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Flipping Out
I've watched the second season a little bit...I don't think that Jeff Lewis is OCD...I think he's an asshole. He's the worst kind, too. He thinks his asshole-y behavior is acceptable. He just yells at people. I used to think his ex-bf and business partner was cute but my GOD if you dated that jerk then you have some issues that need addressing on a therapist's couch. Seriously. UGH.
July 31 at 11:53 PM | Comments (7)
You know what's really hard...
long distance relationships. Hours of conversation about conflicting schedules, flight availability, days off, obligations that make certain dates not work, the disappointment that it won't be two weeks since we see each other, but four. :(
July 31 at 6:55 PM | Comments (7)
Oh no..
The National Enquirer is reporting the Elizabeth Taylor is on life support. I'll say a little prayer that she is not in pain and if it is her time to go that she does so without pain and suffering, surrounded by her family.
Two clips of her after the jump.
July 31 at 8:41 AM | Comments (0)
I love counting, too, Toby
Thanks Toby at VividBlurry for my latest irritating song stuck in my head. So cute!
Oh, and here's the group's original song. I had never heard of them, but with Toby's endorsement I'm probably downloading them today.
July 31 at 8:02 AM | Comments (0)
Take that insomnia. In yo face!
Thanks be to Klonipin and the 7 hours of sleep you gave me. To Klonipin be the glory.
July 30 at 8:16 AM | Comments (1)
Well good for y'all, PG&E, AT&T and Wells Fargo
When I first read the headline that PG&E had donated $250,000 to defeat the anti-gay marriage measure in California I thought they had donated to the anti-gay folks. I guess I'm just used to hearing about who is jumping on the anti-gay bandwagon. But, this time it was PG&E, AT&T and Wells Fargo all donating to defeat the attempts to ban gay marriage in the California Assembly.
I'm glad to see companies coming out from the sidelines and saying, "We have gay employees and we value them and we're already providing domestic partner benefits so just quit this whole anti-gay bullshit and move on."
Well, that's what I would say if I were them. (via Towleroad)
July 29 at 11:33 PM | Comments (1)
Conserve, Darlings
Austin Energy is asking us to conserve electricity. While they claim there is enough to go around, they do state that Austin has seen record-breaking energy usage in May, June and July. August is when we normally see the highest usages. They have issued a "Yellow Alert" for the city. Yellow means conserve. The next level is red (conservation critical) and then black (rotating outages).
To conserve, you can turn off your computers, lights when not in use, unplug your microwaves, DVD players, TVs when not in use and turn up your thermostat a few degrees.
We are already under a water conservation requirement with the mandatory watering schedule because of the drought.
I know, I know...just a typical summer pattern here in paradise.
July 29 at 7:41 AM | Comments (7)
Coming out stories...
I hate these. I didn't "come out" until way, way after college. Thankfully, there was a lot of therapy that got me over the whole, "I have wasted so many years living a lie" thing and I live my life open and honestly...sometimes aggressively so. That being said, there's a whole part of my life that's gone now. I don't remember chunks of my time in college or some great friends.
That was brought home when I got a friend request on MySpace from someone. They were the same age as me and went to my school, but I couldn't place them for the life of me. I sent him an email and said, "Refresh my memory." The response was humiliating, "You are first middle last name, you lived in X apartment building, you introduced me and my wife and stood up with me at our wedding."
Ouch. I wonder what all I've forgotten? In my defense, he hasn't aged well. When I saw the wedding photo I totally remembered.
So, I accepted the request and we've emailed. I had to come out all over again. It's been a long time since I've had to do that...I still felt a little butterfly in the stomach to type the words to someone from that part of my life, "I'm gay and FABULOUS!!!"
July 28 at 11:41 PM | Comments (0)
I will call 911
I had to call 911 today to report a reckless driver. White male in a black Ford Explorer cut me off on North Lamar, Texas License Number V22 NTD. I caught up to him going 60 in a 35 so I was sure I got the tag number right, that's how I know he was going 60 in a 35. He veered off of North Lamar and headed up Shoal Creek towards 29th Street last I could see of him.
Police report filed. Thank you.
July 28 at 7:50 PM | Comments (0)
You, Me and 2:57 a.m.
Amazing. It's amazing how I can be so relaxed and have had an enjoyable evening but go to bed and my mind start racing about Monday. I finally gave up trying to get to sleep on my own and took a sleep aid at 2:00 a.m. I last remember the clock at 2:57.
Bitter.
July 28 at 7:33 AM | Comments (0)
Dumbass.
Shia...ain't nothin' cute about a DUI.
July 28 at 7:08 AM | Comments (0)
Man, I look like a booger
Uhm.. now you'd think I'd shave on the weekend or something if I were going to make a video...but no...not me! Here's me and JM driving back from a furniture shopping experience.
July 27 at 2:50 PM | Comments (1)
FAIL. Mamma Mia.
I love the show Mamma Mia. So much so that I've seen it twice...a rarity for me. But, the movie version, which I eagerly anticipated, was so awful. The worst part? Well, actually the worst part is hard to narrow down..but a really bad part is that I have to say something negative about Meryl Streep. That kills me. But, although she did a decent job in the singing she just didn't have a strong enough voice to do my favorite ABBA song justice...and that hurt.
I want to be knocked out of my seat by the rising forcefulness of "The Winner Takes It All" and Ms. Streep didn't deliver.
Not to mention Pierce Brosnan was the most awkward thing singing I've seen since that "Like a Virgin" mess on American Idol.
I will say the numbers for Dancing Queen and It's a Rich Man's World were fierce, but that's as much as I'll give it.
Let's put this post in my top 10 "Gayest posts ever" category and just be done with it.
July 26 at 10:48 AM | Comments (1)
Irrational fear No. 236 realized on Qantas Air
A Qantas jet made an emergency landing after an "explosive decompression" caused the cabin's floor to give way, exposing some of the cargo beneath and part of the ceiling collapsed. There is video of everyone just sitting calmly as the plane plummets towards earth.
I've been on a plane that made an "unscheduled landing" before and the same thing...calm. Well, not calm but a kind of fear that keeps you very quiet. Then upon landing the passengers break out into a quiet laughter...it releases all that "OMG. I totally thought we were going to die" that's been stored up.
July 25 at 8:16 AM | Comments (0)
...and we're back...
Why do I even think it is possible for me to get sleep without taking a pill? I think it's cute that I still have hope every night when I get in bed that because I'm so exhausted I can barely shuffle into the bedroom that I'll just pass out for 6-8 hours. Nope.
The body may be exhausted but the mind is running 90 miles an hour...re-living the day, worrying about what I did not finish, planning on how to finish it tomorrow, making lists of what's overdue, things I want to get done...it's driving me crazy.
July 25 at 8:12 AM | Comments (0)
Market Penetration
Google Analytics tells me interesting things about the visitors to this blog. For example, Texas is the number 1 state for visitors to the blog and they stay on the site the longest...a whopping 2 minutes and 20 seconds. HOWDEEE Y'ALL! Especially somebody in Burkburnett, Texas. That is a funny name.
California comes in second, but with a much higher percentage of visitors being "first time visitors" to the site. Hey California, 'sup.
Coming in dead last is North Dakota. I get that. I don't think I'd relate to anyone in North Dakota, but in case you stumble by. Say hello so I know there's actually people way up there.
July 24 at 11:47 PM | Comments (0)
The difference between you and me is....
...when I was in the 7th grade there was no Internet so I don't have these type of things to come back and haunt me.
****Tinkerbell: This is my IM account, Hey!
charlie: uhm..ok tinkerbell. ;)
****Tinkerbell: shut up!! I made it in 7th grade
charlie: I'm totally blogging that
****Tinkerbell: you better not!
July 24 at 11:20 AM | Comments (3)
Out of context. Applicable to me.
John Barrowman did a show for the BBC on The Making of Me to investigate "Why am I gay?" and in the story online this jumped out as a very long form thesis statement for my life:
...I think it's an apt metaphor for the way I've chosen to live my life - openly, honestly, with no regrets. And, whenever I can, I try to confront the monsters in the dark. As my favourite Jerry Herman song proclaims: "There's no return and no deposit. One life. So open up your closet."
July 24 at 10:04 AM | Comments (0)
Netroots Nation
Yes, I went. And, uhm, has political blogging jumped the shark? I'm on the fence. I will say the swag bag I got was LAME. Except for the "Protect Your Constitution" condom from the ACLU...that I loved.
Here's my video of the swag.
July 23 at 12:02 AM | Comments (0)
Your point being...
My friend CH sent me this and I cried with laughter. This is basically a dramatic interpretation of a day at my desk. And...I'm always shocked.
I hurt your feelings? What did I do? In my first three years in management I had to go to "Diversity Training" every year. I was an HR nightmare. I took some management personality test and it said that I hurt people's feelings, but I don't recognize that other people have feelings.
July 22 at 11:50 PM | Comments (0)
HA!
July 22 at 4:48 PM | Comments (0)
Thank you for being a friend, Estelle. RIP
July 22 at 2:53 PM | Comments (1)
Well, Hello Dolly!
There's a tropical storm in the Gulf headed for either South Texas or North Mexico. We tend to watch these storms with a different level of interest than when I lived in Charleston. There, we'd be sort of nervous...talking about how it was only a Cat 1 and we weren't evacuating and predicting how bad the flooding would be. But, here in Austin we're all like...BRING IT!! Bring your 4 to 8 inches or rain and some nice breezes!! It's f'ing hot! Everything is drying up and dead!!
It's certainly a new way to look at a hurricane. HA!
July 22 at 9:01 AM | Comments (0)
This makes you hate the world...
Two 13 year-old girls murdered on their way to a sleepover in a small OK town. They were shot in the head and chest several times and found in a ditch by one of the girls grandparents. Police released the tape of the grandmother calling 911. The heart-wrenching, "They are both down here dead. My granddaughter and her friend. ..." and then the realization..."Lord help me, please. Oh God, oh God, oh God! My babies, babies, babies!" was too much for me to hear.
As soon as I read these stories my first reaction is I hope they find the killer and execute him in front of the Courthouse at noon. Then put his body on a stake in the middle of town. I'm so pro-death penalty I would volunteer to execute people that commit these kinds of crimes.
July 22 at 12:27 AM | Comments (0)
Time for a new housekeeper
I really like my housekeeper. But, I have to replace her. I forgave the cashmere sweater in the washer then dryer...I forgave the fitted sheet on the bed inside out...the time she didn't dilute the Murphy's Oil and I had filmy sticky floors for a month...
Two things have just gone too far. My linen suit pants in the washer/dryer and whatever she uses to clean the bathtub and bathroom sink have clogged them up. It's some grainy soap from Mexico. Unclogging the sink was like a grey greasy sand beach threw up in my bathroom.
I undertook that task of unclogging the sink right after JM asked me if I would buy this house and I said maybe. Perfect timing, because home ownership is once again washed out of my system for another few months.
So, anyone have a good housekeeper?
July 22 at 12:18 AM | Comments (2)
Missed Connection of the day
We connected at the Ben White Denny's You are a 7, I am a 9 - m4m - 27
dinner sometime ?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reply to: pers-763539048@craigslist.org
July 21 at 6:52 PM | Comments (0)
I'm putting my mom on internet restriction
She actually just sent me this email: (in the extended entry...it's the one that if you forward the email you'll get a check).
Mom...seriously....are you giving money to Nigerian widows, too?
The worst part of getting these emails is seeing the forwards and the tons of email addresses of all the people that have sent this around the world for years and years. Surely everybody has finally received it don't you think?
Continue reading "I'm putting my mom on internet restriction"
July 21 at 6:41 PM | Comments (0)
Leaving Reagan National...Seat 6E
I'm here in the Admirals Club waiting to get on my flight from Washington to go home. It's a little sad when we part, which is a little surprising and I'm going to process that on the long trip back to Texas.
About being in D.C.: I miss the East Coast. I hate the East Coast. See my problem? The conversation of "moving" came up again. We didn't skirt it as much as we have, but still it's only been two months...too soon. For once I am taking things slowly and being cautious and not just throwing myself head first into something, it is so weird!
This was the first time I've been to D.C. and it not be somehow related to politics and government. At Brooks Brothers when someone was trying to get their State Department discount, I was like "Huh? State Department? What kind of bullshit is that?" Oh...it's D.C.....Brooks Brothers....it's probably a job requirement to shop there. I did pass by the Washington Monument and the White House and the Jefferson Memorial on my way to the airport so I did see it!
July 20 at 5:22 PM | Comments (0)
Let's put it another way.....
A friend of mine recently wrote a very long diatribe on people with HIV not disclosing their status and how it is their duty to disclose their status as positive to prospective partners. He apparently received a very strongly worded missive from someone in the "HIV Biz" admonishing him.
I brushed it off when he told me about it. I mean, what's the argument really? HIV/AIDS is a deadly disease. It will kill you. I don't understand the argument against telling someone you have HIV because, "Hey...it's your responsibility to protect yourself. Not mine." I disagree. I mean, I agree it is everyone's personal responsibility to practice safe sex and enter every encounter with the diligence as if everyone were positive. BUT...and this is a huge BUT...if you have HIV and knowingly have unprotected sex with someone without disclosing that fact beforehand then you are negligent. Plain and simple. Black/White. No grey.
That's not a slam against people with HIV. It's a fact. Now, do people take that knowledge and discriminate? Do they treat people differently? Yep. That's life. Is it fair? Nope. Can I do anything about it? Nope. If I were positive I would work to educate people and work to be as healthy as I could be for as long as I could. If you choose a different path, that's ok. But, with HIV, I think the entire gay community has a responsibility to educate and inform and work for funding for better treatment and hopefully one day a cure.
No Glove. No Love. Until There Is A Cure. That slogan worked in 1988, it works in 2008.
July 19 at 5:33 PM | Comments (0)
BCDC
I'm off to Washington, D.C. this weekend. I thought maybe my weekend travel schedule would slow a little, but when you're dating someone in a different city it just seems like the travel is a constant. But, I will get some relaxation in at the National Gallery and, of course, Club Monaco and H&M.
Like how I just snuck that "dating someone" right in there on ya? I'm good like that.
July 18 at 9:36 AM | Comments (0)
There's a new one going up...
The skyline will change again. At least this time it's an office building and not another damn condo tower, though. Makes me happy to think people might actually work in this city for a change. Here's a rendering...it's going to be at 5th and MOPAC. The rest won't be announced until later, but.. you know, it's a nice building and all.
July 17 at 10:31 PM | Comments (0)
Found it
July 17 at 10:30 PM | Comments (0)
Want alert!
Have you seen the latest Crate & Barrel catalog? OMG. We can't talk until you do. Want. Everything.
July 16 at 2:56 PM | Comments (0)
Oh, hey...
So my day started at 6:30 a.m. and it's midnight and I'm just now stopping and getting ready for bed. I truly believe a reason I got so sick was that my body screamed stop and I didn't listen until it knocked me down to the emergency room. So, why two days later have I worked basically a 17 hour day? Good question.
I could tell you a lot of the fascinating things I did today, because some actually were, but it's boring business stuff to the rest of the world.
Here's some cool stuff:
1.) I have filled one open position and am very close to filling another one!
2.) I got to sit with an architect today and talk about future building plans and what type of work environment people in the future will want. Cute architect, too...btw.
3.) I leave to go see someone special this weekend and I'm excited. :)
4.) I kicked ass in a negotiation today.
5.) I heard how my competition watches and follows what I do.
I also had several conversations about poop. My poop, their poop, contemplating people's future poops....I can talk about poop, y'all.
July 16 at 12:00 AM | Comments (0)
That's a bad ass dog, y'all
We saw this dog on our way to the airport coming home from Mexico. Cracked us up. Coolest dog since Snoopy. Loved it.
July 14 at 10:07 AM | Comments (0)
A history lesson in brief
I listened to the song, "That's What Friends Are For" today and thought that there is a whole generation out there that has no idea why that song was produced and what it stood for. It was released in 1985 as a charity CD, raising over $3 million for AMFAR.
In 1985 there was a "gay plague" sweeping the nation, by that time it had killed many gay men and IV drug users.
Continue reading "A history lesson in brief"
July 13 at 5:06 PM | Comments (3)
Summer '08 Playlist
Here's what's in my top playlist today, just in case you're wondering what I'm getting my groove on with these days.
July 13 at 1:22 PM | Comments (1)
What is this? 1929?
Indymac Bank based in California was seized by the FDIC. Doors locked, papered over with a note from the FDIC, the whole nine yards, y'all. Customers walked up to get some cash or make a deposit and were stopped by a sign on the door.."Naw, we closed."
Oh. My. God. I would freak out. I am currently loyal to one bank, but I think I may diversify a little. Did you know that the FDIC only protects you up to $100,000? And even if you have significantly less than $100,000 in liquid assets at your bank or through your bank how hard will it be to get that money once the federal government is involved? Nightmare city, that's how hard. You know the government can't do anything right, they couldn't organize a two car funeral.
The FDIC has identified 76 banks in trouble, a 52% increase from a year ago. Even larger banks like Citibank, WaMu and Countrywide have had serious losses. Back in March, the FDIC said they were prepping for the worst crisis since the savings and loan failures of the 1980's and in March hired an additional 25 staffers. Since then, failures like Indymac have eaten into the FDIC's reserves enough to cause concern.
Fascinating.
July 12 at 10:11 PM | Comments (1)
Sick
I am so sick. Fever, chills, sore throat, aches. Misery. I managed to get the emergency room this morning and get two shots in my rump. One, an antiobiotic, and the other a steroid. I feel about 50% better so far. But, ugh. I totally thought I was dying.
What'd you do this weekend?
July 12 at 1:32 PM | Comments (0)
And you are irrelevant in 5, 4, 3, 2,
July 10 at 7:33 PM | Comments (0)
I don't understand...
I have tried to get over my fear of YouTube (as you have seen) and I watch people's videos a lot because I really am trying to "get it" when it comes to what people will put out there. I'm not sure if it's brave or stupid. Or, is it just the way the world is now...we're all "content publishers" so just deal with it old man.
But, I can't help but create a back story for the videos I watch. Who are these people? What is their real motivation? What is their life like? I have stumbled upon a woman from Norway that sings into the camera her favorite songs. She doesn't explain, she just sings. The only clue she gives is that "singing helps me get through life. LOL"
I'm amazed at how the "community" of the Internet is comprised of some very lonely people...being lonely together.
But, just for fun...comment and let's provide a "back story" for this woman.
July 9 at 11:19 PM | Comments (2)
Now boarding
Woo Hoo! Thanks CH for forcing me to take the challenge. After my last trip I've made it to the Platinum status on AAdvantage.
And Holy Free Tickets, Batman! I've got some miles I need to use for free tickets somewhere. Now I just hope American Airlines doesn't go belly up and forfeit all their mileage programs!
July 8 at 7:13 AM | Comments (2)
Can't Get A Date? Yes You Can.
I just watched Can't Get A Date? on Netflix. Wow, what a really good show from Logo. The gays and lesbians that opened themselves up to this type of scrutiny in order to uncover some of the bad habits they have that were preventing them from making any real connections was fascinating. I recognized myself in a few of them.
I can give this "watch now" on Netflix a confident recommendation.
July 7 at 10:32 PM | Comments (0)
BFF! PVR, Mexico Style
This is a photo that sums up pretty much our entire trip to PVR. Sitting on the beach, drinking margaritas and smiling and laughing. The five of us had a fantastic time.
I can recommend it as a long weekend destination wholeheartedly. You can check out the photos from our trip here.
July 7 at 6:23 PM | Comments (0)
Did I not mention this?
Former North Carolina Sentor, Jesse Helms died.
From the International Herald Tribune: "He fought bitterly against U.S. government aid for AIDS research and treatment, saying the disease resulted from "unnatural" and "disgusting" homosexual behavior.'Nothing positive happened to Sodom and Gomorrah," he said, "and nothing positive is likely to happen to America if our people succumb to the drumbeats of support for the homosexual lifestyle.'"
It is almost hard to believe some of the things that Helms will be remembered for where tolerated as acceptable speech from a public figure. It is a testament of how far we have come in this country in the effort to change people's minds about homosexuality.
As one generation passes to let another continue those efforts, I welcome the future.
May Jesse Helms rest in peace and his history of hate and ignorance should rest with him.
July 7 at 11:14 AM | Comments (1)
Ola, mes amis!
Puerto Vallarta was a fantastic weekend and I can highly recommend it as a weekend getaway spot. Our condo with the rooftop terrace and private pool was just steps from the beach and with good company and good drink, we partied like it was Senior Year Spring Break!
I am a great person to travel with in a foreign country, too. I can manage to ask one question in three languages, "Ola, Ou est le farmacia? Grazie mille, I really appreciate it!" is an example.
I did learn to say "No gracias" with great conviction. The locals swarm through the beach hawking their wares. After you've been accosted about every five minutes it becomes impressive how many different ways you can say it, too.
July 7 at 7:32 AM | Comments (0)
Ooooo Mexico
So, I'm heading to the airport this afternoon for a little weekend getaway. I'll be singing this song all day...
Puerto Vallarta here I come!
July 3 at 8:02 AM | Comments (0)
Austin Police Dept. Priorities are out of whack...
From a story about a mugging today: Austin police say there are more robberies Downtown than in any other part of the city because criminals know more people are likely to be intoxicated and viewed as easy prey.
From a story yesterday: APD Police Chief wants to train his officers to draw blood from suspected drunk drivers.
My response: Dear Austin Police Chief Art Acevedo. If you KNOW there are more robberies in downtown Austin then why aren't you stepping up patrols...being more visible...doing something to combat the crime there instead of coming up with new and exciting ways to violate the civil rights of people, having police officers put themselves and others at risk by drawing blood from people on the side of the road and ordering new uniforms?
Jesus, you are really a piece of work...you know that?
Losing confidence in 5,4,3,2....
July 2 at 10:24 PM | Comments (4)
Challenge!
The International Tap Association - the world's only service organization for tap - has just moved its headquarters to Austin, Texas.
I had no idea tap had such a following....
July 2 at 4:15 PM | Comments (1)
Short week!
So thrilled that this is a short work week. I am so looking forward to leaving the office at noon tomorrow I cannot stand it! Anybody got big plans?
July 2 at 8:26 AM | Comments (0)
9! That's a LOT
Created by OnePlusYou
ew...Daniel
July 1 at 5:27 PM | Comments (0)
What are you wearing?
I love it when Freakgirl asks on a day when I am wearing something fantastic and since I can't count on her to ask today, I decided to just show you.
after the jump...
Continue reading "What are you wearing?"
July 1 at 9:23 AM | Comments (1)
Hello insomnia, my old friend...
So I went to bed at midnight...I waited until I was so sleepy I couldn't hold my eyes open any longer. Then, at 1:49, I woke up. At 2:00 I had five emails to myself for things to add to my task list for the a.m.
Reminder number 1: Take medication at 10p every night...even if you think surely tonight I'll be able to sleep through the night...you're just kidding yourself...it ain't gonna happen.
