Stuff and Things and Other Stuff and Things~

It Gets Better~

2010-10-13T17:19:00.001-04:00

Musical Tuesday Presents: Eminem

2010-08-09T18:20:00.000-04:00

Love The Way You Lie...

Musical Tuesday Presents: Strut

2010-07-20T23:03:00.000-04:00

by: Adam Lambert

Musical Tuesday Presents: Sound of Music Flash Mob!

2010-07-15T16:48:00.001-04:00

Here Comes the Summer!

2010-04-09T16:11:00.003-04:00

Palmdale (Kay Hanley & Linus of Hollywood)
GET WASTED EP

Musical Tuesday Presents: Palmdale

2010-03-16T19:28:00.001-04:00

http://oglio.com/webs/pages/artists/Palmdale.shtml

Musical Tuesday Presents: Michael Jackson, This Is It~

2010-02-20T22:54:00.001-05:00

Dancing Inmates - Michael Jackson's This Is It @ Yahoo! Video

I Want a Hippo for Christmas

2009-12-14T21:45:00.001-05:00

Musical Tuesday Presents: Lady Gaga ~ Speechless ~

2009-12-06T12:58:00.001-05:00

Sunday Photo~

2009-10-18T10:30:00.001-04:00

Musical Tuesday Presents: Danyl Johnson

2009-08-25T22:46:00.001-04:00

Musical Tuesday Presents: Elliott Smith - Waltz #2 (XO)

2009-08-11T22:43:00.001-04:00

- Waltz #2 (XO) by Elliot Smith~

Musical Tuesday Presents: Rufus Wainwright

2009-07-21T16:50:00.001-04:00

Musical Tuesday Presents: Michael Jackson - Dirty Diana

2009-07-14T18:30:00.001-04:00

Musical Tuesday Presents : Lenka ~

2009-06-09T21:59:00.001-04:00

The Show by Lenka

The License

2009-06-02T23:54:00.001-04:00

Musical Tuesday Presents: We Won't Back Down: Fight H8

2009-05-26T20:29:00.000-04:00

Musical Tuesday Presents: Adele - Chasing Pavements (Live)

2009-05-19T08:02:00.001-04:00

Fun with Traffic Sources~

2009-05-15T14:24:00.002-04:00

My friend posted a blog where she listed all of the keywords people use to find her website/blog. I got such a kick out this and decided to copy her idea (thanks Kay). I have Google analytics set-up with my blog, so the following are the keywords that people search to land on my blog:

1. Shit on my face
2. Kay Hanley and the homophobic homo
3. merelyme
4. Boston’s homophobic homo
5. but you don’t look gay
6. Harvey Milk speech
7. Matt Nathnason gay
8. smaaart ms
9. BMW pain
10. Brandi Carile gay
11. John and Marlena montages
12. shit in my face
13. Judy Shepard
14. 1199 rally
15. a fine frenzy + gay
16. BMW cancer
17. Copaxone auto injector order
18. did Michelle Obama’s dad have ms
19. Dropkick Murphy BMW
20. Frozen Copaxone
21. gay and shit my face
22. gay multiple sclerosis
23. gay Spanish song
24. is Kara DioGuardi gay
25. Letters to Cleo homos
26. Michelle Obama talks about her father
27. people say I look gay
28. retriever skinny bmw
29. side airbag no reason GMC
30. shit on my face and give me shit to eat/pictures
31. the homophobic homo blog
32. this is MS
33. the married homophobic homo
34. the homo with MS

Hilarious! As you can see there a bunch of musicians listed in the keywords and that’s because of my Musical Tuesday videos. The others are just interesting.

"Don't piss on my leg and tell me it's raining!"

2009-05-15T13:01:00.001-04:00

I have been neglecting my blog for some time now, but I’m making a goal to give it 100% from now on! I have been posting videos here and there, but now I’m ready to get back into writing more…so let’s go!

So many things have happened since the beginning of 2009. I have been on Copaxone for over a year now and it seems to suit me well. I no longer need to have my MRI’s every six months which is nice. There was an “unimpressive” new lesion on my last MRI, but my neurologist wasn’t concerned about it. I feel great and just participated in another MS Lifelines Walk in Boston. It’s been 18 months since my official MS diagnosis and things get better daily.

During my appointment with my Neurologist we discussed my first year of the diagnosis. The first year was insane because I was hit with symptom after symptom. In the matter of six months I had: Optic Neuritis, right side numbness, both legs numb and numerous infusions. Then things kinda just settled down. I was hit hard in the first months and then the Copaxone starting kicking in and I’ve never felt better. Physically and emotionally I feel amazing. Everything from yoga to Reiki and taking better care of myself has really improved me all around. Also, the support from my family, friends, MSers and most important my Chaz!!! I’m truly blessed and feel the love. I would have been lost without my Carnival of MS Bloggers who gave me advice and a platform to vent. Lisa E. you rock!!!

Ok, enough about MS for now. I have so many stories to blog about. I’m back!!!

"10 Years" - Judy Shepard Calls for Hate Crime Law

2009-04-21T15:22:00.001-04:00

Lies from the "National Organization for Marriage"

2009-04-10T11:00:00.001-04:00

This video is so full of bullshit.

Terrified

2009-04-04T01:36:00.001-04:00

I love Kara~ Enjoy

What is Multiple Sclerosis

2009-03-27T17:33:00.001-04:00

Girlfriend - Valentine's 09

2009-02-20T18:22:00.001-05:00

Help for MSers

2009-01-27T20:33:00.000-05:00

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Musical Tuesday Presents: Kara DioGuardi

2009-01-22T21:27:00.001-05:00

The new American Idol judge~

Amp'd Mobile

2009-01-22T21:19:00.001-05:00

Musical Tuesday Presents: All-American Rejects cover Britney Spears'

2009-01-02T22:24:00.001-05:00

Holiday Eating Tips~

2008-12-24T11:57:00.002-05:00

My friend Nellie forwarded this list to me. Enjoy~

HOLIDAY EATING TIPS

1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. It's rare.. You cannot find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-alcoholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!

3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.

4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.

5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?

6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's.You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.

7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes.If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.

8. Same for pies. Apple, Pumpkin, Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?

9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards.

10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Re-read these tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner.Remember this motto to live by:

"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO what a ride!"

Have a wonderful Christmas season!!

Musical Tuesday Presents: Welcome Christmas~

2008-12-23T21:30:00.000-05:00

Updates: MS, the blog and Christmas time~

2008-12-20T14:23:00.004-05:00

So, I have been a total slacker when is comes to writing on my blog. I have posted numerous videos, but I haven't had a chance to write. The past two months have been insanely busy due to my new job. I have been working 6 days a week and today is the first Saturday I have had off in the past 2 months. I don't normally have to work Saturdays. The hospital I work for is going through a major software implementation and I work in IS. Therefore, I have to be there to do stuff and things for the project. Then there is Christmas. I love it and can't believe it's in 5 days. Plus me and my hubby, Chaz, are giving up our suburban life and heading back to the city on January 1st. We have a lot going on, but such is life.

The MS has been relatively quiet for the most part. I have my next MRI in February and I'm finally used to dealing with the Copaxone injections on daily basis. Hopefully there will be no new lesions on my brain, but if there are such is the way the cookie crumbles.

In one of my last posts, Deploy Shit in My Face, I talked about my airbags spontaneously deploying. After 2 months of bullshit with GM they are finally going to repair my vehicle. About bloody time!!! I'm totally siked about that. They sent an investigator to do intensive research on my vehicle. It was quite the process and the investigator was in my driveway playing with my car for over 3 hours. It was very interesting!

Well, that's enough for now. I missed a Musical Tuesday this past week so I have a special treat. I found this awesome video on the OMG Blog and I had to share. It's filled with such energy and holiday fun I'm sure it will bring a smile to all of your faces. Henrietta & Merna sing a holiday classic and do it so enthusiastically it's a must have for the holiday season. Enjoy~

Musical Tuesday Presents: Awake~

2008-12-09T10:30:00.002-05:00

My friends Kay & Michael decided to to a mini-reunion tour of their band, Letters to Cleo. LTC dis-banded around 2000 and now have decided to do a few shows in LA, NYC and Boston. I will be attending their sold out show tonight at Paradise Rock Club in Boston and I'm stoked! Chaz and I recently stayed with Kay & Michael out in LA for some sun & fun. This musical Tuesday showcases one of LTC's popular songs from the early 90's, Awake.

Enjoy~

Prop 8 The Musical~

2008-12-03T20:23:00.003-05:00

My friend posted this on her website and I had to share~ Loves it mo fo~

See more Jack Black videos at Funny or Die

Musical Tuesday Presents: Sober~

2008-12-02T21:00:00.003-05:00

Sober
by Pink

Harvey Milk Speech

2008-11-28T10:14:00.001-05:00

Musical Tuesday Presents: The Submarines

2008-11-11T19:32:00.001-05:00

You, Me and the Bourgeoise
by The Submarines

Deploy shit in my face? I can take it!

2008-11-09T12:25:00.004-05:00

The past month has been extremely busy and I’m finally sitting down to actually write a blog rather than just post some videos. I started my new job and it has been excellent. I have been there for a month and really get a good feeling that a made an awesome decision. The MS has been, well, good for the most part. I have been feeling better and I think a lot of that has to do with the new job. Since the new job is in the city Chaz and I decided it's time to give up the suburban life and head back to Boston. We will be relocating on January 1st. The commute from the Cape Cod area is just too much and the cost for the lovely commuter train is a ridiculous $250 a month! Being in the city will be slightly easier on the pockets and will allow me to not have to get up at 4:30am each morning.

I had a very interesting experience two weeks ago. I was leaving my yoga class and hopped on the expressway to venture home. As I was driving my side airbags deployed. The force from the driver side airbag was so intense that it knocked my glasses off my face and bent them. I was completely disoriented because there was no collision. I was at a loss for words and the left side of head was in excruciating pain. I somehow managed to pull over to the breakdown lane where I called 911. After calling the police a state trooper came to my aide. He looked incredibly perplexed because there was no impact to my vehicle. I explained that I was driving and all of a sudden all of the side airbags deployed. The officer assisted me in rolling up the bags and helped get me back on the expressway.

The following day I had to go to the ER due to the pain in the left side of my head. Mostly I was afraid that due to the impact of the airbag hitting the left side of my face I would have some hearing issues. Luckily, after a few x-rays I was sent home with a prescription for a pain med. The whole experience has been so bizarre. My vehicle looks as though a bomb exploded from the ceiling. I’m nervous to drive the car because the front seatbelts locked. So, I’m unable to wear my seatbelt if I need to use the vehicle. Also, I’m nervous that the front airbags will spontaneously deploy as well. I had to contact my insurance and they will cover all of the hospital bills and will refund me for new glasses. I have to wait to hear from GM to see if they will fix the vehicle. When Chaz spoke with them they just kept asking “what do you want.” He responded, “We just want the vehicle to be brought back to the condition it was prior to the airbags deploying.

I’m still waiting to hear back from GM. In the meantime I sure do not feel comfortable driving a vehicle with airbags hanging down and no seatbelts. I sure hope GM contacts me soon or else I will have to speak to our attorney. I just do not understand how a vehicle can just deploy airbags when no impact took place. This is a defect that scares the shit out of me. Luckily, I was not seriously injured (my neck still aches and my left side is sore). More importantly no one else was injured since I had to pull over pretty much blinded by the side airbags covering all of the windows.

I hope the remainder of 2008 will not bring anymore stress. 2008 has just been throwing a bunch of shit in my face. Every time I wipe it off it just slings a little more in my direction. I can handle it because I’m badass, but can I have the rest of the year be stress free? 2009 will be here soon and I know it will be a great year. Now I have to go look at my car and laugh.

Musical Tuesday Presents: God Bless The USA

2008-11-04T08:35:00.001-05:00

Kristy Lee Cook

You can vote however you like

2008-10-30T19:19:00.001-04:00

Fun with Palin~

2008-10-25T14:07:00.001-04:00

Is this election over yet? Well, here is some more fun with SNL & Sarah Palin.

Musical Tuesday Presents: Loretta Lynn & Jack White

2008-10-14T07:00:00.001-04:00

Portland, Oregon
by: Loretta Lynn & Jack White

2004 Album, Van Lear Rose by Loretta Lynn

MS symptoms, discrimination & resignation~

2008-10-13T10:25:00.002-04:00

It’s funny how MS can change from day to day. The past few months my right side has been burning like crazy. I started taking more vitamins, mostly B vitamins, and this seemed to make the burning less severe. Within the past week the burning has dulled drastically. This is wonderful, but it makes me think the stress from my job was a major factor for my symptoms.

I recently decided to leave my job of two years due to a better offer among other reasons. Also, my former employer is a private company with over 3000 employees and no human resources. I know, kinda crazy, but that’s how they roll. I guess being a gay man HR is important when discrimination issues arise in the work place. About seven months ago a co-worker screamed fag while in a conversation. Now I’m not one to be threatened by the word fag. I have heard worse, been called worse and have a tough skin. Yet, using the word fag in the work setting is 100% inappropriate. Since the company has no HR I decided to tell my manager about what happened. I wasn’t looking to get someone fired I was asking if the company could do a diversity training. My manager told me she would talk to upper management about having some sort of diversity training.

Well, after about a month I heard nothing. No member of upper management approached me to see what my concern was with the lack of diversity training. I decide to create a log of all of the inappropriate things I heard in the office. This was to prove the importance of diversity training for employees. My log featured sexual harassment, racism and the most insane remarks about women. I was floored because a majority of the time I recorded these remarks a supervisor was in ear shot. I figured the company would have to do something.

The company performs a “stay interview” with employees each year to discuss how things went during the past year. The interview is conducted by staff development. Staff development is the department that handles all of the company wide trainings. During my annual “stay interview” I told staff development about my issue with the lack of diversity training. The lady conducting the interview said, “Diversity training is a very thin line that the company would not like to cross.” My jaw dropped. A very thin line??? A VERY THIN LINE!!! I responded, “When it comes to discrimination or harassment of any kind there is no such thing as a thin line.” She didn’t really say anything and I left the “stay interview” realizing this will be my last “stay interview.”

During all of this insane bullshit I noticed that my MS symptoms would get more intense. This work environment was not for me. I was actually disgusted at myself for staying with the company for as long as I did. I decided to start looking for a new job and leave the company after the New Year. Within a week or so the love of my life, Chaz, was browsing positions for himself when he came across a job for me. The job he saw was the exact position I currently had, yet almost double my salary. So, I sent my resume thinking it would take some time. They called me the next day. I was pleasantly surprised when one of the hiring managers was Chaz’s former boss of four years. She was also a guest at our wedding. They offered me the position after my second interview.

I was so excited to run as fast as I could away from my current position. Once I received the official written offer I was overjoyed to give my notice. I scheduled a meeting with my manager and gave her my notice. Boy was she pissed! When I told her I was resigning she stated, “I can’t believe you are doing this to us after all we have done for you. We have bent over backwards for you!” Now what she was referring to by “bending over backwards” was the unpaid time off I received when I was diagnosed with MS. I looked her in the eyes and said, “Oh, I know you think you bent over backwards for me by allowing me some unpaid time off, but I was diagnosed with a chronic disease. The Family Medical Leave Act would have provided me with the same unpaid time because it’s the law. Maybe if the company had an HR department you would know this.” She looked bullshit and I thought she was going to stab me. She replied, “Are you leaving because of a great offer or because we don’t have HR?” I replied, “Well it’s a great offer and when I way the pros and cons having an HR department is really important to me.” I went on to state, “Also, I approached you about seven months about a diversity training because someone screamed fag and nothing was done about it.” She growled back, “You told you didn’t want him fired!” I responded, “Yeah, I didn’t want him fired, but I wanted some sort of diversity training and nothing was done.” She sat there and I think realized that the company fucked up.

My manger did not accept my notice and decided my last day would be the following Monday. This didn’t bother me that much because I wanted out of there and I had a new job waiting for me. After leaving this company my symptoms dulled noticeably. I realized that the stress of this company was making my MS act up. Every job has stress, but some stress is tolerable and some is just uncalled for. I’m excited to start my new job tomorrow in a professional company that has an excellent HR department and mandatory diversity training.

Sarah Palin: "Pray Away the Gay"

2008-10-10T13:10:00.003-04:00

God knows I pray for Sarah. I pray everyday that she realizes that she may be in over her head. Just a lil bit~

Musical Tuesday Presents: Brandi Carlile

2008-10-07T13:01:00.002-04:00

The Story
by: Brandi Carlile

This video has a brief interview at the beginning, but the performance is dope!

Musical Tuesday Presents: Matt Nathanson

2008-09-30T11:12:00.001-04:00

Come On Get Higher
by: Matt Nathanson

SNL has fun with Palin~

2008-09-28T08:11:00.002-04:00

I love Tina Fay~

Palin is wicked smaaart~

2008-09-26T09:51:00.005-04:00

I was hoping someone would have done a better job preparing Palin for this interview. I feel sorry for her. She seems like a fish out of water. What do ya'll think???

Claymates react to Clay coming out~

2008-09-24T16:28:00.004-04:00

I found this on Dlisted and had to post the reaction to Clay Gayken coming out of a closet that most people figured was already open:

"Here's just a few quotes from Claymates who aren't waving rainbow flags this morning:"

"This is a gut wrenching day for The ClayNation. Somebody wake me up, I hope its a dream."
please tell me I'm not the only one who is shocked beyond belief! I feel numb I'm so upset. This can't be real!! How can you guys say this won't change anything? This changes EVERYTHING. I don't even know what to think right now"

"I wish him well and hope he gets some peace of mind now BUT I feel he lied to everyone-especially us fans. He should have just said so years ago. I feel like we were "used". I still love to hear him sing but I also feel he has now become like a Michael Jackson and it's a bit too weird! He isn't just the plain ordinary person with the values he first stood for.-but it's just my opinion."

"One really sad thing for me that sums this up. This morning at the breakfast table my 9 and 10 year olds were there and the radio was on and they came on with the headline "FOrmer American Idol..." and I knew what was coming and I ran to turn it off. I didn't want my young children to hear that and ask questions about it. To me this is the saddest thing and the reason I won't be able to hold him as my idol. I remember the day when I ran to turn it on and called all the family to watch with pride. It just seems so in your face now and I don't want exposing my kids to this. "

"I just feel rather silly now having spent the last 5 years drooling over and being fan girly for a singer I thought was straight and now finding out he is gay. It does change my perception of who he is and how I see him. We always called him our boyfriend and that won't be happening anymore."

from the author of dlisted:
"You know, if I walked by a newsstand one day and saw Rojo Caliente on the cover of a magazine with the words "Yes, I'm straight" written on it, I would probably collapse to the ground. I would be devastated. I would feel bamboozled and confused. So I can completely relate to the Claymates whose world has just crumbled into a million gay pieces."

(all of quotes from dlisted.com)

Musical Tuesday Presents: Jon McLaughlin

2008-09-23T09:21:00.001-04:00

Industry by Jon McLaughlin

Like me, my leg is flaming~

2008-09-19T15:26:00.003-04:00

During the first few months of my MS diagnosis I was in and out of the MS Center for Solu-Medrol (methylprednisolone) IV infusions. These infusions were to help with the major “flare-ups” or symptoms I was experiencing. Also my neurologist wanted to be pro-active in my first year of treatment. A few things that surfaced with these high doses of steroid infusions were crazy mood swings, agitation and a constant dazed feeling. These symptoms would not last too long, but were annoying nonetheless. My last round of Solu-Medrol was in July. After my first round of infusions in February I developed a constant burning sensation on my right side. This burning was a mixture of tingling, slight numbness and burning. I would touch my leg and it felt cool to the touch, but inside it felt as though someone was flaring up the barbeque. Since the infusions were not really helping this particular aspect of my MS I just decided to deal with it.

The burning started to get more annoying over time. Chaz decided to do some research to see if he could find someone else that may have experienced the same issue. Chaz is great at researching my disease. Sometimes I just get to overwhelmed reading all of the MS info and it helps to have someone else do the research for me. That’s what love is all about! Well, he found a website called This Is MS. The site provides a ton of unbiased information about MS and has been an incredible resource to both Chaz and myself. Someone on the site recommended that I try taking vitamin B-100 Complex. This person had the same issue with the burning and the B-100 had really helped out. I take a ton of vitamins on a daily basis. Every morning I pop a multi-vitamin as well as calcium and vitamin D. I just incorporated the B-100 a few weeks ago and I have to say there has been a noticeable improvement with the burning.

After participating in the MS Challenge Walk I really beat up my body especially my right leg. I was walking in 85 degree weather along with about 90% humidity. The severe temperature was bad enough, but with the MS mixed in caused a brutal combination. My right side has not been the same and I fear it will just be this way from now on. The B-100 has definitely helped. Hopefully I will get used to the annoying leg bullshit. As I always say, it could be worse!

Musical Tuesday Presents: Jason Mraz

2008-09-16T12:41:00.001-04:00

I'm Yours
by: Jason Mraz

Super MS Woman!

2008-09-13T16:30:00.001-04:00

This video is from the MS Challenge Walk on Cape Cod. Carolyn did the 30 mile walk in her wheelchair. She is amazing!

Musical Tuesday Presents: You're My Best Friend~

2008-09-09T10:08:00.002-04:00

Today is my second anniversary of being married to my best friend and soul mate, Chaz. We have been together for 5 years this month as well. Happy wedded bliss my love!!! XOXOXOOO

Best Friend by Queen

MS Challenge Walk: Sights & Sounds~

2008-09-07T13:14:00.007-04:00

My team just participated in the 3 day, 50 mile walk to support MS. This was the most challenging thing I have ever done. I'm totally exhausted and completely beat, but it was such an amazing experience. Thanks to everyone who supported the cause!!!

Musical Tuesday Presents: A Fine Frenzy

2008-09-02T11:51:00.001-04:00

Song: Almost Lover

The Closet~

2008-08-28T21:18:00.001-04:00

Directed by: Stewart Hendler
Written by: Richard Bloom
Cast: Jay Edwards, Andy Scott Harris, Dalton O'Dell, James Bolt, Chloe Bookmyer, Jason Boegh

Michelle Obama talks about her dad's MS~

2008-08-26T09:52:00.003-04:00

The following is a quote taken from Michelle Obama's speech at the Democratic National Convention:

"My Dad was our rock. Although he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in his early thirties, he was our provider, our champion, our hero. As he got sicker, it got harder for him to walk, it took him longer to get dressed in the morning. But if he was in pain, he never let on. He never stopped smiling and laughing -- even while struggling to button his shirt, even while using two canes to get himself across the room to give my Mom a kiss. He just woke up a little earlier, and worked a little harder."

I feel Mrs. Obama connected with a majority of Americans who can relate to her story. I have to admit I did get a little teary eyed listening to her speak last night.

Musical Tuesday Presents: Weezer

2008-08-26T09:35:00.001-04:00

The Good Life
by: Weezer

Knock on Wood & Fight MS~

2008-08-21T16:11:00.002-04:00

The past few weeks have been incredibly busy and I’m finally back to my normal schedule. I was in California for five days and once I returned to Boston I headed up to New Hampshire for our annual kayaking adventure with our friends. The time away from work was much needed and well deserved. Right before I headed to California I was thinking to myself that I have been feeling the best I have felt in a really long time. My legs were doing well and my optic neuritis had pretty much cleared up. After thinking how great I felt I got incredibly paranoid because I didn’t want to jinx myself. I always feel that when I give myself some positive praise I need to knock on wood. Isn’t that a horrible feeling? I was telling Chaz and he said I should not feel as though I need to knock on wood every time I feel good. I just can’t help it due to the unpredictability that comes along with this bastard known as multiple sclerosis. Then I will find myself researching on the internet and becoming overwhelmed with all of the information I find about MS. I have been pretty good about going with the flow and now I just have to play it day by day.

Anyway, I will be participating in the MS Challenge Walk in two weeks. This is a 3 day 50 mile walk in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. People keep asking me if I think I can handle it. I don’t see why not. My legs may get tingly & numb, but at least I won’t feel the pain (joking). I never questioned whether or not I would be able to do it. It will be challenging, but I feel that it will be an amazing experience for an excellent cause. I have exceeded my fundraising goal due to some extremely generous people that made donations to my cause. My teammates on the other hand are slacking! If anyone is interested in donating to an excellent cause go to B’s Walk Force and donate to help fight MS!!!

Cancer blogs become part of treatment - The Boston Globe

2008-08-20T16:00:00.001-04:00

Cancer blogs become part of treatment - The Boston Globe

Posted using ShareThis

Musical Tuesday Presents: Beth Hart

2008-08-19T10:33:00.002-04:00

LA Song~

California Picture Blog~

2008-08-14T14:53:00.009-04:00

Chaz and I were in California this past week to visit some friends. Our first stop was San Diego to visit Lena/August & Brian in La Jolla. We had a blast! It was great to finally visit Lena/August after years of promising to come out to the West side to see her digs. Lena/August & Brian had a poolside cookout for us on Saturday with some of their friends from San Diego. San Diego is beautiful and the weather was perfect. Lena/August & Brian brought us to a cool Mexican joint for dinner on Sunday and afterwards we walked through La Jolla. It was such a sweet time with good friends.

After we left San Diego we rented a car and head North to Hollywood. We stayed with our buddies Kay Hanley & USA Mike in Studio City. Again we had a blast! In Los Angles we did the touristy things. We went to Hollywood, Beverly Hills & Santa Monica. Chaz and I are obsessed with Kathy Griffin. We found out that Kathy only lives about 3 miles from Kay & USA, so we stalked her house a little bit. I was afraid to take a picture of her house because I thought neighbors would think we were paparazzi. No, we're just stalkers!

California was so much fun! Thanks Lena/August, Brian, Kay & USA for showing us a sweet time!

"But you don't even look gay!"

2008-08-07T06:00:00.003-04:00

I love that people will just say whatever is on their mind. Sometimes people will say the craziest things to me and I don't realize how insane it was until I tell someone else. Usually the person I tell will say, "Wow, people do not even think before they talk." A majority of the conversations I have with acquaintances usually leave me baffled and very amused. Just the other day at work I was in the cafeteria and I was having a conversation with the cashier.

Onelle is the cashier at my cafeteria. She is a cute Portuguese girl in her early twenties. Every afternoon I head up to the cafeteria and will sing a Spanish song I learned in high school to Onelle. She gets a kick out of my ignorant attempt at butchering the Spanish language. It's bad enough that I sing a Spanish song to a Portuguese girl, but if I miss a day of singing the song to her she begs to hear it. Weird, I know, but that's my crazy life; Portuguese girls begging me to sing Spanish songs to them.

One day I was waiting in line to pay for my various food items and once I got to Onelle I started singing. She laughed and said, "Brian you wife must think you is crazy." I was about to tell her I was gay and married to my partner, but the asshole behind me started getting aggravated that I was holding up the line to sing Spanish songs. I decided to move along without informing Onelle that I was gay. The next day I was in line once again singing my Spanish song, but didn't really know how to bring the topic up again. I just moved along with my lunch.

A few weeks had past and almost everyday Onelle would always say, "Brian do you wife like you singing?" I would just burst out laughing and then my co-workers would laugh because I would never correct her. It became a really awkward and amusing situation. I finally said to one of my co-workers, "I have to tell her!" I went up to the cafeteria and once I got to the cash register Onelle turned to me and said, "Hey Brian! How are you?" I replied, "Good, how are things with you?" She stated, "They alright except I need to find a boyfriend!!!" Then I said, "Maybe you could date someone here?" Onelle responded, "Oh no, all the cute ones that work here is fags."
I decided to hold off on telling her I was also a fag. I walked back to my desk laughing like a lunatic.

On Monday I was at the cash register again singing my Spanish song to Onelle. I told her I wouldn't see her for a week because I was going on vacation. She asked if my wife was going and this was the perfect opportunity to correct her. I said, "Onelle I'm not married to a woman." She replied, "Why you wear wedding ring?" I responded, "I'm gay and married to my partner."
I was waiting to see what she would say and her next response was, "But you don't even look gay!" I just laughed and then realized a few weeks ago she said all the "cute ones" were fags.
So, is saying I'm not a cute fag???

Anyways, she then told me she would never have guessed I was gay. I guess that's a compliment??? She told me her best friend is gay and does her hair every weekend for the "clubs." She asked if I did hair and I responded, "No, I'm not that type of fag." She laughed and I still sing my Spanish song everyday at her cash register~

Musical Tuesday Presents: Major Lable Blues

2008-08-05T08:42:00.005-04:00

by: FanniusIII
Major Label Blues

Pain in the arse!

2008-07-29T14:03:00.002-04:00

Ok, I have to vent. Every Tuesday I blog a musical selection for my readers to enjoy. This morning at about 9am I posted the video from YouTube. It is now 5 hours later and no Musical Tuesday. Is this a blogger issue or a YouTube issue? This really ruffles my feathers!!!

My Multiple Support~

2008-07-25T10:16:00.003-04:00

My local MS Chapter provides self help groups for people diagnosed with MS and their family members. These groups consist of people that have MS and allows the MSers to speak with others going through similar situations. I was a little reluctant at first to go to a support group. My reasoning behind this was I didn't want to go to a support group where people would be telling sob stories of the difficulties with the disease. I have been keeping a pretty positive outlook with my diagnosis and didn't want to put a damper in the way I have been dealing with it. I contacted the coordinator of the support group in my area and we discussed the group. After speaking with her I realized maybe it would be a good idea not just for me, but for Chaz as well.

The group meets every 3rd Thursday of each month and we decided to attend the group in July. Even up until the day of the meeting I was going back and forth trying to figure out if I wanted to attend. I was nervous because I also didn't want to see other MSers who were a little more progressive with the disease. I know that sounds horrible , but the unknown and unpredictability of this disease could have me in their shoes as time goes on. I was freaking out a little bit and didn't want to get all stressed over the unknown. I decided to just get over it and go to the meeting.

I have to say I was so happy that Chaz and I attended the group. It was a variety of people all with one thing in common: Multiple Sclerosis. We shared stories, laughed and had some food. It was good to see people were going through similar issues that I was encountering. No one cried we all shared our stories and listened to each other. I was freaking out over nothing!!! It was great to see there are people dealing with similar issues and made me fell a little less crazy, a little. So, now I have a support group in my town and also I have a wonderful support team from the Carnival Of MS Bloggers; Lisa, Diane, Denver Refasionista and Merely. These four incredible ladies welcomed me with open arms and I feel as though I have known them for years!!! Life is good~

Musical Tuesday Presents: Rilo Kiley

2008-07-22T09:05:00.001-04:00

"Silver Lining"
by Rilo Kiley

Who moved my cheese?

2008-07-17T11:49:00.001-04:00

During one of my yoga classes my instructor read a story to the class while we were in a meditation pose. The story she read was "Who Moved My Cheese," by Spencer Johnson. The story deals with change; changes in everyday life and how most people fear change.

This story really struck a core with me due to all of the changes that have happened in my life during this year. The most obvious of course, was begin diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. The fear of the unknown can really limit people to how they accept changes in their lives. At the time of my diagnosis I had no idea what MS was let alone how it would forever change my life. That fear of the unknown started kicking in and I was freaking out. I was noticing changes in my body and was not able to do certain things as easily as once before. Some days I could hike to the top of a mountain with my hubby Chaz and other days I was so fatigued I couldn't keep my eyes open. MS was changing my body in ways I thought would never happen at age 30. I knew that if I didn't keep a positive outlook I would crack under the pressure.

I started learning more about MS and understanding my symptoms. I started taking better care of myself and took my diagnosis as a wake-up call for my health. As crazy as this may sound, my MS became the change I needed. MS was a slap in the face at the unhealthy life I was leading. In a way I was letting go of the old me and ushering in the new me. Smoking a pack of ciggs everyday since I was 16 years old went out the window. Doing cardio, yoga and weight training has become my new routine. Even with the MS I'm currently the healthiest I have ever been in my life. The way I have dealt with this "change" has helped me appreciate life a little more.

Change is scary, but the way one deals with change can make the world of difference. The most important message someone can get from the story, "Who Moved My Cheese," would have to be:

"What would you do if you weren't afraid?"

I hope you find this story as enjoyable as I did~

Musical Tuesday Presents: Cold Hands Warm Heart

2008-07-15T00:15:00.001-04:00

by: Brendan Benson

July 4th, Magic Inside & Relapses~

2008-07-08T11:36:00.007-04:00

During the first week of July Chaz and I had to head up to Bar Harbor, Maine as I was working at site for a local hospital. Being a systems analyst for hospitals across the country can provide some interesting travel ventures. Unfortunately, I forgot my camera and only have the memories of the wonderful sights of beautiful Bar Harbor. I was finished with my work on July 3rd and headed back to Cape Cod to join our family and friends for our annual July 4th BBQ and fireworks on the beach. We were excited to head home, but were not looking forward to the 7 hour trek back to Massachusetts. Needless to say, the traffic wasn't all that bad. The only issue was my stupid MS legs acting all numb, achy and tingly. Relapses suck ass, but thinking about the beach kept my mind occupied.

Once we got back to the homestead we were ready for cookout food and fireworks at the beach with some family & friends. The beach association always puts on a great show. It's amazing to be able to spread out a blanket on the sandy beach and watch the fireworks overhead.

It was such a relaxing way to celebrate the beginning of the holiday weekend. On the 4th we continued the cookout festivities and were joined by our friends Sean Baby, Pumpkin & Sugar. It was a great day filled with more fireworks at the beach. For some reason I have no pictures from the 4th which is somewhat of a bummer because the fireworks were absolutely insane. The weekend was turning out to be filled with good times with awesome family & friends.

On July 5th my BFF, Magic Inside, headed up from NYC with her boy Mike to join her family for their annual July 4th festivities. Chaz and I headed over to the Hanley's Cape Cod resort for pork-a-palooza. An amazing feast of barbecued pulled-pork, ribs, cole slaw and other delicious side dishes. The chefs included USA Mike, Tim, Mellie and Mrs. H. I don't remember Magic Inside contributing to the cooking except for her white sangria which was excellent. She does her best work with alcohol. It was a great night!!! Later we were joined by Miss Kay who had just flown in from Utah after backing Miley Cyrus for a show she had for the holiday. It was great to see everyone since we only get to reconnect a few times a year due to the fact that everyone is scattered across the country.

(left to right)
Mike, Magic Inside, Mellie, Tim, Chaz, Me, Kay & USA Mike

Now the holiday fun is over and it's back to work. As I stated I'm going through a relapse of my MS and have been having steroid infusions this week to stay proactive in my first year of my diagnosis. The heat has been incredibly humid this week so the infusions came a a good time to keep my nerves less inflamed. The best part is jumping in the ocean after work to cool off from the unbearable heat. Gotta love the summer!!! After completing day three of my infusions I'm starting to feel slightly better. Must roll with the punches!!!

Musical Tuesday Presents: Jack Johnson

2008-07-08T10:45:00.001-04:00

Upside Down
by: Jack Johnson

Tanglewood and such~

2008-07-07T11:12:00.010-04:00

I am currently hooked up to an IV being infused with methylpredisone due to a slight relapse of my of amazing friend, MS. What a perfect time to blog~

I have been extremely busy over the past few weeks and wanted to at least give an update about all the exciting things that have been happening. Two weeks ago Chaz and I were invited by our friends, Ann & Wayne, to attend a live broadcast of the NPR (National Public Radio) classic A Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor. The show was taking place at Tanglewood in western Massachusetts. Ann & Wayne had just purchased an Airstream trailer from the 1950's. This trailer is a complete work of art and such a classic piece.

Ann decorated the inside of the Airstream from head to toe. She Incorporated some vintage pieces to add to the feel of the 1950's. It looks amazing!!!

We drove to western Massachusetts and stayed at a family owned & operated camp ground. Once we were situated at the camp ground we headed over to Tanglewood. We stopped at this excellent wine and cheese store to purchase some picnic fare. After numerous wines, cheeses and champagne we left the store and went to claim our spot at Tanglewood. The weather was on and off thunder showers all day. Once we hit the main entrance of Tanglewood, the skies parted and the sun came out. It was perfect timing as we had lawn seats and a picnic to prepare.

The show was amazing and we had an excellent time. The next day we decided to do some touristy things and walked through the streets of Lenox, MA. We found some incredible sculptures from some amazing artists. This was a fantastic weekend. Hope you enjoy the pictures!

Some info about A Praire Home Companion from www.wikipedia.com:

A Prairie Home Companion is a live radio variety show created and hosted by Garrison Keillor. The show runs two hours on Saturdays from 5 to 7 p.m. Central Time, and usually originates from the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul, Minnesota, although it is frequently taken on the road. A Prairie Home Companion is known for its musical guests, especially folk and traditional musicians, as well as Keillor's comedic storytelling segment, "News from Lake Wobegon."

The radio program inspired a 2006 film of the same name, directed by Robert Altman and starring Keillor and Meryl Streep. It is produced by Prairie Home Productions and distributed by American Public Media, and is most often heard on public radio stations in the United States. The show has a long history, existing in a similar form as far back as 1974, and borrowing the name from a radio program in existence in 1969. The program was named after the Prairie Home Cemetery in Moorhead, Minnesota, located next to Concordia College

I'm all business~

2008-06-30T17:30:00.003-04:00

Hey everyone,

I'm away for work for a few days and will be updating my blog this weekend. Hope everyone has a fabulous 4th!!!

Musical Tuesday Presents: Ingrid Michaelson

2008-06-24T01:07:00.001-04:00

"The Way I Am"

Private Eyes are always watching~

2008-06-23T17:09:00.003-04:00

When I was 17 years old I worked at Staples, the office superstore. Everyday after school I would head to work and also worked on the weekends. I was dedicated to Staples for 3 years. I really enjoyed the people I worked with and made some very interesting connections during my time at the office supply giant. One of the more interesting connections I made while working at Staples was with the head of loss prevention for my store. Neil was in charge of loss prevention and I loved helping seek out the thieves that would try to steal whatever they could drag pass the main entrance. I would get obsessed with helping Neil follow the shady offenders around the store. I felt as though I was a Staples police officer protecting the store from major crimes. It was such a thrill and I wanted to transfer from the copy center and join the loss prevention team.

Unfortunately, my supervisor did not think it was a great idea and my dream of capturing thieves was quickly squashed. Neil on the other hand thought I would make a great addition to his side business. Neil owned a private investigation company and was contracted by insurance companies to assess worker compensation complaints. He also was contracted privately by husbands and wives to follow their cheating spouses. I begged him everyday to hire me as a private investigator and because of my age he was reluctant. After begging him for months Neil came into Staples and told me he wanted to hire me to work on some worker compensation claims. I was so ecstatic! Neil felt that because of my age most people would not suspect I was a P.I. I was 17 years old and I was a legit private investigator. I couldn't wait to tell all of my friends and talk about how cool I thought I was.

My training was intense and I had to go out numerous times with other investigators before I was able to “spy” on my own. I would brag about it to anyone that would listen. I really thought I was the coolest shit going. I loved every second of it! When it came time for my first case I was ready, or so I thought. There was a ton of protocol before you can go to someone’s house and start spying. The first thing I had to do was go to the town police station and inform them of who I was investigating, my vehicle information and my P.I. license. The reason for this was in case a neighbor saw me in the neighborhood being all shady and decided to call the police on me. After that step was complete I then had to canvass the neighborhood. I would normally go door-to-door asking neighbors to sign a bogus petition to stop an adult video store opening in the area. Most people would sign the petition and this way when I went to the door of the person I was investigating they would assume I was not a spy.

Most of the worker compensation claims I investigated were on repeat offenders. These people were very good at cheating the system. They were used to the older more mature investigators coming to their door and not a cocky 17 year old. I felt like a superstar and I got very good at what I did. Most of the people I investigated had no idea that I was spying on them. Nonetheless, there was one exception. I was following a repeat offender that was notorious for cheating the system. No investigator could get any concrete evidence that this man was a fraud. Neil had warned me that this guy could sniff out a P.I. in second. He briefed me on a few different scenarios that could possibly play out. It was scary, but thrilling at the same time. I knew I could get the evidence I needed. I just didn’t realize at the time what type of demented lunatic I was dealing with.

I headed out to start my spying and I had to forgo stopping at the town police station because I had to canvass the neighborhood. I brought a few different disguises to change into during my spying. One being a full camouflage army suit that would allow me to hide in the backyard if needed. I started this case going door-to-door collecting signatures to ban the phony adult store from opening in the town. This was my way of positively identifying the claimant. Of course this guy was a pro and would not sign my petition. He wanted the porn store to open, so he slammed the door in my face. I knew I had to put on my army fatigues and get some video. Luckily, this guy was outside in his backyard playing with his kids in their swimming pool. I raced to my car and changed into my gear and grabbed my video camera. I slithered through his yard and I had a perfect view of him doing cannibals into the swimming pool. He supposedly has a leg and shoulder injury. I had excellent footage of him letting his kids jump off his shoulders into the pool. JACKPOT!!! The guy was totally in excellent physical health with no obvious injuries. I had the footage I needed and I was ready to get the heck out of there. Well, I didn’t realize that the guy had spotted me and he started chasing me out of the yard.

I was terrified and ran as fast as I could to my car and drove as fast as I could away from that guy’s neighborhood. As I was driving away I saw the guy jump into his car shouting, “fucking investigators!” I drove my 1986 Chevy Monte Carlo as fast as I could to get the heck out of there. All of a sudden my piece of shit car lost its muffler and it was dragging behind my vehicle causing massive sparks. A police car started chasing me and I was being pulled over. I was scared shitless! I was wearing army fatigues and never went to the police station that morning to warn them I would be investigating in that neighborhood. The officer was not happy that I was speeding down the street with my muffler scrapping on the pavement. He wrote a ticket for me and helped prop up my decrepit muffler. As we were trying to do something with the muffler the lunatic I was following spotted me and pulled over in front of my car. I had a minor heart attack and was freaking out! He told the police office I was a pedophile and was video taping his kids. At this point I figured I was going to jail. The police officer wanted to see the video camera. I gave it to him and told him it was not as it appeared. The lunatic spit in my face and took off. The police officer looked bewildered and told me to explain myself.

Luckily, the officer was aware of the lunatic’s notorious antics and gave me a slight slap on the wrist for not checking in earlier that morning at the police station. I had the evidence I needed and the lunatic had a very difficult time trying to prove otherwise. That was the day I decided to retire as a private investigator. It was a blast and I do not regret any of it. I learned so much from that job and for a short period of time I had the coolest job of any 17 year old that I knew!

After 55 years together, finally legally married!

2008-06-18T14:16:00.001-04:00

This is such an amazing story. I almost balled my eyes out like fag I am! I'm beyond excited for the two of them. Priceless~

Musical Tuesday Presents: Rosemary Clooney

2008-06-17T08:34:00.001-04:00

MAMBO ITALIANO

Yoga for the mind, body & MS~

2008-06-13T11:10:00.006-04:00

After a nine year hiatus I recently started doing yoga again. About nine years ago my friend introduced me to Kripalu Yoga. Kripalu Yoga is a form of Hatha Yoga that was developed through the teachings of Amrit Desai, and his teacher, Swami Kripalu. It is a therapeutic, gentle and spiritually focused yoga with clear alignment and a three stage approach incorporating Pratyahara (inner focus) and Dhrana (meditation) within the yoga poses. Like other approaches, Kripalu Yoga uses classic asanas pranayama (breath work), development of a quiet mind, and the practice of relaxation. What defines Kripalu Yoga is its emphasis: following the flow of prana (life-force energy), practicing compassionate self-acceptance, developing witness consciousness (observing the activity of the mind without judgment), and taking what is learned “off the mat” into daily life.
(The Kripalu Approach: Yoga for Everybody article originally published Yoga Therapy Ireland magazine, Autumn 2006—Issue No. 27 )

I decided to practice yoga again as a form of therapy for my multiple sclerosis. I have heard wonderful things from others who have MS and practice yoga to help with stress relief and muscle strength, among other things. During my life before MS, Chaz and I tried Bikram Yoga. Bikram Yoga is ideally practiced in a room heated to 105°F (40.5°C) with a humidity of 40%. Classes are guided by specific dialogue including 26 postures and two breathing exercises. This proved to be way too intense for the two of us. We joined a beginner’s class and somehow we felt as though we were out of the loop. Everyone in this class seemed as though they had been doing Bikram Yoga for years. Chaz and I were the fools drenched in a pool of our own sweat trying our hardest to follow along. It was a disaster!

I told Chaz that I could never do Bikram Yoga again as I feared I would possibly collapse and die in a pool of my own sweat. He agreed and we have never looked back. I knew I had to get back to Kripalu Yoga and more importantly the teacher I had over nine years ago. Especially once I was diagnosed with MS and my neurologist suggested taking up yoga again as a form of therapy. Well, the internet is an excellent tool because I was able to find my old Kripalu instructor. I called her immediately and she informed me that she was also certified in yoga therapy for MS patients. I was so excited and told her to sign me up for her next class.

That was over a few months ago and I have to say this is the best yoga instructor I have ever worked with. It’s amazing that nine years could pass and I was able to pick-up where I left off (somewhat). Her class is incredibly relaxed and supportive of all members. In my class there are five of us; three women and two men. My classmates are an interesting group of people that range from a 63 year old Jewish woman to a 20 something Indian guy who has been doing Kirpalu Yoga since he was 13 years old. Every Thursday night we meet at our instructor’s house and if the weather is good we do yoga outside or if the weather is not so great we do yoga in the instructor’s yoga studio. It has been such an amazing experience to practice yoga with these incredible individuals. I have seen my blood pressure improve drastically since starting yoga as well as much improvement with my MS symptoms. I feel healthier, happier and stronger and a majority of this comes from the yoga. It’s been GREAAAAT!!!

Musical Tuesday Presents: New Kids on the Block

2008-06-10T08:41:00.001-04:00

Summertime~

The Big 30~

2008-06-04T05:00:00.007-04:00

So, the day has finally come. I remember always thinking as a teenager what I would be doing when I was 30. Well, I'm just chugging along at this thing called life. It's been a very interesting, exciting and fascinating 30 years thus far. I have definitely matured (in the important ways) very quickly over the past few years. Mostly, thanks to Chaz, but I also give myself some credit because it's me frickin 30th birthday! The 20's are long gone and now I have to face the fact that I can no longer say, "I'm in my late 20's." I’m truly a certified 30 year old. Shit, time does go by fast. This past year was over before it began!

Age 29 has tested me like no other. This has been an extremely turbulent year in good and horrible ways. Once I turned 29 I recall thinking that I had to "live it up." This was last year of my 20's, I had to enjoy it before the 30's come a knocking. Little did I know my plans would collide with a nasty creature named MS. That muthafucka sucka punched me from behind! I was so unprepared for that one. But that's life; you have to roll with all of its fascinating punches.

After the dust has settled (somewhat) I can say 30 feels pretty snazzy. I'm actually truly happy where I am right now. I have an excellent family, friends and the best part of all, Chaz (& Boo too of course).

The past year was filled with surprises and somehow I remained fairly sane. Trying to remain positive has truly helped me in so many ways. I feel that taking a look at the bigger picture has allowed me to persevere through the most difficult times. There were moments that sucked, but there were more moments that rocked! One of those moments was a little birthday party Chaz coordinated for me. It was a blast! This was bar none my best birthday party, so far. 30 is the year of great things and hopefully I can take a breather from the surprises.

Musical Tuesday Presents: Bette Davis Eyes~

2008-06-03T09:54:00.001-04:00

A blast from the past! My brother used to have a Kim Carnes poster plasted to his bedroom door. This is for you Patrick! Enjoy~

Weaponize~

2008-05-29T17:29:00.011-04:00

My home girl and buddy, Kay Hanley, has just released her second solo album, Weaponize. Kay is the former lead singer for the band Letters to Cleo. Some of you may be familiar with their cover of Cheap Trick’s classic “I Want You to Want Me” from the film “10 Things I Hate About You.” Kay also supplied the vocals for actress Rachel Leigh Cook in the film “Josie and the Pussycats” and penned a few songs for the Pussycats soundtrack.
photo by: Justine Ungaro

Most recently Ms. Hanley has been working with the one and only Miley Cyrus on her Best of Both Worlds tour as a back-up singer. If you have any preschoolers at home then you have probably heard Kay singing the theme song on Playhouse Disney’s, “My Friends Tigger & Pooh.” Also, she has written and performs the music for the new Care Bears franchise. Ms. Hanley is one busy bee!

photo by: Yoon S. Byun

Weaponize is not a kids album this is pure rock & roll. Kay is an extremely talented singer/songwriter. I really enjoy listening to this record and think ya'll should give it a listen. Visit Kay’s website to purchase tracks from Weaponize or download a free track, “Think Bad Thoughts,” from her myspace page.

Below is a video of the fabulous Kay Hanley performing, “Caring Changes the World,” from the 2007 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade in New York City atop the Care Bears float. I have always wanted to ride on a float in the Macy's parade. I guess that's the homo in me ;-) It seems like it would be an amazing crazy-ass good time!!! The Care Bears were my one of my favorites when I was a youngster. The Care Bears are classic. Enjoy~

Caring Changes the World

2008-05-29T17:28:00.001-04:00

music by the fab, Kay Hanley~

www.kayhanley.com

Musical Tuesday Presents: The Go! Team - Grip Like A Vice

2008-05-27T10:16:00.001-04:00

The Go! Team, "Grip Like A Vice"

Frozen Copaxone~

2008-05-21T14:47:00.004-04:00

When I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis I had to decide on a treatment. I decided on a daily injection called, Copaxone. Copaxone is an extremely expensive treatment that is delivered to my house every three months. I normally receive a 90 day supply with one shipment. This shipment is worth a little over $6000. Luckily, my insurance company covers a huge portion of this expense otherwise I would be living in a homeless shelter. The other day I was running low on my MS treatment so, I refilled my order. Copaxone is a tricky little treatment that requires being stored in the refrigerator. It can be out of the refrigerator for 30 days as long as it’s not in any extreme heat or cold. Room temperature is preferred. This medication should not be frozen or it is considered destroyed.

Yesterday my 90 day supply of Copaxone arrived at my house and my mother-in-law, Mammi, decided to help me out and placed the meds in the refrigerator. My mother-in-law is a sweetheart and one of the nicest people I have every met. She constantly puts others before herself. I really lucked out in the in-law department because I’m truly blessed to have such awesome in-laws. Mammi didn’t realize when she opened the door to the refrigerator she actually opened the freezer. My Copaxone was in the freezer for about an hour when Chaz called and asked if the meds had arrived. Once Mammi realized the mistake she was so upset.

I received a call from Chaz to inform me of the incident. Hey, mistakes happen what can you do but learn from these little moments of error. I arrived home from work and poor Mammi was in tears. It was somewhat amusing because she felt so horrible and was so upset. She apologized a million times and it broke my heart that she was so upset. I had to call the pharmacy that delivered the Copaxone and explain the situation. I was extremely surprised when they told me they would send me another 90 day supply free of charge. I was stunned and Mammi was so relieved. And now the world is right again!

Poor Mammi was so distraught and now everything worked out. We have learned from our mistake and now we know that will never happen again.

Mammi, thanks for being the best Mammi in the world. I love you more than all of the Copaxone in the world!!! You’re the best!!! Please don’t worry about the frozen Copaxone. Now we have funny Copaxone story to tell forever!!!~

Musical Tuesday Presents: Joey

2008-05-20T06:53:00.001-04:00

Joey by: Concrete Blonde~

Borderline Retardation~

2008-05-19T10:51:00.000-04:00

People are ignorant. I’m sure at times I myself can be ignorant when it comes to certain things. We are all human and it happens to the best of us. I was reading another blog about the recent ban on gay marriage being overturned in California. I was stunned by some of the conversations that were going back and forth. I guess at this point nothing should shock me, but I still get floored by everyday stupidity. I decided to make a top ten list of ignorant things people have asked me about homosexuality. Some of these statements have been by strangers, friends and family. If you have found yourself making one of these ignorant remarks then I most likely went home and laughed at your borderline retardation. I hope this list will help people filter the remarks that come out of their mouths. Remember if you live in Massachusetts and see a man or woman wearing a wedding band do not assume that they are married to the opposite sex. If I had a $1 for every time a person asked me what my wife does!

10. You must be great at interior design!

9. You must love Project Runway!

8. Do you think you’re gay because your father was never involved in your life?

7. Do you think you’re gay because you don’t play sports?

6. Do you think you’re gay because you spent too much time with your mother?

5. I’m afraid your gay friends will try to hook up with my boyfriend.

4. Don’t look at my boyfriend too much because he will think you are trying to hit on him.

3. Are you an atheist? I just thought because you’re gay and all.

2. Are you sad you will never be a father?

1. Are you scared if you are with children people will think you’re a child molester?

About time!~

2008-05-16T15:06:00.001-04:00

Ellen Degeneres and her partner, Portia De Rossi, will be getting married!!!

Ellen made the announcement during her show after California over turned their ban on gay marriage. This is a great news!!!

Musical Tuesday Presents: Mary J. Blige

2008-05-13T08:45:00.001-04:00

"Just Fine" by Mary J. Blige~

Dropkick Murphy's - SEIU 1199 Rally Boston, MA

2008-05-09T15:52:00.001-04:00

Yesterday I attended the SEIU 1199 rally for fair union elections at Boston hospitals.

The Dropkick Murphy's supported the cause and played a show in the middle of the Longwood Medical area in Boston.

For more information you can visit:
www.fairunionelections.org

A day at the beach with Boo~

2008-05-08T09:21:00.007-04:00

The past 2 weeks have been very hectic, but now we are finally settled in at our new place. On the day we moved from Boston to the Cape Cod area I had experienced a relapse with my multiple sclerosis. Not a big deal, just some numbness and sight issues. I had to go into the MS Center to have a round of steroid infusions so this put some added stress on our move. My infusions ended yesterday and now I can enjoy walking to the beach with Chaz & Boo.

Boo loves his new backyard and longs to go to the beach daily, even when it’s raining. All he wants to do is swim and take some laps in the ocean. It’s really cool and such a change from walking him on a leash on the congested streets of Boston. We moved at the perfect time because the beach wall that has been eroding for the past few years is receiving a face lift. It has been a process, but it’s just about complete for the summertime.

Click here to watch a video of Boo Radley having a swim at the beach: Enjoy the video of Boo~

Musical Tuesday Presents : Dangerous Type

2008-05-06T13:35:00.001-04:00

Dangerous Type (The Cars) covered by Letters to Cleo for the film The Craft~

The bitch has returned~

2008-05-02T13:44:00.003-04:00

"Here I go, here I go, here I go again girls what's my weakness? 'Infusions'! OK then."

So after having an incredibly relaxing week off from work my MS decides to poke her nasty mug up in my grill and attack. Looks like I will be having another round of infusions. Sweet! The good thing about that is going into the city since I relocated to the burbs. I'm not as close to some of my favorite peeps or places so it's nice to venture to the city. I can't complain because it will take some time before my daily injections start to work. The infusions are going pretty well and the Partners MS Center is just so sweet. If MS wants to start she best be ready for BMW to attack that bitch from the left, right and behind. I can take her, so I ain't worried. It's ALL GOOD!!

I will have a ton of updates coming in from the move and will hopefully have them up shortly.
Be kind to one another peeps~

Musical Tuesday Presents: 3.14 Apple Pi

2008-04-29T15:29:00.001-04:00

by: Bo Burnham

Jon & Kate: Kate needs a slap~

2008-04-29T10:18:00.003-04:00

One of my favorite television programs to watch is a reality show on TLC called Jon & Kate Plus Eight. This show chronicles the adventures of the parents of two year-old sextuplets and six year-old twins. I know, these parents kick-ass because I would probably throw myself off a bridge if I had to deal with all of that chaos. They do an amazing job and should be commended for all of their hard work. Every time I watch the program I think to myself, wow I would totally go to jail for child abuse if I had to deal with all of those children. Jon and Kate are warriors to deal with this type of madness on a daily basis. I feel this show is the best birth control out there!

I do have one problem with the show; Kate. I know, I know you are going to think I 'm a complete asshole, but hear me out. On one of the episodes Kate decided to surprise Jon on his birthday and take him for a weekend get-away to the Florida Keys. She planned everything out and arranged for the children to be taken care of by friends and family. Kate has some awesome friends because I would totally tell that bitch to peace out. I could not take all those screaming toddlers, well maybe for an hour, but that would be it. After surprising Jon they were off to the Keys. Well, when they got to the Keys Kate decided that she was not going to wear sunscreen. She wanted to soak up the beautiful sun and take it all in. That's great an all if you have the type of skin that can take the sun without sunscreen. Kate has my skin type; IRISH burns after a minute in the sun. Kate got sun poisoning and was a sunburned mess for the entire weekend.

I find that this was an extremely selfish thing to do. I feel that she did this on purpose to make the whole weekend about herself. She is a mother of eight and could not think to put on sunscreen on? What's wrong with her? Obviously having eight children under the age of six years old can cause metal problems. That's the only reasonable explanation for her actions. Jon on the other hand did not let his mental wife ruin his time. He enjoyed the much needed vacation and even babied his wife while she was going into sun shock. What a nice guy! Kate planned really hard for this trip and then ruined the entire mini vacation because she was to selfish to put on sunscreen. I know it's not easy for her because of all of the stress, but PLEASE!!!

Musical Tuesday Presents: New Edition - candy girl~

2008-04-22T07:52:00.001-04:00

John and Marlena by Krusty~

2008-04-21T13:33:00.001-04:00

My sister-in-law, Krusty, has an amazing talent of making montages for any occasion. Mostly these montages are of soup opera stars Drake Hogestyn and Deidre Hall. Drake and Deidre play the roles of John and Marlena on the soap opera “Days of Our Lives.” Krusty’s obsession has turned into an extremely entertaining collection of montages. Krusty was a little reluctant to share her work publicly. I had to ensure her that these brilliant montages will be adored by John and Marlena fans nationwide. Much to Krusty’s chagrin I coaxed her into posting one of her collections on YouTube. Making montages is an art and no one understands that art better than Krusty.

After viewing numerous John and Marlena montages I have come to the conclusion that Krusty is the best montage maker of all times. When you view, “John and Marlena – Lonely Day” please pay close attention to the words and how they relate to the actions in the scenes. Krusty relates every scene to the lyrics of the song. She may not think so, but this is a brilliant masterpiece. I hope you enjoy watching this montage and encourage you post a comment telling me what you think. Thanks Krusty for this work of art! Seriously, can we make montages everyday? I have a few ideas I will throw your way. Excellent work!!!

Magic Inside and Fatigue~

2008-04-18T12:29:00.006-04:00

So, I have been slacking this week with the blog. Chaz and I are in the process of moving so currently we are like chickens with their heads cut-off. I didn't post a Musical Tuesday this week due to our hectic schedule, but fear not all will be back to normal again! Last Friday was an excellent day because my BFF, Magic Inside, was visiting from NYC with her new boyfriend, Cousin Mike. It was great to meet Cousin Mike after all of the stories Magic Inside told me about him. He is great and I haven't seen Magic Inside this happy in a long time. I just wish I had more time to spend with them! I even forgot my camera and have no pictures of this reunion, but through the magic of myspace I have pictures of the 2 love lovebirds.

So, enough about Magic Inside now let's talk about me. I am still adjusting to my MS drug, Copaxone. For the most part it has been okay. Of course I still hate needles and laugh at myself trying to figure which spot I will inject on my precious body. I have found an amazing resource with a blog called Brass and Ivory. As a newly diagnosed MS'er it's great to have an individual that is going through the same issues that I deal with. Lisa from Brass and Ivory has been so incredibly nice, helpful and supportive. It's amazing the pure kindness I have found in people that are just willing to be of assistance when dealing with such a life changing experience. Thanks Lisa! One thing I have been experiencing is fatigue. Fatigue is a common symptom of MS and I get it bad. The other day at work I was sitting at the computer and fell asleep. I think I was asleep for about a half hour and my boss sits right next to me. I had the hardest time trying to keep my eyes open. I had to take a short walk to wake up. When I returned to my desk I noticed I had drooled all over my shirt, GROSS! I was trying to figure out how many people I passed on my walk that may have noticed my drool. I feel that my life could make a very interesting sitcom.

Tomorrow is Boo Radley's birthday. Boo will be 2 years old tomorrow and we are going to party! He is the best dog ever and he is my little bud. Happy b-day little man!!

Musical Tuesday Presents: Travis

2008-04-08T09:24:00.001-04:00

Turn, by Travis