Posting, Packing & Perspective

Sorry for the light personal postings, but lots going on right now. Packing, making lists of needs for the move and the new space, working 6 days a week, and juggling doctor's appts. doesn't leave a lot of free time. Sometimes I have to remind myself to breathe.

A lease application was submitted, accepted, and the lease signed. I was given a set of keys and may begin moving personal things in as soon as the power company approves the request for service - about 4 or 5 working days - after the 15th (the current tenant is moving out on the 15th, seems he can't wait to get into this new place in Ocean City and that's fine with me.) then schedule movers to bring items (currently in storage) to the apartment before the end of the month.  It's going to get even more hectic with Memorial Day weekend (the kick-off to summer) coming up at the same time. I hope to be ensconced in the new space beforehand. Fortunately, I won't waste a precious free day running around to the utility or phone company offices.
The landlady was informed of the lease application and I updated her today on what's going on, so we'll connect sometime this week . She has been wonderful to me through some of the worst of times, but I suppose it's time for us both to move on. I will miss her and the serenity of this place.

I knew that I had a small window of time to find a place before the season began, or there would be no hope until October, if even then. This also means I will be out of the realtor's hair, giving the landlady a better shot at selling the house. I received a call from the realtor asking permission to show the place - and my place - this week.  I told him that was OK. This is another reason I am grateful to have found a new place. Privacy. Never an issue before but that all changed when the FOR SALE sign appeared out front.

I guess all things eventually work out for the best. The new place is much nicer than the one I liked before. The appliances are newer, the rooms brighter and the layout is much better than the others. The one drawback is that anyone having to use the bathroom has to do so through the bedroom. But, I don't think it will be such a big deal.  I don't expect many visitors.

Being out-and-about around town and the community again has made a huge difference, as I doubt I would have ever known of these opportunities otherwise. Evidently, most of these rentals are not listed in newspapers or with realtors, but via word of mouth and referrals. It seems I came highly recommended. I am more than flattered.

OK, here's today's dish...

1. Picked up copy of the lease.
2. Drove to DMV to get address changed on driving license. (reason for lease copy.)
3. Dropped off more boxes at the storage unit.
4. Drove to Parking Permit Division to pick up a resident's permit hang-tag so I can park on the street in town without getting ticketed.
5. Romanian friend and co-worker, Eddie, stopped by and filled his Hybrid SUV with boxes and took them to the storage unit. (this way the boxes are out of the apartment and the place will show better.)
6.. Just got off the phone with Verizon transferring phone and DSL service to the new digs on May 25th. (They gave me a new number, but are not certain it will actually be THAT number. (huh?) I will know by the 26th.

Resigned to the possibility that I would never have another place to call my own, all this is quite a shock. I keep pinching myself to insure this isn't a dream. As usual, it's all how you look at things. Putting this into perspective hasn't been easy. I'll learn, albeit slower than others.

The back hurts from lugging boxes, and other stuff. A hot shower followed by a festive Martini and supper, then it's off to bed to rest these weary bones.  Cheers!

And so it goes.
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Lovely Lena - R.I.P.

Lena Horne, who was the first black performer to be signed to a long-term contract by a major Hollywood studio and who went on to achieve international fame as a singer, died on Sunday night at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York. She was 92 and lived in Manhattan.
Ms. Horne might have become a major movie star, but she was born 50 years too early, and languished at MGM in the 1940s because of the color of her skin, although she was so light-skinned that, when she was a child, other black children had taunted her, accusing her of having a “white daddy.”
Ms. Horne was stuffed into one “all-star” musical after another — “Thousands Cheer” (1943), “Broadway Rhythm” (1944), “Two Girls and a Sailor” (1944), “Ziegfeld Follies” (1946), “Words and Music” (1948) — to sing a song or two that could easily be snipped from the movie when it played in the South, where the idea of an African-American performer in anything but a subservient role in a movie with an otherwise all-white cast was unthinkable.

The rest is HERE.

More later.
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Gulf: Oyster & Shrimp Harvests Shutdown

It's only a matter of time before all LA and MS waters are closed to watermen. From the Times Picayune:

The massive BP oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico has forced state officials to close additional oyster beds and cancel the central coast of Louisiana's shrimp season.
Alan Levine, secretary of the Department of Health and Hospitals, and Dr. Jimmy Guidry, the state health officer, on Saturday signed an order to close molluscan shellfish harvesting areas 14 and 15, west of the Mississippi River in Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes. The measure was designed as a precaution protecting oyster meat from contamination, according to a DHH announcement.
DHH's Office of Public Health continues testing oyster beds along Louisiana's 8-million acre shoreline. Meanwhile, scientists and engineers are regularly testing oyster meat from closed beds as part of a process to determine when oysters from beds affected by the oil slick are safe to eat.
Oysters harvested in unaffected areas and oysters collected prior to affected beds' closures are safe to eat, DHH said.
Meanwhile, Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Robert Barham closed the shrimp season on waters from Four Bayou Pass to Freshwater Bayou. No shrimp harvesting will be permitted on outside territorial waters from the Mississippi-Louisiana border to Freshwater Bayou, according to the announcement.

BP's little condom thingy didn't work out so well, but their spin doctors are still on the airwaves jacking up their efforts. Does anyone believe them anymore?

The sadness continues HERE.

More later.
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Pirate Caturday, Aaarrrrh!

More Later.
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Bp. Gene Robinson Advises Pope

A gentle, subtle missive to Benedict about the dangers of scapegoating gay clergy. From WaPo:

Your Holiness,
Though our churches differ in many ways, we believe in the same God. As your brother in Christ, it pains me to see Catholics struggle with your response to recent allegations of sex abuse by priests. Since my denomination has also battled these demons, I want to share with you what I have learned as a bishop of the Episcopal Church.
About 20 years ago, our church became aware of sex abuse by our clergy here in the United States. To our shame, we learned of it in lawsuits filed by victims alleging that some of our bishops had minimized the seriousness of the abuse and/or swept their claims under the rug. Some cases were related to the abuse of children; others involved male clergy who took advantage of their pastoral relationship with vulnerable women to manipulate them into sexual relationships. These men violated the sacred trust placed in clergy to focus on parishioners' needs and to separate those needs from their own. To prevent further such abuses of power, we moved quickly for the good of the victims and of our church.
Whether or not civil courts recognize a statute of limitations, the church must hold its clergy members accountable to their vows to be faithful shepherds of their people. In 1994, the Episcopal Church opened a two-year window of opportunity to hear complaints about priestly abuse of the pastoral relationship with adults. Just because an event occurred many years ago did not make it any less egregious, especially since perpetrators rarely have only one victim. We addressed all complaints through our canonical disciplinary process.
As for instances involving children, we have no statute of limitations on reporting abuse. Those suspected of committing child abuse are immediately reported to the civil authorities for investigation.
Rather than refusing to acknowledge our transgressions, we sought to change our church's culture -- an effort that took no small amount of courage. In my diocese in New Hampshire, and across the Episcopal Church, we perform a thorough background check on every bishop, priest or deacon who serves under my authority. We correspond with every employer the clergyperson has ever had and every bishop under whom the clergyperson has ever served to determine whether there is a history of complaints.
While procedures vary from diocese to diocese, we here in New Hampshire require six hours of abuse-prevention training for clergy, all other employees of the church (organists, parish administrators, maintenance workers), youth workers and elected parish leaders. A refresher course is required every five years. Events with and for children may never be conducted without two adults present and always in view of each other. This protects children from abusive behavior and protects adults who might be falsely charged. Many of our parishes have installed windows in the clergy office doors, so that no activity -- even private counseling -- may go unobserved.
We want many pairs of eyes watching for signs of abuse. We want everyone to know how to report suspected abuse of children and abuse of the pastoral relationship between clergy members and parishioners. We want to keep the issue before our church -- clergy and laity alike -- and to keep the conversation going.
But the thing victims most want to hear from the church, especially its leadership, is: "I am so sorry. This should never have happened to you, especially here. We are going to do everything in our power to see that nothing like this happens again." Victims live with their horrific experiences and know that their abuse can never be undone. And so they seek assurance that the church will change the system that allows abuse to go undetected and take action to hold perpetrators accountable. Child abusers do not deserve protection; they must be reported immediately to civil authorities and prosecuted.
The Christian church -- like any institution -- is as capable of sin as any individual. We have been wrong before, from the Inquisition and the Crusades down to our defense of slavery (using scripture) and our denigration of women. Over time, the church has repented for these sins and sought to change its ways. The discovery of sexual abuse by clergy is another situation that calls for the church's repentance and reform.
I would not presume to instruct you. That would be arrogant. Nor would I impose upon you advice you've not sought. But I do offer you the benefit of my experience as you seek to deal responsibly with these challenges to the integrity of your church. Your letter to the faithful in Ireland and your meeting in Malta with victims were a good start. I hope the future will bring more truth-telling, which will make your church a better, safer place.
However, I believe it is misguided and wrong for gay men to be scapegoated in this scandal. As a gay man, I know the pain and the verbal and physical violence that can come from the thoroughly debunked myth connecting homosexuality and the abuse of children. In the media, representatives of and advocates for the Roman Catholic Church have laid blame for sexual abuse at the feet of gay priests. These people know, or should know, that every reputable scientific study shows that homosexuals are no more or less likely to be child abusers than heterosexuals. Psychologically healthy homosexual men are no more drawn to little boys than psychologically healthy heterosexual men are drawn to little girls. 

It is a long, but very powerful read HERE.

I love Bishop Gene.  

And so it goes.
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Big Oil Spent 2.5 Million Lobbying Congress

$249,813,232 spent lobbying Congress since 1990 – Slabbed

Though former oilmen George W. Bush and Dick Cheney occupied the White House for eight years, the oil and gas industry could not win support for repealing bans on drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. However, Congress voted in 2008 to lift a ban on offshore drilling. These companies are also wary of cap-and-trade climate change legislation, such as the measure Democratic President Barack Obama supports. Yet Obama still received $884,000 from the oil and gas industry during the 2008 campaign, more than any other lawmaker except his Republican opponent, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.).

In contrast to former President Bush’s largely pro-industry stance on energy and environmental issues, the Democratic-controlled White House and Congress will probably grant these companies fewer favors. Bush consistently rolled back Clinton-era restrictions on commercial uses of federal lands—including nature preserves, national forests and national monuments. To the oil and gas industry’s delight, he got one step closer in March 2005 when Senate Republicans passed a budget resolution containing a filibuster-proof provision to allow for drilling in ANWR.

 And guess which party received the most $$$...Click the subtitle above and read the whole thing, includes graphs and charts.

h/t Editilla

Meanwhile, look out Key West, it's coming your way.

More later.
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Treasure & Trash Discovered

You never know what you're going to find when you're planning a move. Thankfully, I haven't hoarded silly things in these past 3 years. Probably because there is no space. Period!

As I began packing odds-n-ends from the kitchen "catch-all" drawer - a storehouse for batteries, small tools, rubber bands, bag clips, twist-ties, you know the kind, and probably have at least one in your home - I came upon a file folder containing printed recipes I've been unable to prepare due to the limited available appliances. Many of these are from my Dutch friend, Peter, and finding them made me even more anxious for a real kitchen. (sigh.)

I have an appointment to see another apartment before work tomorrow. This one boasts a dishwasher AND a washer & dryer, but is also more expensive. I wonder what savings, if any, the W & D will mean in reality. And as for the dishwasher, I've been washing dishes by hand for 3 years and since it's only me, I'd probably run the damned thing once weekly.  Hardly worth it.

Still waiting to hear more about the place in town, but the tenant hasn't moved out yet. I am not sure what is going on there. My co-worker connection suggests I'll hear from the landlord in a week, or so.

In the process of sorting and tossing, I unearthed an Italian designed white and yellow gold bracelet received as a birthday gift from the Ex a few years before the breakup. Of course, he purchased it from my previous place of employment and at MY discount. Clearly, I ought to have sold it when gold was selling at higher prices.

I've also found a pair of cuff links from my grandfather. These are a treasure since they are handmade cameos and quite fragile. I will wear these at the first possible opportunity, though wearing a dress shirt with French cuffs is a rare occurrence here at the beach.  I'll find a way to celebrate.

And so it goes.
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It's Like Domino Dancing

Did you ever have one of those days with a long list of things to do and getting them done hinged on the first item in the chain accomplished successfully?

The first item didn't happen - so I couldn't watch the others all fall down in rapid order, as planned - and if matters aren't addressed quickly, my single day off will be totally wasted. What a frustrating disappointment. That is my day, so far. The domino effect inaction.

Eight important issues that must be resolved soon and the only person with any knowledge is not in the area today.  Everyone else is out of the loop. Ah, big Gubmint at it's finest.

With high humidity and temps in the mid-eighties, today would have been ideal to drive around in air-conditioned comfort listening to music while taking care of this business. But  the day is pretty much a wash out. I refuse to get angry and ruin my day when all of this is out of my control.

Well, fiddle-dee-dee, tomorrow's another day.

More later.
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Howard Dean at the DADT Rally Today.

He wasn't scheduled to speak and what he said was spontaneous and to the point. As far as I can tell, this has never happened before, but I am so happy it did - Former DNC Chairman, Dr. Dean.

I have to admit this blew me away - the former chair of the DNC making an impromptu speech at a rally for a repeal that is very unpopular in the White House, even after the promise to repeal.
I love you, Howard Dean.

And so it goes.
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Secret NOAA Report

Leaked report: government fears Deepwater Horizon well could become unchecked gusher.

Are they afraid the public will panic? If so, I believe they are tad too late.

A confidential government report on the unfolding spill disaster in the Gulf makes clear the Coast Guard now fears the well could become an unchecked gusher shooting millions of gallons of oil per day into the Gulf.

"The following is not public," reads the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Emergency Response document dated April 28. "Two additional release points were found today in the tangled riser. If the riser pipe deteriorates further, the flow could become unchecked resulting in a release volume an order of magnitude higher than previously thought."

Asked Friday to comment on the document, NOAA spokesman Scott Smullen said that the additional leaks described were reported to the public late Wednesday night. Regarding the possibility of the spill becoming an order of magnitude larger, Smullen said, "I'm letting the document you have speak for itself."

Well, thanks for that quick comeback, Scottie, it's a big help in understanding what the Gulf - and the rest of the east coast are up against. Clear as the oil slick, I'd say, and just a useful.

Read the rest HERE.

More later.
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A Beach Day & A Celebration Begins

Oy! What a day!

 Beautiful clear sky (sans clouds), a light ocean breeze and temps in the 80s. It topped 94' as I made my way back to the apartment after work.

The joint was packed with before and after beach go'ers and of course, the annual Cinco de Mayo celebration kicked off today with killer drink prices and special menu items for the next 5 days. There will be a "Crazy Pinata Hat" contest tonight that I am sure will be a screamer. The first prize is $100. The possibilities are endless. Can't wait to see the pictures tomorrow.

The 6 servers opening with me were almost perfect in every way and everything clicked and all the bits fell into place. The best team I have worked with so far and we had a ball. Margaritas and Mexican Beers flowed all day and the evening is totally booked with reservations. I worked an extra hour due to the crowds and when I finished my shift the bar was too uncomfortably full, so I skipped my badly needed post-shift cocktail.

I know I've written this before, but I really and truly love this job, the people I work for, and the crew I work with. Now to get an apartment finalized before Memorial Day is the only major necessity left on this guy's gay agenda. Last night I dreamed that I made a quiche - something I have been unable to enjoy doing in three years. Is the Universe telling me something, or am I just delusional?

Have shed the work drag and am enjoying a festive martini as I prep supper and write this.

And so it goes.
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Margarita Caturday

More later.
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