tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67817075588740790222024-03-05T12:37:41.930-08:00Michael's RamblingsMichaelMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13184186505407481351noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6781707558874079022.post-29987040560321788302010-07-12T20:50:00.000-07:002010-07-12T20:53:11.944-07:00The Plight of the Homeless<a href="http://quipsnquills.com/wordpress/?p=7388">The Plight of the Homeless</a>MichaelMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13184186505407481351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6781707558874079022.post-10241754140475420832010-02-20T17:52:00.001-08:002010-02-20T17:52:19.463-08:00Murder and Molestation<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p class='tags'><a rel='tag' href='http://www.technorati.com/tag/Gay'>Gay</a>,<a rel='tag' href='http://www.technorati.com/tag/Baseless Associations'>Baseless Associations</a>,<a rel='tag' href='http://www.technorati.com/tag/Murder'>Murder</a>,<a rel='tag' href='http://www.technorati.com/tag/Pedophiles'>Pedophiles</a>,<a rel='tag' href='http://www.technorati.com/tag/Serial Killers'>Serial Killers</a></p> <p align='justify'>Today’s entry isn’t upbeat; it isn’t even about a topic that’s easy to talk about. It is, however in response to some of the bullshit I occasionally read over on the <a href='http://www.topix.com'><em>Topix</em></a> website.</p> <p align='justify'>One might ask, “Well, then why go to that site? Why subject yourself to such comments and messages of hate?” The answer, for the same reasons I always have. To call such people on their crap and serve as a voice of reason among a wilderness of homophobes, bigotry and racism; in short, prejudice.</p> <p align='justify'>As a 46-year-old gay man I haven’t seen it all but I’ve experienced enough of life to know it’s certainly not always bright and shiny, or even fair. Sometimes life is nothing short of cruel and ugly.</p> <p align='justify'>Does that make it any less precious or less deserving of the effort it sometimes takes to get up in the morning? No! </p> <p align='justify'>Today’s entry is in reaction to the baseless claims by those bigots who say that homosexuals are a danger to our communities. Some claim we are all pedophiles at heart (bullshit!) and there are those who think we’re predisposed to be killers; mass murderers. I’ll not respond to the latter, save to provide you with a list of mass murderers and serial killers who were/are straight (see below).</p> <p><strong>Heterosexual mass murderers and serial killers:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Adolf Hitler</li> <li>Ahmad Suradji (42)</li> <li>Albert DeSalvo</li> <li>Andrei Chikatilo (52+)</li> <li>Anatoly Onoprienko (52)</li> <li>Anthony Sowell (Cleveland, currently under arrest – 11 female bodies found in and around his house)</li> <li>Bruno Ludke (80)</li> <li>Carlton Grey</li> <li>Charles Manson (married Rosalie Jean Willis)</li> <li>Danny Harold Rolling</li> <li>David Berkowitz “Son of Sam”</li> <li>Douglas Clark “The Sunset Strip Slayer”</li> <li>Ed Gein</li> <li>Eric Elliot & Lewis Gilbert</li> <li>George Putt</li> <li>Gerald Eugene Stano (41)</li> <li>Gerald Gallego</li> <li>Gilles de Rais (140+)</li> <li>Green River killer Gary Ridgway</li> <li>Henry Lee Lucas & Ottis Toole (6-200+)</li> <li>H. H. Holmes (200+) (“murder castle” mansion where women were tortured and gassed; married thrice; born Herman Webster Mudgett)</li> <li>Hubert Harolds</li> <li>Hu Wanlin (100+)</li> <li>Idi Amin (Ugandian dictator, admired Adolf Hitler, married SIX times, stabbed corpses and sucked blood)</li> <li>Jack the Ripper</li> <li>Javed Iqbal (100)</li> <li>Kevin Haley</li> <li>Lawrence Bittaker, Roy Norris and their “Murder Mac”</li> <li>Luis Alfredo Gavarito (140)</li> <li>Michael Swango (60 +/-)</li> <li>Moses Sithole (38+)</li> <li>Paul John Knowles</li> <li>Pedro Alonso Lopez (300+) deadliest serial killer of Archives; known as “Monster of the Andes”</li> <li>Pee Wee Gaskins (100+)</li> <li>Randy Woodfield</li> <li>Richard “Iceman” Kuklinski (40+)</li> <li>Saddam Hussein (married twice, gassed entire cities, ran concentration camps/torture centers)</li> <li>Stalin (WWII leader, starved peasants and conducted mass purges, married twice)</li> <li>Ted Bundy</li> <li>The Zodiac Murder</li> <li>Richard Cottingham</li> <li>Harrison Graham</li> <li>William Heirens</li> <li>William Suff</li> </ul> <p align='justify'>As for pedophiles, predators of children are just that; predators. I’m not absolving them of their crimes. They’re sick bastards and they are to be loathed but it isn’t the predator’s sexuality that motivates him or her to abuse children. Granted, I’ve no training in psychology but it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to understand that, just as a rapist’s crime is all about power and control so too is a pedophile’s. It takes a lack of compassion, of love for humanity and a sick, selfish mindset for a beast to unleash his or her anger and predatory nature on another person. “Do some predators identify as homosexual?” Sadly, yes; our community is not safe from such self-interested fucks, no less or more so than the heterosexual community is.</p> <p align='justify'>The surprising thing is a number of studies seem to support there are more (percentage wise) pedophiles who identify as heterosexual then there are those who identify as gay or bisexual. In my opinion, it’s a moot point. A pedophile’s sexual orientation is not the crime; rather, their willingness to force others to do their bidding against their will is. Moreover, were I to get my wish, all pedophiles would have their nuts cut off or (if female) their va-jay-jay’s sewn shut. (FWIW, I feel the same way about rapists.)</p> <p align='justify'>Why do I have such strong opinions about this? Was I ever molested as a child?</p> <p align='justify'>The answer to the last question is simply, “no.” It’s true that there was a time that I apparently came very close to being molested and killed as a kid of four (by a total stranger whose car I was about to step into). I would have been a statistic had a neighbor who babysat me not demanded my attention and coaxed me to step away from the vehicle and go to her instead. At least, that’s the story Mom tells me. Apparently, the following morning the body of a young boy was found, having been molested, killed and dumped in a dumpster down the block from the apartment complex that we lived in. </p> <p align='justify'>I came close to being a victim but no, I myself have never been abused as a child.</p> <p align='justify'>My close call with abuse and death isn’t even a factor in why I feel so strongly about the matter. My feelings are simply the consequence of my concern for the well-being of our world’s children. Kids should have the opportunity to enjoy their childhood and shouldn’t be screwed up because some fucked-up adult just wants to prove he’s a man (or she’s a woman) by exercising control over a defenseless child. ALL adults should have nothing but the best-interests of a child at heart!</p> <p align='justify'>Because of my own feelings about pedophiles, I DETEST the existence of the groups NAMBLA and NAMGLA. (NAMBLA stands for “North American Man/Boy Love Association” and NAMGLA, of course, is short for “North American Man/Girl Love Association”.)</p> <p align='justify'>It honestly <strong><em>escapes ANY measure of understanding</em></strong>, on my part as to how such organizations can even exist. Simply by their organization’s names, it’s clear that they cater to the whims of adult males whose ONLY interest is in taking advantage of underage children. Why oh why oh why oh why hasn’t our government taken a firmer stance against these people? Why ARE they allowed to exist when everything that they stand for is representative of an act that is “against the law”?! <em>I just do not understand…</em></p> <p align='justify'>NAMBLA is also a “black eye” for the gay community, not because our own sexual orientation makes “us” pedophiles but because our detractors just love to make the argument that, because the organization is all about men with boys it is a gay thing. It isn’t; it’s a “PEDOPHILE” thing! Saying that is like saying a rapist is a rapist because he’s gay or straight; no, he’s just a fucking rapist. Pedophiles are pedophiles. Murderers are murderers. And gang-bangers are thugs.</p> <p align='justify'>Don’t think for a moment that because I’m gay I’m a pedophile.</p> <p align='justify'>I’ll do my damnedest to help gay youth get through the struggles they face, as they come to terms with their own sexual orientations and go out into the world but I don’t encourage relations between minors and adults. Never have and never will. </p> <p align='justify'>It somehow seems out of place to end this blog with “Namaste” but since I know that those who follow my blogs, as a general rule ARE honorable and loving and just “good people”…</p> <p align='justify'>Namaste,<br/> Michael</p> <p align='justify'><strong>Related Links:</strong></p> <div align='justify'> <ul> <li><a href='http://www.adherents.com/misc/hsk.html'><em><strong>Serial Killers</strong></em></a> (Page presented as a list of Homosexual Serial Killers, including Lesbians and Bisexuals. Again, I am hesitant to present anything that can be construed as associating a person’s propensity for becoming a killer with his or her sexual orientation – but this site came up on a Google search and is provided for your reference)</li> <li><a href='http://www.annakoren.com/serial-killers.html'><em><strong>Anna Koren Graphology Center Ltd.</strong></em></a> (An interesting page which provides a breakdown/statistics of serial killers by region, race, gender, age and sexual orientation. Again, I can’t speak as to the accuracy of same as I don’t know anything about their research. For reference.)</li> <li><a href='http://www.mayhem.net/Crime/serial1.html'><em><strong>Serial Killer Hit List – Part 1</strong></em></a> (For reference)</li> </ul> <br/> </div></div>MichaelMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13184186505407481351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6781707558874079022.post-22698232746279704392010-02-18T06:02:00.000-08:002010-02-20T17:48:24.109-08:00Marriage and the gay community<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p class='tags'><a href='http://www.technorati.com/tag/Gay' rel='tag'>Gay</a>,<a href='http://www.technorati.com/tag/Marriage' rel='tag'>Marriage</a></p> <p align='justify'>It’s ridiculous to assume that a marriage between two people of the same gender would be any different than a marriage between a man and a woman. For starters all marriages are made possible <em>only when there exists an atmosphere of love, honor, respect, trust and desire</em> between the two parties. </p> <p align='justify'>Far too many conservatives believe the unions between two gay men or two women are different than those of heterosexuals; they question whether such relationships are as loving or committed or filled with the same passion, as compared to that which might exist between a man and a woman. They could not be more wrong.</p> <p align='justify'>As a gay man, I’m not saying our relationships are any better than those in the straight community (but they aren’t any worse either).</p> <p align='justify'> <a href='http://www.quipsnquills.com/n1spirit/images/blogimgs/Gay_Marriage.jpg'><img align='left' border='0' vspace='10' hspace='10' height='180' width='240' src='http://www.quipsnquills.com/n1spirit/images/blogimgs/Gay_Marriage_TH.jpg'/></a>If you believe a marriage between two persons of the same sex is any less of a union just because THEY do not exemplify what you think a wedding party should look like, how is that any different than the opinions of those who came before who opposed interracial marriages? And these claims by some of our opponents, that the sole ‘purpose’ of marriage is for procreation is just bunk! I mean, what about all of those straight couples who are unable to have children of their own? Are <em>their</em> marriages any less valid just because the bride is barren or the groom is sterile? I think not. And should they really want to introduce children into the mix, they’ve the same options available to them as same-sex couples have (adoption and/or surrogacy). </p> <p align='justify'>Perhaps it is safe to say that ALL MARRIAGES are somehow different; that no two are exactly alike and leave it at that.</p> <p align='justify'>To those couples who oppose marriage between persons of the same sex, I have but one question. “Why is it of such consequence to you, what may or may not be taking place within the secular unions of other couples? Is your own marriage so fragile and at-risk that it is not unlike a simple issue of company stock? Is it any more or less valuable, depending upon the formation and/or existence of another’s union?” Because seriously, IF that is the case than the union between you and your spouse, of which you place such a tremendous level of pride could not have possibly been all that secure in the first place (<em>just think about it</em>).</p> <p align='justify'>Some argue that, through our fight to secure the right to marry we “are attacking a sacred and holy institution.” That’s such a load of bullshit! None of us is driven to marry because we want to feel as though we’ve stuck it to the church and to make such a ridiculous claim is ludicrous.</p> <p align='justify'>We just want to follow in the footsteps of our parents and take our own loving relationships to the next level. For somebody to question our motives for wanting to marry our loved one is no less insulting than it would be for someone to question a straight couple’s motives for marrying their partner.</p> <p align='justify'>For those who feel we should call our unions something besides marriage, “Why?” The institution of marriage (regardless of what you may believe) is a SECULAR institution and for the vast majority of us it is the SECULAR protections and rights that we seek. True, some couples may wish to be married within a faith-based institution —- but that is an issue between them and whatever church they would like to have conducting the ceremony (and for what it’s worth, I believe churches should have the ability to refuse such a ceremony). We aren’t trying to force anything on the churches. We’re simply trying to get the nation to move past the prejudice that has served as the framework of a wall that has prohibited same-sex couples from enjoying the same 1,138 SECULAR rights, responsibilities and benefits as all other [opposite-sex] couples have enjoyed for years now.</p> <p align='justify'>In closing, the union (“Marriage”) itself is SECULAR by nature; nothing more, nothing less!</p> <p align='justify'>Namaste,<br/> Michael</p> <p align='justify'><strong>Related Links:</strong></p> <div align='justify'> <ul> <li><a href='http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d04353r.pdf'><em><strong>U.S. General Accounting Office</strong></em></a> (Govt. report listing all 1,138 federal statutory provisions in which marital status is a factor in determining or receiving benefits, rights, and privileges. PDF)</li> <li><a href='http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/article-30190.html'><em><strong>NOLO Legal Solutions</strong></em></a> (Marriage Rights and Benefits)</li> <li><a href='http://thehostess.wordpress.com/tag/gay-rights/'><em><strong>The Outskirts</strong></em></a> (Saints’ Scott Fujita is pro-gay rights)</li> </ul> </div> <p align='justify'> </p></div>MichaelMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13184186505407481351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6781707558874079022.post-48609126921187054582010-02-11T08:38:00.000-08:002010-02-20T17:36:15.191-08:00It ain't the smell of va-jay-jay...<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p class='tags'><a rel='tag' href='http://www.technorati.com/tag/Attraction'>Attraction</a>,<a rel='tag' href='http://www.technorati.com/tag/Gay'>Gay</a>,<a rel='tag' href='http://www.technorati.com/tag/Sexual'>Sexual</a></p> <p align='justify'>It isn’t the smell of “va-jay-jay” that prevents me from being straight; I’ve never smelled one (and have no interest in doing so I might add). *<em>laughs</em>* In another <a href='http://quipsnquills.com/wordpress/?p=3419'>post</a> I began to explain why I bat for the home team. I’d like to expand on that a little in this post.</p> <p align='justify'>It so happens that another gay man posting in Topix was describing how he’d had sex with a woman once, hoping it would “cure” him. He’d thought, as many who struggle with self-acceptance do, that the “problem” (his words, not mine) might just be that he’d never tried it — so he stood at the plate and took the proverbial swing with his bat. “HEeyyyyy batter, batter!" ;-) </p> <p align='justify'>He didn’t see stars folks… Sure, he made the run around the field after getting a hit but the excitement wasn’t there. His thoughts after it was all over were “<em>this is it????</em>“</p> <p align='justify'>For a homosexual that’s really it folks. Sure, we might be able to spill our seed (maybe!) but there just isn’t anywhere else to go from there. No stars, no revelations, no lasting (if there was ever any in the first place) attraction for the person we just bedded. We just don’t react to the opposite sex the same as a heterosexual does.</p> <p align='justify'>(Don’t get me wrong; bisexuals are capable of being turned on by either gender but I’m talking about your standard, run-of-the-mill gay guy like myself right now.)</p> <blockquote> <p align='justify'><strong>fed up writes</strong><br/> <br/> ..thanks for your honesty and effort to take one for the team. there would be no way ever on earth i could do what you did in reverse, sorry bro but i’d rather not “give it a try”. as for the ladies smell i was referring to the light air of a perfume or lotion they wear. lmao, but i know where you were going with that one.. [snipped for brevity]</p> </blockquote> <p align='justify'>I commend this person for his candor and his honesty. Most who take exception with homosexuality and believe it’s a “choice” are unwilling to admit their inability to <em>make such a choice</em> were the shoe on the other foot. This guy does; he clearly states he’d rather “not give it a try.” I don’t take that as a back-handed slap but simply as a heterosexual guy admitting he couldn’t “choose” to be gay; the concept of choice (regarding one’s sexual orientation) isn’t valid, people.</p> <p align='justify'>Moving along…</p> <p align='justify'>Often is the case (maybe when we’re out of our comfort zone) where we joke about the smell of va-jay-jay but I don’t find women repugnant and I don’t believe they all have smelly twats. I can well-appreciate a beautiful woman for her beauty; I’m just not turned on or attracted to them in a sexual way.</p> <p align='justify'>Maybe it’s best to just say that I don’t have the hormonal reaction to women that straight men do (and I never have). In all fairness, straight men don’t have the hormonal reaction to other men that I do. </p> <p align='justify'>Moreover, my reaction to a specific person isn’t because of what I might think the sex could possibly be like with him; it goes deeper than the physical attraction. (<strong><em>The possibility of bodily friction is just a bit of frosting on the cake, is all. “HEyyy batter, batter!”</em></strong>)</p> <p align='justify'>I’m a big time face guy! You don’t have to have a beautiful or even a chiseled face but the face IS [usually] the first thing I look at on a guy. If he passes muster and has kind, sensitive eyes; the kind of which are reminiscent of an old, caring soul I’ll definitely begin to pay closer attention to the rest of the package.</p> <p align='justify'>But the reverse is also true… If I’ve begun [looking] at all the rest of him, only to find he’s got cold or distrustful eyes “it is all over!” Eyes are the windows of the soul. I won’t expend effort on a guy if I’m convinced I can’t trust him because of what I see in his eyes.(Been there, done that — put in almost seven years with a guy who made me feel like total crap and I never want to go down that road again if I can help it.)</p> <p align='justify'>In closing, I don’t believe a homosexual (someone whose ONLY attraction, as measured on the <a href='http://www.kinseyinstitute.org/resources/ak-hhscale.html'><strong>Kinsey scale</strong></a> is to a member of the same sex) can have the same hormonal reaction to someone of the opposite sex.</p> <p align='justify'>But that’s me… I want to hear what others are thinking!</p> <p align='justify'>Namaste,<br/> Michael<br/> </p></div>MichaelMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13184186505407481351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6781707558874079022.post-2314626995070115052010-02-10T22:21:00.000-08:002010-02-20T17:33:47.639-08:00Did I make the wrong choice?<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p class='tags'><a rel='tag' href='http://www.technorati.com/tag/Gay'>Gay</a>,<a rel='tag' href='http://www.technorati.com/tag/Sterotype'>Sterotype</a></p> <p align='justify'>Okay, so the title for this journal entry is misleading (because in truth, what I’m talking about … I didn’t “choose.”)</p> <p align='justify'>Many of those who have issues with homosexuality believe we made a “choice” to be gay. I’ve heard it a thousand times and to be perfectly honest, I don’t know how best to confront such (imo) misperceptions. My first reaction is always to ask if they “made a choice to be straight.” That question is usually met with a long pause, followed by, “<em>Well, no, I’m just normal</em>” (as if what I am is an aberration.) I’ll press the issue, asking if they could ever see themselves choosing to sleep with someone of the same sex. Every honest response is likely to be no but on occasion I’ll get the “<em>yeah, if I wanted to!</em>” (When given the latter response, I believe they’re either lying to me or to themselves. I’ve NEVER known a straight person who could get past the “ick factor” they usually feel about sex with someone of the same gender.)</p> <p align='justify'><strong><em>So for me it isn’t a “choice” to be gay; it’s just what I am.</em></strong></p> <p align='justify'>I grew up as part of a loving family with a mother, father and brother. We attended church most Sundays and on religious holidays. There wasn’t any abuse in the home, physical or otherwise. Dad was present and involved with us kids, as was Mom. Neither were overbearing but we didn’t lack for discipline if and when it was called for either. </p> <p align='justify'>I guess what I’m trying to explain is I don’t really believe my home-life, growing up, was any different than most other kids. </p> <p align='justify'>However, I knew from an early age (probably by the time I was twelve or 13-years-old) that I <em>was different</em> than most boys my age. I was attracted to the guys while they began to shows signs of an attraction for the girls. It wasn’t something I made a choice about; it just “was.” In fact, the ONLY choice I feel I’ve ever made regarding this was just deciding to accept my sexual orientation for what it is; normal/innate (for me).</p> <p align='justify'>There are many who argue homosexuality is simply a choice. Some use bisexuals as an example but I can’t relate to that because “bisexuality” doesn’t apply to me. I’ve NEVER been attracted to the opposite sex like straight men are and more importantly, I don’t believe I could ever “force” myself TO BE attracted to a female as I am to a male.</p> <p align='justify'>The thought of having sex with a woman doesn’t make me sick but neither does it make my heart race and my dick get hard (I couldn’t get an erection, thinking about a woman if my life depended upon it!)</p> <p align='justify'>What’s more, I don’t think a guy who is really “straight” could get an erection thinking about having sex with another guy. Meh! Sure, the “gay for pay” porn stars who identify as straight do but perhaps those “straight” men in the gay adult industry are, in truth “bisexual.” And in <em>that case</em>, under those circumstances I guess THEY are making a choice.</p> <p align='justify'>As for myself (being gay), I didn’t and do not believe I ever could make such a choice. The attraction [to women] just isn’t and never has been an option for me.</p> <p align='justify'>Sorry girls…</p> <p align='justify'>Namaste,<br/> Michael<br/> </p></div>MichaelMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13184186505407481351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6781707558874079022.post-43993767105708787892010-02-10T14:43:00.000-08:002010-02-20T17:32:15.015-08:00"Why not bat for our team?"<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p class='tags'><a rel='tag' href='http://www.technorati.com/tag/Gay'>Gay</a>,<a rel='tag' href='http://www.technorati.com/tag/Attraction'>Attraction</a>,<a rel='tag' href='http://www.technorati.com/tag/Homosexuality'>Homosexuality</a>,<a rel='tag' href='http://www.technorati.com/tag/Sexuality'>Sexuality</a></p> <p>I hear it all the time… People say, “I just don’t get it; why would you ‘choose’ to be gay? Why AREN’T you interested in women? Have you ever tried it? You know, you might like it if you tried just once.” Then there are those who take it a step further, making crude comparisons between the orifices of a man and a women. </p> <p>(Like I really want to hear about va-jay-jay!)</p> <p>Here’s an example; this is what somebody on Topix wrote earlier today:</p> <blockquote> <p><strong>fed up writes:</strong><br/> <br/> ..if you wanna bang a hairy guys @ss why not join our team and bang a woman’s it would be the same thing right? same spot, same feeling, just a nice smooth hairless hot woman though, oh yeah and i’m sure she smells better.lmao.</p> </blockquote> <p>Well, being gay isn’t about wanting to “bang a hairy guys ass” (and just why is it that people are so preoccupied with what we might or might not be doing in the bedroom anyway?)</p> <p>My sexual orientation is defined by the gender of the person to whom I am attracted, that much is true but it certainly does NOT mean I’m gay only because I’m fixated on a guy’s backside. (To be completely honest, if the only thing that makes one straight is his obsession with a particular part of a woman’s body — well then, I feel sorry for that person.)</p> <p>There are any number of ways in which a man differs from a woman; not all of those are “physical.”</p> <p>Certainly, there are men who share some of the same qualities as are most often found in women, and the same is true of some women who share characteristics and attitudes not dissimilar to a lot of men. But all in all there’s a given assumption most men look and behave one way and most women, another.</p> <p>The differences between the sexes in the gay community are no different than those exhibited by heterosexuals and stereotypes are just that; stereotypes. Such generalizations do not apply to each and every GLBTQ person, just the same as not every straight person looks and acts the same.</p> <p>The vast majority of GLBTQ persons pass for straight until and unless we are, for whatever the reason ASKED about our orientation (or willingly just choose to express it).</p> <p>In response to fed up, if my ONLY DESIRE were to bang a piece of ass then I suppose I could be as happy with a woman’s [ass] as much as a man’s… but it goes so much further than this. My attraction isn’t just about cranking out a load of jism during the act of some hot, sweaty sex. Some of my best friends are both straight AND women, and they hold no attraction for me, emotionally OR sexually.</p> <p>No, only a man is going to be able to do that for me — and believe it or not, it won’t be just “any” man. It isn’t about his ass and it isn’t about the size of a guy’s cock; it’s about the total package. Am I attracted to him physically, mentally and emotionally?</p> <p>Since women are <em>obviously</em> built differently, behave differently and are CLEARLY different, emotionally… Well, are you beginning to get the idea? It’s not only about the sex; it never has been.</p> <p>Namaste,<br/> Michael<br/> </p></div>MichaelMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13184186505407481351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6781707558874079022.post-63348293894394959682010-02-09T19:29:00.000-08:002010-02-20T17:30:05.159-08:00And a child shall lead them<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p class='tags'><a rel='tag' href='http://www.technorati.com/tag/Discrimination'>Discrimination</a>,<a rel='tag' href='http://www.technorati.com/tag/Kids'>Kids</a>,<a rel='tag' href='http://www.technorati.com/tag/Politics'>Politics</a></p> <p align='justify'>The world needs more children who are willing to stand up (or “sit down” as is the case in West Fork, Arkansas) against prejudice when they see it. </p> <p align='justify'>Will Phillips refuses to recite the Pledge of Allegiance in his classroom until, in his own words liberty and justice exists for all persons. He points to the fact that gays and lesbians cannot marry and that racism and sexism is still very much a reality in our country. </p> <p align='justify'>Watch the video and form your own opinion of the young lad. He is well-spoken, mature beyond his years in some respects and has the conviction to stand up for what he believes.</p> <p align='justify'>Okay, so maybe he allowed his frustration to get the better of him (after being pressed for several days to recite the pledge) when he told the substitute teacher she could “go jump off a bridge” — but he said it <em>with style</em>. (Again, watch the video. LOL)</p> <p align='justify'> As you can imagine this is getting a lot of airplay in the media and people on both sides of the marriage equality issue are speaking out. What follows is a comment that was made over on the Topix conversation board earlier this week.</p> <p style='text-align:center;'><strong>Stupid Topic</strong> (that’s the name he posted under) <strong>writes:<br/> <em>“So is this 10 year old to be applauded for his/her actions?<br/> Big freaking deal…” </em></strong></p> <p>Dear Stupid,</p> <p>Will Phillips is to be applauded for all of the following:</p> <ol> <li> <div align='justify'>Setting aside the argument that he is well-read and intelligent (having earned the right to skip the 4th grade entirely), this young man is willing and unafraid to <em>speak out for what he believes in</em>, with little to no concern given to whether it’ll make or break his popularity;</div> </li> <li> <div align='justify'>He took the time to not only commit the Pledge of Allegiance to memory but has studied it much more closely than most children his age would have done, recognizing that the ideals of this pledge are NOT being honored in our country today; </div> </li> <li> <div align='justify'>Will is of the opinion (<em>and a growing majority agree</em>) that a disparity exists between the Pledge’s promise of “liberty and justice for all” and the government’s inconsistent application of the message with regard to marriage rights. He takes exception to how opposite-sex couples are allowed to marry while same-sex couples are unable to enjoy those same identical rights, privileges and benefits;</div> </li> <li> <div align='justify'>He sees this as being unfair and in order to express quiet dissent he is refusing to recite the Pledge of Allegiance until such time as the inequities have been addressed;</div> </li> <li> <div align='justify'>Will is clearly an authentic young boy, unwilling to sacrifice his integrity by reciting a Pledge that by his findings is not honored and applied consistently within the borders of this great nation; so</div> </li> <li> <div align='justify'>Kudos to the boy for being consistent; he has taken this action every morning and refuses to give in to peer pressure or even the wishes of those adults within his school who would like him to quit exercising his First Amendment right;</div> </li> <li> <div align='justify'>As for the substitute teacher(?), well, it’s true he became frustrated and when pressed on the issue was then heard to respond, “Mam, with all due respect, you can go jump off a bridge.” (spoken solemnly and with malice) I know that I shouldn’t but I’m compelled to laugh while visualizing the look on this teacher’s face as he said that. I mean, he chose his words very carefully and we all have our trigger points. My own grandmother, a very kind and hugely devout (religious) woman lost her temper once while having dinner with members of our family in a restaurant. As the family were all leaving the restaurant, Granny Mary stopped at the door, turned around and was heard to say to the waitress, “<em>Mam, you may kindly step to hell.</em>” ROFLMAO! (Such a statement would have been very out of character inasmuch as Granny Mary was concerned.)</div> </li> </ol> <p align='justify'>There are just as likely any number of other reasons for which we might applaud Will Phillips but this list will do for starters.</p> <p align='justify'>In closing, with values such as those Will Phillips has demonstrated to date, I’m hopeful he not only DOES follow through and get his law degree but trust that he might develop an interest in politics as well. This country needs more “Will Phillips” in the world; persons who are able and willing to <em>stand up for what they believe</em>.</p> <p>Namaste,<br/> Michael</p> <p><strong>Related Links:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href='http://snafu-ed.blogspot.com/2009/11/ten-year-old-wont-recite-pledge-until.html'><em><strong>SNAFU-ed </strong></em></a> “Ten-year-old Won’t Recite Pledge Until Gays Can Marry”</li> <li><a href='http://www.arktimes.com/articles/articleviewer.aspx?ArticleID=2f5d7a3b-c72a-446b-8d20-3823aa79c021'><em><strong> Arkansas Times</strong></em></a> “A boy and his flag (Why Will won’t pledge)”</li> <li><a href='http://www.queerty.com/10-year-old-will-phillips-is-a-bigger-gay-rights-hero-than-obama-20091116/'><em><strong> Queerty</strong></em></a> “10-Year-Old Will Phillips, Bigger Gay Rights Hero Than Obama”</li> <li><a href='http://rawstory.com/2009/2009/11/10-year-old-wont-say-pledge/'><em><strong>the raw story</strong></em></a> “Ten-year-old refuses to recite pledge until…”</li> <li><a href='http://www.peterdavid.net/index.php/2009/11/14/will-phillips-patriot/'><em><strong>PeterDavid.net</strong></em></a> “Will Phillips: Patriot” (<em>A damn fine blog</em>)</li> <li><a href='http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/12/10-year-old-wont-pledge-a_n_355709.html'><em><strong> Huffington Post</strong></em></a> “Will Phillips, 10-Year-Old, Won’t Pledge Allegiance To A Country That Discriminates Against Gays”</li> </ul> <br/></div>MichaelMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13184186505407481351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6781707558874079022.post-52970202421178649322010-02-09T08:02:00.000-08:002010-02-20T17:27:05.205-08:00Where did all the butterflies go?<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p class='tags'><a rel='tag' href='http://www.technorati.com/tag/Love'>Love</a>,<a rel='tag' href='http://www.technorati.com/tag/Relationships'>Relationships</a></p> <p align='justify'>Someone asks, “What is love like after five years?” I am probably the last person in the world who needs to respond to this question as the only long-term relationship I had (lasting 6.5 years) was abusive, both mentally and emotionally. </p> <p align='justify'>But I’ll take a stab at responding AND more importantly I’m hopeful others reading might throw their own two-cents into the ring. </p> <p align='justify'>So, here goes…</p> <p align='justify'>When we first meet someone we’re attracted to and begin to form the bonds of a relationship, we’re “in love.” <em>We can’t help ourselves; every moment of every day seems to be littered with thoughts of what our BF (or GF if that’s your thing) might be doing. Is he thinking of us, as we’re thinking of him? We imagine he is…</em> And when the two of you reunite at the end of the day you cannot wait to get your arms around one another. You generally end up in the bedroom (if you’re lucky enough to make it THAT far!) You’re “in love” and everything else in the world takes a back seat to what you are feeling when the two of you are together.</p> <p align='justify'>Then the newness of the relationship wears off <em>and you’re exhausted from all of those hours of non-stop bunny-sex</em>. The idea of saying, “Not tonight, babe, I have a headache” begins to sound both inviting and reasonable. Worse still are all those little things he does in bed that annoy the hell out of you that you <strong><em>have been overlooking up until now</em></strong>. “<strong>Go brush your damn teeth, damnit!</strong>” ROFL!!</p> <p align='justify'>“OMG! I’ve turned into my [insert your choice of parent here]!</p> <p align='justify'>So where do you go from this point forward? Well, it’s natural for two people in love to experience the waning of those butterflies. It’s either time to take the relationship on to the next stage or seriously consider whether <em>an</em> attraction is still there. Assuming you still feel <em>some</em> level of attraction for your partner and you <em>still love one another</em>, stick it out. After all, now you have the added benefit of functioning without behaving like a total dork. (And this makes it SO MUCH EASIER to be around, from the perspective of your friends who have wanted to run to the bathroom and puke every time “you and yours” were acting all giddy and couldn’t keep your hands off one another in the past!!) *kidding* LOL</p> <p align='justify'>I think it’s just natural that your reaction “to” and “around” one another evolves somewhat over time. You STILL love one another and you’re still in love with this person, but you’ve talked about and done enough with one another that the “newness” has worn off. Congratulations, you’re ready for the next step or challenge. Consider this, “In the process of discovering one another previously, did you uncover enough “treasure” (and no, I’m not talking about his dick size) to keep you interested for the next 50+ years of your life? More importantly, do you still love this person enough to SHARE the intimate details of your life with him or her for the next 50+ years?”</p> <p align='justify'>If you answered, “yes” – great (and It’s not as if you won’t ever share another one of those “Giddy” moments with your partner — you will, they’re just likely to be fewer and farther between).</p> <p align='justify'>If the answer was “no” then it’s time to be brutally honest and fair to both yourself and to your partner. It may be time to close the door and just be friends so that the both of you are open and available to the right person when he (or she) does come along. Don’t string your BF along if the attraction isn’t there anymore; doing so isn’t fair to either of you.</p> <p align='justify'>(And for what it’s worth… “Attraction” isn’t always about how narrow the waistline of your partner is, or the awesome look of his pecs in a “T” … or even that fantabulous washboard stomach. Those are all great and wonderful but if you don’t feel a “connection” to him because of who he is on the inside you’re going to miss out on the best that life has to offer. The same is true of yourself; staying in shape is necessary to live a long and healthy life but if you don’t consistently work on improving and expanding who you are on the inside, you’re going to miss out. You will get bored and when that happens, it opens up the realm of opportunity that the guy or gal you’re with may be become bored as well. I just think this is well worth mentioning for all to consider – EVEN myself.) </p> <p align='justify'>Moving along…</p> <p align='justify'>So you answered, “<strong><em>Yes, I still love this person enough to share the intimate details of my life with for the next fifty or sixty years. Where do I go from here?</em></strong>“</p> <p align='justify'>Spice it up! You’re questioning the relationship because the “Zing!” isn’t there anymore! You LOVE him but all the butterflies flew away, seemingly never to be seen or heard from again (but that doesn’t have to be the case).</p> <p align='justify'>Maybe the two of you have just gotten into a rut and it’s time to pull out some of the stops and liven your sex life up a bit. Set some boundaries but ask your partner about some of the things he may have fantasized about in the past. Risk it and tell him about some of your own [fantasies] as well and don’t stop there. Try to figure out how the both of you might make one another’s fantasies … a reality. </p> <p align='justify'>The sex aside (after all, physical attraction is one thing; so too, the sex but…)</p> <p align='justify'>In closing, live your life with integrity by staying true to yourself and the goals/dreams you’ve personally set. If the relationship you’re in is healthy and you’re still in love with the person, you’ll factor in how the decisions you make, may affect your partner and his future happiness as well. If they do (factor in his happiness), that’s a pretty good clue the love you both share is still very much alive and well; you’ve just taken your relationship to another stage is all.</p> <p align='justify'>This is just my take on love and as stated from the very beginning, my success rate inasmuch as love and lasting relationships is concerned is TERRIBLE. :( </p> <p align='justify'>Take from this journal entry what you will and please feel free to comment and share your own ideas on healthy relationships and love. My guess is there are as many different variations on what makes for a healthy, happy relationship as there are people in the world. I’d be interested in hearing what you might think.</p> <p>Namaste,<br/> Michael</p> <p><strong>Related Links:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href='http://www.breaktheillusion.com/?p=2076'><em><strong>break the illusion.com</strong></em></a> (Davey Wavey asks “<em>What is love like after five years?</em>” Click on the above link to read what others have said — and I also encourage you to follow Davey’s blog. He appears to be a loving, young man and he writes from the heart.)</li> </ul> <br/></div>MichaelMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13184186505407481351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6781707558874079022.post-32874270324845175102010-02-08T06:38:00.000-08:002010-02-20T17:53:57.839-08:00Brendan Burke, a story of Courage<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p class='tags'><a rel='tag' href='http://www.technorati.com/tag/Gay'>Gay</a>,<a rel='tag' href='http://www.technorati.com/tag/In Memoriam'>In Memoriam</a>,<a rel='tag' href='http://www.technorati.com/tag/Sports'>Sports</a></p><p align='justify'><a target='_blank' href='http://www.quipsnquills.com/n1spirit/images/blogimgs/Brendan_Burke_LG.jpg'><img align='right' border='0' vspace='10' hspace='10' height='220' width='142' alt='Photo of Brendan Burke' src='http://www.quipsnquills.com/n1spirit/images/blogimgs/Brendan_Burke_SM.jpg'/></a>A courageous young man died Friday at the all-too-early age of twenty-one. Brendan Burke, son to the Toronto Maple Leafs general manager <a href='http://mapleleafs.nhl.com/club/page.htm?bcid=28909'><strong>Brian Burke</strong></a>, along with his close friend (<a href='http://www.hometownlife.com/article/20100208/NEWS02/100208004'><strong>Mark A. Reedy</strong></a>, 18) died when the vehicle they were travelling in spun out of control due to weather conditions along a snow-covered US Route 35 (Wayne County, IN).</p> <p align='justify'>In some respects, young Brendan is seen as a pioneer for GLBTQ acceptance within the NHL. He was likeable, made friends easily and was comfortable enough within his own skin to come out; not only to his family, but also to the Miami University (Ohio) hockey team as their student manager. Everyone responded well to Brendan, looking past his sexual orientation and seeing him for the truly remarkable young man that he was (<em>just as it should be</em>).</p> <p align='justify'>Brendan spoke openly about his sexual orientation, hoping to help address homophobia within the sport of hockey. One of the catalysts for his decision to speak out came after he read an article in <a href='http://www.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/columnist/bourne/2009-11-02-hockey-culture_N.htm'>USA Today by former pro player <strong>Justin Bourne</strong></a>.</p> <p align='justify'>The elder Burke, Brian, loved and admired his son. He acknowledges the guts that it took for Brendan to come out and in support of his son, he marched with Brendan in the Toronto Pride Parade.</p> <p align='justify'>Brian Burke is quoted as having said, <em>“There are gay men in professional hockey. We would be fools to think otherwise. And it’s sad they feel the need to conceal this.”</em> When it comes to integrity, I’m compelled to say, “Like father, like son!” One can only imagine the pain that is now being felt by the families left behind by these two remarkable young men, Brendan Burke and Mark A. Reedy.</p> <p align='justify'>May God bless and keep you, Brendan and Mark… and in turn bless your families.</p> <p align='justify'>Namaste,<br/> Michael<br/> <br/> </p> <p><strong>Related Links:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href='http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qr2hrc7Tw7M'><em><strong>TSN with Brian and Brendan Burke on coming out</strong></em></a> (YouTube)</li> <li><a href='http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/columns/story?columnist=buccigross_john&id=4685761'><em><strong>We love you, this won’t change a thing</strong></em></a> –Brian Burke, ESPN.com </li> <li><a href='http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/obituaries/articles/2010/02/08/brendan_burke_21_raised_awareness_by_coming_out_as_young_gay_athlete/'><em><strong> Brendan Burke raised awareness by coming out as young, gay athlete; dead at 21 </strong></em></a> (boston.com)</li> <li><a href='http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/tributes-flow-in-for-brendan/article1458860/'><em><strong>Tributess flow in for Brendaan</strong></em></a> (The Globe and Mail)</li> <li><a href='http://www.jtbourne.com/brendan-burke/'><em><strong>Justin Bourne on Brendan Burke’s untimely death</strong></em></a></li> <li><a href='http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/two-teams-united-in-grief/article1459329/'><em><strong>Two teams united in grief</strong></em></a> (The Globe and Mail)</li> <li><a href='http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/true-advocates-hard-to-find/article1459336/'><em><strong>True advocates hard to find</strong></em></a> (The Globe and Mail)</li> <li><a href='http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/leafs-devastated-by-death-of-gms-son/article1458687/'><em><strong>Leafs devastated by death of GM’s son</strong></em></a> (The Globe and Mail)</li> </ul> <br/></div>MichaelMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13184186505407481351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6781707558874079022.post-51545873626407360932010-02-06T07:34:00.001-08:002010-02-06T07:34:10.282-08:00Primary Blog Back Up and Running<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p class='tags'><a rel='tag' href='http://www.technorati.com/tag/blogging'>blogging</a>,<a rel='tag' href='http://www.technorati.com/tag/personal website'>personal website</a></p> <p align='justify'>Friends who've followed my blogs in the past know this blog is only really used as a backup because of the limited ability to include some of the media and widgets that I sometimes like to include.</p> <p align='justify'>(Basically, this site is used when my primary blog is down.)<em> That has unfortunately been the case</em><em> since around November of last year</em> but because of the holidays, unemployment and a myriad of personal issues that have precluded me from addressing the issue and/or really even focusing on writing.. well, it just hasn't been resolved until recently. </p> <p align='justify'>As some of you may be aware, old blog was parked on www.n1spirit.com (my old personal web site). </p> <p align='justify'>That site is no longer up and running because the service provider (Hostonce.com) failed to notify me of a problem with my billing information in time to prevent service interruption. Give the numerous other issues I had with the service levels provided by Hostonce, I decided not to renew and instead open an account with GoDaddy.com (which I've been happy with <em>thus</em> far). </p> <p align='justify'>The name of my new web site is <a href='http://quipsnquills.com'>http://quipsnquills.com</a> and my PRIMARY blog is up and running there.</p> <p align='justify'>For those who may be wondering "why two blogs, a primary and a backup?" here is my answer. The primary blog allows me more control over formatting and the overall look. I am also able to include widgets and media that is sometimes simply impossible here on blogspot. This is a great place to park a backup site but either I haven't mastered its intricacies yet (which is a given in my opinion) or it just isn't possible to do everything I'd like to do here.</p> <p align='justify'>The upside to blogspot is that I expect the domain to be around for a long time to come and were I to pass on unexpectedly, at least I can rest easy that my presence HERE will likely survive long after my the contract for my primary site is expired and it no longer is available to the public.</p> <p align='justify'><em>Anyway, the new PRIMARY BLOG </em> <em> includes all but a few [blog] entries that I'd not backed up in time late last year. </em>It may be accessed at the following address:</p> <p align='center'><a href='http://quipsnquills.com/wordpress'><strong>http://quipsnquills.com/wordpress</strong></a></p> <p align='justify'>I hope that you will follow me on "Quips and Quills" and offer my apologies to anyone who has been missing me. Just know that we are now back up and running in full force. Do enjoy the ride!</p> <p>Namaste,<br/> Michael (N1Spirit) <br/> </p></div>MichaelMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13184186505407481351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6781707558874079022.post-13167595865927864562010-02-06T05:13:00.000-08:002010-02-20T17:55:03.434-08:00Best Things About Being Gay<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p class='tags'><a rel='tag' href='http://www.technorati.com/tag/Gay'>Gay</a>,<a rel='tag' href='http://www.technorati.com/tag/Humor'>Humor</a></p><p align='justify'>Unlike one of my younger friends (who is also gay), I tend to write about gay topics more often --- or at least make comparisons to how I, as a gay middle-aged man, might feel about something from the perspective of my being gay. <shrugs> Meh! Sometimes, it's just all in fun ... like today's blog entry.</p> <p align='justify'>Althought some of the "reasons" identified in this entry may seem 'spot-on' with others who are gay, it is an attempt at humor. Nothing more, nothing less... </p> <p>Enjoy!<br/> Michael</p> <p><strong>The Ten Best things about being gay Are:</strong></p> <ul> <li>No unexpected pregnancies.<br/> <br/> </li> <li>I get to set my own rules; nobody expects me to meet their (str8) expectations anymore. I don’t have to get married, settle down, raise kids, take on a mortgage – unless I want to.<br/> <br/> </li> <li>It has taught me to think for myself and be independent from others’ opinions. I don’t walk around with my finger in their noses, why should I walk around with my head in their opinions?<br/> <br/> </li> <li>It’s easier to save money: no wife, no kids, no school payments, etc.<br/> <br/> </li> <li>Since I am not tied down with family obligations, I have more time to travel, to study, to be with people I want to be with, to learn what I want to learn.<br/> <br/> </li> <li>I can be *friends* with members of the opposite sex, without the added pressure of being expected make it a sexual relationship.<br/> <br/> </li> <li>That once you come out, you discover who your true friends were in the first place, and those who were just playing along.<br/> <br/> </li> <li>It has taught me never to judge a book by its cover, and never to believe in stereotypes.<br/> <br/> </li> <li>After I came out, I realized that being gay was not my problem, and it never was – it was other people’s problem all that time – and it’s all in their narrow-minded heads.<br/> <br/> </li> <li>Being able to look at hot guys and just enjoy looking. My str8 male friends can’t do that (or at least, they won’t admit it!). </li> </ul> <p>Feel free to add your own to the list! LOL. <br/> </p></div>MichaelMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13184186505407481351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6781707558874079022.post-32040455269307331192010-02-03T11:10:00.000-08:002010-02-06T08:23:34.375-08:00A Blog Worth Following<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p class='tags'><a rel='tag' href='http://www.technorati.com/tag/Friend'>Friend</a>,<a rel='tag' href='http://www.technorati.com/tag/Blog'>Blog</a>,<a rel='tag' href='http://www.technorati.com/tag/Fellow Blogger'>Fellow Blogger</a>,<a rel='tag' href='http://www.technorati.com/tag/Family'>Family</a></p> <p align='justify'>This blog entry is dedicated to a much younger friend (he turns 22 on April 26th of this year), Michael. I could never say enough about this young man; what he has gone through and how tremendously well he has responded to his own demons. His life has not been an easy one but if you will take the time to share in his journey, by following the blogs he will (in time) share with his readers you will benefit greatly... </p> <p align='right'>— Loving regards,<br/> Michael</p> <p align='justify'><strong>To Mikey:</strong></p> <p align='justify'><em>(First off, I want you to be certain to allow David, your other loving half, to read what I am about to say. If you will do this I'm confident he will reiterate, telling you that everything I've given you credit for here is well-deserved!)</em></p> <p align='justify'>You've shared enough since we became friends, for me to understand just why you feel as you do about MySpace… Furthermore, anyone who "knows you" who is unwilling to give you the benefit of the doubt and understand that you have had good reasons for your actions, does not deserve your friendship. <em>(I am, of course talking about your priorities of recent which have resulted in your not being able to spend as much time staying in touch with your Internet friends. IF they are friends, they will understand.) </em> </p> <p align='justify'>I'm hopeful you will find a way to integrate your journal entries here now that you have established an Internet presence; entries I am convinced have the power to benefit many!!! </p> <p align='justify'>As for litigation and the possibility your online activities will be monitored, I don't know what to say besides, "Fuck them!"</p> <p align='justify'>I know that such language is quite unlike me (<em>when you and I are exchanging messages anyway</em>) but given what you have shared and knowing you as I do it seems quite unfair that such a loving child of God has to endure this b.s. all these long years later. It angers me to the point that I want to put my fist through a wall — or through the faces of those who have caused you all of this stress.</p> <p align='justify'>Okay, enough about that… Those bastards don't deserve the additional attention so instead let me proceed by saying:</p> <p align='justify'>You know that I care about you like a much-younger brother—not because of what is on the outside but because of the beauty that is found deep within. I find it humorous you would warn others to "hang on because it's going to be a 'rough' ride." Simply put, nothing about you is "rough."<em><strong> It will assuredly be a "bumpy" ride, however with both highs and lows</strong></em> as you share your thoughts on different subject matters and [especially] as you share with others those experiences that have helped to mold you into the loving young man you are today. That is part of your charm, Mikey; your ability to get real, to get serious and to say what you think in such a way as to provoke real thought from those who are blessed to enjoy your company. </p> <p align='justify'>You are reserved with your oratory affections (I understand) but I offer this observation for those who (1) take the time to read the introduction that appears at the top of your blog, and (2) are prepared to follow your blog. That observation would be:</p> <blockquote> <p align='justify'><strong>"Michael is a loving, grounded soul that does not suffer fools lightly (despite playful metaphors). Should you make the decision to follow his blog, know that he is a young man but he is an "old soul." He is compassionate, giving and forgiving to a fault. If you take the time to visit his blog regularly, as entries are published, you will be blessed to hear from a man who speaks from his heart. What he shares with his readers is honesty; a frankness that is expressed with a voice that is both unique and beautiful<u> </u><em>("Mikey" is exceptional at drawing his reader in, in such a way s/he is both entertained AND educated!)</em>. In short, the time you spend reading Michael's blog will be rewarded many times over by the "Love" he has to share with his readers."</strong></p> </blockquote> <p align='justify'>You blushing yet, Michael?! ROFL!!! For those reading, Mikey does not always know how to take heartfelt compliments. I hear that he blushes easily and unmercifully! (and it gives me great pleasure sometimes to give him cause to do so). :p </p> <p align='justify'>But seriously, you deserve every word of what I've written and just know that I'm thrilled that David will be able to spend the four months with you in Bali (<em>though I'm not quite certain Bali is PREPARED for what is about to be unleashed upon them</em>)! LOL. *<em><strong>facepalm</strong></em>*</p> <p align='justify'>In closing, let me [again] just say that I love ya, buddy. At such a young age you are an inspiration for myself and for others. You <em><strong>certainly</strong></em> should not have had to suffer the disrespect you have endured but your drive to persevere and survive in the face of such struggles, and to do so with honor and in such a way that you are capable of freely giving of yourself and your time; these are things which I admire and love you for. I know that you have often said that <em>you </em>are the lucky one, for having David in your life. Let me say (and he will agree) that David is a very fortunate young man to have you in his life — and as I have always said, your mother and the rest of your family are very special in my eyes as well. My heart goes out to each of them in turn. </p> <p align='justify'>Hugs, love and all my best to you as you continue along your journey.</p> <p align='justify'>Namaste,<br/> Michael in Dallas ;-)</p> <p align='center'>~^~.^.~^~</p> <blockquote> <p align='justify'>For those wishing to follow Michael's blog (which is titled "<strong>Let Me Tell You What I Think</strong>"), please follow the link provided below.</p> </blockquote> <p align='center'><a href='http://michaelm0426.blogspot.com/'><strong>http://michaelm0426.blogspot.com/</strong></a> </p> <blockquote> <p align='justify'>His blog presence on the Internet is fairly new so please give him the time necessary to upload whatever entries he already has prepared, as well as blogs about current events in his life. But if you will be patient and wait for the work, <strong><em>you will NOT be disappointed!</em></strong> He's a master story-teller (and by that I only mean to suggest he can take a subject and write about it in such a way that even the dullest of topics can be interesting). Yes, perhaps I am biased. Is that really a bad thing? LOL </p> <p align='justify'>If you take the time to follow him I think you will find that everything I've said about Michael is true. </p> </blockquote> <p align='justify'><br/> </p></div>MichaelMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13184186505407481351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6781707558874079022.post-10797596299435754572009-03-06T00:29:00.000-08:002009-03-06T06:01:25.955-08:00Judging Something Good or Bad<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><div align='justify'>It seems I’m up and about for the day (it began early, about 4:30 a.m. – oh well). Sleep disorder has been one of the things I’ve had to cope with since being laid off from my job with LandAmerica back in December of ’08. Sometimes my schedule just gets all turned around because I might worry about the future, how to pay the bills when savings and unemployment run out, etc. It’s during these times that my mind just won’t shut off and I end up staying up late (or even through the night) to make some headway on reworking my website or searching for jobs. When that happens I must grab sleep when I can so it turns out the middle of the day is the moment of availability… Then a vicious cycle begins. Fortunately I’ve been feeling exhausted enough by 8:30 in the evening that I’ve been having no trouble getting to sleep. Only problem is I then wake up a couple of times through the night; mostly just to use the “little boys room” (you know, the facilities .. LOL) and then I’m headed back to sleep, hopefully for the rest of the night. </div> <p align='justify'>This morning I woke up [again] around 4:30 and figured, “oh well, might as well research some things I want to work out regarding WordPress.” That’s the software I’m implementing so that I can host my blogs from my own site rather than be at the mercy of whomever (i.e. Blogspot or Myspace). There is one problem I’m having which makes me hesitate to move ALL of my blogs over to <a href='http://www.n1spirit.com/blog/'>my site on WordPress</a> – and that’s connecting to the site via Adobe’s Contribute software (but I’ll [hopefully] figure it out in time). Meanwhile, while checking out some of the nifty new videos on Wordpress.tv I stumbled across a reference to this website by <a href='http://annychih.com/'>Anny Chih</a>. She’s pursuing a job as <a href='http://islandreefjob.com/shortlisted-applicants/watch/_-mqrnT9It8'>Caretaker</a> of the islands of the <a href='http://www.greatbarrierreef.org/'>Great Barrier Reef</a> and has been shortlisted (along with 49 other candidates) for the position. Anny seems like a nice girl … um, okay “lady.” She posted a blog this morning about some email she received from someone who is apparently not so nice however. They were using the opportunity to insult her for her nationality. Sad really, that we as humans sometimes get so caught up in the events of what we’ve experienced in our own lives that we allow those experiences to bring out the worst in us. My recommendation to Anny is simply to not let this detractor’s form of vitriol distract her from her own goals and dreams. </p> <p align='justify'>Here’s a link to Anny's <a href='http://annychih.com/the-best-job-in-the-world/sometimes-the-best-things-in-the-world-bring-out-the-worst-in-people/'>blog entry</a> as well as my own comment to same.</p> <table border='0' cellpadding='5' cellspacing='5' width='100%'> <tr valign='top'> <td valign='top' width='2%'> </td> <td bgcolor='#1F3948' valign='top' width='98%'><h2 align='justify'>My Comment:</h2> <p align='justify'>"I’m really sorry you had that experience. Yes, sometimes good things bring out the worst in people. As much as I’d like to say humans are not, people are often very self-serving. There is always another side to the coin however and it is that side I choose to focus on rather than the people who appear to embody the worst humanity has to offer. Don’t let this person’s response to your page bring you down or deter you from your goal(s). Everybody has rubbish in their lives and how they choose to respond to the rubbish will play a part in defining who they’ll ultimately become. The one who sent you that email obviously has allowed something to affect them in such a way that they have become resentful (in this case, of an entire race of people). That’s really sad but it’s their choice to do so and though they chose to interact with you in such a negative way, it doesn’t mean you have to allow it to become anything more than a blip on the radar of life for yourself. While it may be difficult to do so, don’t judge their comments as good or bad; just acknowledge that it happened and move forward. In so doing you refuse to allow THEIR baggage to attach to your own experience (life) and weigh you down. I wish you the best in your travels and hope you achieve what you’ve set out to achieve. —Michael</p> <p align='justify'><strong>P.S.</strong> Don’t for a moment think I’ve been successful in applying this approach to my own life “every waking moment.” *laughs-gently* I’ve had some rather harsh experiences with an ex (including consequences such as his infecting me with HIV) and there are times when it takes a great deal of effort for me to simply acknowledge what has happened and move forward. It takes practice, effort and [sometimes] the gift of time."</p></td> </tr> </table> <p align='justify'>Some might question where I’m coming from with such advice (given my own experiences with an abusive ex). Also I must admit that one of my more recent blog entries might give one cause to think I myself harbor some resentment toward persons of a foreign nationality. Perhaps to some degree the majority of us DO fight such feelings and I readily admit that the events of 9-11 did affect my opinions of the Middle East (and sadly, still do to this day). However, the blog in question which makes reference to the levels of foreign aid by the U.S. was intended to be only a wakeup call to American citizens that we need to jog our priorities a little bit and start taking care of some of the problems within our own borders. We can’t do that effectively and still play the role of savior to all of the other countries in around the globe.</p> <p align='justify'>At any rate, the intent of my comment is you can give in to another’s hate and anger and let them win by focusing on what THEY did – or you can see their actions for what they truly are and dismiss them as insignificant in the broader scheme of things. Of course, it is not always easy to disregard the rants and tirades of a detractor but with practice you can and you’ll be all the better for having done so.</p> <p align='justify'><strong>A little background</strong>: When I left my ex in 2001 I later enrolled in a meditation retreat (which would interestingly enough begin shortly after the events of 9-11). The focus of the retreat was on <a href='http://www.dhamma.org/'>Vipassana Meditation</a>. Vipassana means “to see things as they really are” and is one of India’s most ancient techniques of meditation. Regardless of one’s feelings toward the Middle East a person can benefit from the calming techniques inherent to this form of mediation (in my opinion). </p> <p align='justify'>The retreat and its teachings did seem to help me then and I’ve come to realize I need to again apply the lessons I learned back then. It’s amusing how we can all be knocked off our guard when everything in our lives seems to be moving along without any effort of our own; when money becomes the focus because of a job that has begun to pay more than we’ve previously made – and all of a sudden the job is gone. It’s kind of like “God” is for all too many people. When the events of their lives are going great thoughts of a higher power are nowhere in sight but as soon as they become riddled with stress and rife, who do they turn to? Don’t pretend it doesn’t happen. I’ve observed this in my own life many times … or perhaps I’m not as strong as most in this world (I don’t really believe that to be the case, however).</p> <p align='justify'>Folks, we appear to be entering into some VERY trying times given the current state of the economy and the number of people being laid off from their jobs. Now is certainly the time to learn how to cope with stress and difficulty if there was ever a time to do so.</p> <p>Blessings and Light,<br/> Michael<br/> </p></div>MichaelMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13184186505407481351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6781707558874079022.post-27679284513043283512009-03-05T13:42:00.001-08:002009-03-05T13:52:47.523-08:00Ever failing economy and still we send more $$ overseas<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ws5DWIhudcAKhD8FLicPi3WRYnj8fLPoTXEClbKdBw4Z0Qr83MXs3uCdsmPiUtzBAvWRVvJDgFZTdwyhqw-GOH5ztr3wbzr2fyBXGiNxCxpdcF4m2qALEF1XP4YQYjG-Bc1xSCZnNgCB/s1600-h/Michael_2005.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309824074126792066" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 100px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 120px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ws5DWIhudcAKhD8FLicPi3WRYnj8fLPoTXEClbKdBw4Z0Qr83MXs3uCdsmPiUtzBAvWRVvJDgFZTdwyhqw-GOH5ztr3wbzr2fyBXGiNxCxpdcF4m2qALEF1XP4YQYjG-Bc1xSCZnNgCB/s320/Michael_2005.jpg" border="0" /></a> <div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p align="justify">The way I see it other nations look upon the U.S. as a great place to go when asking for assistance but when it comes time for those countries to repay us for all we've done they are nowhere to be found. Japan has benefited in more ways than I can describe (in part because of past aggressions which resulted in the institution of Article nine of its Constitution, prohibiting the country from maintaining land, sea and air forces). Though no “formal agreement” was ever in place whereby Japan officially relied on the United States for its defense — the continued presence of our troops over there cannot be mistaken as anything but… </p><p align="justify">Then there are our neighbors to the south who simply cannot seem to get a handle on the drug production and trafficking which continues to spill over the borders, creating more and more serious problems for our own country. While I’ve no doubt there is a lot of corruption, some at the highest levels of government, here within the U.S. I have less confidence in the politics of Mexico. </p><p align="justify">Let’s talk about the dollars that are being spent in Israel. Click <a href="http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/US-Israel/U.S._Assistance_to_Israel1.html">here</a> to see a <a href="http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/US-Israel/U.S._Assistance_to_Israel1.html">breakdown of how much money</a> has been “loaned” as compared to how much was given as “grants” to the country for military and economic purposes. Will we ever be repaid? I’m doubtful… We gave Israel $2,340 million (that’s almost $2.5 billion folks!) in 2007 alone to benefit their Israel's military, an additional $120 million in economic aid and another $40 million for the resettling of Jewish refugees.) </p><p align="justify">The aid we’ve given (and continue to give) to <a href="http://www.fas.org/asmp/profiles/aid/aidindex.htm">Israel and Egypt</a> is for the most part just a reward for the cold peace in 1979. I have a difficult time believing what we’ve seen coming out of the Middle East is “peace.” Furthermore, if those in the Middle East sincerely believe theirs is a climate of peace then perhaps we could do far better spending our hard-earned dollars elsewhere — like here at home. </p><p align="justify">Of course we could always take a moment to talk about <a href="http://chinaaid.org/2009/02/26/bob-fu-speaks-at-press-conference-today-regarding-secretary-of-state-clinton’s-controversial-remarks-on-human-rights-in-china/">China</a>. They do after all hold human rights in such high regard (sarcasm intended). Personally speaking, I am simply tired of seeing our country rushing in all of the time to police the affairs of the rest of the world when all it gets us is their disdain and uses up resources which could be put (in my opinion) to better use right here within our own borders. I’ve argued before that we’re a country founded on variety, ingenuity and opportunities. That we have flourished BECAUSE of our open borders and welcoming arms, but… I believe it is high time to say “enough is enough” and start handling our own affairs. It’s also time to close the loopholes which give tax incentives to those businesses that are quick to take jobs out of the USA and outsource to other countries.</p><p align="justify">It is time that American citizens stopped bickering amongst themselves long enough to take an active interest in just how our tax dollars are being spent and where the loyalties of this great nation lie. If we don’t… Well, I’m afraid that the future will be very bleak indeed. We are already experiencing trying times with an economy in deep distress … as more and more are being laid off from their jobs every day. When do we stand up and say, “Enough!”?</p><p align="justify">Just wondering.</p></div>MichaelMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13184186505407481351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6781707558874079022.post-22845568138636098632009-03-04T00:43:00.001-08:002009-03-04T00:43:37.169-08:00Adobe Contribute CS3<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p align='justify'>I have no idea what this is going to look like when I go and view it from the web browser. /laughs/ Okay, let me explain. I awoke this evening after having gone to bed exhausted at about 8:30 or nine; couldn’t get back to sleep right away and decided to check a couple of things on the computer. Stumbled across an application that came with my copy of Adobe Master Collection (CS3, not the new CS4 version) called Adobe Contribute and thought to myself, “What does THIS do?” Ya, I’m inquisitive – it’s how I believe we continue to learn on the computer. Through experimenting and never being afraid of pressing F1 for the online Help. LOL!</p> <p align='justify'>Well, apparently it is kind of a scaled down version of Dreamweaver (which I use for making changes to my website) but it also allows you to connect to, edit and publish new pages on online blogs. Cool.</p> <p align='justify'>So this is the first entry I’ve made using this software, thus my comment about not knowing what it’s going to look like in the end. I’ll know soon though. Here goes!</p> <p>Hugs and best wishes to all,<br/> Michael</p></div>MichaelMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13184186505407481351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6781707558874079022.post-51903282047488433742008-03-13T09:57:00.000-07:002010-02-06T06:41:26.217-08:00Montebello High School ("Teaching the ingrates!")<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p class='tags'><a href='http://www.technorati.com/tag/foreign' rel='tag'>foreign</a>,<a href='http://www.technorati.com/tag/illegals' rel='tag'>illegals</a>,<a href='http://www.technorati.com/tag/national' rel='tag'>national</a>,<a href='http://www.technorati.com/tag/ungrateful' rel='tag'>ungrateful</a></p> <p>(When this entry was originally posted it appeared that all of the photos shown below were taken at Montebello High and that all of the students involved were <em>from Montebellow High School</em>. As so often as is the case, appearances can and often are deceiving. I've left the post intact since my feelings really have not changed with regard to the REAL students who were involved in this protest. However, you may also wish to go to the <a href='http://urbanlegends.about.com/library/bl_mexican_flag.htm'>Urban Legends</a> website, which more accurately explains what happened on this day.)</p> <p>I’m posting this because I’m so sick and tired of others coming in and going to work illegally, not paying any taxes and then benefiting from government programs and/or assistance they never paid a dime in to help form. You doubt me? What happens when the illegal alien gets hurt, opting to go to the county hospital where he or she is not turned away (free treatment at the taxpayer’s expense)? NOT to mention numerous other federal benefits some illegal’s manage to scam out of the government, all paid for by those of us who DO pay taxes.</p> <p>Screw them. I say send all the illegal aliens back home (with their kids if need be), lock down the borders and start patrolling “effectively” – preventing ALL who attempt to come across illegally from doing so. I’ve had it with crap like this.</p> <p>Do not misunderstand. I believe America is a melting pot of many different nationalities – and should remain as such. BUT, I also believe once you are here [LEGALLY], your first priority should be to start blending in. Learn the English language and SPEAK it in public! Don’t expect the rest of us to bend to the traditions of your own nation of origin. Don’t expect us to give your children a public education using books written in the language native to your land, by instructors speaking YOUR language. (If that is your desire, stay where you are! We, in America, speak English! Learn the damn language or get the hell out! It’s that simple!)</p> <p>Our forefathers gave their blood and their lives to pay for the freedoms you so easily take for granted. If your heritage takes precedence over the freedoms you enjoy here in America, then get out and go embrace your heritage in your native lands. …because I, for one, am sick and tired of seeing a country I am proud of, and proud to be a PART of, bending to the whims of a bunch of self-centered, ungrateful pricks who aren’t willing to give thanks for the freedoms they began to enjoy the moment they crossed over our borders.</p> <p style='text-align:center;'><strong>Wondering what motivated me to write this blog? Keep reading…</strong></p> <hr/> <p>I guess they already finished their English homework!!! Montebello High School in California. You will not see this heart-stopping photo on the front page of the NY Times or on the lead story of the major news networks.</p> <p>The protestors put up the Mexican flag over the American flag flying upside down at Montebello High School in California</p> <p align='center'><a href='http://quipsnquills.com/n1spirit/images/blogimgs/mont_01.jpg'><img height='150' width='150' src='http://quipsnquills.com/n1spirit/images/blogimgs/mont_01-150x150.jpg'/></a><a href='http://quipsnquills.com/n1spirit/images/blogimgs/mont_02.jpg'><img src='http://quipsnquills.com/n1spirit/images/blogimgs/mont_02-150x150.jpg' width='150' height='150'/></a><br/> <a href='http://quipsnquills.com/n1spirit/images/blogimgs/mont_03.jpg'><img src='http://quipsnquills.com/n1spirit/images/blogimgs/mont_03-150x150.jpg' width='150' height='150'/></a><a href='http://quipsnquills.com/n1spirit/images/blogimgs/mont_04.jpg'><img src='http://quipsnquills.com/n1spirit/images/blogimgs/mont_04-150x150.jpg' width='150' height='150'/></a></p> <p>I predict this stunt will be the nail in the coffin of any guest-worker/ amnesty plan on the table in Washington. The image of the American flag subsumed to another and turned upside down on American soil is already spreading on Internet forums and via e-mail.</p> <p>Pass this along to every American citizen in your address books and to every representative in the state and federal government. If you choose to remain uninvolved, do not be amazed when you no longer have a nation to call your own nor anything you have worked for left since it will be ‘redistributed’ to the activists while you are so peacefully staying out of the ‘fray’. Check history, it is full of nations/empires that disappeared when its citizens no longer held their core beliefs and values. One person CAN make a difference.</p> <p>One plus one plus one plus one plus one plus one……..</p> <p>The battle for our secure borders and immigration laws that actually mean something, however, hasn’t even begun.</p> <p><strong>If this ticks YOU off…PASS IT ON!<br/> (If it doesn’t it should.)<br/> </strong></p></div>MichaelMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13184186505407481351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6781707558874079022.post-51066961171866236072008-03-07T23:51:00.000-08:002010-02-06T05:51:58.497-08:00Do you know the person you're sleeping with?<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p class='tags'><a rel='tag' href='http://www.technorati.com/tag/Relationships'>Relationships</a></p> <p>As I was preparing for a night out this evening, soaking in the tub, my mind began to wander (as it often does!) I was thinking about how best to put into words an observation regarding “relationships” (be they romance or simply a relationship between two friends). I was going back over my own track record, whereas boyfriends and LTR’s were involved. I’ve made disastrous decisions regarding the latter but most of you already knew that. ;-) </p> <p>My hope is that anybody who takes the time to read this will really hear the message and [hopefully] not make some of the same mistakes I have made. You may still make them – but I hope you’ll be saved some of the heartache I’ve put myself through over the years.</p> <p>So here we go.</p> <p>When a person first starts seeing another person both parties are [usually] on their best behavior. We don’t really get to see all of the wonderfully, unique “flaws” which make our counterpart the person he or she is. I don’t know about you but I’VE never passed gas around somebody I’ve just begun dating. Have you? (Of course, ask a couple whose been together for twenty years if their partner ever farts in the bed and I’ll bet you get a resounding “YES!” …and they’d be LYING if they said “no.” LOL)</p> <p>Okay, anyway…</p> <p>The point is nobody really ordinarily puts all of their cards on the table the first time you pull up and deal the hand. In fact, you’d be lucky if they EVER did! We each have our little secrets; those things of which we’re embarrassed and we’d just “die” if our boyfriend found out about. But you know what? He’s got his own stash of secrets hidden out of sight, trust me —- so get over yourself and understand that we’re all human, flaws and all. It’s what makes life worth living and God only knows it’s what keeps us amused (and interested)!</p> <p>So, you see that cute, studly hunk across the room and you think to yourself, “Wow! I’d bare HIS children!” (or some variation thereof). You ask your friends, “Do you know him? Do you know somebody who knows him? I’m gonna get to KNOW him! You watch.”</p> <p>…and off you go, strategizing and trying to figure out what your new “husband” is interested in. What turns him off, what turns him on, what’s his favorite position (wait, I’m getting ahead of myself) … but you get the idea. How many of you have made it a point to find out whether he’s a bottom or a top before you even know his last name? Come on, raise your hand. Shit! (raises hand) Moving on…</p> <p><strong>The point is all too often people race along at full speed, trying to get to the finish line without even taking the time to see “who it is” that’s in the race … and then they’re SURPRISED when the race is over.</strong></p> <p>They’ve made all of these wonderfully laid out plans, centered around this “other person” which are built upon a perception they have of him. But did they take the time to perceive him in a true light? Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying all of our potential boyfriends are inevitably going to lie and misrepresent themselves. They might. They’re men. (Okay, they probably will but that’s not really the point.) What I’m trying to say – and not doing a very good job of – is that all too often we don’t acknowledge the truth. We see <strong>what we want to see</strong>; not what’s before us.</p> <p>We make plans based on our perceptions and… not on what’s real. (And THEN we bitch because we’re disappointed in the outcome. Well, surprise surprise!)</p> <p>While I’ve done my fair share of joking up to this point to keep you interested and entertained, the first part of the message I’m trying to get across is simply this. “When others present themselves, believe them.” <strong>Listen to what they are saying</strong>; even if they’re trying to lead you down a path full of bullshit, the truth is there for you to hear. You just have to be willing to <strong>listen</strong>. You have to set aside your book of fairy tales and realize it isn’t always going to be a bed of roses. Even if what you hear isn’t what you <strong>want</strong> to hear, you need to hear and acknowledge it … and THEN make your plans, with your boyfriend/partner/etc. based on the truth (and move forward).</p> <p>BTW, the aforementioned quote isn’t mine. I wish I could take credit for it but I can’t. I don’t recall who she was but I’m quoting another. When I first heard the line, it rang true on so very many levels that I believe it bares repeating, “When others present themselves, believe them!”</p> <p>Okay, there’s a second part to the message I’d like to get across to those of you who are already IN established relationships (Note to self: I did not say “dead, boring, dried up, non-sexual or embittered! {grins} j/k)</p> <p>My second observation is this. “Don’t go LOOKING for trouble (unless you truly want ‘verification’ of what you’re suspecting)!” You will find it! This may seem every bit as confusing as my earlier observation/message so bear with me for a moment.</p> <p>The mind is VERY powerful. Just as you can fool yourself into thinking the stud across the room is perfect in every way and has a twelve-inch … um, changing course… Just as you can convince yourself he’s perfect with nary a flaw, so too can you find “convincing” evidence (if that’s what you desperately want to believe) to support whatever suspicions you are sleuthing on about! I’m not saying to IGNORE your intuition or gut feeling… not at all. I’ve written much about paying attention to your intuition in the past. No, what I’m saying is “be real.” If you believe something isn’t right, fine, pay closer attention to what is going on in your life. If your boyfriend isn’t being truthful with you about something that’s really important to you (because he knows you’d bust his balls if you discovered the truth) … be patient, the truth WILL eventually come out. You just need to be willing to “listen” and “hear” it when it does!</p> <p>That said, don’t go “constructing” the truth to fit your “perceptions” if you aren’t basing what you believe on evidence and fact.</p> <p>After all, he might have just been getting a tattoo of a ruler on his … um, tally whacker … to surprise you with during the next night of your lovemaking and that was why he had to get a hard on, on, for the cute guy in the [tattoo] shop next door. (Should this turn out to be the case, just humor him and let him believe that “yes, it really is in scale for a full 12 inches dear!” and move on. It’ll be healthier for your relationship. Hell, if he really BELIEVES he’s hung like a horse he might start fucking like one! Oh, did I say that out loud? {Grimaces} )</p> <p>So, to recap quickly: (1) Listen, and (2) Don’t go looking for trouble if it’s going to result in your constructing some sort of false scenario you really believe to be the case but which isn’t. (You can convince yourself of anything you truly want to convince yourself of. Really. The mind is that powerful.)</p> <p>I’m done. Goodnight. :D <br/> </p></div>MichaelMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13184186505407481351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6781707558874079022.post-42921118680482897462008-02-09T23:43:00.000-08:002010-02-06T05:45:01.139-08:00Ever feel like a number?<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p class='tags'><a rel='tag' href='http://www.technorati.com/tag/dreams'>dreams</a>,<a rel='tag' href='http://www.technorati.com/tag/Relationships'>Relationships</a>,<a rel='tag' href='http://www.technorati.com/tag/romance'>romance</a></p> <p>The following is just something I put up on an online service earlier this week (you know the kind— online dating). {groans} LOL!!! At any rate, this may give you a little more insight into the kind of guy I am – as well as what kind of guy might interest me when it comes to dating (or more)…</p> <p><strong>About Myself</strong></p> <p>What to say that’ll make you like me! How about if we just keep it real and if you like what you hear, great; if you don’t, you can simply move on, no hard feelings.</p> <p>I’m not always the most courageous guy on the block but I have my values which I try hard to uphold. (And if anybody threatens someone I love or care deeply about, well, hell hath no fury… you get the picture.) I suppose my philosophy on objects is that while the material things in life are nice to have around – you can’t take them with you. I’ve made a lot of money and I’ve lost it all and basically, what I’ve learned is this. When my ticket is called the only thing that’ll matter is “how will I see myself when that day arrives?”</p> <p><strong>On the day I die (<em>many years from now – I hope</em>!)…</strong></p> <p>Will I think of myself as one who embraced life, seizing opportunities to make every moment count – or as somebody who ‘floated through, unwilling to cause even the slightest ripple in the pond; to make any kind of an impact or leave even the smallest of legacies? Will I be a man of substance; someone who was willing to be a friend to others, able to be counted upon — or just another face in the crowd who’s only interest was “what’s in it for me?” Will family have played a major role in my life – or will my family really even know me? Will I be missed by those I leave behind? Did I take the time to tell those whom I care about … that I truly love and care for them?</p> <p>I’m a hopeless Romantic. I have strong opinions and I think I have pretty good values. Even so, I try not to judge others when their own values/opinions differ from my own. It’s true we are all a part of the community of man but we are also individuals. We’re entitled to reach for our own dreams and live our own lives according to our values. Also, we each have crosses to bear and vices to feed (we’re not perfect). But… each of us can (and should) take the time to touch another’s life in some small way; to do things every now and again, for somebody else, without any expectation of personal gain.</p> <p><strong>My Hobbies… </strong></p> <p>Include camping and getting out on the lake on my Sea Doo. I absolutely love nature and if I ever won the lottery you can bet your [butt] I’d buy about 300 acres (upon which I’d build my own version of paradise, building a spacious, comfortable log cabin right in the middle of it all). I enjoy people, as well, so I suppose such a place could become a bed and breakfast. Getting away to nature is what keeps me sane (if you want to think of me as being so). I mean, what better way is there to commune with God or Spirit than to remove yourself from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, to enjoy the natural wonders this world has to offer?</p> <p>I also enjoy writing poetry and a bit of photography. Some of my poetry has been published but I wouldn’t make a big deal of it. (I think it was more of a scam to get me to purchase one of their books. LOL! That said, the poem, imo, was quite good.) I’m proud of my photography, as well.</p> <p><strong>Who I’d Like To Meet </strong></p> <p>You don’t have to be hopelessly romantic yourself (but I certainly won’t stop you). You should have strong family values and be willing to put yourself out there; for yourself, your loved ones and others. You needn’t be “Mother Theresa” but shouldn’t be selfish either. I’m not interested in narcissistic personalities. If you’re only cute and hunky… you might be a pleasant distraction but if you aren’t participating in life for some of the right reasons we probably won’t date for long. I find myself attracted to younger guys … I don’t know why that is. Maybe I’m attracted to a younger man’s zest for life – but I’m open to a serious relationship with someone my own age (supposing you “live” life). We never know how much time life will afford us; one has to make every moment count for as much as he or she can.</p> <p>Basically, Life is intended (imo) to be enjoyed so enjoy it for God’s sake!</p> <p><strong>Commitment/Compromise </strong></p> <p>Some people think, when they’re in a relationship, that they belong on a pedestal (or that they should put their partner on one). If I meet and fall in love with someone, sure, he’ll be my Number #1. The person I’ll think about during those lulls at the office and the one I’ll happily come home to every night, without fail or delay. But, I’ll know he’s a person just as I am; just as prone to making mistakes as I can be. (We’re only human, after all. Neither of us needs to be held to expectations we’re inevitably going to fall short of. We will likely have moments when one will disappoint the other. When that happens, we talk about it and move past, forgiving and looking toward the future.) Communication is key!</p> <p>Any special person in my life should never have cause to question my feelings for him. I’m not afraid to express my love; he shouldn’t be either. Goes back to being a romantic, I suppose.</p> <p>I don’t expect fireworks at first sight, but if the attraction heats up it’d be nice to know we’re both working toward something long-term. If you’ve problems committing, you should say so up front. I won’t hold it against you but it’s always nice to know where one stands, in the grand scheme of things. If the dating does [eventually] work into something long-term, know that monogamy is the ONLY word in my dictionary. If you’re a slut, keep walking. {laughs}</p> <p>This is probably as good a place as any to mention I’m HIV-positive. It’s part of the reason why I’m insistent on monogamy. Right after I ended my last serious relationship, I discovered my partner of 6.5 years had been lying to me about his own HIV status. For lack of discussion, just know I accepted him at his word and as a result, made some bad decisions while he and I were together. Those decisions led to my being infected with the virus. I’m healthy now but others should be aware of this up front. To some, it’s a deal breaker. To those who are better informed, it’s a matter of me being honest about my health status; one which precludes anything BUT safe sex. Just know that I won’t stand for behavior by anyone I care for (we’re talking “boyfriends” here) which could put that person at risk of being infected. If you’re already HIV-positive, it’s a matter of taking precautions to avoid your being re-infected; if your negative, it’s a matter of keeping you this way. </p> <p style='text-align:center;'>(Oh, was that a tad bit of a let-down? Sorry..<br/> Better to get it out of the way now if it’s a deal-<br/> breaker -but on to more pleasant talk… )</p> <p>I enjoy getting together with friends but generally don’t prefer to be the “center of attention.” Anybody I’m dating can have as much or as little of the stage as he requires or desires. I won’t be competing. {winks!}</p> <p>I’m not interested in loners or total introverts (again, I enjoy spending time in social gatherings) but I also enjoy down-time. I can fully appreciate those quiet, intimate moments where we just stay in, snuggled up in front of a good movie or roaring fire. I suppose it could sometimes be said that I live for those moments, being the hopeless romantic that I am.</p> <p><strong>My Accomplishments </strong></p> <p>In the twenty+plus years since I moved to Dallas, I’ve done my fair share of dating and have had a couple of serious relationships, as well. I’m single so (obviously) the relationships failed for one reason or another. Feel free to ask why but understand that I [try] not to dwell on those periods of my life. Doing so serves no real purpose (which isn’t to say I haven’t learned from my mistakes or even that I won’t talk about them). That said, my last serious relationship was particularly difficult so be prepared to earn my trust slowly. If you enjoy playing mind games, move along (I’m simply not interested in mind games or drama).</p> <p>In closing, know this— While I lost pretty much everything seven years ago, I went on to rebuild my life. It isn’t everything I want it to be [yet] – but I’m getting there slowly and surely. Make no mistake about it, I’m not perfect but I have my self-respect. I demand no less from others; for myself as well as those I love.</p></div>MichaelMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13184186505407481351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6781707558874079022.post-54340656909536369892008-02-05T23:47:00.000-08:002010-02-06T05:48:21.638-08:00Feeling nostalgic (Thinking of Grampa Smith and Gaga)<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p class='tags'><a href='http://www.technorati.com/tag/Nostalgia' rel='tag'>Nostalgia</a>,<a href='http://www.technorati.com/tag/grandparents' rel='tag'>grandparents</a></p> <p>Well, a friend of mine got me to thinking today when he blogged about memories of his grandpa so I thought I would share a couple of memories of my own. The first is of Grandpa on Mom’s side of the family. Sadly, he was lost to me early in life when he died. The last memory I have of him is there in the hospital. I can STILL see the box planter with all of the plants within, located just next to the stairs leading up to the higher floors of the hospital.</p> <p>At any rate that wasn’t the memory I wanted to share. This grandpa liked his cigars. My cousin and I, who pretty much grew up together for the first six years of our life, would sometimes get into Grandpa’s cig stash. One day he caught us and (I think in an effort to dissuade us from smoking in the future) he made us smoke an entire cigar each. We went GREEN (and you know, I don’t think we ever did touch another cigar of his after that).</p> <p>The other memory involves us being VERY naughty. Grandpa would NEVER spank or discipline us. We were HIS boys! …Um, but one time my cousin and I sort of got a little bit out of hand when we filled up the gas tank of the lawnmower with gravel. Oh, poor Grandpa. He had to take the lawnmower apart and clean everything up. When complete, Grandpa went into the house to tell Grandma and my mom not to let us anywhere near the lawnmower again. (Meanwhile, we had gone out the back door and …. you guessed it; filled up the mower with gravel [again]. )</p> <p>I don’t understand why but Grandpa gave BOTH of us one gentle swat on the hindquarters. (You would have thought Freddy Krueger had just come after us. We went running inside to “tell on Grandpa” and let mama and Grandma know what he had done to us!) LOL!!!! I never did anything like that again, though my cousin did later try to help Grandma out by filling up her car with water. See it was always my cousin’s fault!) ;-) </p> <p align='center'>~.^oO^.~</p> <p>Now, a memory of my grandfather on the paternal (sperm-donar) side of my family. Gaga was great! Quiet but kind and loving. Most of my memories of him involve him being out in his workshop. He LOVED to work with his hands, building one thing or another. I have two cedar chests and one cedar bedside table that he built for me. (I was the first-born grandchild and … um, given a little bit of preferential treatment I s’pose. I deserved it. ;-) </p> <p>The funniest memory of Gaga involves my return with an ex-boyfriend of mine. That side of the family hadn’t [quite] figured out that their oldest grandchild was … um, shall we say it(?), GAY yet! I needed to return home to visit family and I really didn’t want to leave Charles to his own devices here in Dallas. (Long story; I have a bad reputation for picking “good” relationship material. {sigh} never mind that… back to the memory)</p> <p>So Charles and I are visiting my grand-folks. Some of my aunts and uncles (who QUICKLY figured out what the story was) were there. My grandmother and I think even my great aunt figured out the score fairly early but not Gaga!</p> <p>Charles and I had gone out front for a moment and, I’m told, Gaga was heard to say to some of the rest of my family, “I’ll bet Michael is interested in dating Charle’s sister.” LOL! Poor, sweet, misled and innocent Gaga. I am certain he is up there right now looking down on me and saying, “I’ll bet Charles DOES have a sister … who would be better for you than Charles was” (and he wouldn’t be wrong about that either – Charles was a disaster … LOL!!!) ..but I digress.</p> <p>I miss both of my Grandfathers, for different reasons. Grandpa (on Mom’s side) because I just didn’t get enough time with him and family is really important to me. I miss Gaga because; well, Gaga could be so sweet. Such a small-framed man who had not a bad word to speak about anybody. That wasn’t a trait that rubbed off on his kids, wife or sister-in-law. While I loved all of them too I (sadly) have to admit they could definately talk trash about others behind their backs. It wasn’t something I cared much for much and I let most of them know my feelings on the matter.</p> <p>That’s all for now.<br/> Best and Blessings…<br/> </p></div>MichaelMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13184186505407481351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6781707558874079022.post-70957279635869962632008-02-04T17:29:00.000-08:002010-02-06T05:41:29.623-08:00Good News Comes With a Warning From the Surgeon General<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p class='tags'><a href='http://www.technorati.com/tag/HIV' rel='tag'>HIV</a></p> <p> Today’s blog entry began as a message to a good friend of mine on myspace. (Several of you fall into that category. ;-) </p> <p>I had received some wonderful news last week but have been holding off on talking about it because… Well, I needed to verify the news. It was a bit “too” good to believe confirmation in the form of a re-test. (It has to do with my health; when you get to be an old fart of 44 it’s always your health that you find yourself talking about … well, most of the time!) That and, if you’re gay, all the cute guys that [still] catch your eye (regardless of whether you catch theirs or not). {grins}</p> <p>So… the confirmation has been made and while the news is not [quite] as astonishing as it initially seemed, it’s still astounding!</p> <p>As friends will recall, I’m HIV-positive. My ex infected me with the virus some years back unbeknownst to me. I discovered this two days after I left my partner (in early March of 2001). For now, we won’t dredge up all of the feelings of anger and betrayal I felt during those first days.</p> <p>While I am very angry with my ex for his part in all of this, the bottom line is it takes two to tango. He did lie about his status but I should have taken matters into my own hands and insisted on real proof in the form of test results (when we FIRST met!) … I didn’t. Whadda’ ya gonna do? Part of this blog entry will take the form of “advice to my friends/readers” — so if you don’t like advice, “change the channel NOW!”</p> <p style='text-align:center;'><strong>So, here begins the Story…</strong></p> <p>I was diagnosed as HIV-positive in March of 2001; I found out two days after my 38th birthday (which coincidentally was the day I left that sorry asshole ex of mine). I had gone in to be tested because I was confident I was HIV-negative and just wanted confirmation of this; a bit of expected “good” news in the face of all the shit I was and would be facing now that I’d finally made my break from an abusive relationship (6.5 years of abuse, I might add). Instead of good news, the news I received that Wednesday was … well, quite the opposite. (I remember those two hours vividly, as well as my reaction to Greg (my ex) when I first heard he had been trying to reach me. I called him back; you don’t really want to know what I had to say to him during that conversation – trust me!</p> <p>(I remember his first words in response to the news that I had just received… Never mind, I’m rambling for the moment. Let’s get to the point of this entry. If I allow myself to get side-tracked into a long discussion surrounding my ex; well, I just wouldn’t get to the real point of today’s blog entry if that’s allowed to take place.)</p> <p>My friends know I’m HIV-positive; I don’t keep it a secret. It’s not something I always talk about (because doing so reminds me of what a lousy judge of character I have been in the past – and of my own sense of failure in making good, sound judgment calls that could have prevented this story from occurring in the first place). So, I discovered I was/am HIV-positive and because of that my immune system would, as time progressed, become suppressed. I would come to be diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in late 2006. The cancer, in this case, falls into the category of “an opportunistic infection.”</p> <p>My battle with cancer was well-fought and bore favorable results. I went through chemotherapy and am now in remission, having been so since late February of 2007. However, even that is not what this entry is about.</p> <p>When they diagnosed me with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, the doctors recommended I go on meds for the HIV. I was NOT happy about this but my t-cell (CD4) count was far too low and the doctor knew the oncologist would like order a number of rounds of chemotherapy for treatment of the cancer. Such a treatment would likely suppress my immune system further.</p> <p>For those who are not well-versed on immune systems, I’ll provide you with a short lesson. Your immune system is comprised of cells that fight off infections. Those cells are called “t-cells” (commonly referred to as CD4). A healthy, non-infected person’s CD4 count can be anywhere between 1200 and 2000 (or more). Once infected with the [HIV] virus, however, your CD4 count is suppressed. Thus, your immune system and its ability to fight off infections is suppressed/hampered. My understanding is the number of CD4 cells in your system is slowly lessened/depleted because the virus makes it difficult for such cells to multiply (and the existing cells have a finite life span, so they eventually die off). As your CD4 count falls lower and lower, you become more and more susceptible to opportunistic infections.</p> <p>Once diagnosed as HIV-positive, it is imperative you be tested regularly to see what kind of shape your immune system is in. Two factors are most important; the number of copies of CD4 cells (the GOOD cells) in your system and your viral load (percentage of BAD/infected cells). Basically, your viral load is the number of copies of HIV in your system. So long as your CD4 count is high and your viral load is low, you’re in good shape. If however, your viral load goes up and your CD4 count goes down – this means your immune system is basically getting worse and you may well be facing some important decisions regarding your health at some future point in time. When I was diagnosed with the cancer, my viral load was VERY HIGH and the number of copies of CD4 cells in my system had fallen to below 300. This is why my doctor recommended I go on meds.</p> <p>As it turned out, it wasn’t the diagnosis of cancer that had me most upset. What was most upsetting was being told I needed to start a regimen of meds to boost my immune system. I remember the thoughts racing around in the back of my mind, at that time, were that “this was the beginning of the end.” (That wasn’t the case – but it was what I was thinking at the time – and it had nothing to do with the cancer.)</p> <p>The good news is the medicines HAVE been doing their job and the further out I get from having had chemotherapy (which “beats down” the number of copies of CD4 cells in your system), the more rapidly my immune system shows signs of improving (see table below).</p> <table cellspacing='0' cellpadding='2'> <tr> <td bgcolor='#660000' valign='bottom' width='19%'><strong>Date:</strong></td> <td bgcolor='#660000' valign='bottom' align='center' width='12%'><strong>CD4</strong></td> <td bgcolor='#660000' valign='bottom' width='2%'/> <td bgcolor='#660000' valign='bottom' align='center' width='14%'><strong>Viral<br/> Load</strong></td> <td bgcolor='#660000' valign='bottom' width='56%'><strong>Comments:</strong></td> </tr> <tr> <td bgcolor='#669999' valign='top' width='19%'><font color='#000000'>‘06<br/> September</font></td> <td bgcolor='#669999' valign='top' align='center' width='12%'><font color='#000000'>297</font></td> <td bgcolor='#669999' valign='top' width='2%'/><font color='#000000'> </font> <td bgcolor='#669999' valign='top' align='center' width='14%'><font color='#000000'>173,733</font></td> <td bgcolor='#669999' valign='top' width='56%'><font color='#000000'>First diagnosed w/cancer;<br/> viral load is extremely high.</font></td> </tr> <tr> <td bgcolor='#006666' valign='top' width='19%'>‘06<br/> November</td> <td bgcolor='#006666' valign='top' align='center' width='12%'>291</td> <td bgcolor='#006666' valign='top' width='2%'/> <td bgcolor='#006666' valign='top' align='center' width='14%'> 5,102</td> <td bgcolor='#006666' valign='top' width='56%'>Undergoing<br/> chemotherapy for the cancer; drop in viral load is a result of the HIV<br/> meds.</td> </tr> <tr> <td bgcolor='#669999' valign='top' width='19%'><font color='#000000'>‘07<br/> February</font></td> <td bgcolor='#669999' valign='top' align='center' width='12%'><font color='#000000'>219</font></td> <td bgcolor='#669999' valign='top' width='2%'/><font color='#000000'> </font> <td bgcolor='#669999' valign='top' align='center' width='14%'><font color='#000000'><<br/> 400</font></td> <td bgcolor='#669999' valign='top' width='56%'><font color='#000000'>Chemo<br/> continues to cause my CD4 count to drop while HIV meds lower the viral<br/> load (and provide support to immune system, preventing it from dropping<br/> more rapidly).</font></td> </tr> <tr> <td bgcolor='#006666' valign='top' width='19%'>‘07<br/> April</td> <td bgcolor='#006666' valign='top' align='center' width='12%'>256</td> <td bgcolor='#006666' valign='top' width='2%'/> <td bgcolor='#006666' valign='top' align='center' width='14%'><<br/> 400</td> <td bgcolor='#006666' valign='top' width='56%'>Chemotherapy<br/> completed. Viral load holds steady at less than 400 copies while HIV<br/> meds boost my CD4 count by 37 copies.</td> </tr> <tr> <td bgcolor='#669999' valign='top' width='19%'><font color='#000000'>‘07<br/> August</font></td> <td bgcolor='#669999' valign='top' align='center' width='12%'><font color='#000000'>302</font></td> <td bgcolor='#669999' valign='top' width='2%'/><font color='#000000'> </font> <td bgcolor='#669999' valign='top' align='center' width='14%'><font color='#000000'><<br/> 50</font></td> <td bgcolor='#669999' valign='top' width='56%'><font color='#000000'>Further<br/> distance is put between last chemotherapy session; meds continue to<br/> boost CD4 count and suppress viral load to less than 50 copies.</font></td> </tr> <tr> <td bgcolor='#006666' valign='top' width='19%'>‘08<br/> January</td> <td bgcolor='#006666' valign='top' align='center' width='12%'><strong><em>506</em></strong><br/> </td> <td bgcolor='#006666' valign='top' width='2%'/> <td bgcolor='#006666' valign='top' align='center' width='14%'><<br/> 50</td> <td bgcolor='#006666' valign='top' width='56%'>CD4<br/> count <em><strong>drastically improves</strong></em>, improving by an increase of<br/> 204 copies; viral load holds steady at less than 50.</td> </tr> </table> <p>Some may ask, “Why are you putting all of this out there for the world to see?” I’ve considered keeping it private but my problem is that FAR TOO MANY people believe HIV is no longer a real issue. I hear about the numbers of cases increasing in the straight community as well as with younger adults. Far too many believe they are not at risk. Everybody who is having sex and is uncertain of their partners HIV-status “is at risk” of being infected! I can’t stress that enough. I’m not saying “abstain from sex.” Hell, even I have a difficult time saying no to my hand …. she’s a great lover! (Okay, bad joke …. sorry.) I’m just saying “be aware!” Don’t take unnecessary chances with your health. Some of you reading this are dear and near to my heart. Some of you, on myspace, are like sons to me so as your “papa” don’t ass-u-me that the person you are sleeping with is “negative!” They may have become infected and simply don’t know – or they may be lying about their status. {sigh}</p> <p>I told a young friend of mine on myspace earlier today that before you even consider having sex without a condom – make certain that: (1) You are in committed, MONOGAMOUS relationship and (2) both you and your partner have not been infected (get tested (twice, once now and again in six weeks). Then and ONLY then can you even consider having sex with your partner without a condom.</p> <p>I know— We all want to believe the best about those whom we fall in love with but please insist on seeing test results which clearly indicate your partner is HIV negative before you even consider having unprotected sex. I know I sound like a harping old father (wish that I were) but I’d like to know my young friends are being careful and not taking unnecessary risks. I often send my hugs to you and I tell you I love you often enough but perhaps I’ve fallen a little short on impressing upon you the importance of not taking this particular risk (regarding HIV). I’d like to know you’ll be around for many years to come, enjoying life at its fullest and NOT having to be concerned about an immune system which isn’t performing fully.</p> <p>At present, a diagnosis of HIV-positive cannot be reversed – it’s my hope that you NEVER have to worry about all of the ‘what ifs’ which come along with a diagnosis of being HIV-positive. A diagnosis of “positive” isn’t the death sentence it used to be — but being “negative” damn sure beats being positive, hands down! Please be careful.</p> <p>Sorry for the lengthy entry but I wanted friends to know I’m doing much better, health-wise. I also wanted to impress upon you the importance of using good sense while still following your heart. Don’t let your guard down only to repeat my own mistakes for I did not wish to “rock the boat” (with my partner) and the consequences of that is I must live with being HIV-positive for the rest of my life. If such is not your circumstance at present – don’t make it so.<br/> </p></div>MichaelMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13184186505407481351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6781707558874079022.post-29825490813626550322007-10-23T00:31:00.000-07:002010-02-06T05:27:30.592-08:00Impeach Cheney<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><p class='tags'><a rel='tag' href='http://www.technorati.com/tag/bush'>bush</a>,<a rel='tag' href='http://www.technorati.com/tag/cheney'>cheney</a>,<a rel='tag' href='http://www.technorati.com/tag/impeach'>impeach</a>,<a rel='tag' href='http://www.technorati.com/tag/Politics'>Politics</a></p><p>Warning: This isn’t for the faint of heart. If you’re a neo-con (my sympathies) than you won’t like what you’re about to read. If you blindly follow along and buy into all the sh@t that George W. Bush, Dick Cheney and their cronies would have you believe (my sympathies) — you won’t like what you’re about to read. If you would have an entire group of people’s rights limited because their beliefs don’t quite meld with your own perspective of the world (my sympathies) — you are about to be offended. Too bad. If you fall into any of these categories than you probably won’t like what we’re about to suggest. That said, I think it’s HIGH TIME that this sort of thing took place!</p> <div align='center'> <p><a target='_blank' href='http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5dQmS16QGg&feature=PlayList&p=FB0FC80BBC279D27&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=11'>"You Lied" video as depicted on YouTube</a></p> <p align='left'><strong>What follows (below) was sent as a bulletin on myspace by a friend of mine.</strong></p> <hr/> <p style='text-align:center;'><strong>*** It’s Official! ***</strong></p> <p align='left'>Dear Friends,</p> <p align='left'>At 9 p.m. EDT, Tuesday, October 23, in a national conference call to impeachment organizers, Presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich announced he will go before the U.S. House of Representatives on a point of personal privilege to motion for the impeachment of Dick Cheney. Mr. Kucinich stated he will bring the vote forward sometime before Thanksgiving.</p> <p align='left'>Folks, NOW is the time to pressure all Congressional Democratic and Republican representatives. Tell them you will support—with your votes and contributions—only those candidates who get on board with Dennis Kucinich’s H.R. 333 to impeach Cheney. Their support gets your support. Period.</p> — PLEASE CALL NOW — <table cellpadding='5'> <tr> <td>Here are toll-free phone numbers for Congressional offices in DC: </td> </tr> </table> <table cellpadding='5'> <tr> <td> (866) 340.9281 — (866) 338.1015 — (877) 851.6437<br/> (800) 828.0498 — (800) 459.1887 — (800) 614.2803 </td> </tr> </table> <p align='left'>Don’t wait for tomorrow. Call right now, this second. Jam the Capitol switchboard with our demand to restore justice and reclaim democracy.</p> <p align='left'>What else you can do:</p> <div align='left'> <table cellpadding='5'> <tr> <td width='3%'> </td> <td width='97%'><ul> <li> <p align='justify'>Spread the word, far and wide. Forward this mail. Tell your friends, family and co-workers that we have to start a wave on Washington. Every person’s action is critical. </p> </li> <li> <p align='justify'>E-mail or write an op-ed to local and national newspapers and media outlets, including conservative venues like FOX News, The Wall Street Journal, and “National Review.” Get exposure. There’s no such thing as bad publicity. </p> </li> <li> <p align='justify'>Post the news on your favorite blogs. Be sure to suggest contacting Mr. Kucinich’s office for more details, in addition to urging FAXing letters and/or calling the numbers above to demand that your rep support impeachment—or else they won’t get your votes and dollars next year. </p> </li> <li> <p align='justify'>We are organizing a full court press on the ACLU, MoveOn, Al Gore, Bill Moyers, NPR, and the National Lawyers Guild—to support and publicize the impeachment mission. If you are connected to any of the above, contact them directly and compel them to fuel the network to impeach.</p> </li> </ul></td> </tr> </table> </div> <p align='left'>Thanks for ALL YOU CAN DO!</p> <p align='left'>Gene</p> <p align='left'>P.S. Before the conference call, I spoke with Mr. Kucinich for ten minutes. He stressed that the vote will be crushed unless there are enough voices to demand impeachment and accountability. Please let your voice be heard!</p> <div align='center'>*** </div> <p align='left'><u><strong>Reference</strong></u></p> <table cellpadding='5'> <tr> <td width='3%'> </td> <td width='97%'><p align='justify'><a href='http://www.impeachthem.com'>www.impeachthem.com</a><br/> (Watch Ralph Nader’s 3½-minute video “It’s Worse Than We Think”)</p> <p align='justify'><a href='http://www.strike08.com'>www.strike08.com</a></p> <p align='justify'><a href='http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/cheney'>www.afterdowningstreet.org/cheney</a></p> <p align='justify'><a href='http://www.worldcantwait.org'>www.worldcantwait.org</a></p></td> </tr> </table> <p align='left'>“In the beginning of a change, the patriot is a scarce man — brave, hated and scorned. When his cause succeeds, however, the timid join him, for then it costs nothing to be a patriot.”</p> <p align='left'>NOTICE: Due to Presidential Executive Orders, the National Security Agency may have read this E-mail without warning, warrant, or notice. They may do this without any judicial or legislative oversight. You have no recourse nor protection save to call for the impeachment of the President and Vice President.</p> <p align='left'><br/> </p> </div></div>MichaelMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13184186505407481351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6781707558874079022.post-8029995913753279072007-10-18T05:36:00.000-07:002009-03-08T10:53:03.837-07:00Michael Gets The "All Clear!"<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p align="justify">This has been a trying month, so to speak. I've been worried about a lady I worked with, with whom I had become fond of (as friends). She has always been a good friend to me; very gentle and loving in her nature and never had anything bad to say about anyone. While I can't really go into detail (because I'm not privy to those) I can say that she is no longer with the company and civil charges, I guess, are being brought against her as well as (I think) criminal charges. It's all about money they say. Bottom line is, I'm having a hard time believing she could be capable of what she's accused of having done. I'm not saying she didn't do it; I wouldn't have any way of knowing whether she did or didn't. Just that it strikes me as so "out of character" for who I thought she was. And it's upsetting because it either (i) represents a grave misjudgment of character on my part as to who this person really is, or (ii) a vast miscarriage of justice against her. </p><p align="justify">The former I can learn to live with; the latter I find to be really disturbing. So, that is part of why I've been stressing. </p><p align="justify">Another reason is that somebody I care a lot about will be going in for surgery later this morning and I won't rest easy until I know that operation has definitely gone as well as I hope (and pray and expect) it will. He's a close friend and someone I've come to think of more like a member of my family. There are a couple of you who fall in that category, I suppose; I think you know who you are. (c: ..so I'll be awaiting word from either him or his boyfriend that all went well. </p><p align="justify">Now, the other thing that's been on my mind... weellll, that's more personal. </p><p align="justify">As all of my friends are already aware, I had been diagnosed with cancer late last year. Took four months off from work to undergo treatment in the form of chemotherapy from mid-November up until March 12th of this year. (You do NOT want to have to go through that if you can help it, trust me!) That's kind of the reason for this blog entry tonight. </p><p align="justify">The treatment was successful and I went into remission. That said, I am very careful to try and "listen" to my body. The early signs of my cancer (as it turns out) were in the form of minor back pain which gradually grew more and more painful, until it was eventually too much for me to ignore. That was when the cancer was discovered and (until it was under control) I had to go on narcotics for the pain. I didn't like those either! They make you feel "out of control" - fuzzy minded. </p><p align="justify">Anyway, I had taken a week off last month to travel back to New Mexico to help Mom go through a number of things in preparation for an [eventual] move to a new home, including sorting through and tossing a BUNCH of stuff from Dad's shop building. </p><p align="justify">While I was there I basically did a lot of heavy work I wasn't accustomed to doing, what with having been taking it easy during my cancer therapy ...AND I cracked a rib when I slipped in the bathtub. Don't laugh! LOL!!! My back began to ache ... and I began to get very antsy about the backaches. After all, this was one of the early symptoms of the Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (cancer) late last year. My mind went to, "please don't let it be cancer ... again ... so soon after having gone into remission!" So I began to worry about that, as well. I had CT scans a few weeks back but wouldn't get the results until I saw my oncologist ... which was today. I was preparing myself for the worst but hoping for the best. </p><p align="justify">As it turns out, I got a clean bill of health. (Of course, I had to listen to some crack about having had another birthday and that THAT was the real reason, most likely, for my backaches --- especially in light of having overdone it this past month. Whatever! LOL!!!) The CT scans, according to my oncologist came back clear and that's all that was important to me. </p><p align="justify">Then I asked him to take a look at a picture I had printed, which had been taken of my initial CT scans last year when I was diagnosed with the cancer (below).</p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMNaSyjuI0LdIYm0DxesXXZ5l0qBOb8i-UvrGen3iP80QsVyEpc7yJH0bGs5P-N288ZxxS0KY_MnzybYinezhE4CFRwP_rzmu1AQEpI-HQ-pb8AVUXjZo1M1fRFu-Wt1UO4DkSf_u_Kohn/s1600-h/ct110307.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310875542922513522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMNaSyjuI0LdIYm0DxesXXZ5l0qBOb8i-UvrGen3iP80QsVyEpc7yJH0bGs5P-N288ZxxS0KY_MnzybYinezhE4CFRwP_rzmu1AQEpI-HQ-pb8AVUXjZo1M1fRFu-Wt1UO4DkSf_u_Kohn/s400/ct110307.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><p align="justify">I wanted to know if I was interpreting what I was looking at correctly. If all of the dark areas in the scans, save for the area I believed to be my bladder (circled in red, above), were in fact the cancer. He confirmed my suspicions, saying that I had had a lot of "diseased tissue" (cancer). Um, I think I'm kind of happy I did NOT know just how extensive the cancer was at that time. I mean, I knew I had cancer - and I OBVIOUSLY knew I was in pain because of it - but I also knew I'd get well again and beat the deadly bastard (cancer). If I'd consciously known, by having seen what is shown above, just how widespread the cancer was - I don't know if I'd have been able to keep as positive an outlook about it as I did. </p><p align="justify">But all is well [still]... I'm thankful for that! </p><p align="justify">Now, I just want to hear that my friend's surgery has gone as well as I expect it to and that he is safely back home recovering! I think the world of that young man. He's a good kid and... well, I could go on and on and on about several close friends I've made here. Just suffice it to say, "good friends are a precious commodity. Never, ever take them for granted and always let them know you love them." </p><p align="justify">With much love, peace and loads of hugs,<br />Michael</p></div>MichaelMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13184186505407481351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6781707558874079022.post-35239772304746916062007-10-14T06:04:00.000-07:002009-03-06T12:25:30.645-08:00Bill Maher's Reaction To the Subject Of Flag Pins<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><div align='justify'>Sometimes I watch too much television but seldom do I hang my ear on the news these days. The news is depressing and politics is infuriating (most of the time) and much of what's left ... well, often just isn't fit to watch inasmuch as "content" is concerned. So if it's not HGTV I'm usually watching something along the lines of sci-fi or Law & Order or something that is equally entertaining but not mind-deadening.<br/> </div> <p align='justify'>But Bill Maher... When I think to turn on the television when he's on, I love to watch his show. He calls it like it is. (Of course, those of you who think I'm just another liberal idiot won't agree with me — but, whatever.)</p> <p align='justify'>I managed to miss Bill's show where he spoke about flag pins and the media's reaction to Barack Obama's response when asked why he doesn't wear one on his lapel. Oh God, HOW did I manage to miss that episode of the show??? Well, it came to my attention when one of my friends over on myspace posted a bulletin to another friend's blog on the subject. What appears (below) is the text of Bill's segment, as well as a youtube video of the show.</p> <p align='center'><a href='http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00LGCQIcZLw'>Click here to see the video on YouTube</a></p> <p align='left'><strong> “This generation doesn't sacrifice or even pay for our wars. No, all we do is sport pins and bumper stickers.” — Bill Maher</strong></p> <p align='justify'>Oct. 12, 2007 | New Rule: Show me a man wearing an American flag pin in his lapel, and I'll show you an asshole. I'm sure there are exceptions, but in general people need to remember that lapels aren't for wearing pins to create the illusion that you're supporting the troops. They're for wearing ribbons to create the illusion that you're helping cure a disease. </p> <p align='justify'>Last week we had the first genuine controversy of the presidential campaign: the shocking news that <a href='http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barack_Obama'>Barack Obama</a> doesn't wear an American flag lapel pin, so apparently he and America are no longer going steady. "No lapel pin, Senator? It's like not wearing pants. Why don't you just stab the Statue of Liberty in the eye while bitch-slapping a 9/11 widow?" Another in a series of bullshit non-stories that have zero effect on the troops, the war or anything in the real world -- or, as Fox calls it, "Breaking News." </p> <p align='justify'>A reporter in Iowa asked Obama why he doesn't wear the pin and Obama explained that, to him, wearing the pin had come to seem like a "substitute for true patriotism." Bravo, Senator. And then, in yet another shining example of why the media is part of the problem, ABC's Claire Shipman said, "TMI, too much information -- all he had to say was, 'Don't judge me by what I wear, move on.' He played into the idea that he's not ready for prime time." </p> <p align='justify'>What, schoolgirl? "Too much information?" What is she, 12? This is typical press hypocrisy -- they say they want somebody who doesn't give pat political answers, but when they get one, they call him a loser. They say they don't like safe robots like Hillary, but they create conditions where only that species can survive. And they give cover to people like Sean Hannity, who reported on "no pin" gate and then had to call a doctor because his fake outrage hard-on lasted longer than 72 hours. </p> <p align='justify'>Of course, the Republicans are the party of Mark Foley and the Rev. Ted Haggard and Larry Craig and countless other closeted homosexuals, so their fixation on jewelry is understandable, but still ... the flag is just a symbol. You're getting pissy about a brooch, you drama queens, one that was probably made in China. It's probably leaking poison lead on you right now. </p> <p align='justify'>At least that would be some sacrifice, because let's be honest: this generation doesn't do real sacrifice or even pay for our own wars. That's what grandkids are for! No, we do flag pins and bumper stickers. And not even bumper stickers. Bumper magnets. Because stickers are tough to get off, and we may change our mind about never forgetting. </p> <p align='justify'>When I see the little flag right here, the first thing I think is, you voted for, and still like, George Bush, the man who has gotten more troops unnecessarily killed and maimed by failing to plan for their mission, by pushing their units to the breaking point, by letting his corporate enablers like Halliburton, Bechtel and Blackwater rape and pillage not just the Iraqis, but our own army. </p> <p align='justify'>Can you imagine how apoplectic the flag-pin people would be if these same transgressions against the military were being made by Bill Clinton? Oh, who am I kidding? They'd still be obsessing about the blow job.</p> <p align='right'>— Bill Maher</p> <p align='center'>.^.^.^.^.</p> <p align='justify'><strong>Here's my response to the friend who brought this clip to my attention:</strong></p> <p align='justify'>“AWESOME! Thank you for posting that clip of Bill Maher, as well as the text. Friends of mine (and my bosses) who support that loser who sits in the Oval office (and his puppet master, Cheney) just don't get it. They froth at the mouth anytime a person takes their poster-child of ineptitude (gwb) to task, accusing anyone who would DARE speak ill of the president of being unpatriotic, etc. Such bullshit! </p> <p align='justify'>"I'm unpatriotic because I place more value on the lives of our troops than I do on an ill-planned WAR waged by two oil-rich bastards who wouldn't know the true meaning of Christian values if those same values snuck up and bit either of 'em on the ass?" Please. (And God forgive me but I have no idea how bush managed to "get elected" yet again.) I mean, I really thought we had a chance of getting rid of him in the last election. I was shocked when it didn't happen!</p> <p align='justify'>There are those among my own family who support the man. That's fine; everybody is entitled to their opinion. I've a cousin, however, who won't even talk to me anymore because I (thinking the video was funny and entertaining) sent a link to him to a video on youtube that poked some harmless fun at GWB and Tony Blair. The video is titled "Blair & Bush At The Gay Bar" and was obviously made simply to amuse is titled "Blair & Bush At The Gay Bar" (click <a href='http://www.n1spirit.com/docs/E_GayBar.htm'>here to view the video</a>). However, as with far too many who tow a hard-right, conservative line it's okay to go on and on, catterwalling about Bill Clinton's blowjob in the oval office but certainly a horse of a different color when I myself take exception to the sitting president (whom I often refer to as "the poster-child of ineptitude").</p> <p align='justify'>By the way, just because I'm registered as a Democrat and hold fairly liberal views you should make the mistake of thinking I wholly support every Democrat's position. I don't. In point of fact I'm more of a Libertarian than anything else and always pepper my choices in the elections with all three (Democrats, Republicans and Independents alike).<br/> </p></div>MichaelMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13184186505407481351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6781707558874079022.post-37315670970234733942007-10-14T05:56:00.000-07:002009-03-06T10:57:26.510-08:00The Misrepresentation Of The People Act<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><div align='justify'>How many of you are tired of your elected representatives lying to you? All too often, they do so to get elected. They [continue] to lie to "stay elected." They lie to cover up their misdeeds; actions they've had a direct or in-direct hand in, which resulted in a budget or monetary windfall realized by an associate of theirs (which I'm certain they're sharing in, as well). It's become "Big Business - the Art of Lying To The American People." Hmm, I think that might make for a good book title. Dibs! </div> <p align='justify'>Well, across the sea, in that place our forebears fought so hard to break free of (we all know it as the United Kingdom, UK for short), they're having the same sort of problem. But an act of legislation is being discussed which, if passed, might address it in full. It's called "<a href='http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=%22THE+MISREPRESENTATION+OF+THE+PEOPLE+ACT%22'>The Misrepresentation Of The People Act</a>" and I think it would be a wonderful(!) thing to have here in the States, as well! Just imagine if our elected officials could have their feet held to the fire for lying to us! Sure, the burden of proof would still be on whomever was bringing up the charge -- but the tools would be in place to sufficiently PUNISH the offending politician if the basis for bringing the charges was proven! Oh, what joy it would be to see the turn of the tide. To actually see politicians seeking office for the "right reasons" (to help and fairly represent us poor chumps), encouraged to do so because to do otherwise might put them in real harm's way of being punished -- and punished severely! I'm all for it.</p> <p align='justify'>Of course, I'm not naive. I know getting such a piece of legislation passed in this country is going to be every bit as difficult as it's proving to be over in the UK. But what does it hurt to try? Good Lord, there are other pieces of legislation we've been trying to get passed for decades — and we haven't given up on those! Here in Texas, we continually go back and forth on legislation which was targeted toward homosexuals, making it a criminal offense for us to show our love for our partner. (I'm not even certain where we stand on that at the moment, as we seemingly "win the fight" only to have it overturned a couple of years later. I know, I know, I should pay closer attention... I don't. At least, not to that particular piece of business - because my own attitude is "Fck em, I'm going to be who I am and to hell with anybody who wants to legislate my actions!" /rambling/ )</p> <p align='justify'>But to get back on track. Wouldn't you like to see legislation of this sort introduced here in the United States? Wouldn't it, if properly and thoroughly upheld, only serve to benefit all of us? Would not passing such legislation, perhaps, give a little hope to those of us who have [already] lost faith in the system? Good grief, just imagine if it really DID work!</p> <p align='justify'>One of the links provided from the Google search I did on "<a href='http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=%22THE+MISREPRESENTATION+OF+THE+PEOPLE+ACT%22'>The Misrepresentation Of The People Act</a>" led to a short video featuring responses from some of the (I think they call them "magistrate" in the UK - but I could be wrong) ... "the powers that be" will suffice, I suppose. <a href='http://mo2-truth.blogspot.com/2007_10_01_archive.html'>Here</a> is the link. Check it out and you tell me if this doesn't seem like the exact kind of feeble, rhetorical response we'd get from most of our own representatives right here in the States. (All the more reason to get this kind of legislation introduced and passed.)</p> <p align='justify'>Peace... </p></div>MichaelMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13184186505407481351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6781707558874079022.post-15468158863793718332007-10-13T05:32:00.000-07:002009-03-06T10:33:41.375-08:00Mama Looks To Buy a New Home<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><div align='justify'>My brother and I were born six years apart. Any of you who have siblings with a stretch of about the same amount can probably relate. We didn't get along terrifically growing up. Not terribly, just not real close. I was the older brother who had his own itinerary and was too impatient to be bothered by a tag-along. *laughs* My brother, younger, always seemed to be in the thick of things. Plus, he was always into my toys from an early age --- something I might add that I dont' have to worry about today! haha </div> <p align='justify'>However, we get along GREAT today. Seldom do a few days (five at most) go by that one of us isn't calling the other to see what's up. He still lives back in our hometown of Carlsbad; I, having moved to Dallas a few months before my 22nd birthday many years ago. I moved here for employment and just to get into a larger city to find myself. I'm proud of my brother; he's accomplished a lot and has a wonderful family. (Because of him, I have a beautiful young niece and handsome nephew, both of whom are the apples of their uncle's eyes. THEY can do no wrong and you'd be hard pressed to hear me to say otherwise. Also, they are the best lookin' and smartest kids in the world (not that I'm biased mind you). Their mom, my sister-in-law, is a great gal. Such a twinkle exists in her eyes. Love her, love her, love her... AND she knows what kinds of greeting cards are going to tickle my fancy when they all go on vacation, like to the beach for instance! Show me a HUNK! -- not some bikini-clad chick like my brother would choose to send! *chuckles to self*</p> <p align='justify'>Now, how did this become about my brother and his family? It was supposed to be about Mom and her new house! *facepalm* Okay...</p> <p align='justify'>My brother and I grew up in a place that ... for lack of a better description, was "pieced together." Dad would tell you it was "Okie-built" *laughs* (THAT means nothing was put together "correctly" in his opinion ---- it could have all been just as easily held together by baling wire.) Apologies to those who live in Oklahoma; nothing personal. You work with what you have. *devilish grins*</p> <p align='justify'>You won't get any argument from my brother or I that the house was anything but spectacular but looking back we had some pretty great times in that house. It wasn't the most beautiful home on the block and one of the rooms that'd been added on along the way appeared to be a bit "lower" than all the rest. (The roofline supported this speculation and the floor of that room is about an inch lower than all others in the home.) ...and perhaps it was because we grew up in that home that the first room I look at in any place I'm looking to move into myself is the bathroom. The bathroom in our old home was anything but spacious and/or glamorous; it STILL isn't to this day.</p> <p align='justify'>Poor Mom. All she wanted all those years was a place she could call home that she was proud of. Dad, though I loved him immensely, figured "as long as you've got a sturdy roof over your head (no matter what it looks like), you're set!"</p> <p align='justify'>Eventually, Dad would build a nice shop building out behind the house where he could retreat to and work on his "projects" ... few of which ever involved "improvements" to the home. *LOL* Mom would get so frustrated with him, but she loved him and sat aside her dreams for a nicer home... ...and Dad NEVER gave it another thought. He had, after all, his shop. (c:</p> <p align='justify'>But Dad was diagnosed with cancer several years back (passing on the 15th of February, 2005). My brother and I watched on, keeping a close eye on how Mom would react as Dad's health declined. (They could get on one another's nerves to an extreme but you always knew they'd come out the other side of the argument making up. Actually, I'd prefer NOT to think too much about that! I'd much prefer to think of my own birth as being the result of some immaculate conception. After all, parents don't have sex; they just "rastle." *LOL* )</p> <p align='justify'>It's been a while now since Dad passed on and while I don't think my brother and I ever really thought it all that likely that she would, Mom has been looking for a new place to move into. Her own dreams of having a nicer home are alive and well! And I'm rather glad of that. I'm proud of all that she's accomplished (she always worked her butt off for my brother and I --- and when Dad took early retirement, she continued working to support the both of them. When Dad was diagnosed with cancer and undergoing treatment she took care of him AND continued to work.</p> <p align='justify'>But now it's close to that time in Mom's life when she's going to be retiring herself. It's nigh time she was able to live out some of her own dreams. And she's made an offer on a nice three-bedroom home nearer downtown there. I've walked through the place and it's really quite nice. I think it's a great place for her! (Heck, maybe I'll even move back home!! *LOL*) Yes, she is paying top-dollar for it. So what! If it makes her happy I say, "do it!"</p> <p align='justify'>Here's the rub and I'm a little put out with some of my extended [blood] family because of it; Aunts and Uncles. They don't seem to understand Mom has given up a lot to keep her husband (mine and my brother's father) happy and to provide for us kids when we were growing up. Dad was a great guy but the truth be told Mom sat aside her own dreams for a nicer place to live in order to keep peace between the two of them. But for whatever their reasons, some in my family apparently believe Mom doesn't need to be moving into a nicer place. I don't know if they're jealous or think she doesn't deserve to indulge in some dreams of her own or what. I really don't care; this is my Mom and she's spending her own money so I'm in full support of whatever she decides. The rest of the family can go pound sand for all I care.</p> <p align='justify'>Those aunts and uncles who might have nothing good to say about it can just keep their opinions to themselves. If they can't say something supportive and nice, they can keep their mouths shut. If what I'm saying doesn't meet with their approval and they prefer to say something snide in response, they can simply kiss my ass. (c: ...if they think I'm a git for taking up for my own mother, THEY don't know the meaning of the word "family."</p> <p align='justify'>Don't get me wrong. I love all of my family but my brother, Mom, niece and nephew, sister-in-law ... and memories of Dad ... they come first! Aunts and Uncles, cousins --- they're all nice to have around but they aren't the ones who have always been there for me. They're not the ones who lost sleep when things weren't going well at all and I was in the midst of an abusive relationship. My family is happy for me I'm sure but Mom, Dad, my brother; they're the ones who allow me my own opinions, even if some of those opinions might be far different from their own — and who have always stuck by me. Family is important to me, just as some of my closest friends are important to me (you know who you are --- I make no secrets of it).</p> <p align='justify'>Besides, I've already purchased Mom's house-warming gift (and if she doesn't get THIS house it'll be delivered to Carlsbad in wait for the next one).</p></div>MichaelMhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13184186505407481351noreply@blogger.com0