Mele Kalikimaka!

Isn't my little tree adorable? Why so small this year? This tree is all we could afford. Thankfully, we found it at the 99cent store. We bought the cute little glass ornaments there too. I think the 99cent store should pay me for the shout out, don't you think?

Christmas isn't the same as the years go by. The sparkle Christmas held in my eyes as a child has turned into a blinding reality that maybe Christmas is just another day. No hoopla. No magic. How sad, eh? But that's how I feel.

BB and I had a fight last night about her sister. I don't know what to believe about her sister's situation. I only hope BB isn't duped into bailing her sister out yet again, only to regret it later.

Yup. This is Christmas at our home.

At least Harper has a very big gift to open! It's his very first Christmas! BB and I yearn to see the sparkle in his eyes as he tears into his gift. In Harper's excitement, we'll hopefully rediscover the magic of Christmas.

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

The Audacity

Yay! I completed my latest jigsaw puzzle today! This puzzle irked me so much that I almost gave up. But I stuck with it and saw it through to the final piece. I'm so happy! Now I'm moving on to my next puzzle. BB bought me a 750-piece puzzle of New York City's skyline, which is reflected off the Hudson River. I know it's going to drive me crazy. I just know it. But I will persevere...I hope.

Do you like the Christmas feel of this puzzle?

Now on to more important news.

Your president-elect Obama had the audacity to invite the openly anti-LGBT Reverend Rick Warren to his inauguration and to give Rev. Warren the honor of leading the invocation at this allegedly historical event.

What a blatant slap in the face to Obama's LGBT supporters!

Where's the love, Obama? And what about the promises of hope and change you made to all Americans?

I always knew you were more of the same.

I told you so!

I am not a second-rate citizen! I pay my taxes like every American! EQUALITY FOR ALL!

Let It Snow

It snowed for the most part of the day. Yay! That's twice now! You must be wondering what the big deal is. So it's just snow, you say. I've seen snow before, thanks to my years in the Big Apple. But in all my years living in _____, I've never seen snow fall on my front yard before! So yeah, it's exciting. I'm excited! It's all so amazing! It's gonna be a wonderfully white Christmas! Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Even Harper got a chance to enjoy today's snowfall!

Happy Holidays!

Puzzling Snow

Two great things to share with you today.

First, it snowed yesterday! For me and my fellow residents of _____, snow is extremely rare in our part of the country. How exciting that it actually snowed here for almost the entire day! And we're not in the clear just yet! Another storm is predicted to be just around the corner. Snow day!

Second, I started a new puzzle yesterday! It's another 500-piece jigsaw puzzle. As the snow flurried outside, I thought what a great time to keep warm with a cup of peppermint tea and keep busy with an interesting puzzle! Here's what I've completed so far. Can you guess what the puzzle depicts?


Bask in the warmth of a great day!

Resolution

I know it's not that time of the year just yet, but I thought I'd resolve to do something now.

I resolve to discover new things each day, to view things in a different light, to be productive, and to appreciate the truth and beauty in even the small and mundane experiences.

So here's how I've been sticking to my resolution:

I completed a 500-piece jigsaw puzzle in less than 3 days! I remember when Quinn, my cousins, and I worked on jigsaw puzzles back when we were kids. My Auntie Isabelle introduced us to this great pastime, which instilled in us patience, among other things. Back then, we worked on 1,000 to 5,000 piece puzzles, if not more. I don't know if I can withstand even a 1,000-piece puzzle on my own. This 500-piece puzzle frustrated me at times as it is! Anyway, I don't remember what we did with the completed puzzles back then. I do know that I intend to glue together my completed puzzle in honor of my accomplishment. Yay!

I also completed The Aeneid by Virgil yesterday. I enjoyed Virgil's epic poem, which was full of adventure and excitement as Aeneas fought to secure his destiny. Poor Dido! The part of the book where Aeneas traveled to the underworld reminded me a lot of Dante's The Divine Comedy. I gather that's why Dante chose Virgil as his guide. I highly recommend The Aeneid, as well as The Odyssey and The Iliad by Homer (great reading!).

I'm thinking about joining an online book club. You see, I've been a bit envious that my friend and co-worker, Bobby, is part of a guild. A guild is a bunch of people who game together in World of Warcraft. A couple of Bobby's guild members/friends drove in from Fresno this weekend. They had a potluck. Most importantly, they had fun. I want to be part of a guild. I'd like to meet new people and to form new friendships with others who have similar interests. I love books, so I thought 'why not join a book club.'

Do something!

Thankful

I am thankful for...

my life,

my lovely wife,

my healthy boy,

all of whom bring me great joy.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I Still Have A Dream

Martin Luther King, Jr. once spoke of his dream. A dream in which a person is not judged by the color of his/her skin, but rather the content of his/her character.

Last night, America reneged on that dream.

Many of you failed to look past the color of Obama's skin, choosing to see the black man that he is instead of the person that he claims to be. You failed to look past the color of his skin, and thus failed to see the true content of his character.

You elected a black man as President of the United States instead of simply electing a person.

You failed to elect a person who has the experience to lead this country and a record which proves that person's ability to work with and unite the parties.

You instead elected Obama because he is black.

You, therefore, failed to judge Obama purely by the content of his character.

Is this the kind of hope and change you want for our country? A place where a person is still judged by the color of his/her skin?

This isn't a historic election. It's a sad time in history knowing that we have yet to witness a person of whichever race judged by the content of their character and not by the color of their skin.

Still waiting...

I Rocked the Vote!

It's official!

I rocked the vote today.

Thank goodness for early voting.

Thank God for democracy.

FYI, I picked the lesser of two evils. Guess who?

I had my heart set on the Hill, but settled for a Bic Mac instead.

Nobama!

What a Drain

This one accurately expresses what I feel. My vote went down the drain because of the corrupt and ineffective caucus system.

I hope you don't regret the choice you make on November 4.

Choose wisely, and be careful what you wish for.

Nobama!

The Same (almost)

This one is too funny!

Beware of the same ol' bullshit!

Nobama!

Flip-Flopping

I've been meaning to post a few political cartoons that I've come across during this tumultuous primary and general election season. Here's the first, one that I find most accurate.

Nobama!

Betrayal

I'm angry. So angry that I could hit something, someone.

Yesterday, BB told me that she gained some incite from her co-worker. Apparently, her co-worker said that talking with her ex-husband, a person she despises, helped her to cope with the anger she feels toward him. Her co-worker also said that it allowed her to reach past her hate to maintain somewhat of a relationship with her ex-husband for their children's benefit. I understand and agree with BB's co-worker.

BB then told me that she decided to call her ex to gain some closure. BB claims that she's over the whole break-up, but not over the part where her ex took everything and left her with a shitload of debt. BB blames her ex for her financial situation, which led to BB having to file for bankruptcy. I understand why BB needs closure for that aspect of their relationship.

However, BB told me the most wonderful (sarcasm spills from my lips) news this morning after she hung up with her ex. BB told me every detail, including the part where they exchanged e-mails and promises to keep in touch. Apparently, they have resumed their friendship, as if the past suddenly disappeared. All those times I listened to BB tell me the horrible stories about the past; they no longer existed. POOF! Just like that, and they were gone. I didn't get it. I still don't get it. There's no reason for this! No kids, nada, nothing!

I'm angry because BB felt the need to call her ex!

I'm angry because BB called her ex!

I'm angry because BB told her ex she hated her back then, but not why she did!

I'm angry because BB's ex knows how much she's affected BB, so much that BB felt the need to call her after so much time has elapsed!

I'm angry because BB's ex may think the worst of BB and of our relationship!

I'm angry because BB's ex may think me and our relationship a mere 'rebound'!

I'm angry because BB decided to resume and maintain a friendship with her ex, a person who doesn't deserve BB's friendship!

I'm angry because BB's so...blind to see that this is all so stupid!

I'm angry because BB's ex isn't here so I can bitch slap her!

I'm angry because this situation has me seeing red!

I'm angry because BB and I fought about this!

I'm angry because BB and I are not talking!

I'm angry because I took it out on Roran!

I'm angry because I feel betrayed!

I'm angry!

Sad.

Disappointed.

This fucking blows.

Relationships SUCK!!!

Angry and Afflicted

An envelope from the Democratic National Committee (DNC) came in the mail today for BB and I. I thought, 'What the hell do they want now?!'

The DNC rendered my vote inconsequential and stifled my voice in this allegedly democratic voting process. At least, the DNC tried to stifle my voice. No more! My loyalty to the DNC has waned since the bitter primary campaign season ended.

Those in power, the likes of Reid and Pelosi, and traitors like Richardson sealed the deal for Obama's coronation as the Democratic presidential nominee, and the biased, sexist, and pro-Obama media happily fueled the anti-Hillary (and Bill) sentiment. Need I mention the disastrous and unfair caucus system? Obama supporters called my friends 'racist' because they chose to vote, as it is their right, for Hillary instead.

Is this democracy?! NO! Democracy means freedom! Freedom without fear or backlash!

This primary campaign season has made me question our democratic process. It has made me question my country and its principles. It has made me question my loyalty to my party. It has made me question my choice for president. Do I stick with my party, the party that hindered my vote and attempted to stifle my voice, and vote for Obama, a person whom I am not able to trust? Or do I choose another party's candidate because that candidate appears to be the lesser of two evils?

All I know is I'm undecided and consider myself an independent.

Maybe I should sell my vote on e-bay instead.

Don't feign surprise. This is no longer the America that we know. What is left of a country when it's democratic process fails? A communist state.

On a last note, isn't it funny how stupid Obama is for not picking Hillary as his VP? Instead, McCain, the Republican candidate, chose wisely by picking a female for his VP. It's all about Palin now, no longer about Obama. He must be crying like a baby now that the spotlight has waned. Great move on McCain's part! Palin's no Hillary Clinton, but she's tough and, most importantly, she's a woman.

Don't tell me how I should utilize my right to vote! I am American! I have the freedom to choose!

Down with the DNC!

NOBAMA!

Hillary in 2012!

The Christmas Factor

It doesn't feel like Christmas. We've got a beautiful tree and several presents, but it just doesn't seem like Christmas is actually here. I don't know why. I guess the magic of Christmas dissipates as we age. Bah humbug!

BB and I vacationed in Hawai'i recently. We spent quality time with my family and friends. We also had a commitment ceremony. A very intimate and private ceremony. It was beautiful. I cried. BB almost cried, but held back the tears as she wiped mine away. We kissed and proclaimed our love and devotion for eachother before countless witnesses, all strangers of course. But together as one, BB and I faced the world. That day will live in my heart forever.

So I take back that 'bah humbug' attitude in my earlier paragraph. Christmas is here, and I'm going to enjoy the holiday season. I hope you do too.

Mele Kalikimaka and Hau'oli Makahiki Hou!

Official Business

After several months of anticipation and frustration, the "Official Business" letter I've been waiting for came in the mail this week. Thank you! Now I can sit back, relax, breathe in, and let out a huge sigh of relief. I'm so happy! Now I can finally move on.

BB's in Florida visiting her family. She left late last night, and I miss her already. = ( I laid on BB's side of the bed last night and willed myself to sleep. She called me from Detroit at 2 am, and after we hung up, I slept much better. I love BB!

Jacob's been AWOL for a couple of weeks now. I haven't heard from him since The Firm's grand opening. I e-mailed him a couple of days ago, but he hasn't responded. I think he's mad at me. Mad that I failed to inform him about The Firm prior to it's opening. Ironically, he was the first to know among my friends. I didn't plan for him to find out earlier as I wanted all my friends to know about The Firm at the same time, but an unexpected meeting with Quinn at Panda prevented that from happening. I think Jacob finally understands and acknowledges that our friendship isn't quite as it used to be, and now he's not talking to me. I didn't want it to be this way, but it is.

Quinn and I decided to get a booth at this year's Pride festival. We'll advertise The Firm and its services, and hopefully get more clients in the door. Fingers crossed! We definitely need more business!

I'm currently watching "The X-Files" on the SciFi Channel. I used to watch "The X-Files" fanatically. I'm so happy that we have cable now. Thank goodness for little pleasures!

That's about it from my world.

Keep a rubber band ball handy for when the zombies attack. Better safe than sorry!

At Long Last

I know it's been a while since my last post. I've been so tired, what with working full-time for Big Company and working part-time (and for free, mind you) at The Firm. All work and no play makes me a very tired and very boring person. LoL But at long last, I've found time to write a few words. Ironically, I have nothing much to post about, except that the weather here is awful. It's only April, and already it feels like an oven here. Ahhh...but Celie and I have been walking during our breaks at work. I really enjoy the time spent outside the drabby walls of Big Company and the chance to bask in the warm sunlight. It's rather peaceful and relaxing.

BB and I are determined to get in shape before our next vacation. She actually purchased the P90X fitness program via an infomercial, much to my dismay. I don't like infomercials, and I really don't trust them. But BB has much praise for this workout regime (after two workout sessions), and I guess I'll let this one go. We ONLY have two more payments of $39.99 to pay. What's two more payments, right?! Ugh.

Aside from the P90X fiasco, we've been watching the Bravo series "Workout." We're hooked. Not just because of Jackie's abs or even Rebecca's FOINE body, but also because it inspires us to want to get fit and be healthy. Hell, I found the strength and will power to get up this morning and workout for 40 minutes on the treadmill! Now that's impressive! LoL

That's about it from me. Everything else I have to say will bore you to death (i.e., they're all work-related). I will continue to let you in on anything worth mentioning, but I don't know how often that will be. Until then, have a good one.

Happy Easter!

Nuptials, Endeavors, and Comforts, Oh My!

I received an e-mail from my cousin Shae, informing me of her upcoming nuptials in November. She invited BB and I and hopes that we can make it. I don't know if we can because of work, but we'll definitely try. I haven't heard from Shae in a long while. We've never been close. I suspect her invitation had to do with family obligation and all, but it doesn't matter. I'd like to believe that we're all adults and that past feuds are simply part of our distant past. I'm a bit frightened to return home, to see everyone once again. For so long I've been practicing the motto "out of sight, out of mind," and to come face to face with my family and the home I left behind is rather daunting. I'm feeling a mixture of excitement at rekindling family ties and trepidation at stirring up memories of the past. Sigh. I have nothing to worry about. Everything will be alright.

Quinn and I are planning to open a law firm specializing in bankruptcy and wills, trusts, and estates. Quinn filed the Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State and will be filing our application for a business license. He also signed a six-month lease on an office space near the federal courthouse. Quinn will be the owner of the law firm, and I'll be an associate attorney until I decide to become his partner. I have a few issues to handle first before I can commit wholeheartedly to this endeavor. I'm relieved that Quinn is taking much of the grunt work on himself and that he doesn't expect too much from me. He understands and accepts my priorities, which mostly involve BB and our family plans. It's comforting to know that Quinn's including me in on this endeavor 100% despite my circumstances. I hope and pray that our law firm will be a success.

BB and I were low-key this Valentine's Day. We opted for simplicity this year by dining at our favorite sushi restaurant and then watching a DVD at home. I love that we can do this. I love that we can make the most of something despite the lack of fanfare. And I love that as years go by, BB and I are still very much in love and enjoy eachother's company. It's comforting to know.

Determine what's important in your life and make note of it before acting.

Oy Vey!

I woke up at 10:30 a.m. with an awful headache and neck pain. We really need a new bed or at the very least, new pillows. I fixed myself a bowl of cereal of the generic kind (thanks to frugal me, of course) and ate it for the sake of eating breakfast (er brunch?), and not because I really wanted to. I drank the leftover milk from the bowl and then searched the fridge for something...salty. There wasn't much to choose from, mostly leftovers. I eyed the barbecue beef sticks with hope that it would satisfy my need. It didn't, but what's new? I sat on the sofa and turned on the telly. I surfed for a while, but nothing appealed to me. So I got up and perused my pathetic DVD collection. I opted for a lesbian flick. Unfortunately, I chose Kissing Jessica Stein.

Kissing Jessica Stein annoyed me. Ironically, I used to love this film. Hence the reason why I own it. I don't know why I loved it. Granted, the actresses are beautiful, but the story is...annoying. I don't know how else to describe it. There were several things about the film that I never gave much thought to in the past, but which disgusted and angered me this time around. For example, Jessica's facial expression and body language after making love with Helen for the first time. She looked disgusted with what she had done. If I had just made love with a beautiful woman like Helen, I would not have that look on my face and would not have the urge to be anywhere but where I am. And upon watching the film this time around, I couldn't deny the fact that Jessica is so damn straight! Who was she kidding?! And who was I kidding in the past?! Her issues ran deeper than simply figuring out her sexual preference. Maybe I'm being too harsh. Maybe I wanted the ending to be different with Jessica and Helen staying together and being in love with one another. Or maybe I'm too focused on GLBT issues to see the bigger picture. Sigh. I felt like Jessica could have saved everyone, including herself, a lot of heartbreak if she had simply been true to herself (i.e., a straight woman) and admitted that her love for Helen was a love between best friends. Kissing Jessica Stein is a film about a neurotic straight woman who takes a risk with the wrong person simply because it's the risk which has been building since...birth. She risks loving a woman and discovers that it's not so bad, if only she weren't so heterosexual. In the end, she learns how to be less neurotic (I hope), finds a new best friend in aforementioned female lover, and discovers men all over again. Oy vey!

Alas, the one great and endearing aspect about the film is the following quote from Letters to a Young Poet by one of my favorite writers, Rainer Maria Rilke:

For it is not inertia alone that causes the unspeakably monotonous and unrenewed human condition to repeat itself again and again. It is the aversion to anything new, any unpredictable experience, which is believed to be untenable.

After I cursed the film and put the DVD back in its place, I took a couple of pills to relieve my headache and pain. I downed the suckers with OJ, desperately wishing that I had some Vodka to make a screwdriver. I lay on the sofa and watched Matlock until BB came home. BB, my saving grace. She pampered me and massaged my neck. I'm feeling much better now.

I've been meaning to share my Top 5 female celebrities. Here goes:

1. Madonna
2. Jordana Brewster
3. Milla Jovovich
4. Piper Perabo
5. Rachel Shelley

At one point in time, Angelina Jolie ranked #2 on my list. But since her bitter remarks about Madonna, I bumped her down to #6. Furthermore, my Top 5 is a list of female celebrities who are exceptionally HOT in my opinion. Who's in your Top 5?

On a final note, I really don't have anything important to say which ties in with this post. I could tell you to never buy generic cereal brands or never watch a DVD you love while your head feels like it's about to explode. Or I could tell you to add Madonna to your Top 5. Hmm...

Add Madonna to your Top 5 list of exceptionally HOT female celebrities. Better yet, rank her #1. And...don't drink and drive.

Hillary Clinton in 2008

I am absolutely thrilled that Hillary Clinton is campaigning for U.S. President in 2008! I'm a lot more optimistic of our nation's future now that she's made her decision. I'm also optimistic that our nation has evolved immensely as the likes of Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama enter the race for the most powerful office in the United States. Although I'm backing Hillary Clinton all the way, I like what I've seen and heard from Barack Obama. Hillary v. Barack. This will be most interesting to watch as the campaign trail for the Democratic nomination unfolds. All I know is we need change. But we need a person competent enough to effect and enforce change in our country. I believe Hillary Clinton is that person. She has the political experience and a political agenda that works. Hillary Clinton in 2008!!!

You know, the winning ticket is Hillary Clinton as President and Barack Obama serving as her Vice President. Now that would be history in the making!!!

Change is good and long overdue. Hillary Clinton in 2008!

D.E.B.S.

If you haven't seen the film D.E.B.S., then I suggest that you hop on down to the nearest video store and rent it. OMG! D.E.B.S. is hilarious, heartwarming, and action-packed! It's about crime-fighting college girls on a mission for the US Government to capture a notorious villainess. I "ooohhhed" and "aaahhhed" when unexpected love blossomed between the D.E.B.S.' "perfect score" and the "devil" herself. I must say, the women of D.E.B.S. are beautiful and quite a wonderful sight for sore eyes! Sara Foster and Jordana Brewster together...need I say more?! Jordana Brewster is absolutely gorgeous! And her lip-sync of "A Little Respect" by Erasure (lyrics below) had me crushing and singing.

I've tried to discover

A little something to make me sweeter

Oh baby refrain from breaking my heart

I'm so in love with you

I'll be forever blue

That you give me no reason

Why you're making me work so hard

That you give me no

That you give me no

That you give me no

That you give me no

Soul, I hear you calling

Oh baby please, give a little respect to me

And if I should falter

Would you open your arms out to me?

We can make love, not war

And live at peace with our hearts

I'm so in love with you

I'll be forever blue

What religion or reason

Would drive a man to forsake his lover?

Don't you tell me no

Don't you tell me no

Don't you tell me no

Don't you tell me no

Soul, I hear you calling

Oh baby please, give a little respect to me

I'm so in love with you

I'll be forever blue

That you give me no reason

You know you're making me work so hard

That you give me no

That you give me no

That you give me no

That you give me no

Soul, I hear you calling

Oh baby please, give a little respect to me

Soul, I hear you calling

Oh baby please, give a little respect to me

Don't make the one you love work too hard for you.

I'll try to remember that the next time I make things difficult for BB.