The Great Wagon Train Trip to the Midwest

With the wagon train in preparation, I thought it would be a good idea to define of few terms for those of you who are unfamiliar.

Cheese Curds - Small, squeaky baby cheese (the curd that in time typically becomes cheddar) are salty little treats that are only good if from Wisconsin.  They are found at small shops where they are made.  They are also found on the bar instead of peanuts.  Debbie thinks they are best when deep-fried!

Believe-You-Me - term attached to the a sentence to strengthen it.

Borrow - used in place of lend - ie: Could you borrow me a bag of cheese curds?

Brat - pronounced "brought" which refers to a sausage.

By - instead of to or near - ie: It is by the river (or) Go by the village and get us some Brats.

Couple - two -three - more then one.

Learn 'em - to teach - ie: That'll learn 'em a thing or two!

Cripes - in places of "$hit" - ie:  Holy CRIPES thats a big Bull!  (also could add sake as in "for cripes sake")

Fish Fry - This is simply Friday Night Supper....

Davenport - Most people call this unique item "a sofa"

Farm 'n Fleet / Piggly Wiggly - These are high end stores.  Only the best overalls are sold there.

Geeez - a simple expletive, can be multiplied in strength by adding "Ah" in front.  As in "Aw Geeez, just plugged the toilet again!"

Gots - used in place of have.  is: "I gots da tractor in the shed."

Gul-Durn - G rated version of Gosh Darn!

Ay - placed at the end of every sentence that is a question.  is- "How you like dem cheese curd, Ay?"

Humdinger - one heck of a thing - ie: "Dats a humdinger of a hemroid ya got dare"

Up Nort - North

Polka - the state certified and approved dance

John Deere - Primary mode of transportation

Youse - pronoun - second person, plural

Rubbers - latex covers used to keep cow manure off your shoes

Scahnsin - The actual pronounced sound for the word "Wisconsin"

Skeeter - a mosquito

Stop and Go lights - Traffic signals

OOOOfff-Dahhhh - Said when one makes a really big "boo-boo" or is in the presence of another whom has pasted wind.

Unthaw - to defrost

Upside-right - right side up

Yah sure / Ya Betcha - Understood, or you are correct

Up-n-Da - typically used to direct a person to something - ie; Dare's more beer up-n-da shed!

Pop - reference to soda, typically Mt. Dew

Possum Pie - used to describe a meal that is made from road kill.

Sep-rater - term used to describe the body part the keeps solids from escaping when one passes gas.  ie: Good thing my sep-rater was worken or eye-da shart my skivies!

One question dear readers - Are you affeard of what I am going to become?

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Debbie gives a guest blog!

I asked Debbie to write a guest blog, mostly because I would love, love, love to see her start one of her own!  I think she is the cats meow, and would love to see her post daily!  What would we call it? Should I just set one up for her to start?  Who knows for sure, but here is her first step into the blogosphere!!!  Thanks Debbie! 

  YIPPEE-YAHOOOOO!!

 

 

We're Back-We're On-And Hitting The Road!

 

Dear readers of this wonderful blog, I've had the most amazing morning and been asked to share it with you.

 

Predo, Jimmy, Naomi, Tim and I are to be reunited once again after years of wandering in the desert!   I am dancing around this house, my cheeks are flushed bright red, and suddenly - just for this moment, balance is restored in the world.

 

Who knows what will happen when we are all together again?   Will the very earth tremble?   Will the world know joy again?   Exactly what happens when old friends come back together?

 

Personally I know there will be lots of shocked reactions from my old posse when they see me after all of these years.   I am an old woman now in appearance and haven't tried to conceal it.   Like Maxine, I figured Why Bother? years ago.   Like Popeye, I yam what I yam what I yam.

 

Throughout my life I have loved looking at old people and the stories their bodies tell me about their lives.   Old bodies don't lie, don't conceal the miles, the heartaches, the joys and pains of this life.   Especially the hands.   Before any words are ever spoken, I can read the life of a man or woman simply by what their body tells me.   I hope mine tells the truth to my old friends.  My truth.  My life.

 

I hope it tells them that though it has aged greatly, that inside this body is the Debbie that delighted in their company when we all first met and joined our spirits to one another.   Here's what else I hope..

 

I hope I don't end up laughing so hard and continuously while we're together that I pee my pants. 

I hope I remember not to drink too much or I'll pass out early and miss the fun.

I hope that we see shooting stars at Naomi's farm.

I hope I get to share hundreds of hugs and kisses.

I hope Predo's grandpa likes me.

I hope I get to dance the polka in Wisconsin at least once and eat cheese curds till I fall down.

I hope we have a tick check and don't find any.

I hope we find another roadside attraction or leave one behind somehow.?

 

And I can't wait!!!!

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Fun with iphone...

A new application for iphone is out.  It is $1.99 and is called photolab 1600.  I downloaded it a few moments ago, and these are my first trial runs.  I will keep playing to see how much better I can get!

The above photo is of a painting we have, but it has a wash effect over it.

The above photo is of a plant in our livingroom.  I put a color negative effect on it, and then a wash effect.

Boring?  Yeah, I know.  I live in a simple world.  I promise the next photo's posted will be better.  This way you can see if I progress!

On a side note!  The Great Wagon Train trip to the midwest has begun it's planning stage!  Airline tickets are totally cheap, so tax return at the ready, calendars popped open, and phone in hand - we are preparing!

Baggage - check

Booze - check

Menu idea's - check

Tasteless jokes - check

Hugs, laughter and tears - Definitely!!!!!

I am sooooo excited!  

ps - Miss Debbie - Soon we will be back to family and friends!!!!  Please don't forget the hangover remedies, we simply wont have time for those!!!!!!

ps2 - Do you think they will rent us a VW Micro-bus?

ps3 - remember to pack Depends - I tend to squirt a little when laughing too hard!

ps4 - SSG - Get to practicing making those Lemon Drops!!!

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A Chupacabra love story!

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A little design idea.....

Last month we had new windows put in.  We have needed to do this for about 10 years, but waited for the right time, and right price.  I think we did pretty well. 

We bought the house as a foreclosure, and have been improving on it over the years.  So, Sunday and Monday, I actually took time off for a week-end and finished one of my "to do" items.

These are pictures of the new windows in the bedroom and guest room.  As you can see, we have almost bench seating in them.  For a while I did not know what to do with them, and then decided to put tile on them.  The wood ledge that was there has been scratched and gouged from before we owned the house.  I had painted them white to blend, but wanted a more formal feel for the decor.

The tile is not mounted or grouted.  This way, we can change them out at any time!  If we decide to change color scheme, or just update for a different season we can.

What do you think?

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From my Aunt J!

The Human Body

It takes your food seven seconds to get from your

mouth to your stomach.

One human hair can support 3 kg (6.6 lb).

The average man's penis is three times the

length of his thumb.

Human thighbones are stronger than concrete.

A woman's heart beats faster than a

man's.

There are about one trillion bacteria on each of

your feet.

Women blink twice as often as men.

The average person's skin weighs twice as

much as the brain.

Your body uses 300 muscles to balance itself when

you are standing still.

If saliva cannot dissolve something, you cannot

taste it.

Women reading this will be finished now.

Men are still busy checking their thumbs.

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March used to mean Mexico!

In March every year we used to go to Mexico.  This year we are holding off because of cost and job situation.  Regardless, we have photo's to appease us for now.

Yes SSG, I can see you in that chair, awaiting a Lava Flow from the bartender!  Of course, I can see myself there as well!

And of course the palm trees.  Ahhhhhh.  To be in P.V.

Happy Tuesday everyone!

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Science Special!

So, when I was in Junior High School, we learned about our environment, recycling, and the effects we were having on our planet.  This was in the very early 80’s and people scoffed at this information.  We are now very aware of the problem and have tag lines like “Global Warming” and “Carbon Footprint”.  So what is my point?

 

I paid attention in science class to all of this information.  To make a long story short, I figured the problem was two fold.  First, stop the pollution and Second, reverse the damage already done.  This leads to two entirely different paths to travel.

 

Stopping the pollution is not happening.  We, as a society have jumped on the “Save the Planet” bandwagon, but we are not stopping the pollution at all.  In fact, at best, we are simply increasing it’s production at a slightly slower pace then normal.  It has been my experience that the human species on the whole, finds comfort in what is best for themselves, and not for the good of all.  This is reflected in the fact that money is more important then the planet.  I have little hope that this process will ever work.  We are too self-centered.  Don’t agree? Don’t we still use fossil fuels?  Don’t we go to the coffee shop in droves every day and toss the billions of cups into landfills?  Don’t we still make and use polystyrene, disposable diapers, cigarettes, plastic bags for single use, and a gazillion other items manufactured out of substances that would never have occurred naturally?  There is no argument here, at best we will simply continue to destroy ourselves, just at a slower pace then expected.

 

So, our planet is in turmoil.  Weather patterns out of cycle, ocean currents slowing and warming, sea levels rising, ice caps are melting.  What do we do?

 

CO2 is the problem. 

 

1)      We simply stop producing it through combustion.  We are creating CO2 and releasing into the atmosphere while it is at a higher then normal temperature.  It then rises and sticks in the stratosphere.  What is left of our forests can not convert the CO2 in the stratosphere, and the “breathing” oceans can not handle what they have as it is (even if they could reach the stratosphere).  So, we know it is a problem, and the problem is growing.  Every excuse in the book, and all the time left of this planet will not change this.  It simply must end, and not just reduce.

2)      We must remove CO2 from the stratosphere.  The CO2 has broken down the atmosphere, then cause and effect, cause and effect, ice caps are melting.  The ice caps have historically reflected a percentage of the sun’s energy back out to space.  It is now being trapped in the atmosphere by the pollution, ice is melting, reflecting less energy, melting more ice, warming oceans, and on and on!  You can see that the destruction cannot, or better yet, will not continue for long.  So, how do we breakdown CO2?  This is the question I have been asking myself since Junior High School.

 

 

CO2 is very strong, and would take containment with a lot of energy to break apart.  It is also in the stratosphere, a little outside the average persons reach.  It is not easily visible, and is mixed with other gases.  This is where I go crazy.  The answer is right there.  Break down CO2.  The problem is, how do we do it?  I sounds so simple at first, then feels so impossible.

 

I have spent the last 25 years thinking about this, and I am failing.  What do you have?  Any ideas?  Seriously, how do we do this?

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Bear with me please....

I am working on the blog design, and stumbling a little!!!  Sorry!

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There is a new man in my life.....

AJ was born on Wednesday.  R and G are happy to let their third into the world.  He gets kind of fussy when I hold him, but probably because I don't have milk!  He was 9 lbs, 7 oz.  Little chub monster!  I am off to see him again now!

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Cocktail Friday

What goes better with Friday then a cocktail?  Well aside from SSG's Fantasy Island Friday I mean.  For today, you must make and taste one of these little dandy's!

Lava Flow Ingredients:

1 ounce light rum

1 ounce Malibu rum

2 ounces Strawberries

1 banana, ripe but not overripe

2 Ounces Pineapple juice (unsweetened)

2 ounces Coconut cream

Blend the strawberries and the two rums in a blender into a smooth paste.  Pour the paste into a hurricane glass.  Rinse the blender.  Blend the banana, coconut cream and the pineapple juice in blender until smooth.  Pour this mixture into the glass with the rums, but do so slowly.  The strawberry/rum mix should creep up the sides of the glass to make a wonderful looking and tasting cocktail.

Just think spring is just around the corner!!

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Shocking trend.....

Here in Portland there is a trend that has been growing over the last year or so.  Almost every off ramp from almost every freeway has a person standing there with a sign asking for money.  This is not shocking with our unemployment rate at the 10% mark.  I usually send them a silent prayer and hope they can get on their feet soon.

Yesterday however, there was a sign that made the point exactly.  I did not have the guts to take his picture, but here is what the sign said:

"Hate your job?"

"Not Happy?"

"Sick of leftovers?"

"Then trade me places!"

I passed him by for the moment, went down the street and got him a cheep rain coat, a big bottle of beer and a sandwich from the store and took it back to him.  I handed it too him with $5.00 and he said "May this be the deciding moment for you to enter into heaven, Thank You very much!"

As I walked away, he opened the beer before he put on the rain coat.

I reflected a lot on how great my life is.  Sure, it is not easy, but I have very little to actually complain about.  I wish the same for all of you.

These are hard times Ladies and Gentlemen, we must all come together and do our part.  You never know, tomorrow it could be one of us standing on the corner begging for food!

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Sleepless nights

I am a horrible sleeper.  I usually wake up for a couple hours every night.  I toss and turn and try to sleep, but can not.  I finally give in and turn on the TV.

Last night was actually quite a surprise.  "Dead Mans Shoes" was on the Indie channel, and it was a great movie.  Definitely not one for the kids, but this was a well written, deep feeling movie.  The trailer moves pretty fast, but the actual movie keeps the suspense going all the way through.

I had never heard of it, but it was nominated for 13 awards and received 4.  This is one of those movies that makes you really think when it ends.

I know I am not "that kind" of blogger, but this movie is worth watching!

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A thousand years ago....

Seems like a thousand years ago, my childhood.  I spent so long either trying to forget it, or come to terms with it.  What ever the case, there are those memories that I regret losing.

Grandpa worked over 30 years at his night job, ran a farm during the day, and raised his 6 children.  There was only so much time I got to spend with him.  He made a point of giving me a few minutes of every day he could.  It was just for us.  He was really thoughtful that way.

That is why the picture makes me feel kind of sad.  This is the Grandpa I remember best, but I don't remember when this picture was taken or what we were doing.  It is a moment I seem to have lost, and won't get back.  I have to admit though, it is nice to see us together.  It brings on other memories that I have not lost.  Memories of a time long ago.  Memories that fill me with comfort, and not the sting of fear. 

Aside from that, WOW, was I a dork or what?

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Strange news today..

These two news stories caught my attention today as a little representation for the state of our country today!

First, a guy "bolts" antlers onto a dead doe carcass......

BURLINGTON, Vt. – A man who bolted antlers to the head of a dead doe and posed for a photograph with the deer was fined $400 and jailed for game violations.

Marcel Fournier, 19, shot the deer the evening of Nov. 22 and used lag bolts and epoxy to attach a 10-point rack, officials said. He then checked in the kill as lawful game at Barnie's Market.

It's illegal to kill an antlerless deer, and it's also illegal to hunt at night.

The Concord resident admitted to the killing and led a game warden to the deer's remains after an anonymous caller alerted authorities. Fournier said he had "quite a time" drilling and fastening the antlers, authorities said.

Game warden David Gregory said the antlers didn't look or feel right.

"When you grabbed them, you'd feel movement," he said.

Col. David LeCours, chief warden of the state Department of Fish and Wildlife, said the size of the antlers relative to the size of the deer seemed off.

"Something wasn't natural about them, in addition to the fact that they weren't natural," he said.

Fournier was sentenced to 10 days in jail Feb. 18 for taking a deer in a closed season. He won't qualify for a state hunting, fishing or trapping license for at least three years.

LeCours said add-on antlers are the stuff of legend, but that it's the first documented case of it in Vermont.

Second, well, uhm, you will understand.

33 year old woman treated at an emergency room in Texas for having a wine bottle "stuck" in her "nether region".  The victim has requested to remain anonymous, but was willing to give us an interview.  When posed with the question of how this happened, she responded:

"Well, me 'n my brother-in-law have always been kinda close, and my husband is outa town for the week and all, so we just thought it would be good fun to get together without achly cheatin'.  See, we thought the wine bottled be okay since it weren't achly fornication and all, but what we didn't think about was that suction it done in there.  Don't matter none though, that Doc, he did a good job and all.  They just done drilled a little hole in the bottom a that ol' bottle, and out it come!  Did feel a bit strange when they was drillin' it though."

We could not ask another question, as her husband came to pick her up from the hospital.  Yes, she had called him, and yes she had the "suspect" wine bottle in her hands.  Good Luck!

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It was a wonderful day...

We spent my one day off together as a family, and it was wonderful!

Now we are going to watch "The Color Purple" and cry.......

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Oscar's Belly

As you know, Oscar had to have an ultrasound and liver biopsy.  As for now, we are going to put him on a special food that will allow his liver to function normally.  He is not to fond of the cut back in treats, but we are working on that.  He is however very happy to get belly rubs, ALL THE TIME!  His little belly has his fur growing back, and it itches him relentlessly.  Like all good Daddies, we are rubbing his wounded belly for hours on end, then switching so he can continue in the spoiling......

You can see his "ouchies" in the picture, and if you want to come over, he will show you in person.  He keeps tells us that the biopsy needle "was thisssssssssssss BIG"!

Aunty Karen at Day Care has been spoiling him a little as well I think.  Doesn't matter though, the second I get home, we relive the whole sob story, and he gets more belly rubs!  (I can't complain too much, with his naked belly he has been snuggling under the covers with me!!!!  Yes, me, and not the other Daddy!  Me!)

Happy Belly Rubs to all of you!!!!!  I am home from work, going to poor a cocktail, and then take a bubble bath.  Why don't you do the same?  You know you want to!!

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The "dance off" political platform

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The Shuffle

Okay, so I am working long hours, waiting for Oscars results, not sleeping well and even not eating right.  I still walk like a normal biped.  I cannot figure it out.  Did something in the universe change when we clicked over to 2009?

Everywhere I go, People are shuffling along at a slow, depressed state, staring at the ground.  There is absolutely no recognition of other individuals on the planet.  Cars backing out of a parking space with out looking, not holding a door for the next person, disrespecting others by not even recognizing their existence.  People at a register to pay for their purchase, a drooling space cadet the entire time their 500 items get rung up, and then act all surprised and dig for the checkbook that could have been prepared hours ago.  How about the guy standing in line audibly complaining about the time it takes him to get to the register, and then when he is there and done with his transaction he talks to the clerk endlessly about the weather.  What happened?

I remember when people would say "Hello".  I remember when holding the door for a Lady was simply the proper requirement.  Paying attention to those around you, and respecting them just simply was part of the process.  Are we really turning into a society that pretends not to see anyone else?  Has email and texting destroyed the art of verbal conversation or polite interaction?  Where are we headed?

SSG - Your loud neighbor is another great one to use (sorry just read your blog after this posted)......

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Oscar

Our little Oscar has been getting lots more car rides!  A couple weeks ago, Oscar got sick and through up about 10 times.  This of course is a very bad thing for doggies, so we took him to the vet.  The first thought was that he had eaten something bad.  We soon found out that his liver was not functioning properly and were referred to another vet.

The new vet introduced herself to Oscar, before me.  She let him sniff her and her "tools of the trade".  She spoke to him, comforted him, and then let me know what she saw.  She was great!

So, yesterday, Oscar had an Ultrasound and a liver biopsy.  We are waiting for the results for now.  

When I got home from work last night, he met me at the door as is his usual custom, but instead of jumping all over me, he laid down and rolled over.  "Dad, look what happened to my belly!" is pretty much what he wanted to tell me.  His entire underside was shaved completely, and he had a little ouchie just off to the side.  I got down on my hands and knees, bent over, and started giving his naked little tummy soft kisses.  I then picked him up, went upstairs, and put him on the bed.  I got undressed, crawled into bed, and lifted up the blankets so he could join me.  With Oscar stretched out next to me, and my hand resting tenderly on his ouchie, we both slept a full 6 hours.

It was a great night.  I hope the test results come back soon.

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All set up!

All set up!  I love MAC!  Everything is so easy, with the exception of extending the range of the wireless device (for me anyway)!

I have had my MAC laptop for some years now, and just upgraded to the iMac yesterday.  I have wanted one for sometime and after working so many hours of overtime, I thought I could use my tax return for something fun for once.  It was cheaper then ever before, and they gave me a student discount (since I take a class once in a while at the local community college)!

I have to tell you, I love APPLE!  I fought with my new airport extreme to extend the range, and failed.  This morning, I called the APPLE CARE number, and in 4 minutes they had me up and running!  To top it off, he spoke to me like I was just a person and not some goofball!  

I love MAC!

I have a shift change today, and will be working 10 am to 10 pm so I have to get going.  Tomorrow, we should be back on track and over the week I will catch up on all your wonderful blog posts!  Hugs to all of you, and my deepest wishes for you to have a Fabulous day!!!!!

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Ack!

Switching to a new MAC, "bear" with me!  

I am a techno idiot!

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When solicitors call...

I get incredibly irritated when a solicitor calls!  In fact, even if you get our voicemail it states "if you are a solicitor, hang up and do not ever call us again!"

What is the story anyway?  I have registered us on every possible do not call list, we are not in the phone book, and I don't freely give out our number to businesses.  I used to cringe when the phone rang, but now that I have been working swing shift and OT, I simply have gotten evil!

Here are some of the ways I am answering the phone when caller I.D. reflects a solicitor....(sometimes you have to wait for the computer to click the solicitor onto the line...)

I answer -"Are you wearing the outfit I sent you?  Have you been naughty?  (typically silence, then..)

"Uhm, this is Bob from retread tires and I was wondering if you have checked your radials lately?"

          "Actually Bob, I am looking for just the right person to do that for me!  I will need a resume, along with a full frontal color snap shot.  Since we are on the topic of you, what are you wearing right now?"

"CLICK"

I answer - "Thank you for calling Hot Man Love, please press one for Hot German Love.......two for Hot Latino Love......three for Hot French Love......."

"CLICK"

I answer - "Hello.  Hello?  Hello?  Is there anyone there?  Hello?  Hello?  Who is this please?  Are you there?"  (no matter what they say, I pretend I can't hear them......)

"CLICK"

I answer - "Masterbaters Anonymous!  Admitting you have a problem is the first step!  Are you masterbating now?"

"CLICK"

I answer very sultry, and in a very deep voice - "What are you wearing?"

"Excuse me?"

I respond "For what, did you fart?"

"CLICK"

I pick up the phone but say nothing, just sit there listening, and when they are about to disconnect I breath heavy into the phone.  They typically last about three breathes, then....

"CLICK"

I answer - "Meow!"

"Hi, this is Bob with great deals, blah, blah, blah, and I have a special deal for you if you have a moment."

I respond - "Meow!"

"Uhm, is your Mom or Dad there?"

I respond - "Meow!"

"CLICK"

I answer - "Oh my, I have been waiting so long for your call!"

"Hello, this is Ferrah Phone Cranky-crank calling about your long distance"

I respond - "That Martha whats her face is such a bitch.  Did you hear what she said last week in quilting class, OMG, she was just so rude.  I have never in my life heard such trash.  And to think that husband of hers, bless his heart, he did not know she was friggid, but then again who did.  Anyway, we were sitting around the quilt, you know talking about politics and such, when she just blurts out that she thinks John Denver should make a new record!  I mean really, the man is dead, how can he make a new record.  Cheese Whiz, I mean lets have some respect for the dead here.....

"CLICK"

I answer - "Hello"

"May I speak to the woman of the house?"

I respond "He's at work, what is this about?"

"CLICK"

I answer - "Can you hold on for a quick second?" and then set the phone down and go back to sleep.

"CLICK"

I answer - "Predo's Pizza, would you like to try our daily special today?"

"CLICK"

I answer - "National Do Not Call Directory, how may I assist you?"

"CLICK"

My favorite is picking up the phone, but saying nothing.  

"Hello, this is Brad from Window blah blah!"

I respond "Hi Brad, this is Predo.  Do you like spankings?"

"uhm, what?"

I respond "You heard me!"

"CLICK"

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The Bumper Sisters

So, I hope  you understand the basic relationship that Tim, Jimmy, Naomi and Debbie have.  They are wonderful old souls and should be martyred.  I worship every moment I am blessed to spend with them.  As individuals, they are amazingly strong, wonderful people.  Together, they are a force that can only leave you with a sense of hope and respect.  I think it would be quite something for them to write a book.  (No disrespect Debbie, you can still start a Jack-A-Lope farm!!!)

Now, I should explain the picture of Tim and Jimmy in drag.  They are not drag queens, or cross dressers, or transvestites.  They simply dressed up occasionally for fun or fund raising.  Notice that Jimmy did not shave his mustache for it!

My time spent with them in this particular fashion was simply to raise money.  See, Tim and Jimmy were part of the original Bumper Sisters.  A group of guys that got together and performed bad drag, with bad lip sink, in bad taste, in an effort to make people laugh and be happy.  Every event I have attended was in some form attached to raising money for Aids/HIV.

The last event was for a a food bank/hospice.  Tim and Jimmy came up with the idea, not only to raise funds, but to use laughter to create memories.  They understood that despair only leads to depression and giving up.  They chose to enlighten people, raise others hopes, and even lighten painful moments.  Terminal illness is not a reason to simply give up and stop living.

These two men became well known as funny, but also as loving, understanding and respectful.  Together and with the help of others, they put a smile on the faces of people filled with fear and regret.  Forgiveness, Self respect and Hope have as much value as the money raised to buy food and medical supplies.  

Through them, I have been introduced to death and pain, but also the joys of living.  Even though we do not have the disease, we do feel the effects of it.  Tim and Jimmy have introduced me to people who then pass away.  They do not let them wallow in self pity, they push for them to live while they are alive.  Celebrate life is more then a tag line, it should be a natural emotion.

Think about it.  What have you done today that tells someone else that they matter?  What have you done for yourself, because you matter just as much?  Tim, Debbie, Jimmy and Naomi have given me the gift of looking outside of myself.  They have shown me that as individuals, we can be amazing, but together we can be a thousand fold more incredible.  Take my lesson as your own.  Help change a persons day, their life, or their world.  What ever the case, it will certainly change yours as well.

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Tim

Okay, so now that I am older, I can reflect on things better (or simply forget about them all together!)

When it comes to Tim, there is an untold, never discussed story.  Let me change gears here for a second.....

So, being Gay is the only minority in which you go home to a family who is not that minority.  We are utterly alone in our youth.  It is also the only minority that still has legal discrimination regarding what we can and can not do or what others can or can not do to or for us.  Having said that, when I met Tim, I saw similarities to my own previous existence.

Tim and I both grew up in the midwest, and then both served our county at war time.  Tim was sent off to Vietnam to fight, kill and destroy.  Now, as gay men, we tend to console, revive and redecorate, so this is all backwards.  My point?  So, when it comes to feeding bodies to the death machine, gay men are not questioned.  In fact, they are pushed right on through.  It seems a matter of the beneficial approach when it comes to decisions about my people.  Oh, and this trend has gone on for the entire history of our country.

Anyway, I met Tim when I was just coming off the "Prove them all wrong" train.  I was under the illusion, that if I was a "Good Fag" that I could show people we had value.  Tim is the one who explained that wasting my life to live by the rules of others is no life at all.  

Tim went to Vietnam.  He had a "friend" there.  He saw horrors that should not, and can not be simply explained.  He sacrificed for the good of a country that did not even care enough to try to recognize his efforts.  Tim and I were connected by this ridiculous double standard.  The difference is that he had come to terms with it, and I was still fighting it.

Tim "brought me off the ledge" so to speak about what we were and where we had  been.  He taught me that the common person can never understand the extreme effort it took for us to do what we did.  He also made me aware that others understanding was not required to be proud of our own strength.  He gave me back my sanity and my humor.

Tim was not what I would call run of the mill.  He is himself and nothing else.  He is intelligent, emotionally strong, and well informed.  He lives his life, his way, and for that I am both proud and happy for him.

So, after all that, he is also a great story teller and tour guide.  When you get Jimmy, Naomi, Debbie and Tim all in the same room, you simply sit back and pay attention for hours!  These people have lived, and they shared their lives with each other, and they always will.  

One of the greatest emotions I can know is laughter through tears, and when ever we even speak we laugh so hard our eyes run!   

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Jason's Ipod game

From Jason and on to you....Since my Ipod is almost always attached to me somehow...

The iPod Game

.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Put your iPod or other music player on shuffle.

2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.

3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS.

Unless you don't like it, then you can keep shuffling until you get to something you like!

(I added this variance to the game)

WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY? Lord Franklin (Sinead O'Connor)

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE? So what you have to do (Sarah McLachlan)

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO? Love me for a Minute (Cheap Trick)

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU? Po Lazarus (O Brother Soundtrack)

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN? Waterfront (Simple Minds)

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND? She's not me (Madonna)

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY? Fox Confessor Brings the Flood (Neko Case)

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP? Green Green Grass of Home (Tom Jones)

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU? The Caterpiller (The Cure)

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL? Ride like the wind (Christopher Cross)

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST? Sending all my Love (Linear)

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET? The Boy (The Shangri-La's)

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS? I found my Everything (Mary J. Blige)

WHAT'S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN? I wanna be your Boyfriend (the Ramones)

HOW WILL YOU DIE? Killer Queen (Queen)

WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET? Agent Orange (Depeche Mode)

WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH? Music (Joss Stone)

WHAT MAKES YOU CRY? In a lonely place (New Order)

WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST? Floaty (Foo Fighters)

IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE? Joan (Erasure)

WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW? Low (R.E.M.)

YOUR ULTIMATE FANTASY?  Don't leave me this way (The Communards) 

And there you have it.  Each question got the very next song!  But Mr. Jason, I have one more question for you.....Does your ipod have anything from Vanity Bear?

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True Sports

True sports are not just for athletes.  For example, see below.

Above we have Me in the middle, with Debbie and Tim.  Now this is a true sport!  Look at how I am dressed.  We are at "The Roundup" which is the biggest rodeo in Oregon.  Debbie and Tim fit in, and my outfit screams FAG like nobodies business!  The sport?  See how long I can live in this environment!  Having said that, Debbie and Tim did hang out with me the whole time with no concern for their own safety.  Of course, we did drink a smidge!  Good thing we could all run real fast  (at the time!)
Above is Debbie at the start of Katie-Kitty's olympic career.  Thanks to Debbie, Katie-Kitty won gold in both the "I will just lay here next to you and look cute" and "Why, yes you may scratch my tummy" events.  Debbie herself collected a silver in the "Patience" event.
What, did you think beauty such as ours just naturally occurred?  Pahhhhh-Leeeeaaaase!  We had to work very hard to look that damn attractive!  Ah, yesteryear.  What I wouldn't give to have all that hair again.....and not just on my back either!

And here is Debbie in her hayday.  I know, it looks like your average back yard get together kind of photo, but it is not.  This is Debbie preparing herself for a seance in an effort to channel the great Elvis himself.  The candle's power was strong, but Elvis did not make it.  However, she did bring forth Jim Morrison who thought he was late for a concert as well as Lassie who wanted to hump my leg.  Not really a sport, I know, but Debbie does have mysterious powers and I am sometimes afraid for my life.......

Side note:  Later that day we saw Bigfoot on the way to Hardee's and then Elvis was working the drive through.  All in all, a star filled day.

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The Cast of Characters.....

I am going to be blogging about some of the most incredible people that have ever crossed the path of my life over the next couple of days.  First I have to introduce you to them....

Above is Schiza Kitty (our first pet, and the best animal friend I ever had), then Jimmy and then the Notorious Debbie (yes her actual name, but there are hundreds of thousands of Debbies out there so I think she is safe!)

Above is Naomi and Jimmy.  Naomi and Debbie are great friends, and together make up the most insightful, intelligent and hilarious two people I know!!!!

Above is Jimmy, me and Tim.  Tim is Naomi's brother.

Now, you may not recognize Tim or Jimmy from above, but this picture may bring back the memory as they were Stars of the Stage.  you may remember Tim as "Melody Lane" and Jimmy as "Mitzy (Ellen Marie) Zucker".  They started out as stewardesses for T.W.A.T Airlines.

Anyway, this cast of characters is going to make up the next few blogs..............

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