Wednesday, October 01, 2008

Update The woman I work with decided that she didn't want to go to India.....so there went the trip. She said she was worried about the money (for incidentals), but I think she really was just worried about being outside of her comfort zone. Needless to say, I was a little low last night after I found out (sigh), and I attempted to drown my sorrow in pasta (never a good idea!). To make me feel better, Sailor Boi said she'd take me on the Alaskan Olivia cruise next September. Wow! What an absolutely perfect girlfriend! Photo Wednesday 10:16:18 PM    comment []

Monday, September 29, 2008

Surprise I may be going to India in January! Today at work....out of the blue....I was asked if I would like to do some teacher workshops in India. Of course I said yes immediately. The dates are still up in the air, and exactly what workshops we will be doing when we're there is still unknown, but in my mind I'm already packing clothes and gathering funds to buy trinkets for my friends! It's not set yet however--it all depends now on the other woman in my department. We would be traveling and working together, so we both have to agree. She has more family obligations than me, so I'm hoping she will be able to go, but even if we don't end up going, it was really cool to be considered. Working in a State of Florida institution, it is rare that we get the chance to travel outside of the state.....let alone overseas! Anyway, as I was heading home, I remembered that my horoscope that morning had talked about an unexpected opportunity--so I had to look it up. Check this out-- "You are bound to enjoy this day! It is filled with possibilities and opportunities. The day may begin in a routine way, but keep your eyes and ears open for hints of change. Your new adventure may come about in the most mundane of ways....Adventure is all around; trust that you will find it!" Cool, huh? 9:52:12 PM    comment []

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Update I haven't felt up to writing since last week. The economic meltdown has been grabbing all my attention. Plus, Sailor Boi and I started working on the demolition of my kitchen so that we can start work on the remodel. This past weekend we tore the sink cabinet out. It was a bit tricky because we were trying to keep the sink functioning for a while longer. We did it....the counter is propped up on both sides with the sink suspended in space. It was a bit of a challenge taking the counter apart around the plumbing! Next I have to repair the plaster wall behind it and tile the floor. I'm hoping I can get it finished by Christmas, but time and money are both big constraints. Photo Wednesday I love the look on her face! 9:36:23 PM    comment []

Thursday, September 18, 2008

They’re bleeding the turnip...again Like many of you, I have been watching our financial meltdown and the patchwork solutions that have been used with growing disbelief. As of today, the taxpayer’s bill for these various bail-outs to our financial crisis is estimated at 360 billion. My quick calculation comes out at almost $2600. per taxpayer. I think this is ridiculous! Why can’t we take back the millions that those who were at the top of the food chain in these organizations and the speculators that profited from them made for the last decade? Why should the American middle class pay the bill while those who profited for years continue to live in their big houses, sail in their yachts, and travel around the world? The government deemed these corporations and institutions 'too big to fail’, and we’re ‘too small to care about’. I’m tired of being a pawn in the game. 10:37:07 PM    comment []

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Photo Wednesday In case you're having trouble tearing yourself away from news and blogs of the financial meltdown (like I am), here's something less stressful to think about..... 10:03:21 PM    comment []

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Back from D.C. Last week as I was getting ready for a work trip to D.C., hurricane Ike was projected to hit the east coast of Florida, with about half of the computer models landing it on my section of the coast. Last Thursday I was looking at it nervously, not knowing if it would hit while I was gone. Just a week later, Florida has lucked out, my trip went off as planned, (I’m back home), and Texas is in Ike’s sights. I hope everyone heeds the warning and gets out of harms way. What a monster storm this one has turned into! Washington is such a different place than anywhere else in the country. This time I was struck with how much the town has been taken over by election fever. It’s amazing....it seems that everyone is consumed with political speculation 24/7. Me, I feel the election wearies creeping in.....and there is still so long till November! Can’t it be election day next week? Are all the talking and posturing and slanted ads really going to make a difference? One great thing about getting out of town for a few days, is leaving the Caylee Anthony missing (and now presumed dead) child drama for a few days. I am totally sick of the whole thing and the way the media has been beating the story to death. They have incited the local folk to the point that there are demonstrations and fist fights outside of the family’s home every day. What a circus! I don’t know how the police can conduct an investigation in the atmosphere brewing in this community.....unless they are hoping someone will take out the whole family and solve their investigation problems! ...And believe me, violence seems to be a distinct possibility. I’m glad I don’t live in that neighborhood. 10:14:30 PM    comment []

Wednesday, September 03, 2008

Photo Wednesday It may be past labor day, but I just can't let summer go that easily. 10:47:26 PM    comment []

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Sad news Yesterday it was reported that lesbian pioneer, Del Martin died. Only three months ago, Del and her partner of 55 years, Phyllis Lyon were the first couple married in California under newly legalized California same sex marriages. Phyllis Lyon & Del Martin with their Marriage Certificate The newly widowed Lyon said in a statement: "Ever since I met Del 55 years ago, I could never imagine a day would come when she wouldn't be by my side. I am so lucky to have known her, loved her and been her partner in all things. I also never imagined there would be a day that we would actually be able to get married. I am devastated, but I take some solace in knowing we were able to enjoy the ultimate rite of love and commitment before she passed." Del and Phyllis had been politically active for decades--including founding in 1953, the United States' first lesbian rights organization, Daughters of Bilitis. Said Rea Carey, director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force: "They spoke the unspeakable, wrote the unthinkable, and lived their lives as few before them ever had: open and proud lesbians in 1950s America," What an inspiration both of them have been--in their lives and in their love. To read more about how Del and Phyllis changed the world for the better for you and I, the National Center for Lesbian Rights has a full obituary here. 9:04:50 PM    comment []

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Photo Wednesday 10:06:51 PM    comment []

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Politics..... Today in Denver, Michelle Obama met with the GLBT delegates, where she spoke for the need for equality– “We know what the world should look like,” she said. “We know what fairness and justice and opportunity look like, and we have to close those gaps until the world as it is and the world as it should be are one and the same.” During her speech she referenced the gains made by our community as well as noting what work still needs to be done. She called for GLBT inclusion in hate crimes bills, an inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act, eliminating Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, and repelling the Defense of Marriage Act. (more here...) This is great, but I still don’t understand Obama’s differentiation between civil unions which he supports, and marriage which he still insists is only for heterosexual couples. Until he removes this distinction, he really isn’t for full equality, no matter what he says–I really don’t buy ‘separate but equal’, and he shouldn’t either. 8:27:36 PM    comment []