounded good.
Carly Smithson: Her roll continues, cause once again she sounds really powerful singing "Drove all Nite". She exhibits really good vocal control, and can really hold a note. Vocally she is on point! All the judges say yes, except Simon who thinks she chose the wrong song. Egads, somebody buy him a hearing aid.
Brooke White: She took on Pat Benatar's " Love is a Battlefield" acoustically, and I must say I was completely impressed. I was a little worried at first, but she sounded fabulous; really pure, really great with her vocal control. This is my favorite performance by her so far. Very nice. All the judges agreed it was a great performance.
Grade: B+
Amanda Overmyer: Well, the first thing I gotta say is she didn't really look like she was giving it her all. I think knowing that she was the girl's vote on "votefortheworst.com" has really bothered her. But she sounded good, raw rock edge, relatively comfortable. She was solid but not extraordinary. Simon says she's fantastic and ultimately the best of the nite. But something is up with her cause she doesn't wanna smile and she won't look directly at the judges. She's worried, I think...poor girl.
Kristy Lee Cook: She sounded really convincing singing "Faithfully" by Journey. She looked beautiful and her country style really made her take on the song unique. Her voice is nicely controlled, and you could really feel her performance. She got almost to the end and warbled a couple of notes, but overall very good. Simon, of course, says she was "forgettable". But she looks like she had a good time anyway. I like her!
Ramiele Mulabay: OK, so again Ramiele is good, but again she just doesn't blow me away. I WILL say that she's consistent. So, that's something. Maybe it's her performance quality that I don't get. I don't feel anything when she's singing. It's just blah for me. Nice voice, though...don't get me wrong. The judges think she was relatively good and that she deserves to be in the top 12. Simon says "old fashioned and not all that great". Ok, so we agree on that. I can be wrong sometimes, too....
Grade: C
Kady Malloy: Here we have the Luke Menard of the girls. Consistently bad. As soon as she started, I thought "uh oh". It was a slow song, so that's bad news up front. Her voice was shaky at first but she slowly leveled it out. Wasn't awful, but she kept going sharp and flat and off. She's got a long way to go to be able to compete in this group of girls. She should definitely be on her way out!! Let's hope so. We'll see tomorrow nite!!
I hope the next time I write I'm not crying my eyes out over the elimination of David Hernandez....My nerves are bad cause I really want him to be able to go far. Pray for me....... :-)
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Thank God!
OK, so before I go to bed, I must say......Thank goodness that Hillary Clinton won Ohio, Rhode Island AND Texas tonite. Now I can sleep in peace without Jeremy being a bee-yatch all night!!! :-)
I think the 80's rock!
Hey, folks! Lemme just start off by saying I have the most awesome bff!! He always comments on my blog and it makes me feel somewhat important. I know...I'm needy. Deal with it! :-)
Anyway, this is week 3 of AI and the guys have to take on the 80's tonite. My boo had the laptop tonite workin on taxes, so I'll get right down to bizness. Here's my grade break down.
Grade: A++
David Archuleta - Everybody's been hollering about how great he is, but tonite I felt it for myself. I got goosebumps twice during his performance. The young man is golden! His song arrangement of the Phil Collins song was great, his voice sounded smooth and somewhat soulful, and he played the piano!! The boy is a winner! I'm definitely on his team now. However none of the judges were as blown away as I was. Figures. I think they may be trying to downplay his performance so he doesn't get too comfortable. Anyway, super awesome!
Grade: A
David Hernandez - Well, we come to find out our boy use to be a big ole stripper at a gay club!! It's all over Entertainment Tonight and my word, he can certainly strip for me! He comes out singing Celine Dion's "It's all Coming Back to me Now" and he sounds like butta!! He seemed to be a little flat at parts, but the boy has some nice vocal control overall. Stellar performance, in my book. The judges agree to some extent. I'm scared. I hope next week I'm not watching him say goodbye. Scandal never goes over well on Idol.
Grade: B+
Michael Johns - He was as usual, very solid, doing INXS. Nothing spectacular, but he is definitely a force to be reckoned with. His style is awesome and I could see myself buying his album, but he has yet to break into the top for me.
David Cook - He was really quite good playing Lionel Richie's "Hello" on his guitar. It started off as an acoustic performance , but it turns into a really good rock acoustic version of the song. He's just a little bit odd, but very rock. Simon says "He loved it!" He's a mess.
Chikezie - He took on a big challenge with "All the Woman I need" via Luther Vandross, not Whitney Houston, but he passed it. He started off to me to be a little shaky, but he got better. He wasn't the best by far, but it was definitely a valiant effort by him. His stage presence is a bit odd and oafish, but his voice is really good.
Grade: C+
Jason Castro - He came out with no guitar this time, and I liked his song, but I thought he was just a wee bit boring. He's such a cutie, though. Very pure voice, but I almost fell asleep and the last note was kinda cracked. Simon, (go figger) says he was brilliant! He's getting better and better AND better, he opines. Good grief!
Grade: C
Danny Noriega - His take on "Tainted Love" is just as effeminate and wierd as all of his other performances, although his personality is still a force to be reckoned with. If he wasn't so far out there, I think he'd have a great thing going, cause his voice is not awful. But he's soooo womanly! Little girls are only gonna vote so much for him. But he looks good, and his voice is interesting. Randy and Paula did everything they could to say something really nice to him, but Simon flat out says he hated it.....It was simply, in Danny's own words, 't.m.t.h' - too much to handle.
Grade: D
Luke Menard- Seriously, if Luke Menard doesn't go home on Thursday, America needs a hearing aid. This week, he was so bad I think I spent most of the performance cringing. He was the first performance of the night and I was glad they got him outta the way! Good-NESS!! He sings a "Wham" song and I'm thinking it shoulda been more like "BAM!" Shut the door against him! His voice has no power, it's thin as a reed (again) and his vocal arrangement is just icky. He was marginally cabaret, to really be nice to him. Please America, can we please say buh-bye!!??
OK, so we had some really good performances and a couple really crappy ones! The 80's should be OK for the girls, right? Let's hope so. Til, tomorrow, my dear readers!! Holla!!
Anyway, this is week 3 of AI and the guys have to take on the 80's tonite. My boo had the laptop tonite workin on taxes, so I'll get right down to bizness. Here's my grade break down.
Grade: A++
David Archuleta - Everybody's been hollering about how great he is, but tonite I felt it for myself. I got goosebumps twice during his performance. The young man is golden! His song arrangement of the Phil Collins song was great, his voice sounded smooth and somewhat soulful, and he played the piano!! The boy is a winner! I'm definitely on his team now. However none of the judges were as blown away as I was. Figures. I think they may be trying to downplay his performance so he doesn't get too comfortable. Anyway, super awesome!
Grade: A
David Hernandez - Well, we come to find out our boy use to be a big ole stripper at a gay club!! It's all over Entertainment Tonight and my word, he can certainly strip for me! He comes out singing Celine Dion's "It's all Coming Back to me Now" and he sounds like butta!! He seemed to be a little flat at parts, but the boy has some nice vocal control overall. Stellar performance, in my book. The judges agree to some extent. I'm scared. I hope next week I'm not watching him say goodbye. Scandal never goes over well on Idol.
Grade: B+
Michael Johns - He was as usual, very solid, doing INXS. Nothing spectacular, but he is definitely a force to be reckoned with. His style is awesome and I could see myself buying his album, but he has yet to break into the top for me.
David Cook - He was really quite good playing Lionel Richie's "Hello" on his guitar. It started off as an acoustic performance , but it turns into a really good rock acoustic version of the song. He's just a little bit odd, but very rock. Simon says "He loved it!" He's a mess.
Chikezie - He took on a big challenge with "All the Woman I need" via Luther Vandross, not Whitney Houston, but he passed it. He started off to me to be a little shaky, but he got better. He wasn't the best by far, but it was definitely a valiant effort by him. His stage presence is a bit odd and oafish, but his voice is really good.
Grade: C+
Jason Castro - He came out with no guitar this time, and I liked his song, but I thought he was just a wee bit boring. He's such a cutie, though. Very pure voice, but I almost fell asleep and the last note was kinda cracked. Simon, (go figger) says he was brilliant! He's getting better and better AND better, he opines. Good grief!
Grade: C
Danny Noriega - His take on "Tainted Love" is just as effeminate and wierd as all of his other performances, although his personality is still a force to be reckoned with. If he wasn't so far out there, I think he'd have a great thing going, cause his voice is not awful. But he's soooo womanly! Little girls are only gonna vote so much for him. But he looks good, and his voice is interesting. Randy and Paula did everything they could to say something really nice to him, but Simon flat out says he hated it.....It was simply, in Danny's own words, 't.m.t.h' - too much to handle.
Grade: D
Luke Menard- Seriously, if Luke Menard doesn't go home on Thursday, America needs a hearing aid. This week, he was so bad I think I spent most of the performance cringing. He was the first performance of the night and I was glad they got him outta the way! Good-NESS!! He sings a "Wham" song and I'm thinking it shoulda been more like "BAM!" Shut the door against him! His voice has no power, it's thin as a reed (again) and his vocal arrangement is just icky. He was marginally cabaret, to really be nice to him. Please America, can we please say buh-bye!!??
OK, so we had some really good performances and a couple really crappy ones! The 80's should be OK for the girls, right? Let's hope so. Til, tomorrow, my dear readers!! Holla!!
Monday, March 3, 2008
I'm Back!!!
Hey, peeps!
I'm finally back to the blog! But don't get too excited, cause I don't have a lotta time today to get you brought up to speed as much as I'd like to. I've got a Landmark Forum seminar tonite so I gotta make this an abridged version of things.
So, the ole ball and chain and I made it back happily on Friday night, and after a tense scenario where we thought we mighta been locked out of our house, we got in, dropped our bags and left again. We were invited by Jared and Larry to what's to be the first of many cabin outing pre-parties. This is an annual thing that they do with several friends of theirs in July. They rent a cabin, hang out, play games and just drink. That's my kinda fun! After not reading the evite and just heading out, we ended up going to team Lared's house instead of where the actual party was taking place. We finally made it and had a blast. They are a great group of guys (and 1 girl) and I believe it's gonna be a hoot hanging out.
Anyway, after we left there we came home and got caught up on Idol. Sorry I neglected to give you my two cents this past week, but oh, well. I'll make it up to ya. I pretty much agree with the evictees, but I was pretty pissed about Alexaundrea. She should definitely not have been voted out! That's the first real mistake America's made so far. I'm sure there will be others, however.
Saturday I had beers with JB as is becoming our routine and then we met up again that night with our hubbies and had dinner at Red Lobster. Can't go wrong with that Lobsterfest!!! Yumm-EEE!! Anyway, after we left the guys, we met our friends Dennis, and Dean and Scott out at the Saloon and got drunk as skunks. I didn't wake up on Sunday til 2:30 and had finally hit my wall. I was a big ole pile of mess, so I just relaxed a little bit. Eventually, my energy kicked in and I got up while Jeremy was working on his taxes and went to the grocery store.
After putting up groceries, I washed some dishes, and then washed a couple of loads of clothes. When finally I was able to settle down, I got caught up on my reality shows; America's Next Top Model, Survivor: Micronesia, Project Runway, Make me a Supermodel, Celebrity Apprentice, and some of Big Brother. I still need to catch up on that. I passed out during Tuesday's episode. I admit it: I am a reality tv addict. I've taken the first step, as they say!
So, it was back to work this morning and back to my routine. I wasn't as swamped with work as I thought I would be, so thanks to my co-workers for keeping their eyes on my work-load. Well, I'll be back tomorrow to talk about some other crap that's not all that important, although I'm excited to mention that I've come up with a great idea for a book. I've been outlining ideas for kind of an information guide for heterosexuals about the homosexual lifestyle. I don't know exactly what slant I'm gonna take, but I do know it's gonna be about homosexual/heterosexual relations; their thoughts, beliefs, fears, etc.
Cross your fingers and pray that I can make this idea a good and concrete one. I'll holla tomorrow!!
I'm finally back to the blog! But don't get too excited, cause I don't have a lotta time today to get you brought up to speed as much as I'd like to. I've got a Landmark Forum seminar tonite so I gotta make this an abridged version of things.
So, the ole ball and chain and I made it back happily on Friday night, and after a tense scenario where we thought we mighta been locked out of our house, we got in, dropped our bags and left again. We were invited by Jared and Larry to what's to be the first of many cabin outing pre-parties. This is an annual thing that they do with several friends of theirs in July. They rent a cabin, hang out, play games and just drink. That's my kinda fun! After not reading the evite and just heading out, we ended up going to team Lared's house instead of where the actual party was taking place. We finally made it and had a blast. They are a great group of guys (and 1 girl) and I believe it's gonna be a hoot hanging out.
Anyway, after we left there we came home and got caught up on Idol. Sorry I neglected to give you my two cents this past week, but oh, well. I'll make it up to ya. I pretty much agree with the evictees, but I was pretty pissed about Alexaundrea. She should definitely not have been voted out! That's the first real mistake America's made so far. I'm sure there will be others, however.
Saturday I had beers with JB as is becoming our routine and then we met up again that night with our hubbies and had dinner at Red Lobster. Can't go wrong with that Lobsterfest!!! Yumm-EEE!! Anyway, after we left the guys, we met our friends Dennis, and Dean and Scott out at the Saloon and got drunk as skunks. I didn't wake up on Sunday til 2:30 and had finally hit my wall. I was a big ole pile of mess, so I just relaxed a little bit. Eventually, my energy kicked in and I got up while Jeremy was working on his taxes and went to the grocery store.
After putting up groceries, I washed some dishes, and then washed a couple of loads of clothes. When finally I was able to settle down, I got caught up on my reality shows; America's Next Top Model, Survivor: Micronesia, Project Runway, Make me a Supermodel, Celebrity Apprentice, and some of Big Brother. I still need to catch up on that. I passed out during Tuesday's episode. I admit it: I am a reality tv addict. I've taken the first step, as they say!
So, it was back to work this morning and back to my routine. I wasn't as swamped with work as I thought I would be, so thanks to my co-workers for keeping their eyes on my work-load. Well, I'll be back tomorrow to talk about some other crap that's not all that important, although I'm excited to mention that I've come up with a great idea for a book. I've been outlining ideas for kind of an information guide for heterosexuals about the homosexual lifestyle. I don't know exactly what slant I'm gonna take, but I do know it's gonna be about homosexual/heterosexual relations; their thoughts, beliefs, fears, etc.
Cross your fingers and pray that I can make this idea a good and concrete one. I'll holla tomorrow!!
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