A Cosmic Reminder

Act accordingly.

That is all.

More later.

DADT Days are Numbered

This just arrived in my inbox:

Elections have consequences.

And you only have to look to Senator Mark Udall to see why. Yesterday, Senator Udall proved again that he is a champion for equality and national security. You just have to watch this video to see what I mean.
Watch the video and add your voice. It's time to repeal Don't Ask Don't Tell.
http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/RepealDADT
Lesbians and gay men know how to be warriors. Just ask 9-time decorated Lt. Col. Victor Fehrenbach, an 18-year F-15 fighter pilot who is now no longer flying missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, but fighting to keep his job. Nobody asked, and he didn't tell. He was outed by a third party, and his career hangs in the balance.
At the same time as it has kicked out thousands of highly qualified individuals because of their sexual orientation, the military has repeatedly lowered its entrance qualifications in order to recruit new people. You can now become a member of the service if you're a felon, but not if you're gay or lesbian. We need to end this madness.
http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/RepealDADT
Three quarters of Americans support gay men and lesbians serving openly in the military. Vast majorities of Republicans, Democrats, and unaffiliated people. Not to mention Admiral Mike Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Why? Senator Udall said it best.
On his blog, he said it's time "to repeal this misguided law, which requires gay service members to lie about their identity in order to serve in our armed forces. Not only does it go against the principles and the standards our military relies on, it puts our national security at risk."
Quoting Republican former Senator Barry Goldwater, Udall said, "you don't have to be straight to shoot straight." How true. Join me now and show Senator Udall and the other defenders of equality in the House and Senate--as well as President Obama--that we stand beside them.
http://www.progressnowcolorado.org/RepealDADT

Best regards,
Mike Ditto
ProgressNow Colorado

More later.
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Finally, More Than a Dream

The spring-like weather tempted me out into the world early this morning to run errands and take a short walk on the beach. I am unable to take long walks at this point because I'm out of practice and the back acts up after about a half mile. I hope that will change as the weather improves. To be honest, I am grateful to be able to walk at all.

Ran into friend Ron, at the supermarket and though we attempted a conversation, today was "seniors day" and they were not amused by our being in their way. We moved three times and finally gave up promising to get together in the near future.

Eventually, the temperature hit 70' as I took this shot of the mounds of black snow still melting in a nearby parking lot. Mind you, the last blizzard event was two weeks ago. Some mounds are even higher in other places. (Click image to embiggen.)

Tomorrow, the car goes in for its 20K mile checkup - oil change, tire rotation, etc - at 8 am, then some folks interested in the furniture and other items in the storage unit will meet me there to take a look and decide if they're interested in anything.  After that, the rest of the day is free and if the weather cooperates, I'll probably hit the beach again.

Supper tonight is pork ribs in a hoisin/barbecue sauce and a sesame noodle salad with mandarin orange segments. No, I did not make the salad - not enough room here in this tiny space, but the ribs, they are mine!

The windows are open and the fresh air is delicious and a bit salty. I am about to have a festive martini sitting on the deck stairs watching the sunset in nothing more than jeans and shirt.  No jacket required.  I am loving it.

And so it goes.
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The Week Begins with Sun & Silk Stockings

Let me explain that title, OK? OK!

This morning the boss decided that I should learn the procedure to open the restaurant, probably since I always arrive earlier than anyone (including himself) and have to wait for whomever arrives with a key. It's not a difficult procedure; only lots of little details to be done in specific order to formally "open" the restaurant for employees. I wrote most of it down after the fact, but I am sure there were some missed details.

I am not sure how comfortable I am with the responsibility of having a key to a place I've work less than a year. I know it speaks volumes of their trust, but still...that's a lot of responsibility for the risk involved and what I am being paid. More later as this evolves.

Being Monday we had no expectations for lunchtime diners, but (as usual) we were surprised. Perhaps it was the bright sun and warm temps, but they came out and practically beat down the door as we opened. Great people and big smiles - I know I write that a lot, but so help me, it's all true - as they chose their seating for themselves. This is something I allow when we're not busy as it always makes diners feel more comfortable. Oddly enough, people seem to have a particular seating preference in the place and we love to make that happen for them whenever possible.

Then midway through lunch there was an explosion somewhere in town and we lost 2/3 of our electric power. The bosses jumped into action (telling me that this has happened before) and we remained open and functioning with a few minor disruptions. Since other establishments open for lunch (and there are few this time of year) were crippled by the power outage, we happened to benefit from the situation. With that 1/3 power source we were able to maintain output from the kitchen and bar. The only problem was that we couldn't use the soda dispenser. We worked around that problem and everything went smoothly until the power was restored about an hour and a half later.

Happy Hour talk was about the mysterious power outage - hey, it's a small beach town, and the regulars had a grand time sleuthing the source of the explosion - which will probably be in the weekly paper on Wednesday.

I enjoyed a Cosmo for my after-shift cocktail then headed home to prep dinner. Upon arrival I did something I NEVER do - switch on the DISH and TV - before changing out of my work drag; suddenly from the bedroom I hear familiar music from a fave MGM musical "Silk Stockings" with Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse. I grabbed some sweats and finished changing in front of the TV. I caught the last 40 minutes of the film and it made my day.

After the movie, feeling all warm inside, I enjoyed a martini as I prepped dinner. Isn't it amazing how such little things can take you to a whole 'nother place? A place, I might add, I am grateful to be at the moment.

And so it goes.
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Sunny Days, a Laurel...and Hardy Meal, and Olives

So much for celebrating the Blogiversary.  It's been too busy here with no time for a personal post until now.

We experienced the first all-sun weekend in two months and everyone came out to celebrate. Of course, it helped that there was also a massive book sale sponsored by the library (to which I have donated boxes and boxes over the years) as well as the annual Rehoboth Beach Chocolate Festival.

The town was hoppin' and the joint (restaurant) was jumpin' all day yesterday. It was tiring, but great fun for all concerned. I had a great staff and the customers were in no hurry; just happy to be out and about in a clear blue sky and bright sunshine. Who could blame them?

The boss threw in a few new enticements from the bar that will likely remain in effect for a month or so. They were appreciated and snapped up by regulars and newcomers alike.

Today's weather was even better and the restaurant was busy at opening and dropped off a bit after 3 probably due to the fact that many weekenders had to return to their home states for the work week ahead. Being Sunday, one special today was Absolut Vodka Bloody Mary's for $3.00 all day. Though we have no real brunch menu, a few items are of the breakfast variety and easily fill the bill.

We celebrated liberation from the isolation of our individual cabins and, aside from a few minor drama queen moments, (which I distance myself from, if possible) everything went pretty smoothly.

Following my after-shift cocktail I made my way back to the apartment and am in the process of making Italian sausage with green/red/yellow peppers, garlic, and tomatoes which I plan to put on Italian bread topped with cheese. I really need the "hardy" tonight, but it needs to be quick, as well.

I am tired, but it's a good kind that keeps my mind off of things beyond my control to change. At least while I'm busy at work. I am going to self-medicate with a few olives now (Cheers! Dr. Spo.) and enjoy the evening meal.

And so it goes.
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It's My Blogiversary!

This little spot on the interwebs celebrates (if that's the correct word) three years of life today.

And this was the very first post:

Funny how some things never change...

More later.

Craig Ferguson on Sen. Roy Ashburn

Craig devoted the whole monologue to the anti-gay CA State Senator's recent run-in with the law after leaving a gay bar with another man. Really funny.



And so it goes.
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Post Olympic Caturday

Another (R) Anti-Gay Queer Bites the Dust

The video is only available at this LINK,  but this story just keeps on repeating itself over and over...will these guys ever catch on?  Just another self-hating, gay-bashing homo, or is there more to it? And why the passenger in the car is left unidentified is another mystery. Did he know who he was riding with? Did he give a damn? Was he just a dumb gay hooker? Clearly, the senator was trashed and careless beyond words. In any case, your bashing days are over, senator drinky-winky.

Sources tell CBS13 a state senator from Southern California was arrested for allegedly driving drunk after leaving Faces, a gay nightclub in midtown Sacramento, early Wednesday morning.

The California Highway Patrol pulled over Senator Roy Ashburn at 2:00 a.m. Wednesday after an officer noticed a black Chevy Tahoe swerving at 13th and L Streets.

Ashburn, a father of four, is a Republican Senator representing parts of Kern, Tulare and San Bernardino Counties with a history of opposing gay rights

When the officer stopped the state-issued vehicle, the driver identified himself as Senator Ashburn. He was arrested without incident and charged with two misdemeanors: driving under the influence and driving with a blood alcohol level higher than .08% or higher.

A male passenger, who was not identified as a lawmaker, was also in the car but was not detained.

Ashburn was booked into the Sacramento County Jail and released on $1,400 bond.

Ashburn issued a statement on the arrest Wednesday afternoon:

"I am deeply sorry for my actions and offer no excuse for my poor judgment. I accept complete responsibility for my conduct and am prepared to accept the consequences for what I did. I am also truly sorry for the impact this incident will have on those who support and trust me – my family, my constituents, my friends, and my colleagues in the Senate."

Ashburn served six years as a state Assemblyman before being elected to the State Senate.  According to Project Vote Smart, Ashburn's voting record shows he has voted against every gay rights measure in the State Senate since taking office including Recognizing Out-Of-State Same-Sex Marriages", Harvey Milk Day and Expanding Anti-Discrimination Laws.

You just know that this story, if it appears on FOX Noise, will contain a picture of Ashburn with a (D) beside his name, 'cause, you know, that's what they do over there.

And so it goes.
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No Slouching Toward Tomorrow

When I woke this morning, I psyched myself into high gear to make this a productive day until I heard the familiar sounds of high wind and torrential rain battering the house. I was already dressed and ready to go, but chose not to face the drenching downpour and whipping winds (gusting to 45 mph). Feeling defeated I made a mug of coffee and began checking out the daily papers online.

After a while I noticed that the deafening sounds had died down and looked out to see the rain had become a sprinkle and the winds had lost some of their punch. I kicked myself into action and hit the road to scratch errands off the list that has been ignored since last week. Everything on the list was completed within 2 hours and I decided that I needed a visit to the ocean - the weather be damned - and made my way to the beach at the south end of the state park known as Whiskey Beach, thanks to the pirate activities in the area a couple of hundred years ago - to take a short, but exhilarating walk to inhale the salt air and clear my aching head.

I felt much better and almost buoyant as I made two final stops before heading back to the apartment. I've retained most of the energy from that walk and hope to do it again when the weather clears more.

Still sorting out the events (and my meltdown) from last week but I am taking it slowly.  Knowing that there isn't anything I can do about any of the tragedies, or inevitable health issues doesn't sit well with me, but I have to find something positive about it and, as Monty Python sang - "always look on the bright side of life".

Looking forward to work tomorrow and giving input on items for a new lunch menu for the spring and summer. A few of us were questioned about what we think would work and we made our suggestions. We'll see how this develops in the coming days. It is hoped that the new menu will be ready in another week or two. Knowing as little as I do about the business of food service, I am anxious to follow this process as it evolves.

I know I need a break, however short, away from this place and I have to find a way to make that happen before the tourist season begins and can't go anywhere.

And so it goes.
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Two Wolves

 

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.

He said, "My son, the battle is between two wolves inside us all.

"One is Evil -  It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.

"The other is Good -  It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith."

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: "Which wolf wins?"

The old Cherokee simply replied,  "The one you feed."

From a friend.

More later.

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Good News & Not-Good News #100

Not-Good News:
A three-punch Whammy to the heart - and what finally sent me over the edge!
Medical test results show no change or worsening of back and hand pain and a continuation of the neuropathy in the legs and arms. No health insurance means that without surgery, degeneration of the thumb joints and vertebrae will also continue.

Notification of 2 deaths - first was a recent suicide, the second the identified remains of a childhood friend - another Katrina flood victim. At least he can be laid to rest and accounted for which is comforting in a way.

Re-examination of tax returns and W2s reveal I owe significantly more to the IRS and state than originally calculated. The previous employer neglected (for their own selfish reasons) to report monies from the commissions I made.

Received notice that the rent for my storage unit will increase again next month.

Good News:
 Had a long talk with my boss who assured me of a few things that put my mind somewhat at rest. He reminded me that everyone in our little work family is suffering in ways we never thought possible - which I already knew.  He will not discuss issues related to my Ex and previous life, nor the consequences I've paid as a result of the break-up. He refuses to do so with either of us and I understand his point.

More on work related news in a more appropriate post.

I have permission to post a list of furniture and other items in that storage unit at both restaurants in an effort to eliminate that extra expense. Look, I don't see myself having my own place anytime in the near future, (if ever) so if someone else can make use of them I would be happy to see them giving comfort and rest to others in a good home.

My work has saved my sanity (such as it is) for a long time, but especially during this mini-crisis and I don't know what I would have been like without its diversions and demands.

No social life to speak of, (which you already know if you visit with any frequency) so work passes for what is otherwise lacking.

Two co-workers and two of their friends are trying to fix me up with one of their mutual friends; I noticed they didn't offer themselves as potential friends or dine-out buddies. Curious.

Many thanks to all who left supportive comments, sent emails, offered to call, and have kept me in prayer. You'll never know how much your generosity of spirit means to me. I have - or will - respond to you here or individually within a day or two.

I haven't had much of an appetite for days; eating to fend off headaches and only when prodded. I ate a small bit of salmon filet (blogger friend Peter's recipe) last evening; a bit of cheese and crackers today and, though I'm not excited about it, I'll be making a turkey burger & small salad tonight.

I believe I can handle a cocktail without negative repercussions. Besides, I need the rest. So, turkey + cocktail = ZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!


And so it goes.
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