Sunday, September 28, 2008
Sunday, July 27, 2008
French Toast...
Several years ago Jeffrey met this couple while working in Taipei for Disney. From his email, and after he returned I heard about the show, but what I heard most was Robb and David this, and David and Robb and that... These two people enjoyed the things that Jeffrey enjoyed and not only were they roommates, but they had a great many adventures together. It wasn't until three years later that I met David. You see Robb went on adventure, and the few times I was in New York Robb wasn't around. Then Robb decided it was time to head home. We picked him up from the airport the day he arrived back, and I finally met Robb. He was tired, rundown, and I think all he wanted to was rest. Anyway, that's how I came to know Robb and David. You are probably asking yourself, "What does this have to do with french toast?" Well, It was a couple of years later that Robb taught me the right way to eat french toast. Not that there is a wrong way to eat french toast (well maybe if you put anchovies on it, GROSS!!), but Robb taught me his family's method.
We were all at my house one weekend and David offered to make french toast. Robb said that would be great as long as we had peanut butter. I questioned this, as I had never heard such a thing. You see, Robb eats his french toast with peanut butter and syrup. I thought this was odd, but I like peanut butter, and I like syrup, so I tried it. For those that know me you know that I don't try things easily, but this was something I could wrap my head around. Well, let me just say that I found a new, exceptional way to eat french toast.
Why am I writing about this, you may ask? Well, we had some stale french bread in the house, and I decided to make french toast. After our trip to Washington DC (where I rediscovered the "correct" way to eat french toast) I thought, "I have peanut butter and syrup, so let's make it right."
Anyway, thanks to Robb I know the best way to eat french toast. Hey, you now know too! Thanks Robb!
We were all at my house one weekend and David offered to make french toast. Robb said that would be great as long as we had peanut butter. I questioned this, as I had never heard such a thing. You see, Robb eats his french toast with peanut butter and syrup. I thought this was odd, but I like peanut butter, and I like syrup, so I tried it. For those that know me you know that I don't try things easily, but this was something I could wrap my head around. Well, let me just say that I found a new, exceptional way to eat french toast.
Why am I writing about this, you may ask? Well, we had some stale french bread in the house, and I decided to make french toast. After our trip to Washington DC (where I rediscovered the "correct" way to eat french toast) I thought, "I have peanut butter and syrup, so let's make it right."
Anyway, thanks to Robb I know the best way to eat french toast. Hey, you now know too! Thanks Robb!
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Thank You for the Inspiration...
My very dear friend Robb (one of the only BLOGs I read regularly) inspired me to change the colors. It's been really, really, really hot here lately, and I thought that Blue would be a calming, cool color. Did I mention it's been HOT! I don't do well in the heat. I think that Jeffrey is probably sick of hearing me complain, so I will do it here. Live with it people, I don't like the heat. I would prefer 80 during the day and 50 at night. Those are perfect conditions.
On another random topic. My friend Alyssa (who I work out with twice a week) is getting married today. She and Teri have known each other for 28 years. I am really excited that she and Teri get to do this today, and her minister gets to sign the marriage license. They have an 8 year old daughter who apparently is calling all the shots. Check out their BLOG (to the left, Alyssa and Teri).
That's all I have today, but I am in the midst of writing something more substantial, I just don't like where it is at this point. Stay Tuned!
On another random topic. My friend Alyssa (who I work out with twice a week) is getting married today. She and Teri have known each other for 28 years. I am really excited that she and Teri get to do this today, and her minister gets to sign the marriage license. They have an 8 year old daughter who apparently is calling all the shots. Check out their BLOG (to the left, Alyssa and Teri).
That's all I have today, but I am in the midst of writing something more substantial, I just don't like where it is at this point. Stay Tuned!
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Marriage, My Point of View Disclaimer
I wanted to post a special BLOG to let everyone know that the views expressed in my last BLOG (Marriage, My point of view) are my opinions, and only mine. Any reference to my relationship, or anything you may have read below came from me, and do not express Jeffrey's opinions. Although he may or may not share my views below they are mine, and weren't discussed with him prior to the post.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Marriage, My Point of View
As I read the News, the BLOGS and the articles around the California Supreme Court decision I can only wonder, "What does it really mean." Yes, it means that I can now get married and enjoy the same rights and protections that opposite sex couples can enjoy. Yes, it means that I now have equal protection under the law. What it also means is that I have to fight the people that have some moral objection. I have to fight these people that want to write discrimination into the constitution. These people who spew hate and discrimination, while hiding behind their bible and their religion.
One of the things that bothers me is that in two separate legislative sessions in California they approved a bill allowing same sex marriage. Both times the Governor vetoed this bill based on the people in California's vote to define marriage between a man and a woman (this is the law that the Supreme Court overturned). My (straight) friend Jeremy made a comment that resonated with me, "if the voters of California voted that slavery was OK, does that mean that it's OK?" I will now be faced with the ballot initiative to change the Constitution. To add discrimination into the constitution for this great state. Just because 26 other states have done this doesn't make it right, and the state of California doesn't need to follow suit. Doesn't the bible teach to love thy neighbor as you would love yourself? Doesn't God tell us to "Judge not, lest ye be judged."? He doesn't mean to pick and choose your judgment, he means if you judge someone, then you will be judged by him (God).
I read on one of the religious websites backing this amendment that allowing me to marry the person that I love will open the door to two men and one woman, a man and his cow and I could go on. This is ridiculous. I am not asking to marry three men, an animal or any combination. I are two consenting adults who love each other and want the same rights and protections afforded to everyone else in this Country. Just because you may not understand the love that I share, accept the fact that I love. Accept the fact that I have been in a committed monogamous relationship for more then fifteen years. What I don't understand is that the people that spout the sanctity of marriage are the ones that are on wife number 3 or 4. These are the ones that have mistresses and sometimes even another man on the side (Google Ted Haggard). These are the things that the bible refers to, these are the things that destroy the sanctity of marriage. I can name several same sex couples that have been together a lot longer then some of the opposite sex couples, and vice versa. The point is that I am no different. I have the same love and the same fears. I just happen to be two men, or two women.
I applaud the California Supreme Court for seeing that it's my right under equal protection of the law to marry, and enjoy the benefits and protections that affords. I now take my views to you, my friends, my family. People I have known all of my life or just a short time, so that you can understand that my relationship doesn't harm anyone (I know that you know this, but it's worth stating here). The simple fact is that I fell in love with someone who happens to be of the same sex is inconsequential. I don't harm people because of my relationship, in fact I like to believe that I have made a positive difference in the lives of those I come in contact with. I enjoy quiet evenings at home, spending time with friends and family. I hike, I go to the beach and I travel. All I want now is to get married and continue to enjoy the life I have built together. All I want is to share the love that I have with the people I love. This isn't about my bedroom. This isn't about how I choose to live. This is about removing discrimination, not adding it to the constitution.
If and when the time comes and you live in or know someone that lives in California tell them to vote NO. Tell them that it's time for the State of California to show the rest of the Country that I don't hate. That I won’t give in to discrimination. If I can all show the people in our lives that what I and so many others have should be celebrated.
Thanks for being a part of my life past or present. In one way or another you have touched my life, and I hope that you can share this with those in your life who may not know anyone that is gay or lesbian.
One of the things that bothers me is that in two separate legislative sessions in California they approved a bill allowing same sex marriage. Both times the Governor vetoed this bill based on the people in California's vote to define marriage between a man and a woman (this is the law that the Supreme Court overturned). My (straight) friend Jeremy made a comment that resonated with me, "if the voters of California voted that slavery was OK, does that mean that it's OK?" I will now be faced with the ballot initiative to change the Constitution. To add discrimination into the constitution for this great state. Just because 26 other states have done this doesn't make it right, and the state of California doesn't need to follow suit. Doesn't the bible teach to love thy neighbor as you would love yourself? Doesn't God tell us to "Judge not, lest ye be judged."? He doesn't mean to pick and choose your judgment, he means if you judge someone, then you will be judged by him (God).
I read on one of the religious websites backing this amendment that allowing me to marry the person that I love will open the door to two men and one woman, a man and his cow and I could go on. This is ridiculous. I am not asking to marry three men, an animal or any combination. I are two consenting adults who love each other and want the same rights and protections afforded to everyone else in this Country. Just because you may not understand the love that I share, accept the fact that I love. Accept the fact that I have been in a committed monogamous relationship for more then fifteen years. What I don't understand is that the people that spout the sanctity of marriage are the ones that are on wife number 3 or 4. These are the ones that have mistresses and sometimes even another man on the side (Google Ted Haggard). These are the things that the bible refers to, these are the things that destroy the sanctity of marriage. I can name several same sex couples that have been together a lot longer then some of the opposite sex couples, and vice versa. The point is that I am no different. I have the same love and the same fears. I just happen to be two men, or two women.
I applaud the California Supreme Court for seeing that it's my right under equal protection of the law to marry, and enjoy the benefits and protections that affords. I now take my views to you, my friends, my family. People I have known all of my life or just a short time, so that you can understand that my relationship doesn't harm anyone (I know that you know this, but it's worth stating here). The simple fact is that I fell in love with someone who happens to be of the same sex is inconsequential. I don't harm people because of my relationship, in fact I like to believe that I have made a positive difference in the lives of those I come in contact with. I enjoy quiet evenings at home, spending time with friends and family. I hike, I go to the beach and I travel. All I want now is to get married and continue to enjoy the life I have built together. All I want is to share the love that I have with the people I love. This isn't about my bedroom. This isn't about how I choose to live. This is about removing discrimination, not adding it to the constitution.
If and when the time comes and you live in or know someone that lives in California tell them to vote NO. Tell them that it's time for the State of California to show the rest of the Country that I don't hate. That I won’t give in to discrimination. If I can all show the people in our lives that what I and so many others have should be celebrated.
Thanks for being a part of my life past or present. In one way or another you have touched my life, and I hope that you can share this with those in your life who may not know anyone that is gay or lesbian.
Friday, May 2, 2008
Saturday, April 26, 2008
New York, New York, it's a hell of a town...
When last I wrote we had left D.C. and our wonderful friends behind for the bright lights of Broadway, Times Square and the great city of Manhattan. We arrived Tuesday afternoon after an uneventful, yet nice train ride. We took a short cab ride to our Hotel, The Milford Plaza. We went to check in, and were told that our room wouldn't be ready until 3:00. With an hour to kill we decided to take a walk around Times Square and find some lunch. After having a super lunch we headed back over to the Hotel to get our room key and get settled before our first show. At this point it was about 3:30. The woman told us our room still wasn't ready and could we return after 4:00. This was getting ridiculous. We got the 3:00 thing, as that's normal check in time, but now we were told after 4. We decided to wait it out in the lobby. At about 10 minutes after 4 Jeff went to check on the room. It still wasn't ready. Jeff started to say something about the delay when the manager walked up and told the woman to provide an upgrade. We got to the room only to find that they had just given us another room of the same type that we reserved. What a ploy. This is not a place I would recommend staying. The shower wouldn't maintain any hot water, the room was musty and old and the overall hotel is under construction and the people aren't very friendly. Anyway back to the important parts...
Once we got settled we showered and headed to our first show. This one was a surprise for me. If you remember in my last post I mentioned that I heard Robb say something about Laura Linney? While, I now know why he said her name. Jeffrey took me to see the preview of Les Liaisons Dangereuses starring Laura Linney.
As the show is still in previews it isn't perfect. Although the female cast was spot on. I have never seen any iteration of this show, so it was all new to me. Linney was phenomenal. I have always loved her and really enjoyed seeing her in the role of La Marquise de Merteuil. It's hard to describe this character without ruining the plot, but she was spot on. The male cast had a lot of work to do. The lead, Ben Daniels (Le Vicomte de Valmont) was really great until the second act. The fight scene was laughable, and not done well at all. I only hope that they continue to work on this and other areas. In one month this show should be flawless.
After the show we went back to the hotel and spent a great deal of time discussing the show. Jeffrey being a very skilled actor had much better points then I did, as I am easily entertained and don't look as deeply as he does. We woke up the next morning, had some breakfast and got dressed for our first of two shows. After picking up the tickets for the Matinee of November, starring Nathan Lane and Laurie Metcalf we grabbed a slice of New York Pizza. We then proceeded to the theater to see David Mamet's new play. I don't believe that I have laughed so much, or enjoyed theater like this in a long time. If you get the chance to visit NYC this is definitely a play I would recommend. Nathan Lane plays a fictitious (although the character resembles my interpretation of GW) President. Laurie Metcalf is his Lesbian chief speech writer who has just returned from China after adopting a little girl with her partner Daisy. The show just goes from there onward. It is hilarious!!
After the play we headed back to our hotel to rest a bit before dinner and our evening show.
We had a wonderful dinner and headed over to the Shubert for Spamalot. Clay Aiken (from American Idol fame) is currently playing Sir Robin, and I have to say that I was prepared to hate his performance. I assume that because I had such low expectations that was the reason I really enjoyed his performance. This is Monty Python at its best. It is hysterical with great bits and overall great performances. We know the music, as it's something we own and have listened to a few times. Seeing the production was just extremely fun. It was kind of funny to see the people that come back again and again. As we were trying to exit the theater the woman sitting next to me asked if this was our first time seeing the show. I told her it was and she went on and on about how many times she had seen it, how she brought her daughter the previous Saturday for her sixteenth birthday, and purchased a picture with Clay Aiken. It's that time of year where Broadway Cares, Equity Fights AIDS collects money at each performance. Clay was offering signed Polaroids for $250.00 each to raise money. I have to assume that Spamalot is raising the most money based on the number of people purchasing these pictures. We were not included. Anyway after escaping the lady we headed over to Sardi's for dessert. We had a nice dessert, a good cup of coffee, and some New York Theater history. All in all a fantastic day and evening.
We woke up late the next morning and showered and packed getting ready to check out of the hotel. Once checked out and our bags stored we headed over to Central Park for a little Geocaching. We found a couple of fun geocaches, took a couple of travel bugs and headed back to Times Square for one final cache before we got a cab to the airport.
All in all we had a fantastic vacation (to see a couple of pics check out Robb's BLOG here), and are glad to be home. We spent all day yesterday resting (I slept most of the day) and are refreshed and ready to start the weekend. It's back to work Monday, which is a good thing. New boss (again), and new challenges ahead of me.
Once we got settled we showered and headed to our first show. This one was a surprise for me. If you remember in my last post I mentioned that I heard Robb say something about Laura Linney? While, I now know why he said her name. Jeffrey took me to see the preview of Les Liaisons Dangereuses starring Laura Linney.
As the show is still in previews it isn't perfect. Although the female cast was spot on. I have never seen any iteration of this show, so it was all new to me. Linney was phenomenal. I have always loved her and really enjoyed seeing her in the role of La Marquise de Merteuil. It's hard to describe this character without ruining the plot, but she was spot on. The male cast had a lot of work to do. The lead, Ben Daniels (Le Vicomte de Valmont) was really great until the second act. The fight scene was laughable, and not done well at all. I only hope that they continue to work on this and other areas. In one month this show should be flawless.
After the show we went back to the hotel and spent a great deal of time discussing the show. Jeffrey being a very skilled actor had much better points then I did, as I am easily entertained and don't look as deeply as he does. We woke up the next morning, had some breakfast and got dressed for our first of two shows. After picking up the tickets for the Matinee of November, starring Nathan Lane and Laurie Metcalf we grabbed a slice of New York Pizza. We then proceeded to the theater to see David Mamet's new play. I don't believe that I have laughed so much, or enjoyed theater like this in a long time. If you get the chance to visit NYC this is definitely a play I would recommend. Nathan Lane plays a fictitious (although the character resembles my interpretation of GW) President. Laurie Metcalf is his Lesbian chief speech writer who has just returned from China after adopting a little girl with her partner Daisy. The show just goes from there onward. It is hilarious!!
After the play we headed back to our hotel to rest a bit before dinner and our evening show.
We had a wonderful dinner and headed over to the Shubert for Spamalot. Clay Aiken (from American Idol fame) is currently playing Sir Robin, and I have to say that I was prepared to hate his performance. I assume that because I had such low expectations that was the reason I really enjoyed his performance. This is Monty Python at its best. It is hysterical with great bits and overall great performances. We know the music, as it's something we own and have listened to a few times. Seeing the production was just extremely fun. It was kind of funny to see the people that come back again and again. As we were trying to exit the theater the woman sitting next to me asked if this was our first time seeing the show. I told her it was and she went on and on about how many times she had seen it, how she brought her daughter the previous Saturday for her sixteenth birthday, and purchased a picture with Clay Aiken. It's that time of year where Broadway Cares, Equity Fights AIDS collects money at each performance. Clay was offering signed Polaroids for $250.00 each to raise money. I have to assume that Spamalot is raising the most money based on the number of people purchasing these pictures. We were not included. Anyway after escaping the lady we headed over to Sardi's for dessert. We had a nice dessert, a good cup of coffee, and some New York Theater history. All in all a fantastic day and evening.
We woke up late the next morning and showered and packed getting ready to check out of the hotel. Once checked out and our bags stored we headed over to Central Park for a little Geocaching. We found a couple of fun geocaches, took a couple of travel bugs and headed back to Times Square for one final cache before we got a cab to the airport.
All in all we had a fantastic vacation (to see a couple of pics check out Robb's BLOG here), and are glad to be home. We spent all day yesterday resting (I slept most of the day) and are refreshed and ready to start the weekend. It's back to work Monday, which is a good thing. New boss (again), and new challenges ahead of me.
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