for your VINformation

I’ve never been one to procrastinate, but lately and by lately I’m referring to the past year or so, I find myself pushing things off until I have no choice but to "get it done."

I’ve been trying to get some thoughts on paper - some stories I’m working on - and it’s not like I don’t have the time, obviously I have the time - but it’s as if I waiting for inspiration to strike like a bolt of lightning.

I have friends who are writers, and I ask them how they do it and the answer is almost always the same, boiled down, "I just do it."

For some reason, that’s the hardest part for me, the sitting down and just doing it. It always seems that when I have no time or I’m on the bus or at work that I get the little sparks that if nurtured, could flare up to full blown inspiration.

**TWO HOURS LATER**

Even when I write about writing I have attention issues.

I’m easily distracted; I got up to pee and ended up making dinner, cleaning out the fridge, doing the dishes and cleaning up the kitchen - my least favorite room to clean, if my toilet hadn’t over flown earlier this afternoon and I was forced to mop which lead to wiping which lead to full out cleaning, I’m sure I would of cleaned the bathroom as well to help delay the task

I sit at the computer and play Scramble for an hour before I get back to writing this post on writing - it’s very mete, don’t you think; writing about writing about writing.

I’d like to start giving myself deadlines, but without an authority figure around to enforce it, I always end up letting myself off the hook.

So, my question to you, dear readers, what do you do to keep yourself accountable?

As I was updating my Christmas Card list, for the first time, I had to remove a name, not for lacking Christmas etiquette but because he had died.

Rest in peace good friend, rest in peace.

I’m doin’ it!

Don’t do your holiday shopping without reading this!

It’s official: the holiday shopping craze is upon us.

As you work your way through your gift list, be sure your hard-earned dollars are supporting businesses that support LGBT equality.

Download your FREE copy of the Human Rights Campaign’s (HRC’s) 2009 Buying for Equality guide today.

With all the uncertainties in today’s economy, it’s important to make sure every dollar you spend reflects your values. This year’s guide includes 260 companies that received a perfect score – businesses that have truly earned the right to call you a customer.

And be sure to check out our "Red" section, as well. The 72 businesses listed there have failed to support LGBT equality or have declined to respond to HRC’s Corporate Equality Index survey.

Which companies offer domestic partner benefits or have anti-discrimination policies? Don’t shop blindly. Know before you go!

Get your copy of Buying for Equality 2009. You can either download an electronic copy or have the print version mailed to you.

Tags: HRC, Christmas, Shopping, gay

Dramatic progress is being made in workplaces across the country. By making sure our money aligns with our values, we can make it a revolution.

I love my new scanner!

I posted an album of "baby" pictures - me and friends from aged two months through College at Niagara University up on Facebook.

Who knows, there might be a picture of YOU…

I’ve been meaning to post a scan of my new head-shot for months, but my scanner stoped working. Because I got up early the day after Thanksgiving and was rewarded with an inexpensive Lexmark X5410, I figured this should be my first scan…

I had quite the time setting the damn thing up, it didn’t come with a MAC disc and I had to download the software from the website and the first one didin’t take and my connection was spotty and it felt like I was in dial-up again…anyway, as you can, it works just fine.

When I read Wal-mart Worker Trampled to Death, I was shocked! Shocked and disgusted.

I first heard of the tragedy via text - "A Wal-mart worker was trampled to death on Long Island by a stampede of the shoppers! What the hell!?!" - as I was sitting down to lunch with Brian after our early morning Target shopping spree and was doubtful of it’s truth as the sender is prone to exaggeration - almost as much as I am!

But after of day of bargains and lines and nary an angry incident, I cam home to find out it actually happened. The internets being what it is, has been flooded with commentaries of the event and with so much hatred in the words, I actually had to look away from my computer screen as I was getting physically sick from reading. Whomever has contention with Wal-mart or Black people or Black Friday or Unions or even the continued over-commercialization of Christmas have taken this sad event and twisted it for their own means - I won’t link to the articles, I do not want to help give them a voice to spew their bile.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Wal-Mart worker’s friends and family, I’m sure it won’t be a very Merry Christmas for them.

Meanwhile in Brooklyn:

At 6:30 in the AM on Friday, I was out in the thick of it all. I’d spent the night at Tom 2i’s 2e’s and Brian’s apartment after Thanksgiving dinner and the next day, Brian and I, armed and ready, braved the crowds to get the deals.

Target was opening at 6:00, getting there at 7:00 we thought we’d miss the crazies but ended up waiting in line just to get into the store. It was a quick line though, with other like minded shoppers. I’d go so far as to say, it was pleasant way to start the day - sharing shopping strategies with strangers is vaguely uplifting, almost like a warm-up before the work-out.

 When we made it in the store we headed to the electronic section, CDs & DVDs to buy for cheap; a $40.00 Lexmark printer already in the cart…hours later, most of my Christmas gift shopping done, I remarked to Brian, "Have you noticed how well behaved every one is?"

At the check-out counter, I noted every single register was open and no lane had more then 3 people in it! The employees were incredibly attentive and helpful - they had that place running like a Swiss clock!

In fact, with most of the costumers there for the electronic specials the rest of the store - with the exception of the toy department - didn’t seem any busier than a regular holiday Saturday.

After Target we hit Old Navy, Men’s Warehouse, a few local shops, Webber’s, the Good Will and Salvie’s.

I spent less money than expected - but more then I have - and after organizing everything, am very on-target to be done soon enough to truly enjoy the season.

Next holiday mission - get the cards out!

Tags: Wal-mart, worker killed, holiday shopping NYC

1. Put your iTunes (or iPod or iPhone or iAnything) on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS!

IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OKAY" YOU SAY?
Let’s Just Get Naked - Joan Osborne - Relish 

WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
Rooftop - Newsies - Newsies Soundtrack

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
S.O.S. - Original Broadway Cast - Mamma Mia!

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
The Second Star To The Right - Barbara Cook Disney Album

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
In Another World - Portrait - Grace Of My Heart Soundtrack

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
Exit - Miss Spectacular - The Concept Album Soundtrack

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
Things That Make You Go Hmmmm…. - C+C Music Factory Super Hits

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT OFTEN?
Left To My Own Devices - Pet Shop Boys Discography: The Complete Singles Collection

WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A MATE?
My Way Or The Highway - Chuck Cooper And Pamela Isaacs - The Life Soundtrack

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
The Old Gumbie Cat - Andrew Lloyd Webber - Cats Soundtrack

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Who Wants To Live Forever - Queen - Classic Queen

WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
Fifty Percent - Dorothy Loudon - My Favorite Broadway: The Leading Ladies Soundtrack

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Everybody Says Don’t - Laurie Beechman - Listen To My Heart

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
Roxie - Renée Zellweger - Chicago Soundtrack

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
No Life - Sunday In The Park With George Soundtrack

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
The Confrontation - Original Broadway Cast Miss Saigon

WHAT’S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?
We Go Together - John Travolta - Grease Soundtrack

WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET?
A Model Of Decorum And Tranquility - Chess Broadway Soundtrack

WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
Smoke Rings - k.d. lang - Drag

WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?
Hurricane - Bette Midler - Thighs And Whispers (Remaster)

WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST?
Home - Disney Beauty & The Beast Soundtrack

IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
Happy Birthday To You And To You - The Attractions - Side Show Soundtrack

WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?
Happy Days Are Here Again - Barbra Streisand - The Concert

Just something to waste time…

UPDATE:

At our Orphan Thanksgiving, I brought, my now famous Roasted Eggplant Soup.

I was asked for the recipe and figured I’d re-post it, with a few updates, as I’ve perfected the recipe.

It’s a perfect warm meal for the cold weather and since it’s virtually fat free, a healthy one at that!

ORIGINAL POST:

In Atlantic City, at one of the wonderful buffets we visited, I had the opportunity to sample an awesome Roasted Eggplant Soup. I figured, hey am OK cook, I bet I could replicate it at home, and I did!

Ingredients:

• One Medium Eggplant
• One Medium Onion
• One Head of Garlic
• Two Packages of Cherry Tomatoes
• EVOO
• Two cans of Veggie Stock
• One large can of Crushed Tomatoes
• Two Cups Water
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional:

• Replace stewed tomatoes for cherry tomatoes
• Add one package of white mushrooms to roasting pan for a creamier soup
• Add one chopped red bell pepper, two teaspoons of red pepper flakes and tobacco before pureeing, for a soup with a kick!

Preheat oven to 400º - cube onions and eggplant - place in roasting pan with cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with Olive Oil. Roast. When the tomatoes burst, it’s just about done.

On stovetop, in a large pot add Veggie stock, crushed tomatoes, water and a few cloves of garlic, salt and pepper - bring to a rolling boil. Take off flame.

When roasting is complete, add eggplant/onions/tomatoes to pot, return to boil. Remove from flame. When sufficiently cooled, blend mixture in blender or use a hand blender to puree in pot.

Once mixture is pureed, simmer to thicken.

Makes four to six servings.

Delicious und healthy!!

Further proof that the idea of Facebook is really kinda genius: I found this class picture posted by one of my kindergarten classmates. this picture was taken over thirty years ago!

I’m standing, in the very mod gold turtleneck, next to the teacher.

• My health.
  • I’ve had some health issues this year - but, really, doesn’t that just help you feel the good times when they’re there?
• My family and friends.
  • I’m very blessed to have a strong group who support and encourage every one of my crazy whims
• My babies.
  • Molly and Joey prove to me everyday that unconditional love is real…
• My successes & failures.
  • Good times and bum times, I’ve seen them all and my dear, I’m still here!
• My apartment.
  • There is no way I’d be able to continue living the life I live if I didn’t have good ole 1R protecting me from the elements…

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

I wish a safe and happy holiday to all my readers, for whom I am very thankful.

Thanksgiving is in two days.

I have to work. I’ll be selling Broadway tickets all day long at the Marriott Marquis to tourists who have no idea exactly how important the holiday actually is…

I’m not complaining, really, I just really wish I was able to spend the day with my family…

…I realized:

1. My apartment looks much better in the dark…
2. You must dust EVERY week…
3. I make a mean low-fat pasta salad…
4. Cleaning day is a hell of a lot shorter when you keep a tidy apt…
5. Three days before Thanksgiving is too late to send out Thanksgiving cards, I’m gonna do it anyway…
6. Everybody wants something from you…
7. I’m a Scramble addict.
8. Chuck sucks!
9. If I don’t start my Christmas cards, they’ll be late as well.
10. I need to go to the post office…
11. It’s going to be a very lean Christmas - token gifts all, next year will be much better, I promise…
12. My oven bakes like crap - overcooks in in the back/undercooks in the front - how do I ask for a new one?
13. Joining SAG before an eminent strike may not’ve been such a great idea…
14. White cornbread is not as good as yellow cornbread
15. For one person, I generate a massive amount of trash; my carbon footprint must be huge!