Toga! Toga! Toga!

Halloween was WONDERFUL. Except for that pesky little migraine that permeated the entire weekend, but no matter.

Friday, my entire team dressed as Greek Goddeses. It was a blast. We didn't do too much in the way of work, but by the time the potluck rolled around, pain began shooting through my right eyeball to the point I begged off work and went home.

Saturday, Lindi and I donned our togas and laurels, dressed as Zeus and Hera, and joined the Gang at the Poors for a wonderful Halloween gathering. Just as I remarked that we seemed to be a bit tamer in our older years, drunken Dark Priestess Lorene began crawling on the floor and landed in Dark Priest Dylan's crotch, Jack-the-Ripper Jeremy began bear hugging Fart-man Rob, and all hell broke loose when "I-am-a-Whore-not-a-Prostitute" Michelle began shooting... well.. everything! And of course, lest we forget... PREGNANT TONI IN A MUUMUU!!!! I met Cassie and her husband Bud and their live-in "Charles" a/k/a Amy... and a great time was had by all. Creamsicle shots, and toasts to our troops, including a special toast to Scott with well wishes for a safe return from Iraq.

Of course, the migraine came along for the ride, but Lortab was safely on board, so it made the evening enjoyable nonetheless.

Sunday was spend with Lindi, Sunday evening with Lindi's family. We dressed up one last time as Zeus, Hera and Aphrodite for pictures, which I will post any day now. Big love out to TOGAMAN who taught me the true art of the toga. It's not about a bedsheet anymore.

Blessed Samhain, and much love and Blessings out to my Sisters and Brothers. May the God and the Goddess shine on you!

Making Waves on Campus

I am so grateful to be not only working for a hospital, but to be at an academic hospital, with forward thinking people and young minds that are open to progressive ideas – ideas such as equality.

Yesterday, in the Daily Utah Chronicle, the University Newspaper, this Editorial appeared, written by Nick Macey:

Protect the dignity of human relationships
A final plea to oppose Amendment No. 3

Once Election Day rolls around, something is bound to scare me.

I'm already on edge due to the close proximity of Halloween to Nov. 2.

And the potential election of a certain person scares me.

But these single cases of fear don't even compare to the fear placed in my soul by the possible outcome of Amendment No. 3.

It would destroy any chance of creating legal unions to allow either same-sex or unmarried couples to have similar benefits to those who are married.

Proponents of the amendment trumpet it as being simple. "How could something this simple be bad?"

It almost appears that proponents don't want people to think too hard about which way they should vote. The simple truth is this amendment couldn't be more complex and troublesome.

The amendment has two parts.

The first section is obviously symbolic. Many states already recognize marriage as a union between a man and a woman. There is nothing wrong with marriage being restricted to a man and a woman-but some benefits of marriage should not be withheld.

The second section of the amendment makes it among the most loaded amendments proposed to the voters thus far.

It has the potential to nullify domestic unions-something completely unrelated to the homophobic nature of this amendment.

In addition, it has the potential to ruin same-sex benefits given by private industry, thereby messing with something in which most conservatives believe government has no place.

It will also place a permanent denial on the rights of same-sex couples to have joint ownership of property and the right to make medical decisions.

Whether or not you agree with their lifestyle is completely irrelevant. This amendment sacrifices the dignity of human beings.

To give you an example, let's suppose you are gay and advanced in age. It was risqué to come out during early adulthood, and perhaps you thought it was an illness. You hid and married someone of the opposite sex, even had a few kids. And 20 years later, you finally had the courage to come out of the closet and found a partner for whom you cared deeply. Your family, so upset at these events, disowned you completely. When your health took a turn for the worse, your partner cared for you until you finally wound up in the hospital. Then because your family is only allowed to visit you, you will die from loneliness in a hospital bed. Your family will eventually find out and have the decency to bury you. Then they will get all of your money. Your partner, the person who cared for you through your life, and especially your dying days, will get nothing.

All that Amendment No. 3 will accomplish is the shaming of large numbers of decent people, then dragging them out into the public eye for long, wasteful court battles. These battles will eventually nullify the law, due to protections completely evident in the Constitution.

The vote on Amendment No. 3 is completely clear, and without question. Just say no to idiocy.

I was overwhelmed.

I replied. It was printed today.

Business with a Cause

It's nice to know so many people making such a great contribution to the world. I am lucky to have one of them a long time friend.

Congrats Dee! I will be stopping by to see you and your Mom soon to detail my car!

Check out the article here.

Tired, Jittery and Annoyed

Last cigarette: 10:00 pm. Patch: 14 mg, 7:30 am. Coffee, donut, generally annoyed.

That pretty much sums up the morning.

I really didn’t want to quit smoking today, so this is annoying. A friend at work told me that after my surgery, she would take me to Victoria Secret and buy me a new red bra, so that is my motivator. I’ve never owned a red bra before. I am going to get a picture and put it on my computer to focus my mind on it. THIS is the reason I am quitting, itty-bitty boobies and the start of a whole new me. It’s not a pleasant surgery, but I know I can get through it. I have a terrific partner and family – they will be there for me.

I need to get my will and powers of attorney finished before surgery. I called around and found a couple of “gay friendly” attorneys willing to do the paperwork. One would charge us $600 apiece for will, medical and durable powers of attorney and living wills. Ouch. Another charges $500 per couple, as long as there isn’t any custody or estate issues involved. I know I can file everything but a will on my own, so maybe I will do that and call our family attorney and make sure I’ve done it right and ask her about just drafting a basic will. I can’t believe I have to do all this just to make sure Lindi and I are protected in case of the worst. It’s not that I have anything of value, but Lindi should be able to make any decisions and not be prohibited from it in any way, including organ donation.

Argh.

This weekend should be interesting. Tomorrow, I pick up my 2001 Saturn in “Pimp Daddy” Gold to try out for the weekend. If I like it, I’ll get it. If not, nothing lost. It might help with the quitting smoking if I am in a new car. I’m not sure of the model, but I am really hoping it’s a 3 door or a 4 door. My dad is going over to check it out today, and if he has a good feeling about it, then I am sure it’s great.

My parent’s neighbor (who we’ve known for 15 years) owns a body shop that specializes in Dodge and Saturn. He is the one who has done ALL the body-work repairs on my Intrepid. He purchased this car online from California, initially for “parts” as he was told it was in an accident. When it arrived, the only thing wrong with it was the front bumper, the grill and the radiator. The airbags hadn’t even been deployed. Nothing was wrong with the other engine components or the frame, and he personally aligned the car. If I remember right, Lorene loves Saturns because of their crumple zones and safety, and this car is proof of that. A little body work, a new radiator and viola! He says it’s a beauty. Lindi thinks California drivers are snobs if they think that car should have been sold for parts.

Our neighbor is even guaranteeing the car for one year – parts AND labor. Can’t get that at a used car lot – and certianly not for 6 grand. Plus, I know he did the work personally, and he is a perfectionist. He’s even going to take my 94 Intrepid as a trade in, although he’s not sure what he can give me for it. Hey, at this point, I would pay him to take it to the junk heap in the sky. Don’t get me wrong, I adore my car, but Vanna II has lived for 10 years, 140,000 miles, two road trips to Vegas and Phoenix, one accident, two fender benders, and a new transmission… it’s time to put her to sleep.

Saturday night, Lindi and I are going to the Titanic Exhibit and then shopping at the Gateway. It should be a lovely evening. If we don’t kill each other. She quit smoking, too, you see.

Bye Bye Boobies!

I received the approval today for my breast reduction surgery!

I can't believe it. I am so excited. The nurse was amazed my surgery was approved so quickly. They requested copies of the pictures just Monday, and today I have an approval. Simply 'mazing.

So, today will be my last smoking day. Period. I will have surgery schueduled in 30 days. I have to see a cancer surgeon to get a clearance, as my mammorgram wasn't completely normal, but once I have that clearance, I will be good to go. From a 48DD to, hopefully, and 38C or D (Yes, she will be doing lipo on the ouside of the ribcage to allow me to go down that far).

Big Deep Breath.

And I might be getting a new Saturn this weekend. In Pimp Daddy Gold.

Oh, Oh!!! Tubbs has graciously sent me two voodoo dolls - one for love/passion and one for wealth/money. I can't wait to receive them! I am so excited!! The benefits of having a blogger pre-wifey who works at a Voodoo Shop. They should be here any day now.

New car, new trinkets, new boobies. It's been a fabulous day.

Not the L Word!

Heh heh.

Happy Friday!

Just biding my time, waiting to go home to the wifey for a much deserved "childless" weekend. This week has kicked my butt on every front, from physical to emotional to work-related. It's been insane, but my Lindi keeps me going.

This is her week off for vacation and she rested and did a lot of projects she's been meaning to get to. Tuesday, she came down to my work and helped raise money for Huntsman Cancer by hosting a breakfast fundraiser. It was so successful, they did it again today, sans Lindi, but with her blessing. I am lucky to have her!

Saturday, Lindi and I will be going to the Mom's house to clean and paint for her. We are both looking forward to Saturday night with the Newsome/Hunter clan and friends.

Love out to Toni.

Okay, real quick, but full of love. Hope you all have a fabu weekend!

And this is for my Lindi:

Free In You
Indigo Girls

A hard knock, A cold clock, Ticking off my time
A long look, But no luck, Couldn't seem to find
Or unwind, Into peace of mind, While I was trying

A quick glance, A big chance, My heart beat like a drum
I saw you And I knew Chances just don't come
Round again, Not like this, First a laugh, Then a kiss

And I'm free in you
I've got no worries on my mind
I know what to do
That's to treat you right
And love you kind
Thank you ever on my mind
Love is just like breathing
When it's true
And I'm free in you

The lost time, And self pride, Are my big mistakes
A clear voice, A bad choice, Sounding like an ache
In my day, Not too bad, But too real to go away

But now I'm free in you
I've got no worries on my mind
I know what to do
That's to treat you right
And love you kind
Thank you ever on my mind
Love is just like breathing
When it's true
And I'm free in you

And I don't know How you show Such gentle disregard
For the ugly in me, That I see, That for so long
I took so hard
(I took so hard)
And I truly believe
(I truly believe)
That you see the best in me
(That you see the best in me)
I'm in love, We all love And that thought Sets me free

Free in you
Got no worries on my mind
I know what to do
That's to treat you right
And love you kind
Thank you ever on my mind
Love is just like breathing
When it's true
And I'm free in you
Yes I'm free in you

For Toni and her Mom

WHEN TOMORROW STARTS WITHOUT ME
Author Unknown

When tomorrow starts without me,
And I'm not there to see;
The sun will rise and find your eyes
All filled with tears for me.

I wish so much you wouldn't cry
The way you did today,
Remembering how I'd lay my head
In your lap that special way.

I know how much you love me,
As much as I love you,
And each time that you think of me,
I know you'll miss me too.

But when tomorrow starts without me.
Please try to understand,
That an angel came and called my name
And petted me with her hand.

She said my place was ready,
In Heaven far above,
And that I'd have to leave behind
All those I dearly love.

But, as I turned to heel away,
A tear fell from my eye,
For all my life I never thought
That I would have to die.

I had so much to live for,
So many sits and downs to do,
It seemed almost impossible,
That I was leaving you.

I thought about our lives together,
I know you must be sad,
I thought of all the love we shared,
And all the fun we had.

Remember how I'd nudge your hand,
And poke you with my nose?
The frisbee I would gladly chase,
The bad guy, I'd "bark and hold".

If I could relive yesterday,
Just even for awhile,
I'd wag my tail and kiss you,
Just so I could see you smile.

But, then I fully realized,
That this could never be;
For emptiness and memories
Will take the place of me.

And when I thought of treats and toys,
I might miss come tomorrow,
I thought of you and when I did,
My dog-heart filled with sorrow.

But then I walked through Heaven's gate,
And felt so much at home;
As God looked down and smiled at me,
From His beautiful golden throne.

He said, "This is eternity,
And now we welcome you,
Today your life on earth is past,
But here it starts anew.

I promise no tomorrow,
But today will always last;
For you see, each days's the same day,
There's no longing for the past.

Now you have been so faithful,
So trusting, loyal and true;
Though there were times you did things,
You knew you shouldn't do.

But good dogs are forgiven,
And now at last you're free;
So won't you sit here by my side,
And wait right here with me?"

So when tomorrow starts without me,
Don't think we're far apart.
For every time you think of me,
I'm right there, in your heart.

Beautiful Anniversary Weekend

“Pack your bags and be ready by 5,” was all she told me. So I did. I didn’t know until we were in the car that she had booked a suite at the Peppermill in Wendover, NV.

We had a nice leisurely drive down to Wendover and checked into our beautiful suite, complete with a King size bed with a double Jacuzzi tub next to it and a double shower with steam room. The room was decorated in black lacquer and green with running lights around the top of the room that could be dimmed to preference. The Jacuzzi tub had a mirrored ceiling. Simply gorgeous.

We had dinner, gambled, drank champagne we received as a wedding present, had a traditional slice of year-old wedding cake from the top layer (not bad – but not that good either) slept, gambled, ate, drank and generally had a wonderful time. I won about $75, Lindi lost about $75, and we had a lot of fun in the process!

Welcome Home Lorene and Dylan! Glad you’re home safe.

Congratulations Shane! We are proud of you and your article in the Tribune!!!

So Long, Superman

Christopher Reeve dies at 52
'Superman' actor known for activism in spinal cord research

(CNN) -- Christopher Reeve, who portrayed a hero in the "Superman" films and embodied one as an advocate for spinal cord research after being paralyzed in an accident, has died. He was 52.

Lori Is Home

She stretched her trembling arms around his broad shoulders, shaking and crying as she whispered into his ear.

"Thank you," she said, her statement punctuated with sobs. "Thank you. We really do appreciate this."

Believing the search for her daughter's body would likely end without success - and that a proper burial would therefore be impossible - Thelma Soares purchased a headstone last month and had it laid at the Orem City Cemetery.

The peaceful site, on a gently rolling knoll in the middle of the cemetery, would give Soares a place to grieve and give Lori Kay Soares Hacking's spirit - if not her body - a place to rest.

It may have remained empty if it were not for the large man Soares embraced Saturday morning - Salt Lake City police Sgt. J.R. Nelson, who broke into a plastic bag at the Salt Lake County Landfill and discovered Lori's remains.

On Saturday morning, Soares and her family were able to witness the proper burial for which they had prayed.

Fun for Friday

Ever been hungry?

Ever been hungry enough for an 8,500 calorie sandwich?

Go here. You won't believe it.

Kudos out to Dani for finding this gem.

What is Love?

A group of professional people posted this question to a group of 4 to 8year olds. "What does love mean?" the answers they got were broader and deeper than anyone could have imagined. See what you think.

When my grandma got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grandpa does it for her now all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love. Rebecca - age 8

When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouths. Billy -age 6

Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving Cologne and they go out and smell each other. Kari - age 5

Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French Fries without making them give you any of theirs. Chrissy -age 6

Love is what makes you smile when you're tired. Terri - age 4

Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK. Danny - age 7

Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more. My mommy and daddy are like that.. They look gross when they kiss. Emily - age 8

Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen. Bobby - age 7

If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate. Nikka - age 6

Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday.
Noelle - age 7

Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well. Tommy - age 6

During my piano recital, I was on stage and I was scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling. He was the only one doing that. I wasn't scared anymore. Cindy - age 8

My mommy loves me more than anybody. You don't see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night. Clare - age 6

Love is when mommy gives daddy the best piece of chicken. Elaine - age 5

Love is when mommy sees daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Robert Redford. Chris - age 7

Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day. Mary Ann - age 4

When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you. Karen - age 7

Love is when mommy sees daddy on the toilet and doesn't think it's gross. Mark - age 6

You really shouldn't say "I LOVE YOU" unless you mean it. But if you mean it you should say it a lot. People forget. Jessica – age 8

And the winner was a 4 year old child whose next door neighbor was an elderly man who had just lost his wife. When the child saw the man cry, the little boy went over into the man's yard and climbed on top of the man's lap and just sat there. When the boy's mother asked him what he'd said to the neighbor, the little boy said, "Nothing, I just helped him cry."

Happy One-Year Anniversary, Honey. I love you!

Singer Melissa Etheridge diagnosed with breast cancer, cancels tour

Singer Melissa Etheridge has been diagnosed with breast cancer and has canceled upcoming tour dates to undergo treatment, her publicist said Thursday.

Etheridge, 43, will undergo surgery and a "speedy and complete recovery" is expected by her doctor, publicist Marcel Pariseau said in a statement.

The cancer was detected early and Etheridge has been receiving progressive treatment, Pariseau said.


"I am fortunate to be under a wonderful doctor's care and thankful that this was caught early," Etheridge said. "I am looking forward to a quick and full recovery."

Goddess Bless Her.

May Her Memory Be Eternal

Lori Hacking's body released to her family

The state Office of the Medical Examiner has released the body of Lori Hacking to her family, which is planning a private burial.

Family members took custody of the body on Tuesday, police said.

"They're very pleased and relieved to have received Lori's body back," said family spokesman David Gehris.

Gehris said the the woman's mother, Thelma Soares, of Orem, and her father, Eraldo Soares, of Fullerton, Calif., are planning a private burial ceremony at Orem City Cemetery, where a headstone has already been erected.

Lori Hacking's body was found Friday at the Salt Lake County landfill following a 10-week search.

No Child, or President, Left Behind

In his memoirs, "A World Transformed," written five years ago, George Bush Sr. wrote the following to explain why he didn't go after Saddam Hussein at the end of the Gulf War.

"Trying to eliminate Saddam... would have incurred incalculable human and political costs. Apprehending him was probably impossible.... We would have been forced to occupy Baghdad and, in effect, rule Iraq....

"There was no viable 'exit strategy' we could see, violating another of our principles. Furthermore, we had been consciously trying to set a pattern for handling aggression in the post-Cold War world. Going in and occupying Iraq, thus unilaterally exceeding the United Nations' mandate, would have destroyed the precedent of international response to aggression that we hoped to establish. Had we gone the invasion route, the United States could conceivably still be an occupying power in a bitterly hostile land."

If only his son could read.

Why I love Maine from QW

excerpt from Quietwaterweb.com...

"...check this blog out.

She's talking about a huge billboard, right here in Richmond, VA that I've driven by at least 700 times now. This organization has erected a billboard encouraging gays to repent, reform and work on being un-gay. It's awesome. You're driving along the highway and look up at this billboard and, suddenly, you think you're driving through a movie set, because there's no way you're actually seeing that in real life. Right?

Rachel:"That can't be real, can it? Tell me that's some kind of unfunny joke!"
Me: "Welcome to Virginia."
Rachel: "Do they really think that a gay person chooses to be gay? That they can just turn the gay off when its convenient?"
Me: "Hey, it worked for Julian on The Shield, right? And TV always tells the truth."

Well, you know what? That poster has inspired me. If gays can convert from gay to un-gay, I'm going to convert to a 7 foot tall Brazilian dude with awesome hair and a 15 inch penis. And you know what else? I think I'm going to go ahead and grow a third arm. I'm not going to let society tell me that I have to accept the two arms I was given. I can change, damn it, and I will.

Now, if you don't mind, I'm going to go convert my two cats into professional basketball coaches."

I am so relieved to know that these people think that my struggle for equal access to health benefits and inheritance rights for my partner and I are "special" rights.

These people make me ill. Much like sistertalk, I agree it's so easy for these people, who were probably choosing to be gay in the first place, can jump the fence, be accepted by the mainstream for their so-called courage and then spit on the rest of us who didn't choose this lifestyle to begin with.

Makes me ill, I tell ya. Ignorance always makes me ill.

AAAAARRRGGGHHH!!!!

Okay, so I am frustrated.

I play by the rules. I usually don’t get uptight about internal policies and procedures. I come in, do my job, and go about my life.

As you all know, I was very ill last week. Unfortunately, I ran out of paid sick time in the process. I could have come back a day early and saved myself a few hours, but my lovely doctor refused to release me for work. So, as a result, I received a verbal warning for using all of my sick time.

We qualify for bonuses based on how much money we collect as a department. We usually hit a $50 bonus every month, and we’ve been doing pretty well – well enough to receive $100 and $150 bonuses. But alas, since I received a verbal warning, I do not receive the extra $100 everyone else gets.

Don’t take into the fact that it was my highest collection month ever, that I was personally responsible for bringing in $34,000 of dead money – money that would have never been recovered.

It’s okay. We all have to adhere to standards and I know policies are there for a reason. But, Dammnnn, Gina! It really doesn’t feel fair. Maybe because it was out of my control. That’s it.

We are putting together a breakfast fundraiser here at work, and my lovely Lindi’s McDonald’s is sponsoring the event by donating food and allowing us to purchase some other food items at cost. It’s going to be a wonderful event and I am hoping to raise even more money for the Huntsman Cancer Institute.

CONGRATULATIONS TO DEE who is now a new homeowner! Wonderful, wonderful!!

Tre, GET WELL SOON! Glad we got to chat yesterday – Saturday mornings are on, now, baby. Can’t wait for your blog to be back up.

Tubbs: marry me, let’s have babies. Maybe we can live in a commune with the guys from QW and G-fry. Now that would be fun.

Honour The Earth

Friday night after work, I rushed home and Lindi, Sarah and I went to see the Indigo Girls in concert at the U. It was an amazing concert, full of great music with a great message. The government, along with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, is trying to make the Goshute Indian tribe take Nuclear Waste and bury it on their land. Winona LaDuke, a very powerful spokeswoman, spoke to all of us before the concert, letting us know of the pending dump site and the fact that the indigenous people on the reservation do not want their land and water contaminated. As she so eloquently said, “If the military made it, it’s up to them to find a way to dispose of it. Not on our reservations... You will not contaminate our water... You will not contaminate our breast milk.” She was a very powerful speaker. The passed out cards to everyone in the audience to fill out to let Congress and the B.I.A. know that people who are not on the reservations oppose this waste being buried in our backyards, and during the concert, the Indigo Girls came out with baskets and collected them personally.

It was a fabulous concert – just the two of them and two guitars. Powerful acoustic performance. Most performers would shy away from that kind of intimacy, but it’s in that environment when you can truly see their talent and the way they can connect with an audience. It was well worth the money.

Saturday, my sister dropped by for a bit and Grace came over to fix my wounded computer. It is so bogged down with music and pictures, and apparently, cookies and trojans, that it took a while to get it all cleaned off. But Grace did a pretty good job getting things cleaned, now I just have to copy all my files to disk and I am sure my computer will run a lot better.

Sunday, Lindi and I visited my father for his birthday and met up with Sarah at Lindi’s parents for dinner that evening.

And here it is Monday morning and I am at work and I really don’t want to be. But what ya gonna do? Don’t get me wrong, I don’t hate my job. I just feel really burned out on everything lately. Really tired. I am sure it’s because I am getting over being sick. I hope it gets better soon!

Kerry Wins Debate

As if there were any guesses he wouldn't. 3 polls confirm the win.

Hundreds of protestors were outside the debate, with 76 flag-draped coffins, signifying each of the soldiers killed this month alone. Of course, they were protesting Bush's administration and the war in Iraq.

"Most protesters were Kerry supporters, some with signs reading: "What's to debate? Bush lied, fire him." But three pro-Bush students crashed the coffin march with a large Bush-Cheney sign.

"We were looking for other Bush supporters, but we couldn't find them," said 21-year-old Loren Baum."

Ya think? Kerist.