New beginnings in the New Year

Tomorrow is the last day of 2008 which, of course means that we'll be once again starting a new year. I just read a bloggers post in which he stated that he "would rather just wake up tomorrow and find that everything had passed by, that I could resume normal life on a Monday morning and move on from this holiday season"; I couldn't agree with that more (Frozen Underwear; blog post: Holidaze...). This year has had so many things go wrong that I don't know it's possible to name them all. I think that 2009 is going to be a year of new beginnings, not simply putting the past behind us.

I have a feeling that for me, 2009 is going to be a year of big changes. I'm going to have my 21st birthday, which is a "landmark" birthday. I'm going to try and make that big step in life and finally move out and get my own place, leaving a certain amount of dependancy behind me. I'm going to try and live life to the fullest and, if at all possible, try and not turn down any opportunities that may come my way. I think that I'm going to try and focus a little more on some of my photography and see where that takes me; after all, if it doesn't work out, maybe it wasn't meant to at this time. 

I hope that all of us have learned more than enough from the mistakes of 2008 and that we can get past them and make our lives better. We all need to start living for ourselves, we can't live for anyone else. 

I hope that you will all join me in saying goodbye to 2008 and welcome 2009 with open arms! It's going to be a great year! What will it bring for you? Only time will tell...

The lucky one?

Yesterday before I left the house, I was reading another blog post, specifically about a break-up that this person had gone through. Lately I've been thinking that the people who are actually in the relationships are the lucky ones, but now I don't know what I think. In a way, they are, but on the other hand, am I to be considered the lucky one because I don't have to go through the pain of a break-up?

I suppose that people in both situations could be considered lucky. The people who are in the relationships because they've found someone who (at least for the time being) can share and experience things with that they would otherwise be unable to. People in my situation, however, have the relative freedom to do whatever, whenever (within reason, of course) and not have to worry about not being there for their significant other, etc..

On the subject of relationships, I'm kind of scared. Not of being in a relationship, but that I won't be in one. The similarities between one of my Aunt's and I are uncanny and, for the most part, our lives seem to be running on the same track. A few years ago she was in a relationship and then, all of the sudden, she was out of it. A middle of the night phone call to my Grandma was the start of something new for her, something that she was going to start on her own. Trust me, I know that people are in and out of relationships a few times throughout their life, but it just sucks. 

At last, I leave you to ponder this question... Those taken or those who are single, who is luckier?

Winter in the Midwest... Gotta love it...

This morning, I again quesiton why I still live in the Midwest. I knew that it wasn't going to be much fun getting my car driveable (i.e. windows de-iced, etc.) but it was by far worse than I expected; there was easily 2 inches of ice on my windows! AND on top of that I had to pry my door open so that I could run the heat and defroster!

~*~ Dear God, please make it warm soon ~*~

Prop 8 - The Musical

"Prop 8 - The Musical" starring Jack Black, John C. Reilly, and many more... by Jack Black

Is there something in life you wish you would have followed through with?

In life we all say that we’re going to do certain things and then, for whatever reason we don’t. (Before I start my little story here, I have to preface it by saying that I think I’m the kind of person who is always going to fall in love with somewhere new that I visit.) When I visited Tampa last November I didn’t want to leave! I thought it would be nice to just call back home and say that I’ll come home long enough to get my stuff and then head back out, but that obviously didn’t happen. When I was down there, my Great-Aunt and Uncle had said that I could live with them until I got on my feet and was able to get a steady job and a place of my own; I thought this was the best offer ever!

 

When I came back home I started looking for places to stay in Florida that weren’t too far from Tampa/Orlando and I actually found a couple of really nice places! I came up with this plan to start saving x-amount of dollars per payday and then I’d be able to move by my birthday this past June. Well, as this always happens, it was one thing after another that prevented me from going; for a while there I was actually doing pretty well! After things started looking up with my finances, I always seemed to have something standing in my way of setting money aside again. As I sit here now, it’s below the freezing mark and the wind chill makes it even colder than people could imagine! My Aunt from Florida recently got a Facebook when her sister was down there. While Teri was setting up her profile, Jan (her sister) put up some pictures of Teri with the beach in the background; that made me miss Florida that much more! I constantly think about “what might have been” had I actually moved down there and sometimes I’m glad I didn’t. Had I moved down there, I would have missed the birth of my sister and small little things that I’m glad I’ve been home for. There are still those times, like today for example, that I really miss not being there. Of course, I always have an open invitation to come back down whenever I’d like, but that’s easier said than done, especially in today’s economy.

 

Everyone has at least one thing, I’m sure that they’re still kicking themselves for not following through with, what’s yours?

Thank you!

As we (rapidly) approach Christmas and the New Year, I tend to find my thoughts, especially when I’m reading the New York Times, to the soldiers fighting for our freedom in Afghanistan and Iraq. These men and women volunteered for what could be the fight of their life. Selfishly putting aside their family and their lives back home, these brave warriors have gone in to the unknown to face the unknown. I can’t even imagine walking down the streets of Kabul or Baghdad on patrol and having to be on constant alert even if you’re surrounded by children the same age as your own. We live in a time where we are suspicious of everyone we come across, especially if they look different than we do; we shouldn’t be living in that world.

 

Since 9/11, America and the rest of the countries around the world are on constant alert. Terrorists have basically found a way to control the world and that is completely uncalled for. I’ll be one of the first to sound off and say that I vehemently oppose the war in Iraq, but at the same time I’m glad that Saddam isn’t in power any more. With Barack Obama having been elected as the next President of the United States and having so many countries support him as America’s newest leader, it gives me great hope. I think that we will be able to get a great deal of good things accomplished that were either put on the back burner with Bush II or that were never allowed to even be considered by the current administration.

 

Supporting the troops that are fighting for freedom against terrorism is one of the greatest things that anyone can do. These brave men and women deserve our respect and support and should never have to ask for it. With the level of troops spread thin enough already, I think it’s time that this country rethink the battles it gets itself involved in. I hope that the agreement between the Iraqi government and ours keeps true and we’ll see a troop reduction in Iraq soon. Hopefully when that happens, the military will start rotating troops out of Iraq in to Afghanistan where our focus should have been this entire time. Osama bin Laden was the one that attacked us on our own soil, not Saddam. It’s entirely possible that because of the war in Iraq, bin Laden was able to cross the mountains in to Pakistan and could now be hiding out there. Why our attention was diverted somewhere else in the first place still blows my mind. Shouldn’t we have “kept our eye on the ball” instead of getting distracted? We, as a country need to figure out a way to regain our status as a country with a revered military. Under President Clinton we went eight years without being involved in a war and now we find ourselves involved in two, one of which (like I said before) we shouldn’t have been involved in in the first place.

 

As many people struggle to find a way to give back this holiday season, I think that supporting our troops tends to get overlooked. Supporting our troops can be as simple as thanking a soldier for what they do, sending care packages or sending letters to the troops fighting overseas. Let us not forget, however, about the rest of the troops that we have stationed around the globe who are keeping the peace that we have already restored.

 

I hope you will join me in taking a stand and supporting the troops this holiday season. Thank you to all the men and women in and out of uniform for all that you have done; we truly appreciate it!!!

What are you looking forward to?

As we get ready to close out what has been one heck of a year it's time to get out that pen and paper and write down your New Year's resolutions again. Most of us, after giving it a valiant try, don't stick with it for one reason or another or we just never get around to trying one of the things on the list at all. 

Not that this should be surprising or anything, but one of my goals for this new year is to actually stick to my diet. I started one last week that I seem to be doing fairly well on. I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that the reason why people don't stick to what they plan to do is because they feel that they can't start it until the new year and that builds up too much anticipation and worrying. Why not start early? I have something pushing me to keep going with my diet this year and I can't afford not to stick with it. 

Finally I ask, what are you looking forward to getting accomplished in 2009? Is there something that's going to push you to keep at it? What are you looking forward to?

Some things in life I will never understand

I am very fortunate in life to have been surrounded by friends who, for the most part, believe in what I do as far as morals go. I have had the occasional friend who didn't, but I'm sure that everyone has. I was reading a blog just before I posted this and this guy was talking about sleeping around and how he was trying to come up w/ excuses for why he was doing it. I realize that life is full of mysteries, but sleeping around is one thing that I will never understand. Does it make people feel better about themselves that someone is willing to tell them whatever they want just so they can have their way w/ them? For me, and this is something that I will never do, it would kind of take the intimacy out of any relationship once you've slept with half of the city. I suppose that some people are going to have one night stands or what have you, but once those ONS's turn in to a new fuck buddy every night, that's where the problem starts. I guess some people really are just a horse of a different color, but I don't think I'll ever understand it...

Do you have a dream?

Don't Ask, Don't Tell

I'm all for getting rid of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" but I always think if they get rid of this policy, won't the military just have to work that much harder to get rid of hard working men and women who want nothing more than to serve their country?

Survey Time!!!

1. What's your name?
Gary

2. What is your favorite thing to wear?
Boxers and a t-shirt! 

3. Last thing you ate?
Lunch from BK

4. One place you will NEVER eat at?
Long John Silver's

5. I say Shotgun, you say:
Damn it! 

6. Last person you hugged?
Brandy

7. Does anyone you know wanna date you?
Yeah

8. Would you date anyone you met online?
Depends... perhaps ;o) 

9. Name something you like physically about yourself:
My hair on a good day

10. The last place you went out to dinner to?

Does the EDR count???

11. Who is your best friend?
I refuse to answer this online

12. What time of the day is it?
9:58PM

13. Who/What made you angry today?
Grandma/Grandpa

14. Baseball or Football?
A little of both, but only college FB

15. Ever gone skinny dipping?
Does a hot tub count? If so, yes....

16. Favorite type of Food?
Italian/Breakfast

17. Favorite holiday:
Christmas

18. Do you download music:
Nope, not any more

19. Do you care if your socks are dirty?
I would prefer them to be clean

20. Opinion of Chinese symbol tattoos?
Don't really care

21. Would you date the person who posted this?
N/A

22. Has anyone ever sang or played for you personally?
Yupp! 

23. Do you love anyone?
Of course! 

24. Are colored contact lenses sexy?
Nope, and I wasted money on some... Fuck...

25. Have you ever bungee jumped?
Not yet - maybe when I lose some poundage

26. Have you ever gone white-water rafting?
No

27. Has anyone ten years older than you ever hit on you?
Yes

28. How many pets do you have?
Dos (that means 2)

29. Have you met a real redneck?
How many truckers have come to work from Sapp Bros.???

30. How is the weather right now?
FREEZING... Literally! 

31. What are you listening to right now?
The news in the background

32. What is your current favorite song?
"Soda Shop" - Jay Brannan

33. What was the last movie you watched?
"The Holiday" w/ Cameron Diaz & Jude Law

34. Do you wear contacts?
Oui (that means yes)

35. Where was the last place you went besides your house?
Walgreens - 

36. What are you afraid of?
Losing my closest friends/family members

37. How many piercings have you had?
1

38. What piercings do you want?
None

39. What's one thing you've learned this year?
Some people are better friends than others

40. What do you usually order from Starbucks?
Nothing

41. What Magazines are you reading?
Nothing

42. Have you ever fired a gun:
A pellet gun, yes

43. Are you missing someone?
Isn't a person always missing another?

44. Favorite TV show?
Will & Grace

45. Do you have an obession with WoW?
Never played it, probably never will 

46. Has anyone ever said you looked like a celeb?
Not that I remember

47. What celeb do you look like?
Hell if I know

48. Who would you like to see right now?
Good question...

49. Favorite movie of all time?
I don't know that I can say just one

50. Do you find yourself loved?
Yes :) 

51. Have you ever been caught doing something you weren't suppose to?
I'm sure - 

52. Favorite smell?
The coming rain

53. Butter, plain, or salted popcorn?
Butter - 

54. What's something that really bugs you?
PEOPLE WHO CAN'T DRIVE THE SPEED LIMIT!!!

55. Do you like Michael Jackson?
Some of his songs are aight

56. Taco Bell or Burger King?
That's a tough one...

57. What's your favorite perfume?
How about cologne? Euphoria Men - CK 

58. Favorite baseball team?
Cardinals

59. Ever call a 1-900 phone number?
Nope

60. What's the longest time you've gone without sleep?
Almost 24 hrs once

61. Last time you went bowling?
FOREVER AGO!!! I think I might be going on Friday though... :-/

62. Where is the weirdest place you have slept?
The bathroom floor after I got sick

63. Who was your last phone call?
Incoming: Brandy; Outgoing: Dad (Audra answered the phone)

64. Last time you were at work?
Yesterday

65. What's the closest orange object to you?
Marker

WTF?!?!?!

This is just going to be a quick blog before I head off to work... I was on the NYT website and an article on the side caught my attention; it was about the black vote in California for Prop 8. The article said that the black vote in California was largely in favor of Proposition 8 which banned gay marriage. WHAT THE FUCK?!?!?! Half of the country sees this as another issue for the civil rights battles that we're all familiar with. Why would a group of people who have been through so much trying to get what they want (i.e. freedom, right to vote, etc.) discriminate against another minority fighting for what they want?!?!?! This really pissed me off. I don't understand the people in this country sometimes. People think that now that they have what they want, FUCK everyone else. Let them fight for it, it's not our problem. I guess that this country is more fucked up than we thought. 

Time for reflection...

Every so often I believe that people should reflect on what has happened in their life. Now, I've said this many times, my motto is "Live life; no regrets" so sometimes when people reflect they think, "Well, if I hadn't done that..." or "If only I had done that differently...". When I say we should reflect I simply mean thinking about what all you've come through and the things that you've learned from.

Tomorrow being Thanksgiving, I feel it's important to reflect if only to realize what you're thankful for. Too many people take everything for granted; that's a big problem. Of course we're all, at some point in our lives going to take things for granted but it's those who take everything for granted that screw things up for the rest of us. 

I often look back on what has been and then I remind myself that I've overcome all the obstacles that are behind me (which I'm thankful for) and start to look ahead to the future. I know that there are going to be great things in store for me, but at the same time there are going to be hardships that I must get through as well. I truly believe that we're given no more than we can handle. It may seem impossible at times, but look at what you've already come through. 

What are you reflecting on? What are you thankful for?

Nature's Power and Beauty

We often find our breath taken away by pictures or scenes that we see on the Internet or television. Nature is something that is constantly changing; it brings such joy to our lives. People often talk about the changing colors of fall, the powerful thunderstorms that roll across the country and other natural phenomena as the most beautiful pieces of art, brought to us by nature. I, however, think that there is one thing that sums up the power and beauty of nature in one. 

The killer whale (orcinus orca), the "wolf of the sea" is one of the most beautiful animals and one of the most powerful at the same time. There aren't too many animals that trainers can work together with that are as powerful (and sometimes unpredictable) as orcas. I'm sure most people have seen Free Willy and followed the story of Keiko (Willy) with the rest of the world as he was released off the waters of Iceland; tragically, he died and never really got to live in the open waters (I say "really" because he passed not long after being released). 

Many millions have passed through the gates of SeaWorld parks across the country and have been witness to one of the greatest shows outside of Broadway, the Shamu show. This showcases the relationship that one can have with what is arguably one of the most powerful animals in the world. The grace and elegance that these animals posses is second-to-none. Being able to lift their massive weight out of the water and look like it takes no effort at all is incredible. Let's not be fooled by their grace, however. 

We have all heard and possibly seen attacks by these animals. These animals rarely attack humans, but the attacks they make in the wild are far more impressive. These animals work like well-oiled machines, working together to accomplish something. These animals have been known to attack other whales, dolphins and even sharks. Since these animals aren't around heavily populated beach areas, they don't really get much publicity unless something goes wrong at an animal park; this is why they are under estimated. 

The above and many more facts can be given to show that this animals is (possibly) nature's finest creation, but I'll leave that for you to decide. So for now, if you get the chance to enjoy these creatures in the wild or otherwise, please take the time to do so.

Just be happy!

I've learned a lot in the past 20 years, there's no doubt about that. One of the things that I've learned that keeps coming back to me is that you can't please everyone. I'm sure there has been a point in every persons life where they've taken a step back and thought about the decision they were about to make and if it would make someone else happy, angry or even sad. 

Keeping in mind that you only get one to live, you can't constantly try and make everyone else happy. Happiness comes from within. If you're constantly trying to work around other people's emotions and push your own aside, can you ever make yourself happy? At the same time it's important to be a good friend but you can't put your feelings on the back burner. Sometimes you need to be able to decide if the problems your friends are coming to you with are really worth you pondering over and putting your life on hold to help them or whether you need to find some way out of helping them. If you're able to do that, which a lot of the time I'm not, some people might see that as you not caring and you're being a bad friend. What they need to realize is that you'll be able to be a better friend when you've got your ducks in a row and can think straight.

 

I think sometimes that we're too dependent on one another but then I really get to thinking about it and, at times that's what really keeps us going. Knowing that you have someone there for you is one of the most comforting things in the entire world. Granted, cheesecake at times is more appealing than dumping your problems on someone else but that heavenly dessert is only going to be there for a limited time; a good friend will be there forever. 

I am blessed to have the friends that I do. Some of my friends and I don't talk often, but I know that I can count on any one of them when I need something, anything.

In life I want each of us to find that one thing that makes us happy and hold on to it. Being happy is one of the most important aspects to truly living life. If you haven't yet found that "thing", strive to find it! Having something to look forward to can keep us all going. If at times it seems impossible all you have to do is look back on the times in your life when you thought something else seemed impossible and look at how you got through that. We're all faced with problems and obstacles, but we're meant to get through them. 

Things, especially now with the economy the way it is can seem bleak but there's always that silver lining or the light at the end of the tunnel; keep looking for it. 

Happiness. Live. Love. Strive...

It's Not Easy

It isn't easy trying to stay positive, I'll be the first to admit that. I think it's something that always needs to be attempted. I'm one of those people that others come to when they're down or need someone to talk to and I don't mind that at all.

Everyone needs to have that one person who they can just talk to and if I can be that one person for someone, I feel incredibly blessed. If we keep everything in because we are afraid that we'll be burdening someone else with our problems it does nothing else but create more problems for our self. People were made to listen to one another and we should all try to do that. I think that some of the people who commit suicide really, deep down just needed someone to talk to and someone to listen. Not necessarily someone to give advice, but just to listen. They feel trapped and don't know who to turn to or where to go.

If you can open up to just one person, think of what that could mean to them. If you open up to them, they, in turn may open up to someone else. We can all make a difference in this world, even if it's one conversation at a time.

In the words of Dr. Frasier Crane, "I'm listening...".

History Has Been Made

Ladies and gentleman, just moments ago the entire world witnessed history in action as Barack Obama was elected President of the United States. This is a great victory for not just this country but for the world. We now have someone who, I truly believe is going to stand up for each an every American and not give up.

There are still a few states that haven't been declared for a specific candidate but right now it doesn't really matter. There have been so many people for both campaigns that have worked so hard for this one night. I really can't find the words right now to complete this blog, so I think that I'm just going to post it and wait for the acceptance speech from the next President of the United States.

Obama '08

Times Are Changing

This is something that I wrote a couple months back when I was at work... just thought that I'd share it w/ you!

In my everyday life, having grown up in the generation that I have, I’ve seen things that my parents and grandparents hoped that I would have never had to see. Things they hoped that I would never have to live through because of the sacrifices their generation and generations before made for the sake of their country and their families freedom.

In speaking with one of the guests that frequent my place of business, I realized when people say, “you kids have it so much easier today than we ever did growing up” that they’re wrong and there are so many things that we can say to prove that. We are currently fighting a war that we should have never been involved in the first place. We are always looking over our shoulder for terrorists that are just laying in wait to strike us down when we are at our weakest. We are constantly watching the stock markets in fear of another “Black Friday”. We are always wondering when we wake up in the morning whether we are going to have a job to go to tomorrow or fearing that we will be sent home early and we’ll have to figure out a way to tell our family that we were just laid off. We are struggling, with the rising cost of gas and other things that are so essential to everyday life to make it day-to-day and with that more and more people are living paycheck-to-paycheck than ever have before.

There is an obvious issue with national security in this country since 9/11; however, the government is trying to take things too far. It seems that any phone calls that may seem “suspicious” to the government may now be monitored and the reason for this is to protect the interest of national security in this country. I hardly think that monitoring phone calls of normal, everyday citizens such as you and I pose any a threat to the future of this country. What would help is if the FBI and the CIA would start sharing information that they receive instead of being so territorial and possibly putting the country at risk. Sometimes I wonder if the members of the Bureau and the Agency forget the oath they took to protect their country and the citizens that inhabit her.

In the past few years, but more prevalent in the news this year, we have people speaking out on key issues and calling people out on issues that need to be brought to the attention of the American public. Instead of us being guaranteed this right under the First Amendment we are finding ourselves punished by the government, but they’re doing it in a way that seems subtle at first. Suddenly, normal Americans, some of whom may have just coincidentally released a New-York Times Bestseller or are a journalist for a major news organization are now finding themselves on the “No Fly” list as suspected terrorists simply because they do not agree with the way the country is being run and are speaking out either on their own free will or because it’s their job to do so. Are we all of the sudden turning in to Communist China where speech, television and even how many children a family can have is being regulated by the government?

The end of 2008 and the beginning of 2009 are going to be all about change, regardless of how you look at it. For the first time in history, we have an African-American male and a man who, if elected will be the oldest man ever to take the oath of office as President of the United States in contention for the most prized seat in public politics. Both men, Barack Obama and John McCain have differing platforms that they are running on and both have found a way to back up what they’re looking to get done. Obama and McCain also have strong forces behind their campaigns from Bill and Hilary Clinton and Al Gore on the Democratic side of the aisle to George W. and George H.W. Bush on the Republican side. Regardless of who the President-Elect turns out to be, we need someone who would leave the partisan politics of today behind and start reaching out to the other party and work together to get things accomplished.

Having, for the past 8 years, been lead by a President that seemingly only cared for the country after the despicable acts of September 11, 2001 we, as Americans, have been constantly left to believe that we are still the strongest nation in the world. We have been left to believe that nothing more would happen to the United States of America, a country that once was revered for the power and strength of its military. However, with the world news that is constantly breaking regarding the newest current threat level just issued by the Department of Homeland Security or the current actions being taken against our fighting men and women overseas it is constant proof that this country is living in a world of fear that never should have been. Let’s face it, ladies and gentleman, we’re not who we think we are anymore. We are not what the faces of Washington want us to believe. We are now a nation struggling to live for tomorrow.

All Eyes on America

Next Tuesday, all eyes will once again be on America as we get ready to elect the next President of the United States. Regardless of who wins, there is no doubt that history will have been made that night. Leading up to November 4 we have already seen history made with the record turn-out for early voting in the just under 40 states that allow it.

At a time in our country's history where we can't afford any more instability that is exactly what we're facing. I, however, have faith that the two parties will pull together and at least try and get something accomplished over the next 4 years. Both parties have already called for change, now we just have to see if we can meet in the middle somewhere to get things done.

The winner of this election will almost certainly impact the way that we are viewed as a country to the rest of the world. We, as a country, need to learn how to play nice in the sandbox; it's going to be something that we have to learn all over again. I think that we have two men who would be great leaders, don't get me wrong, but they would each be great leaders in different times. The time for a leader who is willing to break boundaries and try and make nice with other nations who we haven't been the most loyal ally to is now. I'm sure that it's well known to everyone who I'm going to be voting for, but now isn't the time for me to plug my candidate.

Now is the time to get out and vote. Now is the time to make your voice heard. Now is the time to make history. Regardless of your political stance, make sure that you get out and vote.

We need to make America what it once was, the land of the free and the home of the brave.

I Want to Travel While I'm Young...

So I've really been thinking lately about traveling while I'm young and not tied down. There are so many places that I want to visit inside and outside the States, but right now I'm really interested in international travel.

I don't want to be single forever, but while I am I wouldn't mind taking advantage of the perks for as long as I can. I've always had a "special place" for Europe and Australia/New Zealand in my heart, although I've never been there. There are so many places to visit and so many things to see! My family is originally from Italy (Sicily, to be exact) and that is one place that I want to visit before I'm either to old to travel or kick the bucket. Over the past couple of days, I've been looking in to travel options for later next year to London and/or Italy. When I was at work yesterday, however, a guest was telling me about how she had been to New Zealand a couple of times and has always wanted to go back; she's supposed to be bringing some booklets or something for me.

I don't want to be one of those people who always wished that they had traveled but never did. I want to have stories to tell. I want to have pictures to tell stories. I think that international travel is going to be amazing and it's something that I can't wait to do! Obviously I'm not going to be able to go all the time, but once every couple of years or so wouldn't be too bad! It would also be nice to, when I find someone be able to take trips like that with them so that we'll have experiences that not really that many people can share.

I'm kind of thinking that I might take my taxes that I get back this year and put that towards a trip and then save some money here and there when I get the chance.

Wishing you happy travels in whatever you choose to do,

Gary

What's on your list?

So I watched The Bucket List for the first time tonight and I'm just wondering... what's on your list?

"Housewife" - Jay Brannan

Life's Unexpected Turns

Today I was actually having a fairly good day. Today was the start of my "weekend" away from work and, after lunch and getting a haircut I went shopping with my soon-to-be step-mother. After we went shopping, I went back to Dad and Audra's to drop off a couple PJ outfits that I bought for Kenna when we were out today. After playing with Kenna and talking to Dad for a little while today I decided to get home because I knew that dinner was ready and I wanted to get my stuff put away before my shows came on. The night seemed like it was going to be uneventful until my phone started to vibrate; my mom was calling.

When I picked up the phone my mom was crying and I thought it was news about her grandmother who we know isn't doing too well. As it turns out, my Uncle Kurt who lives in Tennessee passed away tonight. This comes as such a shock to the entire family, even my Dad and Grandma (Dad's mom) who aren't even close to my Mom's side of the family were taken aback. Right now we're waiting to hear something from the authorities or the hospital where his body has been taken. Luckily, from what one of my other uncles had told me, Kurt's boys weren't there when he died. My Grandparents aren't taking this well, obviously, but I can only imagine what this is doing to them. Unfortunately since Kurt and the boys lived down south we weren't very close, but he's always been a part of my life and now I don't have that any more.

I suppose that everything happens for a reason, but this totally came out of the blue. I'm hoping that we'll have some sort of an idea fairly soon but only time will tell. I keep thinking about what's going to happen to the boys. Kurt and the boys' mom are divorced but (from what I understand) lives in TN as well so I'm assuming that they'll stay with her and her husband? I really can't even think what to write. My mind keeps going blank mid sentence and I have to keep starting over.

With this news it just goes to show that you need to live life while you can. Life every day like it's your last.

I love you, Uncle Kurt!!!

Every Gay Person

This is a video that speaks volumes. This is a video that speaks the truth. This is a video that a gay person in America shouldn't have had to make. This is a video...

Is It Really That Time Again?

Well ladies and gentleman... the holidays are right around the corner. Halloween, the start of the holiday season is almost here! This means that as soon as the ghoulish decorations come down, it's time to put up the Christmas decorations in the store. Granted, we still have Thanksgiving to get through, but when it comes to the stores there really isn't much that they put out.

In these tough times it's not that hard to find people (more than usual) who don't want to talk about Christmas simply because they aren't going to have the "normal" gift giving money. I honestly have been thinking about bringing up the idea of just either postponing or canceling the holiday for the older people in the family. I say just the older people because no kid should have to go without a Christmas when they're growing up. Christmas is, along with many people, my favorite holiday but it's not because of the presents. Let's face it, the gifts are always nice but that's not what the holidays are about. Many people forget that Christmas isn't about who can buy the biggest gift but about spending time with your family and being thankful for what you have.

Each and every year the holidays sneak up on people; while the days go by so slow, the weeks just fly by! We're half-way through October already!!! Fairly soon here in the Metro area we'll have one radio station playing Christmas music 24/7 until December 26th. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE Christmas music but that's just a little extreme. I'm sure, however, that I'll find myself going back and forth between 104.5 (Christmas over-kill station) and others that I normally listen to... this way I'll be able to get a little more variety.

I know that some people, for whatever reason don't like the holidays and that's cool with me; to each his own, but please don't try and impose that on others. There may have been something that happened in your past to make you not like this time of the year or you may just simply not like what the holidays have become, but there are some people, children included who live for Thanksgiving and Christmas for one reason or another.

I have been lucky enough to have been brought up in a family where I was taught what the real meaning behind the holidays is. My family is in no way "comfortable" when it comes to money so we've learned to live with what we have and that we can count on one another for just about anything. This was reinforced each and every year when I was growing up at Thanksgiving. Granted, we were all looking forward to Grandma's Thanksgiving dinner and Grandpa's homemade sides and desserts but we were, at the same time glad to be together if only for a couple of hours. This really is the time of the year to come together; set aside your differences with others if at all possible.

With all of that being said, let me be the first to wish all of you Happy Holidays!

Inspiration... What's Yours?

Each day I try and find something to inspire me. Yesterday I read an entire book in my 8-hour shift at work and it was truly inspiring, but I needed something more. When the phones were slow I took a little trip to the Gift Shop and was just going to get something to drink but these mugs and clocks kept staring at me from across the room. 

A couple of months ago, I was in the Gift Shop and was having a rough day and just needed a pick-me-up and I came across a mug with a saying from Thomas Fuller, "Great hope makes great men". Those simple words were enough to keep me going that day. Since then I really haven't looked in that corner of the shop, but yesterday my curious mind overtook me. Two things stood out yesterday, a mug that said "Live as brave men" (Cicero) and a little desk clock, "Character is man's guiding destiny".  It may seem silly to some, but these two things, I have each sitting on my desk at home, just make things easier for the time being. All I have to do is remember those two quotes and I'll be good for a while. 

Inspiration can be found in many forms. Each and every day I'm inspired by something or someone. I am incredibly grateful for each day that I am allowed to spend on this earth. I am inspired by the things that I see going on around me; they teach me to either never do something or to always push forward. Each of the people in my life, even if I have only met the once have inspired me to be a better person. Each interaction that I have with a guest at work, either good or bad inspires me do what I do best, make a difference in this world. 

As I have said before, it only takes you smiling at one person that you pass in the hallway or on the street to make their day better. By taking a split second to smile or say "hello" to someone, you may have made a bad day a tiny bit better or a great day 10x better that it was before. Each of us have a specific purpose in this life. If you have yet to figure yours out yet, please, I beg you to keep looking. It will come to you. 

So, today I ask, "What is your inspiration?". Your inspiration could be your children, family, friends, striving to be a better person, the beauty of nature or many other things that I did not list. 

"Live, inspire, be inspired..."

National Coming Out Day 2008

Tomorrow, October 11, 2008 is National Coming Out Day. For members of the LGBT community this, aside from "Pride" is a day that we can celebrate who we are. Slowly but surely, the United States is coming around to seeing that being gay isn't a bad thing and are actually starting to acknowledge it. 

Today for instance, Connecticut was the third state in the Union to overturn the ban on same-sex marriages. Although the governor said that she doesn't agree with the decision she wasn't going to fight it because she didn't think that trying to overturn the decision would work. Even though the Court decided to allow same-sex marriage, Connecticut, along with California will have the chance to either "shoot it down" or change the two states' Constitutions. 

Being gay should not prevent anyone from being able to marry who they love. Just because I'm gay doesn't mean that I can't have a husband some day; I'm am American, I should have that right. People think that by letting their neighbor get married they are somehow going to be affected. NEWS FLASH... It won't affect you at all. There is one thing that is going to harm the institution of marriage, and that is divorce. 

Here is something to think about... in this time of economic despair, what is one thing that could boost an economy? Answer: allowing gay marriage in your state. Let's think about it... your state is considering allowing gay marriage and you are a small business owner. If I were to get married I would want a real wedding... flowers, tuxedos, cake... the whole nine yards. This means that I would somehow have to come up with the money to pay for these things which end up going in to your bank account and, at the same time help the economy. We have to have to pay for a marriage license, catering, the church (or some other rental site), invitations, EVERYTHING... all of that is putting money back in to the economy. Now, multiply my wedding by thousands of gay men and women in your state who want (and deserve) to get married and... KA-BOOM... money in your pocket and the economy starts to hurt less and less with each wedding. 

For the many of you who have other "social networking sites" (MySpace, Facebook, etc.), I ask that you show your support for your friends and family and here's what you can do... update your status to show "(Your Name) is _____ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or if you support the LGBT community, ally)". 

Also, if anyone is thinking of coming out but can't quite figure out how to do it or you need someone to talk to, please feel free to contact me... my MySpace and e-mail address are in my profile, so feel free to check that out!!! 

Have a GREAT rest of your night! 

Unexpected Visitors

There are few things that I hate more than people who I don't know or don't really like dropping by unexpectedly and it just happened. Two people from my dad's past just, out of no where came to my house and are now chatting it up with my grandma at the dining room table. 

Many of the people that my dad are in his past for a reason and it's better that they are. My dad wasn't always the "poster child" for what a teenager should be, but who really is? Dad is doing really well right now, or as well as can be expected of someone living in today's society. He is getting married next June, he has 2 boys (I'm 20 and graduated and Blaine is a Junior in high school) and a 1-year old girl that is amazing; I would hate to see him get mixed up with the wrong people again. 

One of the people who are here right now I kind of know and she seems like an okay person but the other person I don't ever remember seeing in my entire life. In the beginning of the conversation happening behind me, my grandma had mentioned something about the guy having been in and out of rehab a couple of times and you can TOTALLY tell!!! Two of my cousins are here and I don't really condone having at least one of the people here for that reason alone, but this isn't my house and I really can't say anything. It's not like my cousins are babies but they're still young enough. 

I'm sure that some people reading this won't agree with me because anyone who can come out of rehab and not be doing drugs/drinking right now is someone who should be commended. I understand where you guys would be coming from but I just don't want kids even around people like that unless it is someone who is speaking to a class/group. I have very strong opinions on things (as is well noted in the blogs posted below) and this is one of them; I don't know that anyone will be able to sway me on this. 

I just needed to get this off my chest and since I can't really say anything to anyone else I thought that I'd blog and see if that helps...

Have a great night, kids! :o) 

-Gary

The Zero Dollar Bill...What does that mean to you?

Artist Laura Gilberts' print 'The Zero Dollar' protesting the breakdown of the American economy. Gilbert distributed 10,000 of the fake greenbacks in front of the New York Stock Exchange on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2008 to call attention to the economic crisis gripping the nation.(AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

On the subject of our economy and our look of demise...I caught this article as I was about to log off the computer tonight. It really caught my attention.

This is a real stand out protest! This artist also handed these out in front of the Washington Monument and I think they said even the White House.

Rock on Laura!

I'll probably write more later but it is 2:00 a.m. and I need to sleep!

Here's a thought to ponder... By creating the "Zero Dollar Bill" she was able to express how she feels and get her thoughts and opinions out to people. What would you do?? How would you do it?? And with that said...why aren't you doing it?? Think about that!!

The Future of NASA

I was just reading on the New York Times that, from 2010-2015 the United States' space program will now be reliant on the Russians. From what I can gather from the article, and this isn't really surprising to me, George W. Bush made the decision to "86" the shuttles without consulting with the folks at NASA. First off, (and I know the president is above the vice-president) the VP is the head of NASA and secondly, shouldn't we have at least talked to them to see when it would have been feasible?

Currently NASA is in the middle of making plans to get us back to the moon but it seems as though we have another runner-up in the return to space... the Chinese. According to many, China's space program is quickly on the rise. The US is trying to make it back to the moon by 2020 but people think that China is going to get there quicker. 

For years the future of this country was in the hands of NASA making a name for the US again. After the landing on the moon, which is still a subject of controversy, we really haven't done a whole lot of anything. With Bush cutting the space program until we get the new launch program "Constellation" off the ground we have to rely on a country who, just a couple of months ago was thought to have been starting the next World War. I don't know about anyone else, but I think that this is going to affect the view that many of our allies, provided we still have any left, have on the United States. 

The discontinuance of the current space program is going to cut a lot of jobs in an already struggling economy. The good thing is that both candidates have vowed to get us back to the moon and not leave NASA behind as a thing of the past. 

From where I stand, the country is basically screwed even more so than we were when Wall Street took the 700+ point drop a few weeks back. This is a scary time and nothing should be taken for granted. I'm going to advise that everyone live life to the fullest before we don't have a life to live anymore. European markets took a nose dive this morning so it isn't something that's just happening at home. It's a domino effect that can't lead to good things in the future. I suppose that we could look at it this way... after the Great Depression the country rebounded and was stronger than it ever has been, so is that what we need to happen again? I'm not looking forward to the next 5-10 years if the economy stays along its current path...

Sarah Palin's Run for the White House and Other Political Rants

After the VP Debate this past week, many analysts have said that Sarah Palin feels as though John McCain can't win this year (I think that's more evident now that he's pulled out of Michigan). There have been many speculations that she is "testing the water" for her own run for the White House in 2012 (as if we haven't had enough of her already). Granted, Hillary wasn't my first choice for president, but why would Americans elect another woman, except for Nancy Pelosi maybe, to President of the United States before Hillary Clinton??? 

I fully expect to see Hillary's name thrown back in contention for the "highest office in the land" in 2012 if John McCain wins (God willing that won't happen...) or in 2016 when, if he wins, Barack Obama gets out of office. I'm making a prediction here and now... within the next 4-8 years we are going to see many new, young faces in politics taking a page out of Obama's book and trying to make it big while they're young. Just across the river in Omaha, we are seeing new, younger faces that are trying to take out the people that have been in office for as long as I can remember; I'm sure this is a familiar scene throughout the country. 

The people of this country are finally sick and tired of the "status quo" that has taken over Washington in years past and are standing up for change in America. Like I said in my previous post, I really don't care who you vote for (well I do, but that's not the point I'm trying to make) so long as you get out and vote. The only way that things are going to get done is if "we the people of the United States" say "NO MORE" to what we have come to know and welcome change with open arms. 

Granted, with everything comes with consequences and a trial and error period, but can we really do any worse that what we've done this far? I really wonder what the founding fathers of this country would say now if they could see the shape this country is in... Interesting thought, isn't it???

November 4, 2008

November 4, 2008 is going to be a history making day in the United States and around the world. We as citizens of the United States have two decisions to make; vote or not to vote and Barack Obama or John McCain for President. It is none of my business who you decide to vote for, but I do hope that you vote. 

Attached is a link to a PSA headed by Leonardo DiCaprio and many other stars who are getting the message out there that this is the biggest election of our lifetime. Voting isn't required by law but it's something that every eligible American should do. If you aren't registered to vote, please get out and register. I am also attaching the link to the "Declare Yourself" website that gives information on early voting and voter registration. 

It is imperative that in this election every voice is heard. It is imperative that we stand up for change. It is imperative that we leave a better future for our children. It is imperative that we vote.

I ask you to send this to at least 5 people hoping that they will do the same to get the message out there that, to stand up for change we can't be silent. 

Peace, Prosperity, Liberty... Vote '08

PSA:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAU1vEDXKIQ

Declare Yourself: 

http://www.declareyourself.com/