I know I said I wanted it to snow while I was in Denver, but gee whiz. I say a lot of things.
Thomas and I drove to Red Rock today but when we realized we were the only people on the road not in a four-wheel drive, we just took a brief look and then followed this guy home.
He's my hero for today.
I haven't seen snow since 1998. Eeee!!!
What? Was no tofurkey available?
It was a lovely meal of sides/carbs. I am happy to report that you can make a bitch's Corn Casserole Yumminess in the Mile-Hile City.
After dinner, I crashed. Traveling always makes me sleepy. Later, I forced Thomas into watching six episodes of Freaks and Geeks, so I'd say it was a pretty super holiday.
I am thankful for my loving family of friends, near and far.
I am thankful my cat is happy and healthy again.
I am thankful that he has a place to stay while I'm out of town.
I am thankful to get to see Thomas later today.
I am thankful that no matter what plans I have, I will always have a place to spend Thanksgiving.
I am thankful for all of the wonderful comments and supportive emails I have received over the last few weeks. You all rock.
Happy Thanksgiving.
When I'm stressed out, it all goes straight to my stomach which is really not good when you have diverticulitis. Monday, I started having the tell-tale horrible stomach cramps that accompany such flare ups. Then last night, I had a fever.
Oh joy.
I predicted this would happen so I had my doctor prescribe and fill my meds while I still have insurance.
Tomorrow, I'm going to Denver to visit Thomas for a the weekend. We had planned this trip a while ago, so I might as well still take it. I think it will be good to get away for a short time. Even though I will most likely turn into a popsicle the moment my feet touch the cold Colorado soil. Thomas informs me that on Thanksgiving, it is supposed to be in the 40s and that I should, "wear an outfit we can set afire to keep you warm on way to the house."
When I parked my car, I smelled pot in the parking lot. Once inside, I passed two guys who reeked of beer in the waiting area. It was around 10 AM.
I need a Silkwood Shower® STAT.
It was quick visit. I was in and out in ten minutes. Amazingly, there was no one in line even though the place was packed. The not-so-necessarily-nice lady behind the desk asked me if I used the website to file my claim. I told her I did but it wouldn't let me complete it. Then she chastised me for not having a Kreskin like ability to understand the intricacies of their website.
Hey. I have an idea, lady. Why don't YOU hire me to make your website easier to understand and use? How about that?
My blog doesn't feel like a very happy place lately because frankly, my life isn't a very happy place lately. I'm tired of blogging about not having a job and the panic associated with it just as I'm sure you are tired of reading about it.
I spent today applying for jobs, crying and furiously washing dishes; because when I'm upset, I clean. By next Tuesday, I expect this apartment to be spotless.
I hate the uncertainty. I hate what crappy news tomorrow may bring. I hate the fact I am anticipating more crappy news tomorrow, instead of looking forward to a new day but you know what? It is PAR FOR THE FUCKING COURSE lately.
I hate that all I want to do is sleep.
I hate hearing about other people going through the same thing I am. I hate not being able to help them.
I hate having to ask for help.
I hate this kind of negativity but honestly, I have nothing else on my mind.
I hate feeling this way.
So like regarding NaBloPoMo-whatever, where did everyone go? Daniel? Dark-sided Sam? Geggie? Anyone?
*crickets*
Oh well. I guess I'll press on alone. And by "press on" I mean post YouTube cover songs.
Not a Pretty Girl (Ani DiFranco cover)
Isn't she awesome? I wish I knew her just so I could carry her guitar case.
Volcano (Damien Rice cover)
Oh and hey, the singer of one of my favorite songs covered one of my other favorite songs.
Sunny Came Home (Shawn Colvin cover by Gregory Douglass)
* Title shamelessly stolen from Geggie.
Now, what can I buy with 31 cents?
Last week, Craig from the hilarious blog and world-class argyle collection Puntabulous — who makes the laugh out loud funniest cartoons using MS Paint — issued a challenge to his readers to make their own Puntabulous Person.
Head on over to his blog to see the Puntabulous version of myself I submitted.
I love that Mike and I had the same idea to show we live in Arizona.
I received this email late last night. Apparently from Tonto.
Dear webmaster,
I am the marketing manager of Bicupid.com. We would like to work with you setting up Dating Site for Bisexual.
We can set it up for you at no cost if you have strong interest in this field or work-at-home business. You can purchase the name for your own bisexual dating site at Godaddy.com, own the domain and brand. We take care of all the backend and engineering work. Also customer service work,
You don't have to worry that no one exists at your bisexual dating site at the beginning. Your site will share hundreds of thousands of profiles with other bisexual sites we have already set up. Your users can immediately contact hundreds of thousands of other bisexual users once they register at your bisexual dating site.
You can earn money if you have users registering with or without becoming a payment member.
Well, there's an avenue I haven't thought about.
I was driving around yesterday and saw a K-Mart and decided to stop to buy a couple things I needed. Huge yellow and red signs announced its closing. "Everything must go!" Discounts galore.
It was eerie seeing the shelves barely filled with merchandise or completely empty.
Yesterday, a friend of mine told me that her company laid off a bunch of people. I've had many friends tell me the same about their companies. When I look on job posting sites, the pickings are very slim. I think I applied for the same job four times already. I imagine job recruiters and headhunters are pretty hard up now too so they are all trying to fill the same position.
Everyone keeps telling me, "Oh, you'll be fine. You'll have a new job soon."
I'm not so sure.
When I was laid off in May, I was a teensy bit freaked out, but otherwise pretty confident something would turn up quickly. And luckily, it did.
Six months later, the economy is in the toilet, companies are laying off tons of people and filing for bankruptcy and more and more businesses are shutting down completely. There are lots of empty shelves out there.
And when I listen to the news, I hear experts say, this is only the beginning.
The beginning?
I won't lie. I'm worried. Very worried.
I guess I'm lucky that I was able to pay off all my debt before this happened, so really, my only expenses are to keep are roof over my head and basic necessities like electricity and food. But to be completely honest, that just pisses me off. I've been looking forward to having some financial freedom for so long. And now I have no steady income. Zilch. And no tangible prospects.
I was really looking forward to Christmas this year. Not because I wanted to spend lots of money but because there's a real difference in buying the gift you want to give to someone you love or care about opposed to getting the gift you can afford.
And spare the me "Christmas is not about giving or getting stuff" lecture. I already know that, but you know what... IT IS partially about that.
I've been reassessing my budget this week. Determining what is my bare bones minimum and what can I cut. Do I really need Netflix? Can I afford to keep my gym membership.
It's been hard putting on a brave or even remotely happy face. Fortunately, I have great friends who are able to pull me out of the funk and make me smile and laugh. Even if it's just a phone call, email or instant message. Before it gets too dark, I am reminded that I am loved. That gets me through another day.
Thanks for all the jokes yesterday. They made me LOL for real and cheered me up.
And also a big thanks for all the recent comments and emails. You guys and gals are super.
I don't have much to say today so enjoy this Divinyls cover by my pretend boyfriend.
He's totally singing this to me, right?
I'm having a super shitty day due to the fucktards at my digestive health doctor's office. What part of "I only have insurance until the end of the month," do they not get?
So I turn to you, dear readers. I need to laugh.
Leave your funniest joke in the comments. My health depends on it.
Yesterday, I had breakfast with Mary. Isn't she adorable? We ate at The Farm at South Mountain which is a lovely place to eat outside now that it's no longer so hot one spontaneously combusts under the hot Arizona sun. But I will say, they have this trees with little flowers that fly all over the place during so you have to protect your food from tree debris every once in a while.
This is what Mary ordered.
The Farm Monte Cristo. Isn't this genius? All the goodness of breakfast in sandwich form. And it's on french toast! And there's syrup! Brilliant.
When they brought it out, I had breakfast menu, although mine was pretty tasty as well.
Mmm... sausage.
Insert joke here _________.
In general, Phoenix is politically lazy. It's hard to get people fired up and more difficult bringing people together for a common cause. Blame it on the suburban sprawl or inert apathy, or heck, blame it on the heat. Whatever it is, it's not every day when the people take to the streets.
So to see almost two thousand people banned together to support civil rights, is quiet an achievement. That number may seem small compared to our population, but trust me. For this area, that's huge.
I am so happy that Homer came up from Tucson to go with me. Being Mr. Popularity, he of course ran into a bunch of people he knew, including Frank.
One thing that bothers me about this movement is racial divide I see being promoted based on the media's ad nauseum reporting about exit polls showing 70% of African-Americans voted for Proposition 8 in California.
First, let me say this. The media is full of shit. This is not the first time they have beat a story – that's not really a story – to death over and over because it's either a slow news day or just to make something sound much bigger than it is because they are in it for the ratings.
Exit polls are notoriously an inaccurate representation of what's really going on. They survey a small percentage of voters after they leave their polling place. Many times it have been proven to be faulty data but the media treats it like pure unquestionable science.
I repeat, the media is full of shit.
There were many different categories of voters polled during the election that were either close to or over 70%. The media singling out the black polling data is not only racist in of itself but it's also race baiting. Shame on them.
During the numerous speeches at today's protest, one speaker, a state senator, specifically pointed out that African-American ministers directed their congregates to vote for Proposition 8 & 102. Hey guess what. LOTS of preachers, ministers and priests spoke from the pulpit in favor of these measures. Shame on them but moreover shame on YOU, Mr. Representative, for focusing on the black preachers in today's speech.
Ugh. Rant over. (For now.)
Despite this, I am encouraged by what I saw today. I saw a polarized, historically apathetic community respond with passion, vigor and unity. I saw people of all shapes, sizes, colors and types joining together for the good fight. It was in so many ways a beautiful day.
Many photos are on Flickr or can be viewed below.
Kristin, Kandice and I are making our posters for tomorrow's big ass national protest. Hopefully, Homer will be able to come up from Tucson to join us.
For my upcoming trip to Colorado to see Thomas, he's asked that I buy him some vitamins at Trader Joe's. Turns out there are no Trader Joe's in Colorado due to restrictive liquor laws in the state.
A tear rolls down my cheek at the thought of a world without Trader Joe's. What a cold, bitter, unhappy place Colorado must be.
Because he's Thomas, he scanned the bottle to ensure I purchase the correct one.
High potency? Someone thinks highly of himself.
Let's just dive right in. Shall we?
06:30
Elliott is 100% better now. He's back to his old "Why are you waking me up to take my picture at 6:30 in the morning" self.
07:26
Reading a bitch's blog before I leave for work.
08:04
Stopping at AJ's for an iced tea and toasted bagel on my way to work.
09:02
I'm sure checking gum is bad for you, but bad breath is worse.
11:08
Shortly before this was taken, it was announced that the company I work for was reducing its staff by 50%.
Uh oh! Here we go again.
12:58
And there you have it. All packed up and ready to go. Ugh.
13:22
"What the hell are you doing home early?"
13:54
I think this calls for lots of cookies.
15:38
After making a few calls and sending some emails, I ran an errand. On the way home, I saw this billboard. Clever ad.
15:45
When I got home, I sat in my car and just stared at this wall for several minutes in the quiet; emotionally exhausted. I'm going on record as saying 2008 officially sucks balls. I'm tired. My eyes burn with a mixture of anger and weariness. I'm struggling to keep it together and that's what it feels like... a struggle. I want to throw and break shit and scream and cry, but I'm not sure any of that would help. So instead, I go into hyper MUST FIND A FUCKING JOB NOW mode and try not to think about the fact that I will be completely broke very, very soon.
At least it's comfortable in my car and it is paid for. I can always sleep there.
16:27
Back to hyper MUST FIND A FUCKING JOB NOW mode. Sending some design examples for a job.
16:40
Should I wash two caplets down with vodka or whiskey?
This year's All Souls Procession was HUGE! There were so many more people there than years before, which is amazing since the procession was so much later after Halloween and Dia Del Los Muertos than usual.
Homer, Sandy and I made tombstones commemorating the loss of gay rights.
After being so angry about the passing of anti-gay constitutional amendments, it was so awesome having people come up to us thanking us for making the signs and telling us they support us and it will be overturned. One girl came up and hugged us. Tucson is a very cool, progressive town.
I took a ton of pictures this year. They are on Flickr and below.
I've been working on the photos from the All Souls Procession all day and I just got them finished but haven't uploaded them yet. I'll get them uploaded and posted tomorrow.
Tonight, there was a vigil for the passing of Proposition 102 in Phoenix at the same location the protest was.
I have to say, I was a little put off by this vigil. I kept saying that it looks like we are mourning. What we need to do it get our protest on. STAT. We need to be angry and show it (peacefully of course) because having a couple hundred people stand around with candles just doesn't send the right message.
And how much to you want to bet that since it's November sweeps, when the news stations report the vigil, the main images will be the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. Ugh. There is a time and place for everything and this ain't no fucking pride parade.
Luckily, we will get to send the right message this weekend.
On the plus side, I finally got to meet the über cutie Jonbers.
Am I right ladies?
Look! It's Amy!
Yesterday I had lunch with Amy, Megan and cutie patootie Piper at Switch.
Last night, I watched The Invisible so you don't have to. DON'T SEE THIS MOVIE. For reals. It's SOFA KING bad. It's not even bad in a good way. It's bad in a "I will never get that hour and forty-two minutes of my life back" way.
Marcia Gay Harden must have needed to make some mortgage payments or something because I can't fathom why she would choose to be in this movie.
Did I mention it's bad?
Today, I'm off to Tucson to see Homer and Sandy and get my paradin' on at the All Souls Procession.
Today I attempted the impossible. For Thanksgiving, I'm going to Denver to visit Thomas. Word is it gets kinda cold there and since I like my balls and don't want them to freeze off, I need a coat. The problem is I live in the desert where I've never needed a coat. Ever. Not once in eleven years.
After a couple stores I came up empty (plus they all smelled like feet) and then I realized I needed to go to that mecca of coats: Burlington Coat Factory. Ever been to one? Here's what it is like. Imagine all the merchandise of four retail clothing stores crammed into one. That's pretty much what it's like.
After wading through racks and racks of coats, I think I found something that might work. Or at least will slow down me getting hypothermia over the holiday weekend.
Yay! It's Friday... w00t!
This week has been SO full of emotional highs and lows. Sick cat. Shiny new president. A bit of anger. Ugh. I need a drink.
Speaking of the sick kitteh... he's doing so much better. Right now he's sitting on my lap trying to type th,ltg l;dl,. The little fucker. I'd say he's about 90% better. Once he hacks up a hairball on my bed, I'll know he's at 100%.
I think this weekend calls for some good times. Tomorrow I'm having lunch with Megan and Amy. They both rock. Sunday I'm going to Tucson for the All Souls Procession with Homer. He rocks too.
Tonight, I'm ODing on the Josh Rouse Bedroom Archives catalog. His music just makes me happy. I wish there was a better YouTube video for "Come Back (Light Therapy)" but I'll settle for this performance of "It's the Nighttime" at the Austin City Limits Festival.
I so need to go to that festival next year.
Like so many of you, my feelings about Election Day are bittersweet. I don't think I've ever felt so emotionally invested in the democratic process before. Tuesday night's historic victory brings tears to my eyes. Change is in the air and it's palpable.
But the pride I have in our country is tempered with the losses of anti-gay marriage constitutional amendments in California, Florida and my state, Arizona. I have been reading and listening to your anger and sadness for a couple days and I am right there with you.
Reportedly, $73 million dollars were raised by both sides of Proposition 8 in California. Think about that dollar amount. Seventy-three MILLION dollars. I just don't know how to wrap my head around that amount. Think of all the charities and non-profit organizations who could benefit from just a small piece of $73 million. How much of New Orleans could be rebuilt with $73 million? How many hungry families could be fed? How many American citizens could $73 million in donations help?
Supporters of Prop 8 waged a campaign of fear and bigotry fueled by lies largely funded by the Catholic and Mormon churches. When I was a boy, my view of churches was that they existed to help their communities. They were the ones who helped out in a crisis. They were the ones that feed and clothed the poor. They were the ones who offered assistance amidst tragedies.
Over the years, these churches have changed their focus, zeroing in on the divisive culture wars that are tearing our country apart. Instead of serving their communities and teaching humility and charity, they have chosen to teach intolerance and discrimination by lying and using scare tactics.
I have a message for all who supported California's Proposition 8, Arizona's Proposition 102 and Florida's Proposition 2.
Gay marriage will happen.
It is going to be reality and there is nothing — NOTHING — you can do to stop it. You can spend all the money you have and tell all the lies you want to slow it down, but mark my words, one day, every citizen in this country – gay or straight – will have equal rights for all. Every single one of us.
It will happen.
So enjoy your celebration, but trust that change is coming. No matter how much money, influence or power you may have today, it won't matter.
We aren't going away. You will not silence us. We will continue to fight and fight and fight some more. For we are fighting the good fight. And that's exactly what this is. The good fight. And we will win.
Believe it.
There been times that I thought I couldn't last for long
But now I think I'm able to carry on
It's been a long, a long time coming
But I know a change is gonna come,
Oh yes, it will.
Yay! It's election day. Be sure to get out and vote. Just don't incessantly twitter about it. For reals. Being cute only gets you so far with that shit.
Other voting fun on cheap blue guitar:
PS - Elliott is doing a LOT better today. Whew.
How was your Monday? Guess how mine was. One word: SHITASTIC!
Yesterday, I noticed Elliott hadn't moved from the same spot in the bed all day. He felt hot. I also noticed he wouldn't eat or drink water. In the fourteen years I've had him, he's never acted like this. Sure he hacks up hairballs like they are going out of style, but to not drink his body weight in water or NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM any food at all? Unheard of.
I called the vet at 7 AM this morning. They said they could see him at 10:45 AM. Longest three hours and forty-five minutes ever. The vet looked him over and asked if I could leave him there for tests and blood work. The thing about veterinary care is it's all just a process of elimination. Is it diabetes? No. Is it parasites? No. Is it a tumor? Uh... dunno, but probably not.
At the end of the day, they gave him a shot and told me to watch him over the next 48 hours. If he doesn't bounce back, the next step is x-rays.
I have been a bawling basketcase all day. The point where I really started to lose it worry was the car ride to and from the veterinarian's office. Usually, Elliott's protests of being caged and put in a moving vehicle sound a little something like this.
Pleasant, huh? On the way there, he meowed quietly, but enough that I knew he was there. On the way home, he was silent. He has NEVER been silent in the crate or car. Ever.
Much to my relief, once we got home he first went to the litter box and then drank a lot of water. I just sat there and stared at him like a goober. Later, he ate some beef baby food, that the doctor suggested I give him. (By the way, I noticed there was Veal-flavored baby food at the store. Who the hell feeds their baby VEAL?)
The best part was Julie came over to see him. When he saw her, he perked up and walked to her. I'd say that's progress.
Hopefully, he'll be back to his usual ornery self soon.
I have a headache. I used to never get headaches ever. Rarely ever took aspirin. Now I get headaches all the time. Don't drink enough water. Headache. Stay in the sun too long. Headache. Watch wingnut Victoria Jackson have national air time to discuss politics. (WTF!?) Headache.
It could be from caffeine withdrawal. I found myself this week drinking WAY more diet soda that I usually do. I really need to cut diet soda out completely. Plus, I always thought iced tea had very little caffeine in it. WRONG! Turns out it's loaded with tasty, blood-pumping caffeine.
Or maybe it's the suspicious smell of incense wafting from my neighbor's place.
Gag.
You might remember that last year during this time a certain someone demanded insisted dragged me kicking and screaming gently asked me to participate in NaBloPoMo aka National Blog Posting Month.
Well this year, I threw done the gauntlet.
That's right betches. It is so on.
And I encourage others to join as well. I'm talking to YOU Samuel. Don't be a scrotum. Just do it!
