They say there are six. Degrees of separation, that is. Sometimes I don't think there are that many. And other days, I think there are about a thousand. Today, the degrees of separation were not even in existence.
I was working a San Francisco to Seattle 9:20am departure. I was at the L1 forward boarding door welcoming 124 lovely folks on board. (And their numerous oversized bags as well....did I mention "numerous"?) When what to my wondering eye should appear but a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer. No, wait, that's not right. I'm thinking something else...... But what was coming through the door was a very nice gentleman smiling at me and pointing. "Hey, I know you!" He went on with "I was wondering if I was ever going to be on one of your flights......I read your blog!" He was as excited as I was. And I think we were both quite surprised. Irony. Out of the blue. Complete happenstance.
And the story is made even more random because neither of us live in the Bay Area nor in Seattle. He lives way out in the Northeast United States. Visiting family. Working. But, wow, what a morning. I was able to feed and water Bill. A Bailey's Irish Cream and a snack. It's the least I could do. Bill, I loved meeting you. You made my day!
Showing posts with label Blogging. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Blogging. Show all posts
Monday, March 12, 2012
Saturday, March 05, 2011
Facebook is our Glue
..."Facebook wants me to confirm my relationship.....there's no going back now!!"......
This was a modified Facebook status update from a friend of mine. I loved it. Facebook was asking her to confirm her relationship and then it would be published on her Facebook page for the entire world to see -- provided she doesn't have any settings restricting such observation. I had to laugh. And comment....that Facebook is the cement that holds all of our relationships together. God, we're a weird society. Funky. Strange. Odd. Somehow we've allowed Facebook to be our glue. The concrete. The end-all, be-all of our lives and relations. If we get pissed off at someone, we defriend them or block them or hide them (you'll have no idea what these phrases mean if you're not a Facebook crack whore). We get all riled up if someone won't be our friend on Facebook -- in spite of the fact that they are someone else's friend on Facebook. Boo hoo. Poor little weak things that we are.
And what about this on again, off again thing? I swear. I have a few friends who are "So and so's friend" one day and not the next. And then they are again. And then they are not again. Over and over. Honestly, I can think of one friend in particular who has been so-and-so's boyfriend I don't know how many times. And then she defriends him. And then she friends him again. Sort of like being friends on Facebook means anything. Or everything. Or nothing. Perhaps it's the knowing that someone likes us. Or wants us. Or loves us. Or none of the above. Personally, I think it's for the sex.
And Facebook is so new! It's not even a few years old and it has become life's only connection to making relationships work for some. What in the world did we do before Facebook? And why does it have to be the determining, sole source for making us feel good about who is our friend and who is not? I mean, hey, it's fun. It's entertaining. And an excellent way to get out news or word of an activity. But that's really about it. It's not like it makes any difference if I put my LoverBoy as my "domestic partner" or my "husband" or my "significant other" or my whatever.... He is, no matter what. No matter if it's on Facebook or not.
And I've had friends ask me why all I post about it Mason. Mason, Mason, Mason. That's all they ever see me posting about. So? So what? Are we keeping score, or a tally? It's really quite insignificant.
I think we're weak, thin, exhausting. As a people, a society, a globe. It's like the whole world is going to hell around us and all we have time to do is get worked up over Facebook and its innerworkings. Seriously, it's insignificant. Having said that, I'm on it all of the time. I do enjoy it. For fun. Not for drama, or work, or bickering, or long threads of going back and forth sorting out troubles, or being divisive (yes, I have been....), or for someone getting all bent out of shape over whether I friend them or not (I'll yank you off quickly if that's your game....).
It's just so entertaining. I get a kick out of the seriousness of it. Or the game of it. Or the lack of depth. I also think it demeans our one-on-one, in person relations. It cheapens them. It takes our attention away from them. And here's someone else's take on how Facebook destroys relationships.
This was a modified Facebook status update from a friend of mine. I loved it. Facebook was asking her to confirm her relationship and then it would be published on her Facebook page for the entire world to see -- provided she doesn't have any settings restricting such observation. I had to laugh. And comment....that Facebook is the cement that holds all of our relationships together. God, we're a weird society. Funky. Strange. Odd. Somehow we've allowed Facebook to be our glue. The concrete. The end-all, be-all of our lives and relations. If we get pissed off at someone, we defriend them or block them or hide them (you'll have no idea what these phrases mean if you're not a Facebook crack whore). We get all riled up if someone won't be our friend on Facebook -- in spite of the fact that they are someone else's friend on Facebook. Boo hoo. Poor little weak things that we are.
And what about this on again, off again thing? I swear. I have a few friends who are "So and so's friend" one day and not the next. And then they are again. And then they are not again. Over and over. Honestly, I can think of one friend in particular who has been so-and-so's boyfriend I don't know how many times. And then she defriends him. And then she friends him again. Sort of like being friends on Facebook means anything. Or everything. Or nothing. Perhaps it's the knowing that someone likes us. Or wants us. Or loves us. Or none of the above. Personally, I think it's for the sex.
And Facebook is so new! It's not even a few years old and it has become life's only connection to making relationships work for some. What in the world did we do before Facebook? And why does it have to be the determining, sole source for making us feel good about who is our friend and who is not? I mean, hey, it's fun. It's entertaining. And an excellent way to get out news or word of an activity. But that's really about it. It's not like it makes any difference if I put my LoverBoy as my "domestic partner" or my "husband" or my "significant other" or my whatever.... He is, no matter what. No matter if it's on Facebook or not.
And I've had friends ask me why all I post about it Mason. Mason, Mason, Mason. That's all they ever see me posting about. So? So what? Are we keeping score, or a tally? It's really quite insignificant.
I think we're weak, thin, exhausting. As a people, a society, a globe. It's like the whole world is going to hell around us and all we have time to do is get worked up over Facebook and its innerworkings. Seriously, it's insignificant. Having said that, I'm on it all of the time. I do enjoy it. For fun. Not for drama, or work, or bickering, or long threads of going back and forth sorting out troubles, or being divisive (yes, I have been....), or for someone getting all bent out of shape over whether I friend them or not (I'll yank you off quickly if that's your game....).
It's just so entertaining. I get a kick out of the seriousness of it. Or the game of it. Or the lack of depth. I also think it demeans our one-on-one, in person relations. It cheapens them. It takes our attention away from them. And here's someone else's take on how Facebook destroys relationships.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
The Recap
Overwhelmed....to say the least. My fingers were busy, busy, busy all day yesterday answering text messages, listening to voice mails, hitting "like" on Facebook wall posts, and checking my own blog comments. I'm exhausted. You all pulled through like champs. You definitely made me a happy boy and reminded me of how many people love me and have chosen to include me in their lives. Thank You! The Recap includes:
- Close to 150 Facebook wall posts.
- 35 text messages including one whose predictive text told me "Happy Birthday my DEAD friend" instead of "Dear" friend. Yikes. He was not happy. I laughed.
- 10 voice messages -- including one from France!
- 17 comments on my birthday blog post.
- Flying right over the top of Mount Rainier and Mount Saint Helens on a clear winter morning.
- Having several of my coworkers and friends buy my dinner and/or lunch treats for me.
- Having numerous passengers tell me "Happy Birthday."
- Reading through my cards when I arrived home by myself.
- Spotting a dark chocolate bar and yummy candle on the counter when I arrived home.
- Watching a flock of geese fly over the top of me while I walked Mason.
- The winter sunshine as I watched the long shadows of the day begin to form.
- Getting home and seeing my LoverBoy and Pooch!
- Checking out a super nifty evening sunset to put my day to rest in fine fashion--thanks Mindy!
- Eating ice cream and Sun Chips.
Friday, February 18, 2011
49 and Counting
Some days it feels like I've learned a little something in my life. Other days, I wouldn't count on my knowing anything. There are days I feel like I'm on top of the world and other times that I feel like I should return to the starting point in my life and give it another go. I began 2011 with this list of commitments to my own life. Some are going better than others. I'm grateful to be alive and thankful for all of my many friends who keep me going and put up with my shortcomings. But I'm most thankful for my partner who has endeared himself to me over the years. And who has easily taught me how to endear myself to him. He is nothing short of life's greatest blessing. I cannot imagine this life without him.
Today, I do what I've done for a few years now....post my mobile number for the masses to use....for a short time. I know, I know....call me crazy. I'd love a text or voice message or picture. But please remember to tell me who it is so that I'll know who the message is from. I've heard from so many of you on my birthday for several years now. I can't wait to see how many messages I can get this year. So, here you go, use me and abuse me for today only -- XXXXXXXX.
And because it's my birthday, I get to do what I want. And what I want is for the world to be a nicer and better place to exist. I want for world peace, but who doesn't. I want sick people to be healed. I want mean people to go away....and the crazy people too. That's all I want. Easy, simple, doable. Oh, and I want a piece of birthday cake too.....with ice cream.
Thanks to you all for making my birthday, and this world, a much better place to be in. I love you all dearly.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
I've written in the past about my misgivings about Facebook. Oh, I know....it's the tell-all, be-all trendy deal that has taken the world by storm. I don't disagree with you there. But I'm not happy with it and haven't been for a bit. I enjoy some of the connections, some of the interaction, some of the way it has actually crafted my life...... Did you hear me? The way IT has crafted MY life. Rather than the way I have crafted my own life. It has taken over. And right now my life is feeling a bit out of control and a sort of unhappy place to be. So, I'm sending my relationship with Facebook on hiatus. Temporarily, perhaps. Permanently, probably not. But when she comes back, she must be a different girl than she was before.
I don't like having the same GINORMOUS group of friends as everyone else. In spite of the amazing group of people that I call my personal friends, I like my own people, my own friends and relationships. I don't like that every person in the world that I'm friends with have to also be friends with all of my friends. That's weird to me.
I don't like every single one of my FBF (Facebook Friends) knowing every damned thing about my entire life. I am definitely not that kind of guy. I like privacy, and quiet, and alone time.
I don't like having to say NO to family members or friends when they send me Friend Requests. I've asked. I've had to explain. I've had to put a sort of disclaimer or warning on my FB page. That I only ever wanted to have actual friends who are that....friends. I know a ton of people. That's my job. But simply because I know someone does not, in my own mind, mean I have to be their friend on FB. And that has become difficult. There are people on my FB friends list that I would never choose to spend time with or have relationships with outside of FB. I have family members on my list that have nothing in common with me. Why? I have friends on my list who are simply co-workers with me, not friends. Why? I have people who want to be my friends simply because they are my partner's friends....and vice versa. Why? Or why when someone becomes a friend of mine, they feel it is automatically necessary to send an immediate request to my partner? I have numerous people who are my friends on FB that I have "hidden" so that I don't have to read their posts or because I may owe them an explanation if I defriended them. Why? And then there are the stalkers....those who have zero interactive skills and never/rarely comment or are active. I just don't have time for that.
I also miss spending more time on my own blog than I used to. Facebook and Twitter have definitely taken their toll on the blogging world. I miss reading other's sites. And I miss having them read mine. I feel pressured and always in a hurry. I don't write much any longer, along with all of my former blogging friends. I feel pressured to put something out. And I don't like the shallowness, the cheapness, of Facebook. Its like a blip on the giant, complex sea of life.
It just doesn't all add up. It is strange. I don't want it to be a place about work, or bitching, or listening to chit chat about changing baby diapers. I know, I know....its a private, personal sort of thing and that I have complete control over who I have as friends and don't. But as easy as that is to say, it is a bit more complicated. So, for now at least, I'm sending Facebook away. For a break. You'll have to find me the old fashioned way via email, text, or voicemail if you're looking for me.
I don't like having the same GINORMOUS group of friends as everyone else. In spite of the amazing group of people that I call my personal friends, I like my own people, my own friends and relationships. I don't like that every person in the world that I'm friends with have to also be friends with all of my friends. That's weird to me.
I don't like every single one of my FBF (Facebook Friends) knowing every damned thing about my entire life. I am definitely not that kind of guy. I like privacy, and quiet, and alone time.
I don't like having to say NO to family members or friends when they send me Friend Requests. I've asked. I've had to explain. I've had to put a sort of disclaimer or warning on my FB page. That I only ever wanted to have actual friends who are that....friends. I know a ton of people. That's my job. But simply because I know someone does not, in my own mind, mean I have to be their friend on FB. And that has become difficult. There are people on my FB friends list that I would never choose to spend time with or have relationships with outside of FB. I have family members on my list that have nothing in common with me. Why? I have friends on my list who are simply co-workers with me, not friends. Why? I have people who want to be my friends simply because they are my partner's friends....and vice versa. Why? Or why when someone becomes a friend of mine, they feel it is automatically necessary to send an immediate request to my partner? I have numerous people who are my friends on FB that I have "hidden" so that I don't have to read their posts or because I may owe them an explanation if I defriended them. Why? And then there are the stalkers....those who have zero interactive skills and never/rarely comment or are active. I just don't have time for that.
I also miss spending more time on my own blog than I used to. Facebook and Twitter have definitely taken their toll on the blogging world. I miss reading other's sites. And I miss having them read mine. I feel pressured and always in a hurry. I don't write much any longer, along with all of my former blogging friends. I feel pressured to put something out. And I don't like the shallowness, the cheapness, of Facebook. Its like a blip on the giant, complex sea of life.
It just doesn't all add up. It is strange. I don't want it to be a place about work, or bitching, or listening to chit chat about changing baby diapers. I know, I know....its a private, personal sort of thing and that I have complete control over who I have as friends and don't. But as easy as that is to say, it is a bit more complicated. So, for now at least, I'm sending Facebook away. For a break. You'll have to find me the old fashioned way via email, text, or voicemail if you're looking for me.
Monday, September 06, 2010
The Spirit Collides with the Bohemian
The Labor Day holiday brings me to three days off. Umm. I can't wait. We have plenty of work to be doing over at my MIL's old apartment but I'm not sure how much of that will get done. Her other two sons will be in town this coming weekend for a visit with her -- and I think we'll just leave the packing, cleaning and arrangements of what-goes-where to them. MIL has made it clear that she's not a big fan of mine and its been bothering my head a little. In spite of my I Don't Give a Crap Policy, it only concerns me that I know how to function semi-well in combination with her and my LoverBoy. We are her lifeline to many things.
Getting up at 03:30am does something to a guy that renders him weirded out and spacey. So upon my return yesterday, I dove onto our bed for a short Sunday afternoon nap with the Pooch. I tried as best I could to drag LoverBoy with us but he's got a vehement aversion to naps. After that, we headed over to North Portland for a late summer evening's collision with the Post Apocalyptic Bohemian and the Spirit of Saint Lewis. We've been reading each others writings for a while now -- and we actually met ever so briefly last spring at Portland's Red Dress Party. But I'm a firm believer in not placing your opinions of someone in how they look in a red dress so we thought it was only appropriate to see each other in alternate apparel.
Stephen and his partner Rolfe treated LoverBoy and me to an experience that we rarely get any more....the chance to stay off of our iPhones and relax without any electronic entertainment or laptops in their unbelievably well-crafted backyard garden. We enjoyed cold cocktails and a vegetarian's orgasmic delight in their Boys' Fort....an small part of their back yard with garden couches and tables and a giant chandelier hanging from the dogwood tree overhead where the boys hang out and chat. Their entire home and yard is somewhere you could exist in quiet well in a spirit of relaxation of self-indulgent enjoyment. Cozy, quiet, horribly private with bamboo and giant old trees leaning over their property. Its quite the place. And my favorite part of the evening's conversation came when Stephen looked at me and remarked that he enjoyed reading my blog (and I sort of quote here...) "Because you're so introspective and spiritual sometimes and other times you're just a plain old bitch!" I mean, how true is that. You've gotta love the internet for allowing people that don't even know you to, well, know you. Apparently my writing has been fairly accurate. Thanks guys for allowing us into your home and for treating us so well!
We're still trying to put together the many, many pieces of our condo refinance. We still are not sure if we're going to be able to join our friends at Folsom Street Fair in San Francisco or at our other friend's birthday bash in Palm Springs. And we're working on our bids/work schedules for October. We have to do this process every single month during these few days. October brings a ton of flying to Hawaii. Its not someplace that I have any desire to work -- but I'm afraid that I am destined to fly one of those bugger trips soon. (I know, I know....I am full aware that I won't find much support when it comes to actually complaining about flying to Hawaii......believe me, I get it...its a work thing when I'd rather it were a vacation thing....).
Getting up at 03:30am does something to a guy that renders him weirded out and spacey. So upon my return yesterday, I dove onto our bed for a short Sunday afternoon nap with the Pooch. I tried as best I could to drag LoverBoy with us but he's got a vehement aversion to naps. After that, we headed over to North Portland for a late summer evening's collision with the Post Apocalyptic Bohemian and the Spirit of Saint Lewis. We've been reading each others writings for a while now -- and we actually met ever so briefly last spring at Portland's Red Dress Party. But I'm a firm believer in not placing your opinions of someone in how they look in a red dress so we thought it was only appropriate to see each other in alternate apparel.
Stephen and his partner Rolfe treated LoverBoy and me to an experience that we rarely get any more....the chance to stay off of our iPhones and relax without any electronic entertainment or laptops in their unbelievably well-crafted backyard garden. We enjoyed cold cocktails and a vegetarian's orgasmic delight in their Boys' Fort....an small part of their back yard with garden couches and tables and a giant chandelier hanging from the dogwood tree overhead where the boys hang out and chat. Their entire home and yard is somewhere you could exist in quiet well in a spirit of relaxation of self-indulgent enjoyment. Cozy, quiet, horribly private with bamboo and giant old trees leaning over their property. Its quite the place. And my favorite part of the evening's conversation came when Stephen looked at me and remarked that he enjoyed reading my blog (and I sort of quote here...) "Because you're so introspective and spiritual sometimes and other times you're just a plain old bitch!" I mean, how true is that. You've gotta love the internet for allowing people that don't even know you to, well, know you. Apparently my writing has been fairly accurate. Thanks guys for allowing us into your home and for treating us so well!
We're still trying to put together the many, many pieces of our condo refinance. We still are not sure if we're going to be able to join our friends at Folsom Street Fair in San Francisco or at our other friend's birthday bash in Palm Springs. And we're working on our bids/work schedules for October. We have to do this process every single month during these few days. October brings a ton of flying to Hawaii. Its not someplace that I have any desire to work -- but I'm afraid that I am destined to fly one of those bugger trips soon. (I know, I know....I am full aware that I won't find much support when it comes to actually complaining about flying to Hawaii......believe me, I get it...its a work thing when I'd rather it were a vacation thing....).
Friday, January 22, 2010
Flowers and Sweat
I'm thankful today. It hit me as I was on the treadmill, the tail end of my workout. I was thinking about my good friend who has decided it's time to begin a blog with regard to being grateful -- something I totally concur with. You'll want to stop by The Grateful Bunny when you have the chance. Simple, grateful, thankful, a perfect reminder. I mean, if you're into that sort of thing... and I am.
So, back to today. I spotted four different forsythia bushes in bloom today -- bright and yellow against the stark gray of concrete walls. Umm hum. Very very nice to see this time of year. I'm thankful for that.
And the gym. I'm so thankful that I have arms and legs that operate -- many don't. I'm thankful for the financial ability to be able to afford paying for the gym each month. I'm thankful that my body screams only for a short time before it gives it up and kicks into workout mode. The sweat that pours out feels so good -- like the toxins are going away, like the oxygen is moving, everything functioning the way it should. It's warm inside. Great music. The energy of being around people actually doing something with their lives, putting forth some effort toward making something of themselves when many choose not to. It feels so good. And I'm grateful for all of it.
So, back to today. I spotted four different forsythia bushes in bloom today -- bright and yellow against the stark gray of concrete walls. Umm hum. Very very nice to see this time of year. I'm thankful for that.
And the gym. I'm so thankful that I have arms and legs that operate -- many don't. I'm thankful for the financial ability to be able to afford paying for the gym each month. I'm thankful that my body screams only for a short time before it gives it up and kicks into workout mode. The sweat that pours out feels so good -- like the toxins are going away, like the oxygen is moving, everything functioning the way it should. It's warm inside. Great music. The energy of being around people actually doing something with their lives, putting forth some effort toward making something of themselves when many choose not to. It feels so good. And I'm grateful for all of it.
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
Holy Hump Day !
I can't quite find the time to formulate any beautiful, white-picket-fence-laden thoughts, I'm afraid. In between bouts of having to work (it's a money thing), we're getting ready for the arrival of our good buddies Sean and Jeffrey tomorrow. You'll recall this post outlining the festivities! I can't believe that they are almost here......yippee! There are toilets to scrub (well, just one, actually), doggies to bathe (well, just one, actually), and floors to clean. Oh, I guess I'll wash their sheets as well, just out of my good-natured heart. And, by the way, if you're in the Portland area and would like to stop in this coming Sunday afternoon, October 11, at 4pm, you're more than welcome to -- we're having a little get together to introduce all of our Portland friends to Sean and Jeffrey -- email me for details if you'd like.
In addition, my MIL took a fall when her legs became tangled in a dog's leash yesterday. Not good when you're more than 80 and already have a hard time walking. So, 911-ambulance-ER = No broken bones. ....whew. But, I do have to admit, that sitting in the ER waiting room for numerous hours provided me with enough fodder for six year's worth of blog posts. Let me put it this way: Wal Mart has NOTHING over the ER that I sat in last night. Nothing. There was a young lady cornered by two hospital security guards and asked about her reason for being in the hospital, who she was, what she was doing, etc. They told her they'd be right back with her. And what did she do? Made a bee-line for me....ME! She came right over and sat next to me in her winter coat with the hood pulled up and her little cutsie pajama bottoms and slippers. I should have offered her a cocktail.
So, today is going to be spent sorting out MIL's condition, whether she can go home and function alone or not. And to top it off, she has a really bad attitude about hospitals and doctors. She is agitated, upset, irritated, and angry. It's not pleasant. I can hardly wait.
The weather has been more than perfect. Cold nights, fantastic fall days. I love it. In fact, I love weather....all kinds. So, that's a good thing.
Oh, by the way, do you all have your orders placed with Amazon for Going Rogue, Sarah Palin's latest and, perhaps, greatest? Hehehehe. Smooches.
In addition, my MIL took a fall when her legs became tangled in a dog's leash yesterday. Not good when you're more than 80 and already have a hard time walking. So, 911-ambulance-ER = No broken bones. ....whew. But, I do have to admit, that sitting in the ER waiting room for numerous hours provided me with enough fodder for six year's worth of blog posts. Let me put it this way: Wal Mart has NOTHING over the ER that I sat in last night. Nothing. There was a young lady cornered by two hospital security guards and asked about her reason for being in the hospital, who she was, what she was doing, etc. They told her they'd be right back with her. And what did she do? Made a bee-line for me....ME! She came right over and sat next to me in her winter coat with the hood pulled up and her little cutsie pajama bottoms and slippers. I should have offered her a cocktail.
So, today is going to be spent sorting out MIL's condition, whether she can go home and function alone or not. And to top it off, she has a really bad attitude about hospitals and doctors. She is agitated, upset, irritated, and angry. It's not pleasant. I can hardly wait.
The weather has been more than perfect. Cold nights, fantastic fall days. I love it. In fact, I love weather....all kinds. So, that's a good thing.
Oh, by the way, do you all have your orders placed with Amazon for Going Rogue, Sarah Palin's latest and, perhaps, greatest? Hehehehe. Smooches.
Friday, October 02, 2009
One Year Ago Today -----
One year ago this morning....5:30am Pacific time....my father in law passed away. As we all here frequently about many things, I can't believe it's been a year. Seriously, it feel like it's been maybe six months or something....but a year? Nah, it just couldn't have been. And today, I'm in Chicago, and tomorrow I go to Anchorage -- I'm away from home and feeling like I really should be at home to stick close by my amazing man and his mom on this day. I remember writing about him a year ago. I must say, my dear husband and his mom have both been real troopers this year. They've picked themselves up, dusted themselves off, and carried on just the way he would have wanted. So, to my lover, I commend you -- for the choices you've made, the advances you've taken, and for the times you've not felt like doing the right thing but have anyway. I hate being away from him today. So, today, we remember.......and we learn, and we carry on -- hopefully better people than we were yesterday.
A week from today, Sean and Jeffrey will grace us with their presence in our villa. Small villa, but villa nonetheless. Sean has done a superb job of spelling things out for us all. Honestly, I haven't been this excited for a while about much -- I love enjoying brand new experience with people. It's friends like these that make the world a better place. We can hardly wait boys! And, by the way, if you're in Portland, you are more than welcome to join us at our condominium on Sunday, October 11, at 4pm for a get-together....bring a snack and share it with some of the world's greatest people.
I finished a 24-hour layover in Los Angeles yesterday and had the chance to meet two more amazing bloggers that I'd only known online until yesterday. Jim from Jim's Notes picked me up at my hotel and took me to Hermosa Beach where we sat up on the second floor over looking the Pacific Ocean on a beautiful sunny day. Jim and I snarked ourselves up and down the streets trying to find the main drag to take us where we wanted to go. We practiced the latest in cuss words, made fun of people, cruised handsome California beach boys (well, I did....he was wondering why my head kept snapping in every direction), and walked out to the end of the Hermosa Beach Pier and watched the fisherman. What a day. And then, I coerced Wil from WAT Central into coming ALL of the way in traffic at dinner time to my hotel after his long day at work. We enjoyed snacks and a yummy Amaretto Sour in the hotel's restaurant. We bantered about life, relationships, fake people and why they have such a hard time existing in relationships, his family history and his job. He's a honest guy and, like me, will always tell you the truth in a matter-of-fact sort of way. Many, many thanks to both of my newfound in-person friends for making time for me. I really appreciated our time together.
And to continue the "meeting new people whirlwind," I had the chance to meet, laugh and giggle with Derek of The Thoughts of a Princessa of Mexico. We live in the same city, we Facebook together daily, and yet we'd never met in person....but that's all changed now. Derek is fun-loving, happy, pleasant, and positive to be around -- he leaves you feeling good about life. Derek, you're a doll and the pleasure was all mine.
And now, for more exciting fashion news, my hair is longer than it's been for a very long time. I'm not quite sure why or how long it's going to get or exactly what the style is supposed to actually be or look like....but I've decided that I'd like to have it a little longer, a little shaggy sort of look maybe. So, we'll see. It's sort of like starting out on a cross-country road trip without a road map. But, hey, that's all a part of the goodness of life...right?
A week from today, Sean and Jeffrey will grace us with their presence in our villa. Small villa, but villa nonetheless. Sean has done a superb job of spelling things out for us all. Honestly, I haven't been this excited for a while about much -- I love enjoying brand new experience with people. It's friends like these that make the world a better place. We can hardly wait boys! And, by the way, if you're in Portland, you are more than welcome to join us at our condominium on Sunday, October 11, at 4pm for a get-together....bring a snack and share it with some of the world's greatest people.
I finished a 24-hour layover in Los Angeles yesterday and had the chance to meet two more amazing bloggers that I'd only known online until yesterday. Jim from Jim's Notes picked me up at my hotel and took me to Hermosa Beach where we sat up on the second floor over looking the Pacific Ocean on a beautiful sunny day. Jim and I snarked ourselves up and down the streets trying to find the main drag to take us where we wanted to go. We practiced the latest in cuss words, made fun of people, cruised handsome California beach boys (well, I did....he was wondering why my head kept snapping in every direction), and walked out to the end of the Hermosa Beach Pier and watched the fisherman. What a day. And then, I coerced Wil from WAT Central into coming ALL of the way in traffic at dinner time to my hotel after his long day at work. We enjoyed snacks and a yummy Amaretto Sour in the hotel's restaurant. We bantered about life, relationships, fake people and why they have such a hard time existing in relationships, his family history and his job. He's a honest guy and, like me, will always tell you the truth in a matter-of-fact sort of way. Many, many thanks to both of my newfound in-person friends for making time for me. I really appreciated our time together.
And to continue the "meeting new people whirlwind," I had the chance to meet, laugh and giggle with Derek of The Thoughts of a Princessa of Mexico. We live in the same city, we Facebook together daily, and yet we'd never met in person....but that's all changed now. Derek is fun-loving, happy, pleasant, and positive to be around -- he leaves you feeling good about life. Derek, you're a doll and the pleasure was all mine.
And now, for more exciting fashion news, my hair is longer than it's been for a very long time. I'm not quite sure why or how long it's going to get or exactly what the style is supposed to actually be or look like....but I've decided that I'd like to have it a little longer, a little shaggy sort of look maybe. So, we'll see. It's sort of like starting out on a cross-country road trip without a road map. But, hey, that's all a part of the goodness of life...right?
Monday, September 21, 2009
The Madness That Is Mondays
First and foremost, here are the boys showin' off their panties -- shameful little things that they are. It is Monday, you know.....
Secondly, I'm off to Seattle this afternoon to rendezvous with my Hubby for our annual Recurrent Training. He's done a nice job of telling what we're required to do in his post. I'll be glad when it's over and the pressure is off. We've done this for many, many years so you'd think it gets easier. It does in some ways. In other ways, it's always a nerve-wracking to be yelling and shouting airplane evacuation drill commands.
We had the chance to meet Mark and His Hubby from Tales of The Sissy. What a nice couple....we really enjoyed their casual and relaxed company. They loved Portland -- so, who knows...we may have them as permanent residents at some point in the future.
Our summertime has not come to an end yet....we're going to be basking in the 90s again over the next few days -- it's such a lovely city and the blue sky always shows it off so nicely.
We've got out-of-town visitors coming in October for nearly a week -- that story will be forthcoming very soon! Suffice it to say, that we're excited for the visit and the opportunity to say Hi to these friends again. I know, I know....you're on pins and needles with anticipation......
Hope you all enjoy your week, wherever you are and whatever you're doing.
Secondly, I'm off to Seattle this afternoon to rendezvous with my Hubby for our annual Recurrent Training. He's done a nice job of telling what we're required to do in his post. I'll be glad when it's over and the pressure is off. We've done this for many, many years so you'd think it gets easier. It does in some ways. In other ways, it's always a nerve-wracking to be yelling and shouting airplane evacuation drill commands.
We had the chance to meet Mark and His Hubby from Tales of The Sissy. What a nice couple....we really enjoyed their casual and relaxed company. They loved Portland -- so, who knows...we may have them as permanent residents at some point in the future.
Our summertime has not come to an end yet....we're going to be basking in the 90s again over the next few days -- it's such a lovely city and the blue sky always shows it off so nicely.
We've got out-of-town visitors coming in October for nearly a week -- that story will be forthcoming very soon! Suffice it to say, that we're excited for the visit and the opportunity to say Hi to these friends again. I know, I know....you're on pins and needles with anticipation......
Hope you all enjoy your week, wherever you are and whatever you're doing.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Just a Casual Acquaintance
I'm feelin' kinda funny inside (no, not the "one who can easily hide," either). I've been Defriended. Horrors! Now this isn't by someone that I don't know, or someone that I've had a disagreement with, or someone that I've never met.....nope, it's by someone that I've known for a number of years who simply decided that I am a "casual acquaintance" and that his Facebook page is for "friends and family." It's the funniest thing because I always considered us friends. We've bantered back and forth on FB for a long time. We know many, many mutual friends. We get along well, I think. We are both sort of smart asses. Now, I totally understand that each person in this big wide technology world has to make decisions about who they will email back and forth with, who they will be friends with on Facebook, and all of that. And I know that our needs and wants change over time. It's happened to me as well, I must confess. And I know full well that each of us has to give permission to one another to make our own personal decisions and that we must live with those decisions. Truly, the Defriending part isn't the entire point of my thoughts.....the irony is that it came on the heels of my post the very day before on What Draws Us Together and also reminds me of my writing early last year on What Do You Call Me? My intent here is much a much wider thought than the simple defriending.
My work schedule plays a pretty big part on what I get to do in life and what I don't. I typically get up at 4am and am in bed by 9pm.....in addition to being out of town much of my life. Those work hours don't play well with typical Monday-Friday sort of schedules and it has kept me from being able to participate in many activities throughout the years.
I am not the type of person that will chat you up every single day of my life. I won't call you on a daily basis nor feel obligated to email you, check in on you, or "make sure you're okay"...unless there's a need to. If you need honest help, I'm the first guy to be there to assist -- I will run to the grocery store for you, walk your dog for you, drive you to the doctor, cook a hot meal for you, and even do your laundry and, yes, clean your bathroom for you. I'm all of that, and more! But I'm not the pat-you-on-the-back sort of guy nor do I frequently exhibit the warm and fuzzy feelings that some require. I am the sort of guy that enjoys a beer or coffee with you, digs getting to look at gardens and trees and flowers and the sky, loves learning about new places and things, is more than happy to sit and stare at the earth and all that she offers. I have ended friendships over the other party "needing" for me to check in with them every day -- over others "requiring" me to spend my free time with them. I am the kind of guy who will not typically over analyze our relationship -- I will consider it good and fine and okay unless there's a good solid reason why it isn't. I won't lay awake nights wondering if you like me or that I do, or don't, like you. I'm the kind of guy who can go without seeing someone for six months, or even a year, and pick right back up where we left over -- without guilt, without wishing that we hadn't waited so long, without feeling badly. I love it for what it is, not what it is not.
So, I have been thinking about the long list of 123 friends that I have on Facebook not to mention the others on Twitter or who read my website or that I know in person or that I work with or that I meet via a mutual friend (can I actually use the word "friend"??...maybe its just an acquaintance.....) or that I say hi to in the coffee shop downstairs or or or or. And then I consider the many times while I've got Mason outside in public when I say to him, "Look, Mason, there's another nice lady....she's our friend"....trying to show him that she is not our enemy and that he is supposed to be nice to her. Maybe I should stop lying to him and tell him that "There's a lady we've never met -- don't trust her because we don't know who she is or what she is going to do to us." I counted them this morning......I have actually met 77 of my Facebook friends on at least one occasion. I certainly don't count all 123 as "friends and family"....most of you are, indeed, "casual acquaintances" that I enjoy and don't mind using the word "friend" at all. Some of you I see much more regularly than others. Others of you I have only met once -- and the reality of that is that may very well be the only time we will ever have the good chance to actually meet in person. I honor that time. I don't count it badly that it won't happen again. Others of you, hehehehe, may wish that you'd NEVER met me....... ahh, it's all good times, isn't it.....
I've discovered this whole Facebook and Twitter and texting world to be quite shallow. There is rarely depth amidst the posting and Twitting. It does not take the place of conversation, or phone calls, or one-on-one dinner or chatting. If we're looking for any sort of depth, it won't often be found online. So, I take it for what it is.....good, acceptable, enjoyable ..... the posts, the quick updates, the "here's what I'm having for dinner." It allows me to keep in some sort of contact with a huge number of adorable people that I would never have had the opportunity to meet otherwise. So whether I call you friend, family, casual acquaintance or something else....it is what it is and I appreciate it for that.
I guess what I'm wondering is now that I'm not this friend's friend on Facebook, what am I? Oh, that's right, it's a casual acquaintance. It's an interesting world we live in, folks. Laden with technology, I've been relinquished to a casual acquaintance in spite of knowing the guy for years. I'm going to have to think about that for a bit, I'm afraid.
My work schedule plays a pretty big part on what I get to do in life and what I don't. I typically get up at 4am and am in bed by 9pm.....in addition to being out of town much of my life. Those work hours don't play well with typical Monday-Friday sort of schedules and it has kept me from being able to participate in many activities throughout the years.
I am not the type of person that will chat you up every single day of my life. I won't call you on a daily basis nor feel obligated to email you, check in on you, or "make sure you're okay"...unless there's a need to. If you need honest help, I'm the first guy to be there to assist -- I will run to the grocery store for you, walk your dog for you, drive you to the doctor, cook a hot meal for you, and even do your laundry and, yes, clean your bathroom for you. I'm all of that, and more! But I'm not the pat-you-on-the-back sort of guy nor do I frequently exhibit the warm and fuzzy feelings that some require. I am the sort of guy that enjoys a beer or coffee with you, digs getting to look at gardens and trees and flowers and the sky, loves learning about new places and things, is more than happy to sit and stare at the earth and all that she offers. I have ended friendships over the other party "needing" for me to check in with them every day -- over others "requiring" me to spend my free time with them. I am the kind of guy who will not typically over analyze our relationship -- I will consider it good and fine and okay unless there's a good solid reason why it isn't. I won't lay awake nights wondering if you like me or that I do, or don't, like you. I'm the kind of guy who can go without seeing someone for six months, or even a year, and pick right back up where we left over -- without guilt, without wishing that we hadn't waited so long, without feeling badly. I love it for what it is, not what it is not.
So, I have been thinking about the long list of 123 friends that I have on Facebook not to mention the others on Twitter or who read my website or that I know in person or that I work with or that I meet via a mutual friend (can I actually use the word "friend"??...maybe its just an acquaintance.....) or that I say hi to in the coffee shop downstairs or or or or. And then I consider the many times while I've got Mason outside in public when I say to him, "Look, Mason, there's another nice lady....she's our friend"....trying to show him that she is not our enemy and that he is supposed to be nice to her. Maybe I should stop lying to him and tell him that "There's a lady we've never met -- don't trust her because we don't know who she is or what she is going to do to us." I counted them this morning......I have actually met 77 of my Facebook friends on at least one occasion. I certainly don't count all 123 as "friends and family"....most of you are, indeed, "casual acquaintances" that I enjoy and don't mind using the word "friend" at all. Some of you I see much more regularly than others. Others of you I have only met once -- and the reality of that is that may very well be the only time we will ever have the good chance to actually meet in person. I honor that time. I don't count it badly that it won't happen again. Others of you, hehehehe, may wish that you'd NEVER met me....... ahh, it's all good times, isn't it.....
I've discovered this whole Facebook and Twitter and texting world to be quite shallow. There is rarely depth amidst the posting and Twitting. It does not take the place of conversation, or phone calls, or one-on-one dinner or chatting. If we're looking for any sort of depth, it won't often be found online. So, I take it for what it is.....good, acceptable, enjoyable ..... the posts, the quick updates, the "here's what I'm having for dinner." It allows me to keep in some sort of contact with a huge number of adorable people that I would never have had the opportunity to meet otherwise. So whether I call you friend, family, casual acquaintance or something else....it is what it is and I appreciate it for that.
I guess what I'm wondering is now that I'm not this friend's friend on Facebook, what am I? Oh, that's right, it's a casual acquaintance. It's an interesting world we live in, folks. Laden with technology, I've been relinquished to a casual acquaintance in spite of knowing the guy for years. I'm going to have to think about that for a bit, I'm afraid.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Her Life Or Something Like It
Have you met my friend Java? She's quite a gal. And a tough one at that. They say that life isn't for the fainthearted....and I'm sure she can attest to that. I found her in October 2007, nearly two years now. I can't remember the exact connection or whose link led me to her. But something about her writing and the story of her life has kept me interested. You'll find 100 Things About Her here.
I won't go into all of the sordid details of her quite active life. But suffice it to say that she's a woman with more than her share of challenges. I mean, I don't know how many difficult events one person is supposed to be able to handle in the time we are allotted on this earth but if I were guessing, I'd say that she has more than most. More than she should. More than I do. She raises four children, two of whom are adopted and run her ragged with special needs. They treat her horribly sometimes. The stories break my heart. She struggles to make ends meet and always does her very best to make sure her family is taken care of -- often at her own expense. She struggles with the throws of depression and self image troubles and there are days that it's even a challenge to run a brush through her own hair .... but if you look her picture, you'll see the face of a woman who has seemingly been through it all and still smiles. She definitely knows how to put a spin on her daily events that brings a smile to my face. She drives an old pickup that is one of the most near and dear pieces of property to her. When I first began reading her site, she was driving a school bus -- getting up early each morning to drive a bus load of special needs kids to and from school each day in the mountains of South Carolina. She's a giant advocate for human rights including gay equality. She and her family are not afraid to dive into the lives of kids struggling with their identities and help them out. And they have attended more than one Gay Pride event in their neck of the woods. She's also exactly, precisely, four weeks older than I am -- which makes me giggle.
Her stories have broken my heart -- the stories of struggle with her children's lives and how they mistreat her. The stories of knowing she is the parent, and that they are her children, and how she knows she is supposed to care for them but has this heart-wrenching guilt twisting at her very being when they make her life hell. Just a day or two ago, she wrote: "The pressure is building. My soul cries out to be allowed to grow. Significant elements of my life are squeezing me, restricting my capacity for contemplation and growth. It's crippling. I am slowly suffocating." My heart breaks as I read of a mother's struggle to survive. Yesterday, in response to her above statement, I wrote back to her: "To My Much Older Sister on The Journey, Small faith holds to hope. No faith is a dark place." I've run out of inspiring words for her as I know she has for herself. My own life experience has prompted me to have a giant soft spot for those who truly struggle in their lives -- not those with negativism or bad attitudes or those who do it for attention -- but for those who are honestly, truthfully, trying to make a real go of this thing we call life. And she is...without pretentiousness or demanding attention. I know that she has no idea what her tomorrow will bring. And that waking up to the next day's sunrise may not always be pretty. With gladness in her heart, she carries on -- or shall I say struggles on. Nonetheless, she moves forward with that beautiful smile and just the right amount of lines etched on her face to give her full authority to speak as a woman who knows life intimately.
Oh, hold on a minute here, I've just reminded myself of one of my earliest connections to Java. And she doesn't even know this story because I've never even told her. I had been reading her site for only a few weeks when I ran across her post from October 13, 2007. She ended this post with these words:
"If I had a working digital camera I would take pics then post them here for you. But alas, I have no camera worth taking. That's one of those things on my wish-list, for when I have enough money to spend on that after buying food, gas, paying utilities, etc. Being a grown-up has disadvantages, for sure."
And it hit me....I was supposed to give her my own digital camera. I knew it. I felt it strongly. You see, I've felt a few times in life like I was supposed to do this or that for someone. Sometimes I've not done it and have always regretted not being attentive to my own spirit guiding me. Nowadays, I am much more in tune and try to follow its lead. And so, on this day, I knew that I was supposed to box up my digital camera and mail it off to this woman who did not have one and could not afford one. Unfortunately, I had only just met this woman and took just a few days or a week to formulate how I was going to present this camera to her. In the meantime, she was given another camera......and my whole theory on doing the right thing was shot......damn it. I've never told her this story until today -- and she is reading this firsthand just as the rest of you are. About knowing knowing knowing that I was supposed to send her the camera. Just because. Because it was right. And then it folded in on me as she got a new camera for herself. Ugh. I need to move faster when life's opportunities call.
So, today my dear beautiful friend, I send you wind for this fragile journey (or up your skirt if that works better for you). A breeze behind you during each troubling day. The sun to warm your sinking shoulders and the gentle finger of love to reach just underneath your chin and lift up your pretty head. You've been nothing but an inspiration to me, to the blogging world, and to your family. It's time you be an inspiration to yourself. With much peace and confidence, I tell you today that I believe in you. For yesterday, today, and for tomorrow.
You'll excuse me now, I have to go. My eyes have filled with tears for those who struggle.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
She Is In Control of Her Life
Well, well now....what have we here? I'm in the middle of a relaxing day, prepping with Hubby for a neighbor/condo BBQ.....and I run across THIS from my friend over at TSM . It's quite list from a woman who is declaring that she is taking back her own life. Clearly, I admire her...for what she aspires to, for stating it without reservation, and for her ability to make me think. She and I have met only once in spite of the fact that she lives in the Portland area. We ate Indian food and gelato together....enjoyably. I think I need to develop my own list. I like her line in the post about this being "a list too deep to Tweet. Too personal to post on Facebook alone." She is so right. Twitter and Facebook are far too shallow of venues for something that is steering one's life. I love her depth, the breadth of her world, the taking back of her life -- without drama, guilt, feeling bad, any of that. Just plain old straight forward get-to-it-tiveness. We only go around once, folks.....unless you're of the Shirley MacLaine variety. Nonetheless, dream on, create on.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Visitors and Dog Sitting
I'm home from a very long stretch of days spent in The Great Land of Alaska....two nights in Juneau and one in Sitka. I can't go on long enough to tell you about how amazing this part of our world is....the glaciers, the water, the rocky islands dotted with trees. And I'm tired, really tired. But we're up early because today has officially been declared Wil (from Designer Blog) & Fritz Day in Portland. They have been out here visiting family who has a new baby. And today, they've dedicated to spending with us. You'll recall my visit to their beautiful piece of the world two years ago. We are picking them up downtown at their hotel later this morning. Tonight will be spent in Laurelhurst Park at one of Portland's free summer concerts in the park....Big Band music tonight. We always take a picnic and enjoy the trees, sky, friendship and music. We're hoping to drag them out after the concert to one of Portland's gay haunts for a drink.....we'll see. Nonetheless, we're thrilled to have visitors and be able to show them one of the world's greatest cities. Welcome Wil and Fritz!!
Our friends Alex and Paul will be gone the entire coming week on an RSVP cruise to Alaska. So, out of jealousy and spite, we have agree to have wild sex orgy parties in their house while they are gone.....(actually, we're just going to dog sit their cute little Jack Russell "Toby" for them.....shh....shhh). Can't you just picture the two of us in Alex and Paul's giant king bed along with our little squirmy Mason and their wild and handsome Toby? Pictures, please......
I've got many other things to tell you, and I know you're just dying to hear them....but, unfortunately, this day has got to get kick started....and fast. So, I leave you with warm summer wishes for health and happiness wherever you are today.
Our friends Alex and Paul will be gone the entire coming week on an RSVP cruise to Alaska. So, out of jealousy and spite, we have agree to have wild sex orgy parties in their house while they are gone.....(actually, we're just going to dog sit their cute little Jack Russell "Toby" for them.....shh....shhh). Can't you just picture the two of us in Alex and Paul's giant king bed along with our little squirmy Mason and their wild and handsome Toby? Pictures, please......
I've got many other things to tell you, and I know you're just dying to hear them....but, unfortunately, this day has got to get kick started....and fast. So, I leave you with warm summer wishes for health and happiness wherever you are today.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Showin' Off Our Panties
Yeppers, it's that time of the week again wherein the boys dig down way deep and come up with something educational, wise, and worthy of presenting to the international audiences on the world wide web. It's the Return of Undie Monday at Idle Eyes and a Dormy! So, in spite of blog posts smattered with pretty words like spirit, energy, happiness, wisdom, future, and life today I leave you with cheap and honest words like pretty, handsome, sexy, delicious, yummy and the like. Enjoy. I know that I do.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Sunday Snarkiness
Dear lord in heaven, I've not written anything reasonably entertaining for a while. In fact, numerous of we bloggers haven't. I'm amazed at those blogs disappearing, not having a post for two or three months at a time, those who have left blogging for Facebook or Twitter, and even those who have found more socially acceptable ways of finding friends on the internet! Where is everyone going? I mean, hey now, Facebook is cool....and I'll probably be on Twitter soon. But where's the substance and all of that? Endless memes seem to be the way to keep a blog alive while not actually having to write a post....or pictures of naked bathroom shots or of sorting out dirty clothes while preparing for laundry day. I know that summertime brings along less readers and fewer posts. Hey, we're all busy...right? I totally understand....it's just not the way it was a year or two ago. And mine is a relative new blog in terms of the world blogosphere. Coming up on three years this October. So, hang in there, kids. Stick with it. Give us a little depth, a little culture, a little something to think about. Meanwhile, I'll see you over on Facebook or Twitter!
My new iPhone 3GS is amazing. We haven't felt well this week -- so yesterday afternoon after a round trip to Phoenix was a perfect time to lay on the bed, TV on, and fool around....with the iPhones. We traded apps, contacts, ideas, tested speeds between the new one and the old, and all of that. It's been so cool. I can't believe I remained outside the realm of the Apple Cult for so long. Syncing the contacts list between my phone and my GMail contacts was a huge fiasco and had me in a very sour mood. Thankfully, my Hubby is far more patient and understanding than I will ever be. I was the second one in the door last Friday morning to pick up the new iPhone at 07:00am. There are features beyond features. I keep on clicking, discovering, and having a lot of fun. I went out to Denver and back this morning and couldn't wait to get home.....to take care of my sick Hubby, but also to fool with my toy. I may surface in a month or two.
My new iPhone 3GS is amazing. We haven't felt well this week -- so yesterday afternoon after a round trip to Phoenix was a perfect time to lay on the bed, TV on, and fool around....with the iPhones. We traded apps, contacts, ideas, tested speeds between the new one and the old, and all of that. It's been so cool. I can't believe I remained outside the realm of the Apple Cult for so long. Syncing the contacts list between my phone and my GMail contacts was a huge fiasco and had me in a very sour mood. Thankfully, my Hubby is far more patient and understanding than I will ever be. I was the second one in the door last Friday morning to pick up the new iPhone at 07:00am. There are features beyond features. I keep on clicking, discovering, and having a lot of fun. I went out to Denver and back this morning and couldn't wait to get home.....to take care of my sick Hubby, but also to fool with my toy. I may surface in a month or two.
Friday, April 03, 2009
Saint Lewis Crosses The Bridge
It's happened....again. I've met yet another fellow blogger in person. Only this time I was daring enough to have my husband and sister along with me (I don't let them be seen with me in public often). We all had the extreme fortune to have lunch with Wendy from Burning or Building Bridges in the Community? We met at Pastini, one of our favorite Italian haunts...this one at Bridgeport Village south of Portland. As is typical when we meet someone we've never met before, we all sat there waiting for her...pointing to each passerby, wondering, assuming, saying funny (or not so funny) things about each of them. And then it happened: "There She Is!" And it was. The smiling, happy-go-lucky face headed our way. And as is also typical when meeting bloggers for the first time, it was like we'd met a very long time ago -- each of us already knowing much about one another. We laughed, made jokes, giggled and feasted on a delicious lunch. We took Mason with us so we took Wendy out to the car to meet a horribly hyper Mason -- and we shot the pics you'll see below. Not to be outdone, we finished lunch with a trip to Under U 4 Men to ogle over expensive men's underwear -- some of which may very well be featured in an upcoming Undie Monday. We ventured over to Banana Republic after that and each of us purchased a pair of boxers or t-shirt. It was about that time that a beautiful afternoon sun hit our shoulders as we said goodbye in the parking lot. Wendy, the pleasure was all ours. You're a gem -- full of such good energy and inner beauty. Sometime again, I hope. UPDATE: And here's Burning or Building Bridges take on the whole affair.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Flying the Friendly Skies
Well, well, well. Look at what my newfound buddy JP at Life Is Such A Sweet Insanity has written. It seems that he's written it especially for his most favorite of flight attendants who will go unnamed. JP and I have only met one time. And, unfortunately, we had no time to chat it up. But I'm a regular visitor to his site and always enjoy my time there. Lately, he's been on a little trip to the South....and has paid special kudos to the flight attendants on his flights. JP, you're a man after my own heart.
And speaking of what I do for a living, I have to tell you that our landing in Portland today was one of the roughest rides that I've had in many years. I'd call it severe turbulence. We ended up landing to the south in Portland, on Runway 21. That runway is seldom used except when the crosswinds are so high that it demands it. That approach comes from the north, over Vancouver, Washington, and skims the top of the Columbia River before touching down at the airport. My head and neck ached. I took aspirin and a nap. No thanks. I didn't need that.
And speaking of what I do for a living, I have to tell you that our landing in Portland today was one of the roughest rides that I've had in many years. I'd call it severe turbulence. We ended up landing to the south in Portland, on Runway 21. That runway is seldom used except when the crosswinds are so high that it demands it. That approach comes from the north, over Vancouver, Washington, and skims the top of the Columbia River before touching down at the airport. My head and neck ached. I took aspirin and a nap. No thanks. I didn't need that.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Valentine's Day in Seattle With Friends
It's a good looking group, eh? This is the handsome men that I spent Valentine's Day lunch with in Seattle....at the Cheesecake Factory. Oh my gosh, the food was so delicious....my caramel chicken was to die for. I had met Chris from My 2 Cents before but I was virgin to meeting A Rad Homo and his hubby. We had a great time, as I expected. I have to remark, again, how wild it is when you meet a blogger that you've had an online relationship with for a while....and then you meet and it's like you've known one another for years. You know all sorts of things about them, you know what they look like the moment they walk through the door, about their work, which kind of wrinkle cream they use, and all sorts of other essential items. It was so comfortable and like we were right in one of our living rooms. We chatted about bloggers that we know and love, ones that we don't, our families, our history and pasts, our pets, the jobs we work at from day to day, yoga, and cruising (no, not THAT kind). Boys, I loved our time together. And we'll definitely have to do it again. Thanks so much for making time for me.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Valentine's Day 2009
Well, it's the very week that, in 1962, I was supposed to have been born. Valentine's Day, to be horribly specific. Now, for those of you who know me in person, you know full well that I needed the extra five days of sweetening up in the oven. And, even then, five days probably wasn't enough. I could use a little more sugar, quite frankly. It's one of my favorite times of the year....not only because I get to turn the page on the calendar of my life for the 47th time, but it's a sort of quiet time of year -- at work and everywhere else. The weather seems to tantalize us a bit with a hint of better weather. And, yes, I've even spotted a few bulbs trying to poke their way out of the frozen earth. My honey is not feeling very well and that always concerns me -- especially when I'm leaving town. And I'm leaving tomorrow for a three-day trip with overnights in Las Vegas and Seattle. In fact, Seattle is where you'll find me on "the holiday." Meeting up with my old perverted blogger buddy from My 2 Cents and finally being able to meet A Rad Homo. (If there is anyone else in Las Vegas or Seattle that would like to meet up with us, email me pronto.) What a great way to spend Valentine's Day. No, seriously...I'm looking forward to it in spite of not being able to be at home with the love of my life. In fact, I'm not sure if My 2 Cents knows it or not, but it was nearly exactly the same day last year that we actually met for the first time.
The roses I ordered for hubby arrived this morning just as I was stepping out of the shower. I had to leave him something to remind him of my love. Yoga and the gym are moving along swimmingly. And today, I received my first birthday card (seems that the cash that was to be included had somehow not been). The pooch got a new toy today and some new food that I hope will reduce his need for scratching wounds into the sides of his cute little head. He is now back to having that cute little plastic cone on his head and having Neosporin and some anti-itch cream smeared onto his sore. Poor little thing.
So, if you're in love, great...I wish you a beautiful Valentine's Day. If you're not, the day will pass quickly and you'll be on to Arbor Day or some other nearly insignificant holiday soon. Besides that, I'm sure -- nearly positive -- that someone in your life loves you even though they may not send you flowers or cards or chocolate. Look for it.
The roses I ordered for hubby arrived this morning just as I was stepping out of the shower. I had to leave him something to remind him of my love. Yoga and the gym are moving along swimmingly. And today, I received my first birthday card (seems that the cash that was to be included had somehow not been). The pooch got a new toy today and some new food that I hope will reduce his need for scratching wounds into the sides of his cute little head. He is now back to having that cute little plastic cone on his head and having Neosporin and some anti-itch cream smeared onto his sore. Poor little thing.
So, if you're in love, great...I wish you a beautiful Valentine's Day. If you're not, the day will pass quickly and you'll be on to Arbor Day or some other nearly insignificant holiday soon. Besides that, I'm sure -- nearly positive -- that someone in your life loves you even though they may not send you flowers or cards or chocolate. Look for it.
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