All About Melinda

I was accosted yesterday by my friend Melinda. It seems she took exception to the fact that she had been my friend longer than some others and yet had had a blog dedicated to her.

Had she scrolled back she would have seen the blog which addressed her attempt at Twittering. Within 2 days she had 4 followers; 1 friend, 1 spouse , someone else and Mark – the rich guy. Within 3 days, Mark – the rich guy had left. Hmmmmmmm

So let me tell you about Melinda. A tall ravishing beauty with auburn hair that glistens in the sunlight. Eyes – two – deep and dark and mysterious, but always with a twinkle; a hint, of something yet to come.

Her skin is like alabaster with an almost like porcelain quality to it. And that smile – well that smile can outshine any star in the sky.

Her wit is quick and sometimes, rare mind you, but sometimes cutting. When she laughs the whole world laughs with her. When you are with her you want the minutes to tick so slowly – perhaps at half time so that each minute turns to hours and each hour turns to days. There is never enough time to be with Melinda.

When you are away from her it is like a deep cavernous well that you need to occupy with something until you meet again.

Yes this is all about Melinda. And so Melinda I hope you enjoy this blog.

And to you I dedicate this song by the Pipettes: Because It’s Not Love

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sONmpGNq5Ps&feature=related

And so it goes.

May you always hear a symphony

This has been a week of events - see my previous blog for details.



And one other major event was Diana Ross' 65th birthday.

Many of you know I have loved Diana Ross (from a far) ever since I can remember. I remember as a child sitting on the living room floor on a Sunday evening watching the Ed Sullivan show and many times seeing Diana Ross and The Supremes. I don't know if I become enchanted then or if it was during my coming out years when one of her big hits was "I'm Coming Out". It became an anthem to many in the gay community - certainly to me.




So where is this leading to ? you ask. Well surprisingly, not all about Diana Ross.



Last evening I received a comment to a couple of my blogs from my friend Dee Dee. After our conversation I got thinking about how much Dee Dee is like Diana. Not that she has knocked off a back-up singer, that I know of, . but she does have a beautiful voice, is stunningly beautiful; gorgeous in fact, both inside and out. Her smile is radiant. Her hair gorgeous.

She is now engaged and preparing for her wedding. And in turn this reminded me of Diana Ross and all her wonderful love songs.



So to Diana and to Dee Dee - Happy Birthday to you; Happy Wedding to you. Years of happiness and joy to each of you and may you always hear a symphony !



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_T9SEY8eLyk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3ZLbtWEQ54&feature=related

And so it goes.

Hello in there

If you read my blog a couple days ago you would know that I was going to my Uncle's house tonight for dinner. I haven't seen him in, I would guess, maybe 5 years nor his children - my cousins in about 32 years.

You would also see I was somewhat nervous. I shouldn't have been, after all they are family, but still after all that time - what would they think?, what would we say? would there be lulls in the conversation ?

I worry too much.

The evening was perfect. Dinner was delicious, conversation was great, my uncle's partner is lovely. It truly was as if no time had passed. Times like this make you question why so much time without connecting had elapsed. But you know what - don't think about that. Instead make every effort to ensure it doesn't happen again. Don't let 32 to years go by without contact.

You will have a few friends over your lifetime, many acquaintances, but only one family.

I am grateful for the reconnection. I am grateful for my uncle - even though he would prefer I call him by his first name only. But I just can't. To me that would be disrespectful. He deserves the level, the stature of Uncle. He is not just some Joe.

So to my uncle, my cousins, and my uncle's partner, thank you. From the bottom of my heart thank you all. Except for the scary talk about the wood carving coming out from under the cottage, the night was perfect !

I'll say hello in there a lot more often.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ldqc0_vzfgk

And so it goes.

MORE MORE MORE

Do you remember that song by Andrea True Connection ?

More, more, more

How do you like it, how do you like it?

More, more, more

How do you like it, how do you like it?

More, more, more

How do you like it, how do you like it ?

How do you like your love ?

That was the golden age of disco. A lighter, happier time. Perhaps as a result of drugs, but I think not. It was the carefree age - few worries.

Today, what does More More More stand for ? It stands for pay more, more, more. Nothing to do with love.

Tomorrow we will be told of the plan to harmonize the PST & GST. For those of you reading my blog outside of Canada, the PST is the Provincial Sales Tax and the GST is the Goods and Services Tax.

This notification comes a day after we are told that there will be no cost of living increase (raise) and there will be no one time bonus for meeting our goals for 2008.

It is really quite disheartening to be hit so hard. It is not that I am alone in this and I recognize that this is not happening just to me. But on one income, with aging dogs, vet bills, increase in property taxes, increase in water bills, driver's license tax, it goes on and on and can become just a slightly overwhelming.

The governemnt has said that to assist those of us making less than $ 160K per year they will forward a payment of $1,000 in 3 installments over a calendar year. It is not indicated if this is a one shot deal or will be ongoing. The intent of this is to help the economy and encourage us to keep on spending.

Oh well, what can be done ? Not much I think.

So I'm off to throw on a extended remix, close my eyes and listen to Andrea True Connection and remember those carefree disco days, when MORE MORE MORE meant love and not taxes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTsTIS-8III&feature=related

Enjoy a little Andrea. Enjoy a little disco.

And so it goes.

Time for Eye Candy

I spent the evening deleting and transferring files from my old laptop in order to clean it up and out to give to my sister and brother-in-law. It has lots of memory, works well and they need one faster than what they have now.

I also got a phone call from my cousin. I haven't seen her in at least 32 years. I can hardly believe it.. Anyway she is in town and she invited me to dinner on Thursday night with her Dad and brother and her Dad's partner. Anxious much ? You bet !

What to wear ? What to say ? What to take ? Wine for sure and ????????????? ideas ? Chocolates ? A dessert ?

Well until then - think happy thoughts and hopefully HE will help !

And so it goes.

Especially for the ladies - or perhaps their spouses

To my little lady friends; all you have to do is ask !

How Lucky

Isn’t it nice when the unexpected happens ?

I was supposed to be at work this morning to attend a Union – Management meeting. Neither here nor there for me to attend, I was planning to present to the Union information about the new project I am working on. Well yesterday afternoon I received a phone call from my boss, Celeste, advising me that the meeting was canceled and I was free to take the whole day off. What a nice surprise.

I went grocery shopping, stopped at Walmart and picked up glucosamine and chondrotin pills (for my dogs). And headed to the waterfront. And here I am at T&T having a delicious lunch of squid and noodles, looking at the boats, the water, the birds, and sighing.

How lucky I am!

Lucky that I have a boss who is thoughtful and caring; lucky to have a job that I can take a day off from; lucky that I live in a city which is clean and livable; and lucky that I can afford to eat squid and noodles.

We (I) often take those very simple things for granted.

I hope to catch myself and stop myself from looking / focusing on the ½ empty cup. And if I do, then I hope you will set me straight – well as straight as you can.
And so it goes.

One of My Most Favourites

He is not only cute - but he sings a great song.

Enjoy:

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

And so it goes.

Don't Wait - No Regrets

I had a wonderful evening this past Friday going out for dinner with work colleagues whom I hadn't seen in quite a while. It was one of those situations of 'we really should get together' but never did. Well we finally did. And I'm so glad we did. Dinner was great with lots of laughter.

Yesterday while driving, and over the past couple weeks I kept thinking I have to call my aunt who really isn't. We always refer to her as our aunt as she has been my Mom's longest friend. So I took the time and made the call and I am so glad I did. I could tell how happy it made her. Reminds me very much of talking with my mom and hearing those same stories; going grocery shopping, getting her hair done, waiting for someone to come visit, wishing she had a dog for companionship.

I made a promise to go visit within the next two weeks, and will take Giggles and lunch.

So if you get the chance to spend time with someone, friend, family - go do it - don't regret that you didn't make the effort.

And so it goes.

Don't EVER Let This Happen To Me

I had a near death experience yesterday. I was in my car - driving - and I glanced into the rear view mirror. Well just the way the sun hit my head, and the way the mirror was set and the tilt, and the street I was on and the time of day, I was struck !! Struck hard. No, not by another car, nor truck, nor person. But struck by the fact that I had a single, white ear hair protruding from my right ear.

Oh Lord what is happening to me ? I am aging long before my time. My biological clock is ticking. Big Ben is swinging and head to the 12.

I immediately regained control of the wheel and veered off into a darkened alley. Carefully, ever so carefully, I made sure no one was following me. No one was around.

I turned off the engine, got some newspaper and covered all windows. I then pulled out my grooming kit. I mean what well established tried and true homosexual doesn't carry a grooming kit with him ? And I carefully plucked the single white hair from my ear.

I then pressed the car lighter still holding the single white hair in the tweezers. The lighter popped out - hot and red, ready kill this hair for good.

I opened the car door; checked - no one was around.

I set the hair on fire. Swoosh it was gone.

I moved to the trunk and pulled out my shovel. I dug a small hole in the dirt. I gathered up the ashes and buried them. There is no longer any trace of this awful event, but this blog. Should it be true.

And so it goes.

Gone too soon

There is no doubt that the death of Natasha Richardson is a tragedy. To leave a loving spouse, children and family is awfully sad. But I truly wonder what is meant by, and who is to determine, gone too soon.

Is there ever a time when someone says " well it should have been sooner" when speaking about a loved one ? "Well they had a good life" is another phrase I will never understand. If someone had a good life, then why would we be happy that they are no longer around to enjoy it ?

Celebrity status should not be a barometer to determine loss. The recent death of Marc Diab is no greater nor nor less a loss. For that matter none of the soldiers in any of the wars is greater or less than the other.

So let us remember those who have passed and know that wherever they may be, whatever we may believe, let us not compare one loss to another.

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I’m not there – I do not sleep
I am a thousand winds that blow
And a diamond glimpse of snow
I am the sun and ripened grain
And the gentle autumn rain
When you awaken in the morning hush
And the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds and circled flight
I am the soft stars that shine at night
Do not stand at my grave and cry
I’m not there – I did not die

And so it goes.

Live in Hope -- Die in Despair

As Whitney Houston sang:

I decided long ago, never to walk in anyone's shadows

If I fail, if I succeed At least I live as I believe

No matter what they take from me

They can't take away my dignity

Because the greatest love of all

Is happening to me

I found the greatest love of all inside of me

The greatest love of all

Is easy to achieve

Learning to love yourself

It is the greatest love of all

Long story short, I was supposed to work out with my trainer tonight and he didn't show. When I called him his response "Didn't you get any of my text messages today ?" Well obviously not. He had my number to text to, yet he didn't bother to call. He obviously was smart enough to figure out that I didn't get his messages; but did he take the next step and make a phone call ? Nope.

And then there is the Manager at the gym. He was fast enough to jump on me - not literally - when I was referring a new client to him, but I have now left 3 messages and he has yet to return any of my calls. I know for a fact he has been at work - so what is the reason ? he got what he wanted and fuck me now ?

Sucks doesn't it.

But I haven't lost all hope.

A couple years ago I had a sick dog and needed to bring him home from the hospital. I had to have help to get him home as I couldn't get him into my car. Who shows up ? - my friend in her MPV. I was over come with the appreciation that she sowed for driving an hour out of her way to help me out with my dog. Would I do the same for her - you bet. (Not in a MPV though). The point is know who you can count on and don't forget to say thank you. And for those others. Fuck them.

And so it goes.

Here a trim, there a trim, everywhere a trim trim.

To trim or not to trim, that is the question, Whether tis nobler to go to the blade or to take the slings and arrows of long hair. A couple days ago on Twitter even Ashton Kutcher was asking how much chest hair is too much.

Where do I stand on this ? Well, I believe no man wants to have to search for the pot of gold. No one wants to have to floss. Manscaping is just one more natural step like brushing your teeth. Not that I'm saying you have to be shaved hairless like a chihuahua because hair is good. And even I have dabbled with a bear or two. But there is a limit.

Speaking recently with my good friend Melinda - who too has a fascination with manscaping and landscaping - she believes that non trimming is just not pretty. Her fascination runs through the corporate boardroom as she has often sat at the table wonder 'does he, or doesn't she ? Is it coiffed ? natty ? trimmed ? beaded ? plucked or weaved ?

Well unless we share a change room we'll never really know.

And so it goes.

PS>> Click on the title to be taken to 7 Persuasive Reasons Why You Should Shave

Happy St. Patrick's Day

I bet you thought I was going to write something exciting about St. Patrick. Nope, not today.

Instead I have a question - why are straight guys so hung (pardon the pun) up on removing their shorts with having their towel wrapped around them ? Does it have to do with shrinkage ? I don't think so. Modesty - nah. I believe it hearkens back to some weird paranoia that everyone is trying to catch a glimpse of the great white snake. But really is it that important? I mean who doesn't compare. Now we're not talking inch by inch (and for some of us, inch by inch by inch by inch by inch) but you do want to know how you size up with the competition.

We check out the biceps, we check out the pegs, the shoulders, but wanger ????????? Never !! Hide, turn away, run. Don't check out the equipment. Now personally I think checking out the equipment is as naturally as breathing .

So on the spring day, let's not only celebrate St. Patrick but celebrate the wanger. Show it off, be proud, swing it like a gate, hang it like a picture.

And so it goes.

A Few Favourite Links

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6RNYYwRtXU (Neko Case)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbe1m30RS8c&feature=recommended Kristin Chenowith

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2ECZgIp4CU Alison Moyet

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJ5iKRpE41E Robert Cuccioli (he is sooooooo yummy)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbWcEeYiSC8 Christiane Noll

Enjoy...........

And so it goes.

Spring hopes eternal

Ahhhh spring. A renewal, an awakening, a stirring. I read an article in The Sun many years ago written by the late Merle Shain. Fantastic article. Spring and who does feel that sense of rejuvenation, rebirth ? And who doesn't want to be in love ? A man and woman were having lunch - he was overheard to say " I love my wife, but it's just that its spring and long to be in love".

Who doesn't have that urge to merge; to be made whole with the love of another ?

From the Sam Shepard play Savage / Love:

Could you give me a small part of yourself

I'm only asking for the tiniest part

Just enough to get me from here to there

Could you give me something

Anything at all

I'll accept whatever it is

Could you just put your hand on my head

Could you brush against my arm

Could you just come near enough

So I could feel as though you might be able to hold me

Could you touch me with your voice

Blow your breath in my direction

And so it goes.

Great to be Gay

Oh this weather just brings out the best in me.


So, in anticipation of spring and warm weather and flowing juices, I thought I would share with you why it is fabulous to be gay. And no, this is not me.

Here goes:

1. You understand the difference between 100 imported brands of vodka.
2. You can call anyone 'honey' including pets.
3. You understand the immense importance of good lighting.
4. You can be at a crowded bar, disco, meeting and still spot a toupee.
5. You can tell a woman you love her bathing suit, and truly mean her bathing suit.
6. You really have "been there, done that".
7. You're the only type of male who gets to say "fabulous".
8. You can have naked pictures of men you don't know in your home.
9. You can have naked men in your home you don't know.
10. You understand why the good Lord invented spandex.
11. You understand why the good Lord didn't intend for everyone to wear it.
12. You know how to get back at just about everyone, and have.
13. You only wear polyester when you mean to.
14. You're good pals with women other people can't stand.
15. You've always got an opinion.
16. You know how to dress strategically.You know being called a 'cheap slut' isn't actually an insult.
17. You understand the importance of man-scaping and practice it religiously.
18. You have at least one movie musical in your DVD collection.
19. You know how to make an entrance.
20. You choose the most fabulous greeting cards.
21. You've called someone girlfriend - who is neither a girl nor a friend.
22. You've shaved something other than your face.
23. Your love handles are actually used as such.
24. Turning you back on someone can actually be an opportunity.
25. At some moment in your life you've envisioned having back-up girls.
26. After a workout at the gym, you feel like a new man, and he is usually there in the shower stall next to you.
27. You know every line in All About Eve and your friend's face.
28. You can tell someone to get lost without ever opening your mouth.
29. You can lip-sync to at least one Diana Ross song.

And the best reason to be gay........................................

Your friends are reading this blog !

And so it goes.

To each his own

Help me to understand will you. Tonight in the sauna (at the gym) this young guy is in there with his t-shirt tied around his eyes like a blindfold. He is sitting with his running shoes, socks, underwear and shorts on. Now why would you want to sit in a sauna - and it was hot - with all those clothes on ? I dunno.

So what else happened today ? I worked out with Jordan for the last time. I made a fabulous Greek quiche, and I bought an external hard drive to back up my new laptop and transfer data from old one.

Sorry it isn't more exciting tonight. Tomorrow I promise. But until then enjoy Donna Loren.

And so it goes.

And how do you thank someone

The time has come for closing books and long last looks must end. But in my mind I know I am leaving a really good friend. I friend who taught techniques right from wrong and how to get strong. And so how do I thank someone ? If he wanted the moon I would try to make a start, but I would rather he let me give my heart...................

So what am I going on about ? Tomorrow ends my last formal workout session with my trainer. I have worked out with other trainers, but never one which I felt such a connection with. Someone who laughed with me, pushed, me, encouraged me, supported me.

I have the loss of over 35 pounds due to him.

So thank you. I appreciate all that you have done.

So many faces in and out of my life.Some will last,some will just be now and then.Life is a series of hellos and goodbyes.I'm afraid it's time for goodbye again.

And so he goes.

Yes it's all a facade

You know it never pays to leave 2 weeks of dress shirts to iron all at once. Now you may ask why I don't use the dry cleaners / laundry for my shirts. Well, they are just too hard on them. Cracked buttons, the tips of the collar wear out, it's just not worth it. So here I stand an hour or more at a time (it takes about 12 minutes per shirt) making them look crisp and sharp.

It's funny how our clothes create a facade.

What's your facade ? If we're not one but two are we evil or good ? Do we walk the fine line that we'd cross if we could ? It's the truth dear. It's all a facade.

And so it goes.

Living All Alone

This is the late great Phyllis Hyman singing. How sad that she took her life when she was only 40. She was a great singer and actress. Had been on Broadway and made numerous cd's but unfortunately never achieved the stardom she so deserved.

How sad to live like that, thinking that you never quite measured up.

I'm not quite sure why Phyllis came to mind tonight. It's been a very long day perhaps that's it.

Sometimes, I just can't stand this living all alone.

And so it goes.

Food Glorious Food

We have Olivor to thank for that song.

So I just finished a deeee-licious meal. Now remember one man's poison is another man's meal. I had cravings, I wanted something yummy, something fulfilling, cheap, easy ( I know your laughing at cheap and easy), and satisfying. "What did I have?" you ask. I had the most delicious 7-11 spicy swiss cheese hot dog. And it was mmmmm, mmmmm, good.

I know some of you are probably turning your nose up at this, but let me tell you it hit the spot.

Recently a friend of mine, Lily, drove with friends to Vineland for brunch. Yes brunch in Vineland. For those of you who don't know, Vineland is about an hour outside of Toronto give or take 15 minutes. I heard the brunch was delicious, and being near the water, yadda, yadda, yadda, it was worth the drive. For me, I would've needed to stop along the way for a snack. But Lily has never been a 7-11 kinda girl. She is Vineland all the way.

And just in case any of you are interested, dessert was 3 home made mini Empire Cookies.
http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Empire-Cookies/Detail.aspx

I am full and I am filled.

And so it goes.

Tweet No More

After much resistance, I recently signed up a friend with Twitter. I explained how it worked, assisted her with her profile and even suggested a few people to follow. Of course being a busy mother of 3; well 2 children and a husband, she clearly indicated that she did not have time to Twitter as she barely had time to check in with Facebook.

I had few expectations. However, within three days of being on Twitter she had gained a couple followers and was quite excited about. "Why would someone follow me ?" she asked, but was quite excited that someone had. There was a spring in her step, her voice was light and airy. She stood a little taller, she glowed.

This morning however I noticed a slower walk, dull listless hair, and a grey complexion. As she walked by I was greeted with "Guess what ?, I lost a follower. No explanation, no goodbye, no flowers, just gone". I tried to console her explaining that at least she wasn't dumped on national television. "It's not that I'm upset or anything, but I didn't even know this guy and he follows me for only two days and then leaves ? And sure it wasn't on national television it was just on the web ! Duh. "

So this leads me to wonder why he would stop following my friend. I mean she is certainly pretty (enough), smart (enough), talented (enough). We could chalk it up to a typical male, leaving his scent and leaving. Not sure she would buy it. Perhaps he just got bored with the fact that she hadn't tweeted for 48 hours ? And then I realized the answer, "It's not her, it's him".

Keep twitting Melinda and your followers will come.

And so it goes.

Rights

I sit here tonight and am quite moved by those I tweet with seeing the march in California. It gets me thinking. No, really, thinking how lucky I am.

How lucky I am to live in Canada where my rights are respected and protected. Where I am free to marry another man. How lucky I am that these rights were won with a fight, but without violence. Yes with threats of death, threats of bombs, but none of which came to fruition. AMEN.How lucky I am to have had parents who supported me, understood me, and loved me. How lucky I am that I have friends who laugh with me and not at me. To have an employer who accepts my lifestyle, and provides me with all the benefits provided to heterosexuals.

I am so lucky and yet I am saddened. I am saddened that bigots, paranoia, and hatred can be so prevalent. Stopping those who love each other from expressing their love by way of marriage is just plain cruel.

If I cut do I not bleed ? If you are cut, do you not bleed ? We are not so different.

The Supreme Court of California must do the right thing, and luck should have nothing to do with it. The right thing is the right thing ! Allow gay marriage, and let the next march be one of celebration.

And so it goes.

The Biggest Loser: The Bachelor

Well who knew the TV executives could combine two shows and create the biggest loser Jason Meznick !

I will openly admit I love (some) reality shows, but just like America's Funniest Videos where someone is hurt or injured it just isn't funny. It is abundantly evident that Jason is only after his 15 minutes of fame. For that I cannot blame him, however to do that at the expense of someone else is just plain evil.

Sure the show needs ratings - but as ABC keeps saying, this season was the highest ratings of all The Bachelors - he could have provided an updated without pulling Melissa in and embarrassing her on national television. And as for Molly, does she really want sloppy seconds and I do mean sloppy. He has had his tongue more places than anyone can imagine.

Now you may suggest that I should blog about something more critical, more important, more pertinent than The Bachelor, and you're correct there are more important topics. Those I will blog about in the near future.

The bottom line here, hurting someone, creating an injustice is not just mean spirited, it is down right evil.

And so it goes.

9 City Employees Terminated

http://torontosun.com

Such a shame..........nothing more to be said.

Another vet vist

Spent an hour and a half at the vets this afternoon. Thank goodness my brother-in-law works nights so he was there to help me get Hartley there. 166 pound sis not easy to get into car, especially since he can't just jump up with his bad legs and arthritis. Anyway, nothing new; he is aging, he has arthritis and this is likely to recur again. His brother was happy to see him when we got home.

And so it goes.

there is always a first time

In the midst of Brothers and Sisters and watching my dogs sleep. Been a weekend of stressors mostly surrounding my aging Saint Bernards. Last week it was one this week it's the other. Aging is hard on us all.

Have spent the weekend listening to the concept CD of Jekyll & Hyde. So many good songs. But that is only while driving.

At the gym - has to be high cardio. Thank God for old disco.

No work tomorrow - well at least not at the office but there is always something to do around the house.

And so I come to the end of my first blog. Feedback is welcome.

And I have to give credit to Linda Ellerbee for the title of my blog. I was always entrenched with her stories - the original blogger - so thanks Linda !

And so it goes.