Happy Autumn All

Happy beginning of Autumn. It won't be long before we get to see the colorful panorama of changing leaves and feel the crispness in the evening air. Enjoy the season.

They Got Me

Well, I guess it had to happen. Last night as I was heading home from work (near midnight), I exited the interstate and started the short northward drive toward home. The speed limit through this area (a main road no less) is 25MPH, which I find a bit slow. It is currently a construction area, but there was no construction going on at that hour. Anyway, I guess I was in a hurry. As I zipped along, I saw headlights come on in an adjacent parking lot and saw a police car. Of course I slowed down and went on my way. As I rounded the next corner, the flashing red and blues came on behind me. I turned into a residential street and pulled over, waiting to take my medicine. The police officer was very polite and kindly handed me a ticket, but only for 5 miles over the limit instead of the 15 or 16 over at which she clocked me. So now I have to come up with the bucks to feed the local coffers. I admit I was exceeding the speed limit and therefore violating the law -- but I also think that the speed limits in our community are set intentionally slow. Most folks I know are not always going to poke through town on major roadways at 25 MPH. Trouble is -- the police are lurking, always ready to present drivers with a local souvenir -- a traffic citation. The cost of my ticket will be nearly 150 bucks -- should be fun finding that kind of cash lying around. Ah well, if you speed, you bleed (in this case GREEN). So -- slow down and save money. My new slogan is "Drive 25 -- arrive alive -- eventually!"

Sounding Off

Well, here we go. Hurricane Ike was poised to hit the Texas coast with nasty force, but its so called effects were already swirling around the gas station community hours before the storm had any major impact on the market. I am not belittling the force, vengeance, or threat of Hurricane Ike -- sure am glad I'm not in that part of the country right now. However, as I looked out from the store at the gas station in the parking lot, you'd have thought they were giving something away. Then I headed for home -- the first other station I passed had jumped their price a dime this evening -- not unheard of I guess in these uncertain times. I drove on toward home, gambling that I might still get a decent price for a fill up in preparation for the weekend. When I got off the freeway, the signs were reading 3.91 (right where they were when I went speeding by -- another subject -- last night. I pulled in and was pleasantly greeted by the pump price of 3.89. I filled up and headed out. The next two stations I passed had signs with prices of 4.59 and 4.49 respectively. I heard rumors of some neighboring communities with gas in excess of 5 dollars per gallon. Now -- they are going to attribute this huge jump in price to the Hurricane. I grant you that the oil refineries will be lucky if they survive the storm. BUT -- the gas that is in the tanks at the stations today is not impacted by storm damage that has not even occurred as yet! I can only attribute the premature jump to two possible motives -- fear and greed. Some stations may fear that they won't be able to get gas next week, so they are going to try to cover potential future losses. Others, I believe, see the opportunity to gouge (Yes, I said it) the communities in which they function and hike the price for gas that they already have purchased for a lower price to new record prices. My guess is that if the motive is gree, then we can see those stations hike their prices even higher next week because "our costs took a big jump." I wish that I could convince my employer to pay me based on what my rent and utilities might be next month. I will remember the stations that are holding the line on prices for the moment and will likely give them my future business. No doubt by tomorrow or Monday at the latest even these stations will jump to new record prices, but they will do it based on what they are paying for new gas, not on what they paid for their gas on hand. The whole issue of oil and gas prices is a major issue, and I pray that we can elect some leaders who have the guts (I would have said "balls" but that might be seen as sexist) to develop a comprehensive plan and to regulate pricing. I know who I am voting for and it is NOT more of the same old song and dance -- and that not a very entertaining song and dance. I do not approve of price gouging -- come on station owners, stop practicing economic voodoo and behave responsibly. I guess I've said my piece. What's your take on the situation?

It's Coming!!

Christmas is coming! We all know that on some level, but working in a retail establishment is making that reality hit home already. I went to work the other day, and the area that up until the other day held garden ornaments is morphing into a Christmas wonderland -- just on the edge of my line of sight from the service desk there is an entire display of green garland. I woas off yesterday, so God only knows what may have appeared and what I may face when I return this afternoon. I love Christmas, but I fear that working so close to that section of the store may give me an overdose. Hope not! Hug someone today.

Food Meme

via Torn and Lemuel

1) Bold all the items you have eaten.
2) Cross out any items that you would never consider eating.

1. Venison – Not Impressed.
2. Nettle tea
3. Huevos rancheros
4. Steak tartare
5. Crocodile – No, but have had their cousin Alligator
6. Black pudding
7. Cheese fondue – I think so – it was cheese, so it had to be okay.
8. Carp – Again not impressed
9. Borscht –NYET!
10. Baba ghanoush
11. Calamari
12. Pho
13. PB&J sandwich – A mainstay of school lunches in my day!
14. Aloo gobi
15. Hot dog from a street cart -
16. Epoisses
17. Black truffle
18. Fruit wine made from something other than grapes
19. Steamed pork buns
20. Pistachio ice cream – Yes -- once and only once – yuck
21. Heirloom tomatoes
22. Fresh wild berries - Yes! Strawberries! Raspberries!
23. Foie gras
24. Rice and beans - Yes.
25. Brawn, or head cheese – no thanks
26. Raw Scotch Bonnet pepper
27. Dulce de leche
28. Oysters – Just can’t bring myself to it.
29. Baklava - Yes, too sweet for my taste!
30. Bagna cauda
31. Wasabi peas -.
32. Clam chowder in a sourdough bowl - Yes! Yes! Yes! - as long as it’s New England (cream) style. One of my fav’s – love it from Panera!!!
33. Salted lassi
34. Sauerkraut - YUCK
35. Root beer float - O my yes! But it has been so long! In a frosted glass mug at an A&W drive in. (Lemuel’s answer is so appropriate)
36. Cognac with a fat cigar
37. Clotted cream tea -.
38. Vodka jelly/Jell-O
39. Gumbo - Yes, but I’ll pass. Usually too spicy for my palette.
40. Oxtail - Yes. By mistake.
41. Curried goat
42. Whole insects - Not intentionally. (I’m keeping Torn’s answer here, because it is *so* right!)43. Phaal
44. Goat’s milk -.
45. Malt whisky from a bottle worth £60/$120 or more
46. Fugu
47. Chicken tikka masala
48. Eel
49. Krispy Kreme original glazed doughnut - Yes, hot from the oven –otherwise they get kind of gross
50. Sea urchin
51. Prickly pear
52. Umeboshi
53. Abalone
54. Paneer
55. McDonald’s Big Mac Meal – No – too much “stuff” on them.
56. Spaetzle - Yes,
57. Dirty gin martini – taught me I do not like gin
58. Beer above 8% ABV
59. Poutine
60. Carob chips - Yes - not as good as chocolate.
61. S’mores - Yes.- not as excited by them as most folks.
62. Sweetbreads
63. Kaolin
64. Currywurst
65. Durian
66. Frogs’ legs – yes, quite tasty
67. Beignets, churros, elephant ears or funnel cake - Yes (funnel cake). A fair/carnival staple.
68. Haggis – Not in this life -- Even though it is from my ethnic history, it’s beyond my comprehension
69. Fried plantain - Yes
70. Chitterlings, or andouillette
71. Gazpacho
72. Caviar and blini
73. Louche absinthe
74. Gjetost, or brunost
75. Roadkill -
76. Baijiu
77. Hostess Fruit Pie - Yes,.
78. Snail
79. Lapsang souchong
80. Bellini
81. Tom yum
82. Eggs Benedict – Can’t stand Hollandaise.
83. Pocky
84. Tasting menu at a three-Michelin-star restaurant
85. Kobe beef
86. Hare
87. Goulash -.
88. Flowers – Not that I know of
89. Horse - HORSE – no; LIKE a horse – all the time
90. Criollo chocolate
91. Spam - Yes, when times were tough, it was a budget stretcher. A camping and trailer park staple
92. Soft shell crab
93. Rose harissa
94. Catfish – a true bottom feeder
95. Mole poblano
96. Bagel and lox – Bagel yes; lox -- yuck.
97. Lobster Thermidor -.
98. Polenta
99. Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee
100. Snake -

Special bonus for Sociètè members:
101. Picked red beets and eggs.

I guess I am too picky an eater for this list -- a lot of this stuff I've not only not eaten, but also have not ever heard of. Ah, guess I have a lot to learn. LOL Hug someone

Saturday Night

Well, there's nothing exciting in this spot 20 minutes from Hell. But since I haven't posted all week, I thought I ought to let people know I am still alive and kicking. I am off work from yesterday through late afternoon on Tuesday (almost a vacation). There is, of course, church stuff going on. We have a special guest in to do leadership training today and preach tomorrow (That means I don't have to!!). I went to the Detroit airport to meet her yesterday, then to the church in Flint to do some work, then to her host's home west of Flint, then home -- a rather lengthy trek. Today Ben got up and went to the church with me for the training session -- he actually worked on his sermon and did some shopping -- plus helping to resolve (at least momentarily) a difficult relationship situation that threatened the peace and harmony of the church. Then, once the church stuff was done, we went to the home where our guest is staying for a delicious dinner (the best part was that I didn't have to come home and cook). Tomorrow Ben goes one direction for church and I go the other. And there's probably an aiport run in my Monday --- who knows? Thank God for a car that gets really good gas mileage! Anyway, hoping you all have a wonderful weekend! Hug someone.

Sunday Night

Actually, the post title is a lie -it is really now 12:20 something Monday morning, but for me it is still Sunday night. Last night (Saturday) at work was nearly my last night on the job as all kind of crap occurred. First, I discovered that my going in early on Friday (at management request) had screwed up my time and showed a missed shift for Friday -- not fun. I finally got a note to the manager on duty about 10PM and he promised to fix it so that my pay will be correct on Friday -- we shall see. I didn't get my lunch break until I had worked nearly six of a seven hour shift and then I almost had to beg to get it. On top of that, I had a problem at the register I was on and called the appropriate person -- who came over (finally) and talked to me as though I were an idiot (in front of the customer). This is a "kid" (probably about 20) whose rear end is immense (I mean when this girl walks past all I can picture in my mind is "slosh, slosh, slosh"). She does not handle the stress of her job well and takes out her stress level and her physical discomfort (an ass that wide has to hurt to carry on two legs) on the rest of us. It was -- shall I say?? -- nutso! Tonight was a bit better at work and big butt was a bit nicer.

This morning I did the church thing and it went okay I think. The past three Sundays have been kind of a free flow sermon series encouraging the congregation to a sense of ownership and purpose. I preached on "Possess the Land" (It's not enough to arrive and sit down, but we like Israel need to POSSESS it). Last week I preached "Press on" (keep striving forward and don't rest on the accomplishments of the past). Today's message was from Proverbs "Without a vision the people perish" (It dealt with focusing a vision for self and for congregation and in the light of the previous two messages, moving forward to take ownership of that vision and "become" that vision). I was quite pleased with it -- now if only it will encourage some folks to step into the batter's box and take a swing at being church. We shall see. We have two outside guests (denominational powerhouses) coming to visit in the next few weeks and that may build on what I preached. I have four more months on my contract to help them get in shape for a healthy future -- a real challenge.

Now I sit here having arrived home at 11:45PM to a sleeping Ben and a dark house. I kissed him on the forehead and he didn't stir, so I let him sleep. Soon I will join him. I don't go to work until 4PM tomorrow so I pretty much have the whole day to get ready.

That's about all for now from this locale (as Ben puts it -- twenty miles from Hell). Hug someone and get some sleep. That's where I'm headed in a minute.

International Criminals

Hi all! Ben and I both had the day off so, as usual, we headed out for an adventure. We drove to Detroit and visited the two big casinos (I think between us we played about 3 dollars and lost it all). After watching the people for a while, we realized that we were only a few feet from the international border with Canada. Always being up for something new (Ben had never been to Windsor) we decided to head to Windsor to look around. We battled through a major construction mess to get to the bridge and crossed the Detroit River. When we arrived on the Canadian side, we got the third degree -- where were we from, how did we know each other (we said roommates -- why rock the immigration boat) where we were going, etc. They pulled us aside, searched the car, asked a million more questions and finally admitted us to Canada. We drove around a bit, visited the big casino there, had lunch, and decided to come back to the good old USA. We came back through the tunnel (to avoid some of the construction near the bridge) and got to the customs and immigration lane where we were questioned again and were informed that we were in violation of federal law because we did not carry proof of US citizenship. I remember the days when you didn't even need ID to cross -- ah, times have changed. After scolding us and explaining the law, the agent waved us through and we were back on our home turf. The whole crossing in both directions made me feel as though we were being treated as criminals. As Ben said -- if we had been planning an attack (which neither of us would ever do) we would have had papers in order and been right up the letter of the law -- the perfect crossing tourists. The fact that we were so scatterbrained as to not have proof or even a specific destination in Canada should have been a tipoff that we were on the up and up. I think that today was the last crossing to Canada for either of us for the foreseeable future. I can go to work and be treated better LOL. Anyway, with the exception of the third degree, we had a wonderful day and now are sitting at home enjoying the evening.

Whose Money?

I find that I cannot stomach a lot of TV commercials that are out there today. They tend to employ deception, vanity, sloppy logic and a host of other questionable methods to sell their products. One of the most annoying for me is a company called JG Wentworth. For non-TV watchers, this is a company that will buy out your annuity or structured settlement (I'm sure for a whopping fee) so you can have the money now. The thing that blows my mind is the statement from "clients", "It's my money, I need it now!" My sense tells me that while the money WILL be yours according to the terms of the contract, it is not yet "yours" until the time specified by the annuity or terms of the settlement. Using the logic of this company, my landlord could say a month into a one year lease, "It's my money, give it to me now!" Again, it is not their money nor do they have any claim on it until the time specified in the lease (or possibly when the lease is broken). I structured settlement or annuity is set up the way it is for a reason -- and to demand changing that is likely to leave the recipient wanting in the long term. Why doesn't the company simply advertise their willingness to act on the recipient's behalf as a paid agent to negotiate a buyout of the annity or settlement? That's the true fact -- getting the money now that will be yours later on is gonna cost you -- both in the short term and likely in the long term. Are people so stupid or do the ad people think they are? God, I hope not!

Happy Birthday to Me

In my previous post today I mused about the past 60 years of life. In this post, I want to share some of my celebration today. In yesterday's mail I received a card from Ben's parents. What a wonderful gift -- they are so accepting and have welcomed my into the family with open arms. THANK YOU. Ben got me a new piece for my Boyd's Bears collection (this one is a church that lights up -- isn't a church a perfect choice for a couple of preachers?) and a French Press Coffee Maker. My first experience with french press was on our recent trip to Iowa -- it seems so chic and classy (perfect for the quintessential gay couple). He woke me up with a pot of french press coffee and a plate of fruit. He's such a sweetie. I am off work today (which is cause enough for celebration) and tonight Ben is taking me out for dinner to a gay place in Ann Arbor. There's no gay places in this lovely little burg where we live. I expect a birthday card from Mom in today's mail. I don't know what other surprises await me, but so far the day has been great. Hope your day goes as well. Hug someone!

Pause for Reflection

Today is the sixtieth anniversary of the birth of ME! On this celebration of six decades of life, one pauses to reflect on where one has been, where we are, and where we might be headed in the remaining years of life. First, I want to thank my parents and my God for the gift of life. Without that, this post would not be possible. Thanks to my parents for raising this difficult and different child. When I was born, there were some physical and mental issues that prompted doctors to recommend an institutional kind of life, but Mom said, "No way!" By about age three or so, the problems self (or God) corrected and life went on. I can't say that I had a happy childhood -- I was often in some kind of trouble (never serious or criminal in nature, but trouble just the same). My parents did the best they knew how, and as I look back, I know they loved me through it all. I made it through high school, went to college for a year (I wasn't really ready for it), and then got a job. I chose to join the Army (can't imagine why) and soon married my high school sweetheart (or the closest thing to it). On my 21st birthday, I received the greatest possible gift -- the birth of my daughter (Cathy, if you are reading this -- HAPPY BIRTHDAY). The marriage ended in divorce for several reasons including my sexuality. That sexuality led me to new discoveries and in new directions in life. In my late 30s, I finally answered God's call to ministry and have served there since. I have pastored churches, served in leadership roles, and currently am serving in a quarter time interim position. I wonder if I have achieved anything along the way. I have been in a couple of long term relationships, but have never felt as loved and cared for as I have since meeting my beloved Ben. I feel respected, valued, affirmed, and loved. I am working a part time minimum wage job which is a little demeaning in that by this point in life I should be thinking about and planning for retirement. I fear that my retirement years will not be filled with ease and comfort, but I will survive. For the most part, I have my health, though there is the BP issue, weight control (0r out of.......), and the usual aches and pains. From some perspectives, my life hasn't amounted to much. However, using a more spiritual and less tangible yardstick, my life has been filled with irreplacable experiences and blessings. The opportunity to touch lives, to participate in life celebrations, to see my daughter all grown up and a parent in her own right, to have the opportunity to meet my grandson, to see my Mother grow old, to see a host of nieces growing up, doing college, marrying and such, to experience Ben, to just celebrate the gift of life all add up to a mental album of memories that will carry me into the later part of my life. To all those who have touched my life -- family, partners, co-workers, parishoners, blogging friends, and total strangers who I've encountered -- thank you for your roles in making me who I am and for helping to shape the life I celebrate today. If you're still reading, thank you for allowing me to muse. Give someone a hug and celebrate life.

OH - For a Self Cleaning House

Well, it's been a busy week for both of us with work and church stuff. On our day off, we wanted to relax and enjoy each other's company. As a result of all that, coupled with a bit of procrastination, the house looks as though a bomb hit it. I think that ground zero has to be the kitchen with a bit of splatter to both bathrooms. Other areas look as though a cat exploded, throwing hair here and there. Now, while I've seen far worse and while neither of us is a neat-nik, it needs some attention. I have a feeling that when I am off on Monday, it will be a kitchen, bath and laundry day. If we can put people on the moon and if we can invent all kinds of "labor saving" devices, why don't we come up with a viable self cleaning house? At the moment, I can say, "Thank God we don't have to worry about yardwork." If we did, I'm afraid we'd be looking at a weed infested jungle. Ah well, it may be a mess around here at the moment, but it is OUR mess. Hug someone.

Where Did It Go?

I was amazed yesterday at how quickly the money seemed to fly away. I had some errands to run and a few things to pick up and by the time I got home I had spent almost half of the check I had just deposited. It was time to renew both my license plate and my drivers license (a quick 75 bucks). Then I renewed two generic prescriptions at the big "W" store (another 30 bucks). Then it was off for a few groceries (a cool 80+ bucks), and finally I got some needed computer paper and a few cheap pens for work (22 bucks). That totalled over 200 dollars in about 2.5 hours. And I still need to get gas and write a check for a graduation gift today. Not bad -- work nearly a week on this new "high-paying" job and spend it all on the day off. That seems to be the American way. I came up with a new slogan last night about the job. "M (abbreviated employer name) -- a job, not a career." I will keep that in mind when the difficult guests come up to complain and rant. Well, tomorrow it's back to work to pay for next week's day off. Hope your money is better grounded than mine. EEK!!

Why and Who Cares?

I don't know about you, but I am tired of hearing the stories in the media that bring into question the sexual orientations of sports figures, politicians, celebs, and more. My first question is, "Who cares?" Does it matter to me who someone is sleeping with? I know that publicly affirming one's sexual orientation helps to provide role models for GLBT people and for heteros who are trying to figure out what makes us tick. However, making someone the latest grist for the rumor mill or publicly outing someone does absolutely nothing for either the GLBT community or for that individual. If Actor "A" is gay and chooses to not come out, that is his or her own business and none of mine. If Politician "B" inhibits GLBT rights and actually is gay, that might open the door to some public scrutiny, but in the end it is still her or his business. The bigger question in mind other than who is or isn't gay this week is this -- Why do we do this horrible stuff? How would you like it if I called your boss, your spouse, your next door neighbor or someone else close to you and outed you (or hinted that you MIGHT be gay)? Is the GLBT community really so shallow that we have nothing else to do but stick our noses in someone else's private business? Why does it matter? Are we trying desperately to justify our own lives by saying, "See, so and so is gay too"? We need to become much more self assured and self accepting rather than spending our time doing unto others what we would hate to have done unto us. I know this post won't be popular with some folks, but hey -- it's my blog. And just for the record, I am gay and proud. And that's the way I see it.

What a Week

Well, folks, it's been almost a week since I've posted anything here. That is partly because I have been dog-tired what with the new job and all. It amazes me how hard people will work for the minimum wage. It's hardly a get rich quick (or ever) scheme, and I don't think this is a career move for me -- but it is an existence. Last week I put in about thirty hours;this week will be closer to forty (but it is still "part time"). For the most part, the co-workers are all right, some more helpful and friendly than others, and none of them mean or hateful (so far). The guests (in common lingo that means customers) likewise for the most part are pretty decent folks. There are those few who drive me up the walls. For instance:

1. The other day I had a woman at the register with three or four small and unruly children with her. They wanted to go on the pony ride (you know the kind in the front of the big "Mart" type stores). She was doing NOTHING to keep these monsters from grabbing at stuff, screaming, trying to spin the bagging carousel (which made it pretty tough to hit the bags with the groceries. And SHE has the right and privilege of being a parent? Hmmmm.

2. The woman who was not only upset but furious that a cashier had rung up an item twice on her order. I grant you, she was justified in letting us know and getting the adjustment, but she went on and on as though the cashier was either an idiot or had done it to her on purpose. And she couldn't handle this stress because of her heart. If she had simply come and asked for the money back, the stress level would have diminished and she'd have been fine -- but no -- she was the wounded one here and everyone (everyone) had to know about it.

3. Then there was the guy that I somehow overcharged for his tomatoes. He came back to my lane (3 customers later) and wanted an adjustment. I told him he would have to go to the service desk for an adjustment. Then he decided he didn't want them at all, to which I replied that he had to go to the service desk to return them. He blew a gasket and yelled that it was my fault that he was in the @@@****$$&&#* store 20 minutes more than necessary. I choked back my suggestion as to where he could stick his tomatoes -- after all, he was the guest and I was the grunt.

4. Today I had a woman guest with two big carts of groceries (so we know that this was not an unplanned stop). When I got about two thirds through her order, she discovered that she didn't have her check book (and apparently no cash, credit cards, or common sense either). That meant suspending her transaction while she called her hubby to bring the checkbook (after he searched for a new pad of checks). Fifteen minutes she was back at my register with the needed check, so I had to make another guest wait while I went through the process of receiving her check -- I didn't have to ring anything up again, but the computer had to reprint the entire register tape - and it went on and on.

5. And lastly, there are a few who want to be the exception to policy. This is especially true on the matter of returns. Our return policy is clearly stated and we do make some exceptions, but what some of them want is way beyond an exception -- they almost want an exemption so they can do whatever they please. I wonder if their mothers told them that they were more important than everyone else or if they are simply assholes. LOL

So that's it for Wednesday. You all have a good week and be kind to those cashiers. They work their asses off for YOU. Hug someone.

Home Again

Hi all; well, I am back home after spending a couple days caring for Mother and the dogs. It was a nice time, but it is nice to be home again with Ben and the animals. I worked this afternoon spending almost 7.5 hours in front of the computer learning about the company history, shrink prevention, hazardous materials, sexual harrassment, and more. YAWN. How exciting. I will be working the next 8 days in a row before I get a day off, but at least I will be free to go to my niece's graduation party. Oh goody!! Anyway, since I just got home I think I should go spend some time with my man. Have a good evening. I know I will.

Spending Time With Mom

Well, it's been a fun week so far. Monday morning I left home about 6:15 to head over to spend a couple of days with Mother while my sister and family are away. In the midst of all that, I started my new job on Monday afternoon (only 2.5 hours Monday) and then back to Mom's. It means getting her meals and making sure she has what she needs. Of course, it also means caring for their two dogs -- and these dogs are definitely missing their people and their routine -- one of them seems to have an upset digestive system today (cleaned up three indoor piles of poop). And the dogs had me awake at 530 this morning (the click click click of doggy toenails on hardwood floors). Took Mom to a doctor appt this afternoon that was a real waste of time. After waiting in the exam room for nearly a half hour, the doctor came in for about 5 minutes and really did nothing but ask how she felt and told her to continue the super duper antibiotics and come back in six weeks (after the doctor's vacation half way around the world. The entire visit could have been as easily accomplished by telephone and saved us time and gas as well as the stress on Mother of getting to and from the car and the office. And on top of it all, I bet she and Medicare get billed for this visit too. Ah well, that's life. Tomorrow afternoon I report back to work for a day of CBT (that's computer based training) learning and then home to Ben and the kids. He tells me that he had the dog and both cats in bed last night -- good thing I wasn't there -- where would I have slept? Ah, can't wait to get back to my own home, bed, and man..... Love to you all.

RIP Jesse Helms

This nation lost a dedicated lifelong public servant today as Sen. Jesse Helms passed away. Now, I agreed with little that came out this arch conservative's mouth. He opposed most of the things that I stand for and stood for many things that I am against. His anti[everything rhetoric was horrid and hurtful to millions. BUT he was doing the job to which he was elected to the best his abilities based on his beliefs and such. I have seen several posts today from GLBT sources gleefully reporting his death with relish. Such gleeful reaction to the passing of a former US Senator is horribly rude and immature. It also gives some degree of credibility of the attitudes held by Sen. Helms and his cronies. It is also terribly insensitive. The man left a loving family and scores of friends and colleagues who are grieving his passing. If the roles were reversed and the conservatives gleefully reported the death of a prominent GLBT activist, the community would be up in arms. Are we so damaged that we can justify being so hateful and immature? I extend to the people of North Carolina, to Sen. Helms' family and friends, and the US Senate prayers of comfort and peace during this difficult time. To those who want to revel and rejoice in his passing -- grow up!

Independence Day Thoughts

As I sit here this morning on the 232nd birthday of Independence Day, I have very mixed feelings about how much to celebrate. It is true that many have given their lives (physically, emotionally, financially, etc) for the life and liberty that we enjoy and that too many take for granted. Yet, as I ponder words like "liberty"', "freedom", and "independence", I wonder just how they apply to many of us. We are not free from our dependence on foreign oil. Many of us are economically trapped by rising prices, lower wages, fewer jobs, rising debt, and the like. Many of us are prohibited by law or by simple discrimination from freely expressing our love for the person whom we have committed ourselves too and from enjoying the same rights and privileges of our heterosexual counterparts. As I watch the news, it seems that our government often has us in a stranglehold -- oh yes, we the people elected these folks to represent us, but do they? Or do they represent the special interests and monied lobbying groups who can fuel their re-election campaign with much needed money? It is impossible for an average Joe to get nominated for or elected to the office of the President, although there are some highly capable and qualified people who don't have the name recognition or huge net worth that it now takes to get into nearly any office. Mind you, I am not proposing that we scrap the US or our way of life. What I am suggesting is that as you eat the picnic dinners, play the games, watch the fireworks and all that you not take liberty for granted. It comes with a price -- that price is learning to work and live side by side with people who, in many ways, are different from you -- different ethnicities, different religions (Contrary to the beliefs and preaching of some, we are NOT a Christian nation), different orientations or family structures, different economic levels, different educational backgrounds, different political opinions, and more. Even with all those differences (and those I've missed), we are Americans. Sometimes we work to change others, sometimes we have to work to change ourselves, sometimes we have to agree to disagree, but still we are all Americans bound together by principles and a legacy that transcend all that "stuff" that separates us from one another. Pause today to remember not only the flag waving and bumper sticker kinds of patriotism, but the deeper historically ingrained patriotism that allows us to love this country while at the same time recognizing that we are not perfect and that we do not have all the answers. Enjoy this day of celebration, but also remember to work to preserve and strengthen the fabric of these United States by being informed and involved and by being willing to listen to other views and to speak out against injustice. Freedom is hard work -- be a part of it or risk losing it. And that's the way I see it today. Happy Birthday, United States -- you are a grand old gal!

Hope on the Horizon - Part Two

Well, I got a call a few minutes ago to let me know that my background check came back clean. That means two things: 1) I am not indebted to my potential employer for bad checks or shoplifting, and 2) I start my training on Monday afternoon. So, life goes on -- of course I will be making about half the amount on this job that I was on the last assignment. And it could be hours anytime of the day or night -- ah, twenty-four hour retailing. But it will give my life some much needed structure. I guess if there's anything I want to do or such, I'd better get it in between now and the weekend. Let the adventure begin!!