Thursday, October 09, 2003
Outside the rain trickles down, the remains of another pair of hurricanes that came up from the Sea of Cortez. I'm back in Tucson, seated at my desk, the cats clambering over me, Puff talking loudly. The fan blades make their familiar clickety-click, the dull whirr of the swamp cooler in the background.
Endless travel- car-subway-train-airplane-mad dash-airplane-car. My ears throb from pressure changes. I find a pile of mail that is rapidly winnowed down to a trio of bills, a certificate saluting me for my "Star of the Day" radio appearance in August, and another letter thanking me for one of my editorials.
Now a return to the usual routine. In some ways my vacation was like work- as I doggedly poked through old files. In other ways it was an exciting journey, seeing Pat, Diane, and John; meeting little Bridget, Kelly, the other John, and Maggie. Ate at a couple of nice restaurants, misbehaved some, and rode the Metro. Oh, and itched a lot. Something in DC made me itchy all over and that practically drove me crazy. I mean, I'm sitting in the National Archives reading about drippy-butted veterans and my ankles and less public places feel like they need a good scratching.
A few pictures:
Amazing passage, Detroit airport.
American's largest erection.
John and Homer, after Italian food.
Next to the Smithsonian castle.
Kelly and his amazing lamp.
Endless travel- car-subway-train-airplane-mad dash-airplane-car. My ears throb from pressure changes. I find a pile of mail that is rapidly winnowed down to a trio of bills, a certificate saluting me for my "Star of the Day" radio appearance in August, and another letter thanking me for one of my editorials.
Now a return to the usual routine. In some ways my vacation was like work- as I doggedly poked through old files. In other ways it was an exciting journey, seeing Pat, Diane, and John; meeting little Bridget, Kelly, the other John, and Maggie. Ate at a couple of nice restaurants, misbehaved some, and rode the Metro. Oh, and itched a lot. Something in DC made me itchy all over and that practically drove me crazy. I mean, I'm sitting in the National Archives reading about drippy-butted veterans and my ankles and less public places feel like they need a good scratching.
A few pictures:
Amazing passage, Detroit airport.
American's largest erection.
John and Homer, after Italian food.
Next to the Smithsonian castle.
Kelly and his amazing lamp.
Wednesday, October 08, 2003
DC Day. Busy, busy, busy. Finished at the Archives this morning (Elijah had chronic diarrhea and piles, yuck), then to the Library of Congress to look at 20 books, then quick visits to Rep. Grijalva, Sen. Kyl, and Sen. McCain's offices. Chatted with Dan at Kyl's office on the gay marriage issue- he admitted there is no rational reason behind the Republican push for that measure. Then to the Botanical Garden conservatory where I looked at lots of pretty flowers. Now over at Kelly's house where he is suffering from a cold :(
Back to Tucson tomorrow. Lots of pictures to upload.
Back to Tucson tomorrow. Lots of pictures to upload.
Monday, October 06, 2003
Wheaton Terrier. Kelly has a lovely Wheaton Terrier named Maggie. She is a very smart dog- Kelly says "Walk?" and she runs to the front door. I like other people's dogs. You get to pet them, play with them, let them lick your face. And someone else gets to clean up their doggy doody.
Dinner with John G. at an expensive Italian place was nice on Saturday night. Splurging once in a while is a good thing, as Martha would say. Afterward we had a nice talk about life. John seems to like DC and I feel somewhat envious because I really like the east coast.
Kelly is so much fun and one of the nicest people in the world. We had a good time hanging out. I especially liked the long nap because my nose is acting up. I have to come back and spend more time with him.
National Archives today- looked at 10 Civil War pension records. I was glad when the last one was finished. I have four more or so tomorrow, along with some War of 1812 records to examine. I could probably spend weeks there. I think I will have to take one day and play tourist- wander around DC and look at some of the stony architecture. The people watching here is first class- so many interesting hairstyles and clothes. I'm having a good time.
Dinner with John G. at an expensive Italian place was nice on Saturday night. Splurging once in a while is a good thing, as Martha would say. Afterward we had a nice talk about life. John seems to like DC and I feel somewhat envious because I really like the east coast.
Kelly is so much fun and one of the nicest people in the world. We had a good time hanging out. I especially liked the long nap because my nose is acting up. I have to come back and spend more time with him.
National Archives today- looked at 10 Civil War pension records. I was glad when the last one was finished. I have four more or so tomorrow, along with some War of 1812 records to examine. I could probably spend weeks there. I think I will have to take one day and play tourist- wander around DC and look at some of the stony architecture. The people watching here is first class- so many interesting hairstyles and clothes. I'm having a good time.
Sunday, October 05, 2003
I'm over at Kelly's house, hanging out with him and his cute Wheaton terrier, Maggie. He lives in an old brownstone in DC that he just recently bought. We went down to the Mount Vernon parkway and walked around today, lots of hurricane felled trees. Then came back and I had a little nap. Last night I had dinner with John G. at an expensive, cute Italian place. Nice food and we had a really pleasant time talking. Tomorrow it is back to the Archives and hopefully a better time than last Friday.
Friday, October 03, 2003
Washington DC. Arrived here after a 12 hour airport/plane journey. The airport in Detroit has an amazing connecting passage between Terminals A and B- beautiful light show and music. I wanted to just hang out there. Not much SAB (Stupid Airport Behavior) visible. That was a relief.
At Pat's house. Met his very cute daughter Bridget, who is very blond and looks like a female version of Pat. Diane, her sister Marie, and her hunky cousin John were here last night. Marie left this morning. They are all personable people.
National Archives today. Had to deal with some apathetic people and had to make a small scene, which had goods results. Looked at four pensions- found some interesting facts. A bigamous marriage, an imbecile soldier, a damaged testicle.
I love the Metro here. Bong-bong, is the sound the alarm makes. So many people to watch. Tonight on the way back to Pat's house there was a beautiful flirty couple. He obviously liked her a lot, she was enjoying the attention. DC is so lovely in the massiveness of the buildings, the hustle and bustle, the diversity of people. Maybe I should move here.
At Pat's house. Met his very cute daughter Bridget, who is very blond and looks like a female version of Pat. Diane, her sister Marie, and her hunky cousin John were here last night. Marie left this morning. They are all personable people.
National Archives today. Had to deal with some apathetic people and had to make a small scene, which had goods results. Looked at four pensions- found some interesting facts. A bigamous marriage, an imbecile soldier, a damaged testicle.
I love the Metro here. Bong-bong, is the sound the alarm makes. So many people to watch. Tonight on the way back to Pat's house there was a beautiful flirty couple. He obviously liked her a lot, she was enjoying the attention. DC is so lovely in the massiveness of the buildings, the hustle and bustle, the diversity of people. Maybe I should move here.
Thursday, October 02, 2003
I'm leaving on the jet plane, I do know when I'll be back again. Yawn. Too early in the morning and I'm pausing before I do the frantic to note that I'll be gone a whole week to Washington DC. Mama Cat begs me to take her with me, but I don't want her anywhere near nasty ole Republicans, who would chastise her for being a single mother. Joey, on the other hand, with her awful habit of furniture-urination, would fit in really well.
Sunflower, San Rafael.
Sunflower, San Rafael.
Wednesday, October 01, 2003
A new month. Back in Michigan October was the real beginning of fall. The leaves drift down dreamily in red, orange, and tangy yellow. Some hang onto the trees until they are dull and brown. That certain smell permeates the air- part wet leaves, part burning firewood, part damp earth. As a child October meant Halloween. We were a poor family, my father driving a semi to support his wife and five children. There wasn't much money to spare on luxuries like candy. Halloween meant candy. Lots of it. Mostly gross stuff like candy corn, circus peanuts, and taffy. Occasionally there would be a chocolate bar. Oh, how I loved chocolate (and still do!). One year someone gave each of us the huge size chocolate bar. I remember how happy that made me.
I don't really recall many of the costumes that I wore. My mother made extravagant gypsy girl costumes for me and my brother when I was in second grade. I'll let you decide whether that changed my life in any fundamental way. I was a ghost one year, clad in an old white sheet with holes cut into it. The last Halloween that I went trick-or-treating I was a Revolutionary War soldier. In grad school I made costumes for my boyfriend Paul (Christmas tree) and myself (tossed salad) that were rather clever. That went over better than the next year when I went as Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas, with a huge black dildo stuck down my pants.
I haven't dressed up in years- I think the last costume was "White Trash" which was merely a big white trash bag. Everyone thought it was clever. It is amazing what a few drugs will do to you, I guess. Nowadays I like to stay at home and hand out really nice candy. Fairly big chocolate bars, hoping that maybe one of the kids will leave my house with a happy memory.
I don't really recall many of the costumes that I wore. My mother made extravagant gypsy girl costumes for me and my brother when I was in second grade. I'll let you decide whether that changed my life in any fundamental way. I was a ghost one year, clad in an old white sheet with holes cut into it. The last Halloween that I went trick-or-treating I was a Revolutionary War soldier. In grad school I made costumes for my boyfriend Paul (Christmas tree) and myself (tossed salad) that were rather clever. That went over better than the next year when I went as Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas, with a huge black dildo stuck down my pants.
I haven't dressed up in years- I think the last costume was "White Trash" which was merely a big white trash bag. Everyone thought it was clever. It is amazing what a few drugs will do to you, I guess. Nowadays I like to stay at home and hand out really nice candy. Fairly big chocolate bars, hoping that maybe one of the kids will leave my house with a happy memory.
Tuesday, September 30, 2003
Shortness of breath.
Shane gave me a pep talk tonight. Hmmmmm.
Mama Cat is being a complete bitch.
I like refried beans.
I bought a green suitcase because everyone else has black.
I'm a little lonely right now.
Somethings are embarassing to buy at the drugstore.
I wish I didn't grind my teeth at night.
Thanks Shane for caring.
Shane gave me a pep talk tonight. Hmmmmm.
Mama Cat is being a complete bitch.
I like refried beans.
I bought a green suitcase because everyone else has black.
I'm a little lonely right now.
Somethings are embarassing to buy at the drugstore.
I wish I didn't grind my teeth at night.
Thanks Shane for caring.
Monday, September 29, 2003
Another day of digging at the triplex. Found lots of cool artifacts- some beautiful painted Hohokam pottery, a shell bird, some bright blue majolica. Today was the last day for this phase of the project. Geez it was hot in the afternoon. Can't wait for fall to really arrive.
I'm going to Washington, DC on Thursday to go to the National Archives, spend time with Pat & Diane and little Bridget, and see John G., who moved there in August and who I really miss. I love DC, I love the sound the subway cars make when you approach a station, I love the Library of Congress and the bug room at the Smithsonian. Maybe someday I'll get to live there again.
I talked with Shane on the way home from work. He says I need to landscape my front and backyards and that doing so would eliminate any boring moments in my life. I think he is right, the only problem being the fact that the Historical Society has 600 of my future-patio bricks as part of their Rio Nuevo, Rio Viejo exhibit. Shane's a remarkable guy, I'm glad he is my friend.
My yellow kitchen.
I'm going to Washington, DC on Thursday to go to the National Archives, spend time with Pat & Diane and little Bridget, and see John G., who moved there in August and who I really miss. I love DC, I love the sound the subway cars make when you approach a station, I love the Library of Congress and the bug room at the Smithsonian. Maybe someday I'll get to live there again.
I talked with Shane on the way home from work. He says I need to landscape my front and backyards and that doing so would eliminate any boring moments in my life. I think he is right, the only problem being the fact that the Historical Society has 600 of my future-patio bricks as part of their Rio Nuevo, Rio Viejo exhibit. Shane's a remarkable guy, I'm glad he is my friend.
My yellow kitchen.
Sunday, September 28, 2003
Quiet morning. I got to bed at a reasonable time last night after attending a pair of parties. Met two authors visiting Tucson including Felice Picano at Tom and Brian's new pool party. They were staying at Rich's house, where the second party was held. It was pretty sedate and I spent some time hanging out with David B. and Derek.
My usual Sunday routine is to get up, read the crappy Arizona Daily Star while eating a bowl of cereal, and then do household chores. Since the chores are already finished I am kinda at a loss for what to do.
A few days ago Shane interrupted me when I complained that I was bored. "How can someone like you be bored?" he asked. I took some time to think about this. I have a great job, a house that needs constant upkeep, five cats, friends, several time-consuming hobbies, tell stories in my head, am an internet news junky, listen to NPR while driving. And yet sometimes I feel "bored." Actually, I don't think boredom is correct, realistically it is a mild form of depression that comes and goes and is mainly a result of feeling lonely. It would be nice to have someone else to be around, to bounce ideas off of, to laugh at my silly jokes. And so I think I am switching to dating mode and hoping that there are some non-boring guys out there looking for the same.
My usual Sunday routine is to get up, read the crappy Arizona Daily Star while eating a bowl of cereal, and then do household chores. Since the chores are already finished I am kinda at a loss for what to do.
A few days ago Shane interrupted me when I complained that I was bored. "How can someone like you be bored?" he asked. I took some time to think about this. I have a great job, a house that needs constant upkeep, five cats, friends, several time-consuming hobbies, tell stories in my head, am an internet news junky, listen to NPR while driving. And yet sometimes I feel "bored." Actually, I don't think boredom is correct, realistically it is a mild form of depression that comes and goes and is mainly a result of feeling lonely. It would be nice to have someone else to be around, to bounce ideas off of, to laugh at my silly jokes. And so I think I am switching to dating mode and hoping that there are some non-boring guys out there looking for the same.
Saturday, September 27, 2003
Went and saw Rundown with Mark and John. It was an amusing escapist movie. And The Rock is so hot. I was surprised that he was actually a fairly good actor. Afterwards hung out for a while, then went to the Denture and saw a bunch of people I knew, spent some quality time with Shane and Brian.
This morning I have been so lazy. All the weekend chores are done so I have been hanging out with the cats and playing on the internet. What did I do before there was an internet? Honestly I can't remember.
Princess
Bear
Joey
Mama Cat
Puff
This morning I have been so lazy. All the weekend chores are done so I have been hanging out with the cats and playing on the internet. What did I do before there was an internet? Honestly I can't remember.
Princess
Bear
Joey
Mama Cat
Puff
Friday, September 26, 2003
I have a crush on someone. The dictionary says a crush is "an intense but
usually short-lived infatuation." When I think about him my heart aches
pleasantly. I want to sit next to him, look into his pretty eyes, laugh at
his silly talk. I haven't felt these feelings in a long time- excitement,
longing, wonder. Of course it is all impossible, as many things are. And
perhaps the feelings will be short-lived. But I'm glad to have them, even if
for only a little while.
Today in my favorite yellow 65% polyester shirt.
usually short-lived infatuation." When I think about him my heart aches
pleasantly. I want to sit next to him, look into his pretty eyes, laugh at
his silly talk. I haven't felt these feelings in a long time- excitement,
longing, wonder. Of course it is all impossible, as many things are. And
perhaps the feelings will be short-lived. But I'm glad to have them, even if
for only a little while.
Today in my favorite yellow 65% polyester shirt.
Thursday, September 25, 2003
Random thoughts: On the way home from work a Hummer pulled up next to me. Towering over my car, that expensive death on wheels is the ugliest waste of $50,000 that I can think of. Who would buy such a hulking piece of doodaa?
Rain has stopped and everything looks green again. I'll have to chop down weeds soon.
Panchesco's blog, Living Proof, is filled with beautiful images and amazing writing.
King George's approval ratings are the lowest they have ever been. What a pity. Molly Ivins wrote a piece on why she hates him. I would have to agree. Look what that pathetic piece of crap has done to our country. Ruined the economy through reckless tax cuts, ruined all of the post 9-11 good will, every word from his administration is straight out of George Orwell's nightmare world of 1984.
Pulled a few more old linoleum pieces from the Triplex. The pattern is my favorite, brown with yellow and blue flowers, and so I will be making a few more pieces. I showed a couple of people the art today and they, like most others, really liked it.
Colonel and Ada, circa 1889, Traverse City, Michigan.
Rain has stopped and everything looks green again. I'll have to chop down weeds soon.
Panchesco's blog, Living Proof, is filled with beautiful images and amazing writing.
King George's approval ratings are the lowest they have ever been. What a pity. Molly Ivins wrote a piece on why she hates him. I would have to agree. Look what that pathetic piece of crap has done to our country. Ruined the economy through reckless tax cuts, ruined all of the post 9-11 good will, every word from his administration is straight out of George Orwell's nightmare world of 1984.
Pulled a few more old linoleum pieces from the Triplex. The pattern is my favorite, brown with yellow and blue flowers, and so I will be making a few more pieces. I showed a couple of people the art today and they, like most others, really liked it.
Colonel and Ada, circa 1889, Traverse City, Michigan.
Wednesday, September 24, 2003
The hurricane rain has continued for most of the day. Many of the north-south streets become little rivers and driving up Tucson Blvd this morning was a real treat. But I don't care cause I am in a good mood (extraneous thought, why don't the words "good" and "mood" rhyme?). Why the good mood? It's a funny story. Someone I know has been dating this guy for over a year and his boyfriend always seemed cold and distant. I always thought he despised me, hated me. Sometimes I would puzzle over why this was the case. I thought maybe he thought I was a nerd (which I am) or just someone not worth being friends with.
Well, as it turns out, the reason he was always quiet around me is because he thought I was hot and perhaps a little threatening in that way. What a hoot! Anyway, we have started talking and I have discovered that he is a really nice person, smart and charming and cute, and I am really glad to have him as a friend. Lesson learned: assumptions can be absolute shit.
Well, as it turns out, the reason he was always quiet around me is because he thought I was hot and perhaps a little threatening in that way. What a hoot! Anyway, we have started talking and I have discovered that he is a really nice person, smart and charming and cute, and I am really glad to have him as a friend. Lesson learned: assumptions can be absolute shit.
Tuesday, September 23, 2003
Hurricane Marty has come up from the Sea of Cortez and is dropping a slow, steady drizzle of water on Tucson. I spent a few minutes outside, the air damp with the smell of my dirt frontyard, momentarily overpowering the pungent smell of the chives blooming in my herb garden. The stucco on the outside of the house traps water in its cracks. The ground in my neighborhood occasionally moves, a result of groundwater pumping, and the fired adobe walls of my house twist and shift, cracks opening up and closing. My dining room wall has a major crack that recently snaked up, splitting the red and gold paint. It seems to be shrinking now, and I fret about it less and less.
Joey peers out the dining room window, trying to figure out what I am doing and why I am not inside admiring her beautiful orange coat. When I come inside all of the cats circle me, Mama Cat insisting on sitting on my lap. I scratch her for a while and then she wanders off, replaced by pretty little Princess. Sometimes I feel that having five cats is like having five bratty kids. And other times I feel so lucky to have these special friends.
Standing in the rain.
Homer's house on South Palomas Avenue.
Joey peers out the dining room window, trying to figure out what I am doing and why I am not inside admiring her beautiful orange coat. When I come inside all of the cats circle me, Mama Cat insisting on sitting on my lap. I scratch her for a while and then she wanders off, replaced by pretty little Princess. Sometimes I feel that having five cats is like having five bratty kids. And other times I feel so lucky to have these special friends.
Standing in the rain.
Homer's house on South Palomas Avenue.
Monday, September 22, 2003
I'm filthy dirty, just back from a day of digging at the triplex. The work conditions are cramped, the situation sometimes bizarre (we have to actually burrow under the foundations of the 1860s house before the new foundations are laid). And we are finding a lot of stuff- artifacts ranging from pieces of brightly colored majolica, Hohokam pottery, an occasional arrow, and features- places where the Hohokam dug postholes and pits to make their homes roughly a thousand years ago. It's a good time and we are finding out that the downtown area was probably really heavily occupied, something that we kinda knew, but this recent work makes much clearer.
So now I have to shower and scrub the dirt out of my pores and blow it out of my nose. I'll probably feel a lot better when I am cleaned up, perhaps better enough to wash those dishes from Thursday night's dinner party. Blech. Why is it so much easier to wash old battered artifacts than it is to wash one's newly dirtied dishes?
So now I have to shower and scrub the dirt out of my pores and blow it out of my nose. I'll probably feel a lot better when I am cleaned up, perhaps better enough to wash those dishes from Thursday night's dinner party. Blech. Why is it so much easier to wash old battered artifacts than it is to wash one's newly dirtied dishes?
Sunday, September 21, 2003
Nature. Spent last night camping near the Rincon mountains in a grove of Arizona walnut and sycamore trees. I had gone over to Curtis's house and helped him pack up his yard sale and then did the "Hurry, hurry!" thing and got over to Gavin's house at 5:25. Besides Curtis and I, Shane and Brian, Gavin and Kevin, Kent, and Vince made up the company. We drove down and arrived after dark, set up camp, and partied a little (actually a lot). Lesson no. 1). DO NOT collect fire wood while drunk because a nasty cholla cactus limb can look remarkably like wood. Ouch, I have about 19 little spines in my hand that burn like bejesus.
Vince, Shane, and Brian at the campfire.
Lots of nature. It was big grasshopper mating season. They were everywhere on the road out, taking their time to amble along. Why did the grasshopper cross the road? So I could run them over, I guess. Also saw hawks, turkey vultures, and three deer on the way out. Despite the recent monsoon, it was very dry.
Giant grasshopper.
In the morning Eric and Dan showed up and most of us went on a hike.
Eric.
Lesson no. 2): Find out how long the hike is before starting. After walking for four hours I realized that it was impossible to drag my 40-year-old butt up more steep slopes. I was completely spent. I conferenced with the other guys, feeling like a wuss, and explained that I would rather return than continue for another 4.5 miles to get to the pools, where the guys would all be skinny dipping. I know that they must think I'm lame, what I didn't realize was that my shorts were rubbing my legs raw as well. It took two hours to get back to car, by which time I was soooo glad that I hadn't added nine more miles on. Although I really wanted to see the pine trees and the lovely pool, etc.
View on the way back, resting.
Vince, Shane, and Brian at the campfire.
Lots of nature. It was big grasshopper mating season. They were everywhere on the road out, taking their time to amble along. Why did the grasshopper cross the road? So I could run them over, I guess. Also saw hawks, turkey vultures, and three deer on the way out. Despite the recent monsoon, it was very dry.
Giant grasshopper.
In the morning Eric and Dan showed up and most of us went on a hike.
Eric.
Lesson no. 2): Find out how long the hike is before starting. After walking for four hours I realized that it was impossible to drag my 40-year-old butt up more steep slopes. I was completely spent. I conferenced with the other guys, feeling like a wuss, and explained that I would rather return than continue for another 4.5 miles to get to the pools, where the guys would all be skinny dipping. I know that they must think I'm lame, what I didn't realize was that my shorts were rubbing my legs raw as well. It took two hours to get back to car, by which time I was soooo glad that I hadn't added nine more miles on. Although I really wanted to see the pine trees and the lovely pool, etc.
View on the way back, resting.
Saturday, September 20, 2003
Curtis's yard sale again, this time I bought $50 worth of cool things, including a red ceramic vase that I had really coveted last weekend. Afterwards went over to David's house and attempted to give his cat Clarita a haircut. I will never be a pet groomer, my skills are pretty wretched.
Shane and Jeffrey appear to be holding back an excited Curtis.
Gavin ponders a purchase.
As I type this Puff, Mama, Bear, and Princess all sit on the desk next to me, napping. Joey is off in her basket, I wish she wasn't such a misfit. I wonder if the vet can prescribe some kitty valium for her?
Shane and Jeffrey appear to be holding back an excited Curtis.
Gavin ponders a purchase.
As I type this Puff, Mama, Bear, and Princess all sit on the desk next to me, napping. Joey is off in her basket, I wish she wasn't such a misfit. I wonder if the vet can prescribe some kitty valium for her?
Friday, September 19, 2003
I had a dinner party tonight for Sam and Jeff, with Patrick, Gavin, and Jeffrey in attendance. We sat around and chatted and ate and talked some more. I think everyone had a nice time, it was good to meet Jeff in person. The brownies were the favorite course.
The dining room.
Jeff and Sam.
The dining room.
Jeff and Sam.
Thursday, September 18, 2003
Allergy season has started again, and my nose runneth over. It doesn't help that I was a cleaning maniac when I got home, desparately attempting to get rid of the cat hair that inhabits many portions of the house courtesy of Mama Cat, Puff, Joey, Princess, and Bear. Never look under your stove, that is now my motto. On the other hand, the emaculate rooms are almost clean enough to perform surgery in. You could grind space telescope lenses in the living room. You can even invite Sam, Jeff, Gavin, and Jeffrey over for dinner and not be too embarrassed.
Mexican Bird of Paradise, front yard, September 2003.
Mexican Bird of Paradise, front yard, September 2003.
Wednesday, September 17, 2003
Dreams do come true. So the last several years I have said that I wanted to see Pink Flamingos on my 40th. And yesterday as I did a little shopping I considered stopping by Casa Video and renting it, but decided that I would be hanging with Curtis instead. We went over to Chipotle and had strong margaritas (I am such a lightweight) and talked and talked, and then back to his house and people began to show up- Gavin, Kevin, Brian, Shane, Michele, Matt, and Jean Paul. Curtis put on Beyond the Valley of the Dolls on and we admired the crazy eye makeup and the lack of any recognizable actors. And then Curtis went and grabbed a couple other videos and there was Pink Flamingos! Ohmigod, I was elated. So we watched. And Gavin's Kevin, who I was meeting for the first time, was rather shocked. I mean, the movie is about the filthiest people in the world and they don't do anything redeeming, kinda like our current Republican administration. I have to admit though, that the penultimate scene- the doggy doodoo incident- had me retching.
The Cake.
So there, after all that build-up, I'm officially 40 and can now move onto more exciting topics like my favorite casserole recipes and which of my cats is the cutest.
The Cake.
So there, after all that build-up, I'm officially 40 and can now move onto more exciting topics like my favorite casserole recipes and which of my cats is the cutest.
Tuesday, September 16, 2003
Lazy day, worked a while, went and bought a couple of books and Sinead O'Connor's new album. Waiting at home for someone to come see the guesthouse. Tonight dinner with Curtis at Chipotle- he says there is nice scenery there.
Nothing earth-shattering, nothing extra special, and that is okay. I'm easing into my next decade kinda excited to see what I will make of it, who will be my new friends, what places I will go. The last ten years have been a time of change (bought a car, a house, another car), saw new places (in Europe twice, a number of states, Canada), and had my heart broken. Sigh. So I'm going to go forward and make my 40s the best damn decade yet.
Today in front of the brown rug piece.
Nothing earth-shattering, nothing extra special, and that is okay. I'm easing into my next decade kinda excited to see what I will make of it, who will be my new friends, what places I will go. The last ten years have been a time of change (bought a car, a house, another car), saw new places (in Europe twice, a number of states, Canada), and had my heart broken. Sigh. So I'm going to go forward and make my 40s the best damn decade yet.
Today in front of the brown rug piece.
Sheesh, Happy 40th to me.
Monday, September 15, 2003
Overheated. Today was hot, hot, hot. I was outside digging with Patti at the triplex and by early afternoon the sun was brutal. My blue hardhat was baking my skull. I drank tons of water, and so far seem to have escaped the horrible dehydration headache I was expecting. Came home and had some onion tart from last night. Pleasant. Cool.
The dinner party last night was nice. Gretchen made a Hungarian noodle dish (she made me a special one with tofu) and a cucumber something-or-other. Dena brought a chicken soup. Tom and Nick brought a bizarre meat wrapped pickle thingy and a mashed potato and broccoli caserole- the latter was good. Everyone liked the onion tart and the trifle went over well, despite its obvious flaws. I was a little nervous because Tom is a cook, but apparently I did well.
My kitchen is, unfortunately, a freakin' mess. After I go back to work and come back, I have an exciting evening of cleaning.
Happy birthday Ali.
The dinner party last night was nice. Gretchen made a Hungarian noodle dish (she made me a special one with tofu) and a cucumber something-or-other. Dena brought a chicken soup. Tom and Nick brought a bizarre meat wrapped pickle thingy and a mashed potato and broccoli caserole- the latter was good. Everyone liked the onion tart and the trifle went over well, despite its obvious flaws. I was a little nervous because Tom is a cook, but apparently I did well.
My kitchen is, unfortunately, a freakin' mess. After I go back to work and come back, I have an exciting evening of cleaning.
Happy birthday Ali.
Sunday, September 14, 2003
Wicked tired. That's my first and last name at 11:28 Sunday morning. Last's night party was fun, fun, fun. To all of my friends who were there- Bob, Steve, Patrick, Mark, Matt, Robert, Dave, Abe, Dave, Jeffrey, the new cute Jeffrey, Chaz, Michael, Robbie, Jim, Matt, Curtis, Brian, Shane, Gary the mortician, Michele AKA Melissa, Tom, the other Sam, his cute boyfriend, Jim, Steve, Mark A., Terry, Mitch, Andrew, Pedro, Gordon, John, Ron, Floyd, Jay, Paul, April, and the others who I know I have missed, thanks for making me feel special in some way. And I looked hot in my Boy Scout shirt.
The food came out great, there were cute guys to smile at, nice things to talk about, just about the right number of cards and presents, an unexpected phone number, interesting stories on the front porch, and so on. And so I'm wicked tired after getting little sleep and now I'm heading back to clean up David's place, then to the store to buy some poundcake for trifle, and I'm baking an onion tart for tonight's Eat like your Ancestors' meal at Gretchen's. I'll have a full review of that tomorrow. Yawn. I am wicked tired.
Homer and David, the birthday boys.
The food came out great, there were cute guys to smile at, nice things to talk about, just about the right number of cards and presents, an unexpected phone number, interesting stories on the front porch, and so on. And so I'm wicked tired after getting little sleep and now I'm heading back to clean up David's place, then to the store to buy some poundcake for trifle, and I'm baking an onion tart for tonight's Eat like your Ancestors' meal at Gretchen's. I'll have a full review of that tomorrow. Yawn. I am wicked tired.
Homer and David, the birthday boys.
Saturday, September 13, 2003
It's my party and I'll cry if I want to. Actually, more like have pinkeye (again!) which involves a slightly swollen right lower eye lid. I did pinkeye research and wonder if it is allergy related, possibly because of the dust from the triplex.
Got up this morning and went over to Curtis's house to help out at his awesome yard sale. I picked up a few items- a huge orange baby bird mouth vase, a blue stopper bottle, a starburst clock, a 1950s barbeque tray, and a purple glass and gold metal lamp. This was the yard sale to beat all yard sales. And all of the cool people in town came, among them a number of cute straight guys. At 11:00 I ran over and had lunch with Jay, Karen, Sonya, and David. It was nice to relax. Shirl showed up later and we chatted about her sick dog. Karen agreed to watch Princess and Bear when I am in DC in October. Then back to the yard sale. Packing up was a chore, luckily Matt was there. And now it is an hour before I go over to David's to start the party setup. I am going to be so f'in tired. I hope a cute redhead or two shows up tonight.
Got up this morning and went over to Curtis's house to help out at his awesome yard sale. I picked up a few items- a huge orange baby bird mouth vase, a blue stopper bottle, a starburst clock, a 1950s barbeque tray, and a purple glass and gold metal lamp. This was the yard sale to beat all yard sales. And all of the cool people in town came, among them a number of cute straight guys. At 11:00 I ran over and had lunch with Jay, Karen, Sonya, and David. It was nice to relax. Shirl showed up later and we chatted about her sick dog. Karen agreed to watch Princess and Bear when I am in DC in October. Then back to the yard sale. Packing up was a chore, luckily Matt was there. And now it is an hour before I go over to David's to start the party setup. I am going to be so f'in tired. I hope a cute redhead or two shows up tonight.
Friday, September 12, 2003
Today was a good day. Patti and I dug a trench at the triplex where a new foundation is to go. We had a pleasant time, mostly in the shade. Found some nice old buttons, coins, prehistoric pottery, and a broken Japanese saucer. Afterward I went to a vintage clothing store and bought an old Boy Scout shirt to wear tomorrow. Actually, I don't like Boy Scouts and think the organization is run by a bunch of (un)funda(mental)ists. It is fitting that a queer guy wears their shirt at his birthday party. Then went on to Albertson's to buy groceries for the party and for a dinner party on Sunday. Mostly bought luxury items. Yikes, the bill came out to $115.
Yellow flowers, Patagonia, Summer 2003.
Yellow flowers, Patagonia, Summer 2003.
Thursday, September 11, 2003
"Something bad is happening," I said to him. The morning was so typical. I got up, went outside to get the paper, put his coffee on. The computer had been turned on and I sat down with a bowl of cereal and when AOL came up I glanced at the opening screen. "Two planes hit World Trade Center." What? I step into the living room and turn the tv on. Up comes NBC or ABC, and the world becomes a nightmare. The buildings burn and then a newsflash, the Pentagon has been hit. I get up to tell him. "Something bad is happening."
He was always groggy in the morning, and I never woke him if I could avoid it. He had to have known it was serious. He followed me to the television and we watched. Watched. He had been in New York City the previous week at the US Open. I have pictures of me standing at the top of the north tower. It seemed impossible that this could be happening. And suddenly the tower fell. "How can anyone be so evil!" I screamed. "There must be thousands of people in there!" I wept. He called New York, to check on his friends. Somehow the phone works, they are safe, the one woman had left a job there the week before. As he smoked outside the second tower fell. I cried out. It was unbelievable.
I was staying home that day, looking at artifacts, taking people on a site tour. The television stayed on. PBS was carrying the BBC and the BBC showed things the other channels avoided. After watching a pair of people falling, I turned the television off.
Late in the afternoon I reached Les. His boyfriend once worked at Windows on the Worlds in the wine department and some of his coworkers died that day. My friend Pat's sister-in-law was in the section of the Pentagon that was hit, but escaped unharmed. I was depressed for weeks and the horrible "Hurry, hurry" dreams dogged me for months.
Two years later I still have that dream occasionally. I hate that George Bush has used the event for political gain. I hate that we brought September 11th to thousands of innocent Iraqi civilians in this uncalled-for war. I wish I could go back in time and save all of those people.
He was always groggy in the morning, and I never woke him if I could avoid it. He had to have known it was serious. He followed me to the television and we watched. Watched. He had been in New York City the previous week at the US Open. I have pictures of me standing at the top of the north tower. It seemed impossible that this could be happening. And suddenly the tower fell. "How can anyone be so evil!" I screamed. "There must be thousands of people in there!" I wept. He called New York, to check on his friends. Somehow the phone works, they are safe, the one woman had left a job there the week before. As he smoked outside the second tower fell. I cried out. It was unbelievable.
I was staying home that day, looking at artifacts, taking people on a site tour. The television stayed on. PBS was carrying the BBC and the BBC showed things the other channels avoided. After watching a pair of people falling, I turned the television off.
Late in the afternoon I reached Les. His boyfriend once worked at Windows on the Worlds in the wine department and some of his coworkers died that day. My friend Pat's sister-in-law was in the section of the Pentagon that was hit, but escaped unharmed. I was depressed for weeks and the horrible "Hurry, hurry" dreams dogged me for months.
Two years later I still have that dream occasionally. I hate that George Bush has used the event for political gain. I hate that we brought September 11th to thousands of innocent Iraqi civilians in this uncalled-for war. I wish I could go back in time and save all of those people.
Wednesday, September 10, 2003
Happy 24th bday Sam. My birthdays have often sucked. Like Molly Ringwald, no one remembered my 16th. My 30th was another poor show. My 27th was, however, a fabulous time, spent with four friends at a park with gigantic boulders outside of Laramie, Wyoming enjoying some mind altering refreshments. I am on my last six days of being in my thirties. How did I end up here?
Last night had most excellent food and company. I went over to Bob and Steve's old adobe and sat on the back porch and hung out with Steve, who is having some back problems. Their new Pomeranian dog, Peaches, is like a living stuffed doll, but not in the Chucky way. She is so f'in cute. I want to borrow her. We had Dragon Garden Chinese- the garlic eggplant is lingering on my breath as I type. And chatted and gossiped and had an all-around nice. Good guys. And as Sam would say (he needs to do the Fox thing and trademark the phrase) "Good times."
Princess and Joey, who usually don't get along, can you tell?
Last night had most excellent food and company. I went over to Bob and Steve's old adobe and sat on the back porch and hung out with Steve, who is having some back problems. Their new Pomeranian dog, Peaches, is like a living stuffed doll, but not in the Chucky way. She is so f'in cute. I want to borrow her. We had Dragon Garden Chinese- the garlic eggplant is lingering on my breath as I type. And chatted and gossiped and had an all-around nice. Good guys. And as Sam would say (he needs to do the Fox thing and trademark the phrase) "Good times."
Princess and Joey, who usually don't get along, can you tell?
Tuesday, September 09, 2003
What if North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Il, kept a weblog? Very amusing.
Monday, September 08, 2003
Rollercoaster. Sometimes people tell you things you really don't want to know. The phone rings and a voice says, Meet me at the Congress in 10 minutes for dinner." I'm not sure exactly who it is, but maybe it is that cute redhead. When I get there I discover that it is John visiting from Phoenix. He looks good. Since he moved up there I don't see him enough. We were really good friends for several years, talking on the phone, going to the gym, I lived vicariously through him as he went off to do the circuit scene. Tonight we catch up, doing condensed versions of our lives. We don't talk enough on the phone.
He tells me a story, asking me if I want to hear it first. I say I don't care but afterwards I wish I hadn't. I was pretty naive and Tucson is a small town. A little detail- the picture over the fireplace, becomes important and leads to a story. It is a novel of deception, trust when I shouldn't have trusted. I go from being happy to unhappy. And I think why? Why?
Tonight, from my front porch.
He tells me a story, asking me if I want to hear it first. I say I don't care but afterwards I wish I hadn't. I was pretty naive and Tucson is a small town. A little detail- the picture over the fireplace, becomes important and leads to a story. It is a novel of deception, trust when I shouldn't have trusted. I go from being happy to unhappy. And I think why? Why?
Tonight, from my front porch.
Sunday, September 07, 2003
Random thoughts. David came over and hung out, ate some of my burned pineapple upsidedown cake, and was pleased with my large linoleum pieces that I mounted and hung in my bedroom.
Red piece.
I admire Corky's photography and aspire to one day have a better digital camera to record the random events of life. Below are a couple of images from this week. I love Queen Donuts. The owners are a lovely couple who make the best donuts in town. Krappy Creme donuts, which everyone screams about, are nothing in comparison.
Queen Donuts.
Inside the triplex the old adobe walls are being repaired. There are three more months of work to go- sections of adobe replaced, doors and windows restored, lime plaster applied. I'll be digging up the interior below the floors to recover the artifacts and uncover the historic and prehistoric past of the area.
Shovel.
I'll be 40 in nine days. When my father was 40 he had five kids. I have five cats instead. Coincidence or fate?
Red piece.
I admire Corky's photography and aspire to one day have a better digital camera to record the random events of life. Below are a couple of images from this week. I love Queen Donuts. The owners are a lovely couple who make the best donuts in town. Krappy Creme donuts, which everyone screams about, are nothing in comparison.
Queen Donuts.
Inside the triplex the old adobe walls are being repaired. There are three more months of work to go- sections of adobe replaced, doors and windows restored, lime plaster applied. I'll be digging up the interior below the floors to recover the artifacts and uncover the historic and prehistoric past of the area.
Shovel.
I'll be 40 in nine days. When my father was 40 he had five kids. I have five cats instead. Coincidence or fate?
I am happy. Sitting here with Miss Joey on my lap, looking up to signal that she wants more petting. Mama Cat comes and stands next to the chair until I pick her up and pet her too. The phone rings. It is Him, telling me the time of the birthday get together on Saturday. I decide that it won't depress me, that I will remain calm. I am less happy, because that is what happens when he calls. Someday I'll be done feeling sad about it.
I am pleased with my house. I have new curtains fashioned from an abstract blue sheet from Urban Outfitters. It already has a few pinholes from naughty cat claws. But it makes my study brighter and cheerier. Around me hang pieces of 1920s-1930s linoleum, with cracks and nailholes. The are from about the same time frame as when the house was built, 1928.
I sit on the front porch and chat on the phone with my friends, new and old, and I am not lonesome. Not too long, because the chives are blooming and the smell is noxious. My new plants are doing well, adapting to their pots. In the fall I'll buy a few annuals to add color to the area.
Someone asked me why I was blogging. It is difficult to explain. I like writing about something different, about ideas or a fevered rant on politics, or a dream or a scene that sticks in my mind. I carry the digital camera around, because you never know when something interesting might present itself. It makes me feel good, I guess, and that is reason enough.
Home
I am pleased with my house. I have new curtains fashioned from an abstract blue sheet from Urban Outfitters. It already has a few pinholes from naughty cat claws. But it makes my study brighter and cheerier. Around me hang pieces of 1920s-1930s linoleum, with cracks and nailholes. The are from about the same time frame as when the house was built, 1928.
I sit on the front porch and chat on the phone with my friends, new and old, and I am not lonesome. Not too long, because the chives are blooming and the smell is noxious. My new plants are doing well, adapting to their pots. In the fall I'll buy a few annuals to add color to the area.
Someone asked me why I was blogging. It is difficult to explain. I like writing about something different, about ideas or a fevered rant on politics, or a dream or a scene that sticks in my mind. I carry the digital camera around, because you never know when something interesting might present itself. It makes me feel good, I guess, and that is reason enough.
Home
Saturday, September 06, 2003
Hung out at the Denture with Reggie, Sam, Tom, Todd, Hans, Chris, et al. last night. I was driving, everyone else was drinnnnkiiiinnnnggg. Sam's word for the night "binogomous." He was being an imp. I had a good time, it was nice just to stand around chatting. Matt was Djing- 1970s disco classics. Nice.
Chinese poppies, Spring 2003, front yard.
Chinese poppies, Spring 2003, front yard.
Friday, September 05, 2003
Oye. A bizarre dream wakes me up. My sister Susan and I are Russian skaters at the 1991 Olympics. We are both really bad, Susan's legs are made from French bread, which probably explains why she can't make any jumps. She gets angry and smashes into the boards with her skates after her unsuccessful routine. I realize we can sell her story to the press and get a lot of money. We have to flee from our handlers, and as I puzzle how to do this- while I am doing my routine- I wake up. The French bread legs- now that was the real strange part. Where did that come from?
Last night I dreamed about Greg from Ann Arbor, who I haven't seen for ten years. In that dream he was sitting on my front steps during a snow storm. I climbed out of bed and did an internet search and found his email address and sent him a hello note. I was pleased to find a response- he's doing well and is a doctor at a major teaching hospital. He was the first visible gay man I knew of at the U of Michigan, and damn he was good looking. I was a scared kid, but knowing that there was the heroic, handsome gay man willing to speak out on gay issues made coming out of the closet a little easier.
Last night I dreamed about Greg from Ann Arbor, who I haven't seen for ten years. In that dream he was sitting on my front steps during a snow storm. I climbed out of bed and did an internet search and found his email address and sent him a hello note. I was pleased to find a response- he's doing well and is a doctor at a major teaching hospital. He was the first visible gay man I knew of at the U of Michigan, and damn he was good looking. I was a scared kid, but knowing that there was the heroic, handsome gay man willing to speak out on gay issues made coming out of the closet a little easier.
Thursday, September 04, 2003
I can't stand to see King George II's picture or to hear his nasal, mangled English. Every word that he spouts from his prissy mouth is contorted into malformed sentences that are invariably lies. People who believe what he says, e.g.:
-there ARE weapons of mass destruction in Iraq
-Saddam Hussein was involved with Al Quaeda
-tax cuts for the rich will revive the economy
-clear cutting old growth forests will prevent forest fires
-cutting air pollution standards will somehow encourage pollution reduction
are either complete idiots, greedy bastards, or simply not interested in the fate of our country or the world. Some people claim that he brought our country together after 9/11. I'm sorry, but any politician could have done what he did- look sad at the appropriate moments, pat widows and orphans on their back, shake a fist at the terrorists. Every time I call John McCain's office to spout my so-called liberal opinions (such as, "Let's balance the budget"), I tell his staff to beg him to run against that pile of diseased shit that is so disgusting that even vultures and dung beetles avoid him. Oh, did I really say that? Yeah, more than once.
-there ARE weapons of mass destruction in Iraq
-Saddam Hussein was involved with Al Quaeda
-tax cuts for the rich will revive the economy
-clear cutting old growth forests will prevent forest fires
-cutting air pollution standards will somehow encourage pollution reduction
are either complete idiots, greedy bastards, or simply not interested in the fate of our country or the world. Some people claim that he brought our country together after 9/11. I'm sorry, but any politician could have done what he did- look sad at the appropriate moments, pat widows and orphans on their back, shake a fist at the terrorists. Every time I call John McCain's office to spout my so-called liberal opinions (such as, "Let's balance the budget"), I tell his staff to beg him to run against that pile of diseased shit that is so disgusting that even vultures and dung beetles avoid him. Oh, did I really say that? Yeah, more than once.
Wednesday, September 03, 2003
I'm going to be on Arizona Illustrated tomorrow- they interviewed me about the Triplex house I have been working on. I've been on the news enough that it isn't a big deal. While I was at the house I got some more old linoleum to make artwork with. I spent tonight painting some canvases and cutting and tacking. The pieces look funky- one of them I'll be giving to Robert when he moves to Dallas.
I wanna go to Turkey.
I wanna go to Turkey.
Tuesday, September 02, 2003
Am I the only person in the world that hated Finding Nemo. I wasted $8.50 to see this wretched movie. Yes, the animation was lovely and there were a few cute moments- mainly the scenes involving humans or seagulls. But geez, the rest of the movie was so smarmy, treacle-like, preachy. And the annoying voices of Nemo (whine) and his father (adult whine) and the of-so-moral lessons of letting go. And all around me the audience was loving it. Am I so out of touch with mainstream entertainment?
I must now stare at this orange "mistake" picture to calm my mind. They showed a Pixar short from 1989 before the main movie which was 10 times more fun, if one can ever really quantify fun.
I must now stare at this orange "mistake" picture to calm my mind. They showed a Pixar short from 1989 before the main movie which was 10 times more fun, if one can ever really quantify fun.
Monday, September 01, 2003
Happy Labor Day I've worked as:
A farmboy- my parents bought a farm when I was nine and the next nine years were pretty hellish as my father started farming right when every small farm began to go broke.
At a bus garage for the summer- nothing exciting here, except I discovered my fear of heights.
At a University library opening all of the books and magazines- a fun job, I love libraries and I love to read.
As an answer person at a student union desk- pre-internet, we could answer any question posed.
Was in charge of the magazine collection at a business library (worst f'in job, well almost as bad as farming). Me and 17 women, and f'in business school students, lousy f'ers. I don't know why I feel compelled to not say fuck- I guess f'in just seems more vulgar nowadays.
And as an archaeologist. I'm pretty lucky in that I've had a great career and have been able to work at interesting sites, find interesting things, and meet interesting people.
Enough work stuff- I spent the weekend doing a few necessary chores (cleaned house, washed clothes, yardwork) and a whole lot of lazy stuff- lounging at pools, reading Al Franken's new book- Lies (and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them). No big surprises in that book- basically all of the bigwig Republicans are so full of crap that if I had a penny for every time they lied, I'd be f'in rich and wouldn't have to work. But then I guess I wouldn't be celebrating labor day, would I?
A farmboy- my parents bought a farm when I was nine and the next nine years were pretty hellish as my father started farming right when every small farm began to go broke.
At a bus garage for the summer- nothing exciting here, except I discovered my fear of heights.
At a University library opening all of the books and magazines- a fun job, I love libraries and I love to read.
As an answer person at a student union desk- pre-internet, we could answer any question posed.
Was in charge of the magazine collection at a business library (worst f'in job, well almost as bad as farming). Me and 17 women, and f'in business school students, lousy f'ers. I don't know why I feel compelled to not say fuck- I guess f'in just seems more vulgar nowadays.
And as an archaeologist. I'm pretty lucky in that I've had a great career and have been able to work at interesting sites, find interesting things, and meet interesting people.
Enough work stuff- I spent the weekend doing a few necessary chores (cleaned house, washed clothes, yardwork) and a whole lot of lazy stuff- lounging at pools, reading Al Franken's new book- Lies (and the Lying Liars Who Tell Them). No big surprises in that book- basically all of the bigwig Republicans are so full of crap that if I had a penny for every time they lied, I'd be f'in rich and wouldn't have to work. But then I guess I wouldn't be celebrating labor day, would I?
Sunday, August 31, 2003
Goddam Nightmare. I dreamed I was in the backseat of a car with Him, Peter, John, and others- stopped at a donut shop. While he was out buying big gooey rolls, the others started telling me how long it had taken after the break-up for them to sleep with him. No one cared that it upset me.
In real life I woke up pretty upset. I had gone to bed feeling crappy since I got too much sun in Patagonia and by late afternoon had a splitting headache. I was supposed to go to Bob and Steve's Italia party and I made baked brie (raspberry, pink grapefruit, and kiwi-gooseberry) to take along, but as I drove over I was feeling rather nauseated. I apologized, came home, and promptly puked violently. Nasty. It came out my nose. It burned and I had to blow and blow before the chunks of crackers and grapes from lunch had cleared out. You probably didn't need to know that.
3:00 AM- Joey and two of my linoleum art pieces.
homerpatagoniasmallsize.jpg
Green flowers.
Hooked rug fraqment.
Distressed brown piece.
In real life I woke up pretty upset. I had gone to bed feeling crappy since I got too much sun in Patagonia and by late afternoon had a splitting headache. I was supposed to go to Bob and Steve's Italia party and I made baked brie (raspberry, pink grapefruit, and kiwi-gooseberry) to take along, but as I drove over I was feeling rather nauseated. I apologized, came home, and promptly puked violently. Nasty. It came out my nose. It burned and I had to blow and blow before the chunks of crackers and grapes from lunch had cleared out. You probably didn't need to know that.
3:00 AM- Joey and two of my linoleum art pieces.
homerpatagoniasmallsize.jpg
Green flowers.
Hooked rug fraqment.
Distressed brown piece.
Saturday, August 30, 2003
Drive down to Patagonia with Sam. It is so lush and green right now due to the monsoon rains. There is this one spot where you drive out of the scrub oak forest up a slight hill, and suddenly you are in this enormous tall grass prairie. In the distance are mountains, but from the right angle you can't see them at all. They filmed the movie Oklahoma there in the 1950s. Sam is excited about September- lots of good things coming his way. I hope my September is half as good.
Sam and the prairie near San Rafael.
Landscape.
Detail.
Sam and the prairie near San Rafael.
Landscape.
Detail.
Friday, August 29, 2003
Some of my friends will think I'm crazy, but I turned down the opportunity to hang out with the Abercrombie and Fitch models who are in town for a wedding and Bruce Weber photo shoot. My friend Robert is the groom/model's uncle. I guess having barbeque with nubile, 20-somethings was a little too daunting.
I gave myself a haircut- No. 2. Now I'm all itchy and scratchy. I haven't paid for a haircut in over a year- too damn cheap.
I gave myself a haircut- No. 2. Now I'm all itchy and scratchy. I haven't paid for a haircut in over a year- too damn cheap.
I had a letter in today's Tucson Citizen:
Commandments flap is equality issue
"Several readers have complained about the American Civil Liberty Union's relentless pursuit of separation of church and state in Alabama and elsewhere.
Personally, I am all for the Ten Commandments being exhibited on government property- as long as we give equal opportunities, when requested, to any other religious groups that want to put up their own memorials.
I imagine Christians would not find it particularly appealing, however, to share space with Satan worshippers, Wiccans, atheists, Hindus, and others.
They might take offense to some of the beliefs expressed by these groups - such as the concept of reincarnation followed by Buddhists or the belief of atheists that there is no god.
In the same sense, members of these groups view the exhibition of the Ten Commandments in government spaces as intrusive and suggestive that politicians prefer one religious philosophy over the others.
The government should not be in the business of encouraging one religion over another. In countries where certain religions are favored - such as India, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, etc. - you find a great amount of internal strife. We have been saved from this problem by the wisdom of divorcing government from religion."
Commandments flap is equality issue
"Several readers have complained about the American Civil Liberty Union's relentless pursuit of separation of church and state in Alabama and elsewhere.
Personally, I am all for the Ten Commandments being exhibited on government property- as long as we give equal opportunities, when requested, to any other religious groups that want to put up their own memorials.
I imagine Christians would not find it particularly appealing, however, to share space with Satan worshippers, Wiccans, atheists, Hindus, and others.
They might take offense to some of the beliefs expressed by these groups - such as the concept of reincarnation followed by Buddhists or the belief of atheists that there is no god.
In the same sense, members of these groups view the exhibition of the Ten Commandments in government spaces as intrusive and suggestive that politicians prefer one religious philosophy over the others.
The government should not be in the business of encouraging one religion over another. In countries where certain religions are favored - such as India, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, etc. - you find a great amount of internal strife. We have been saved from this problem by the wisdom of divorcing government from religion."
Thursday, August 28, 2003
Mike and I excavated inside the triplex house today. Traces of the people that were there before us linger- a drycleaning bill from 1924, a love letter from Manny to Babe: "Well I guess you found somebody else at Bwanos Bar, because you shure look nice when you go over their and smell nice too, but when you go with me never look that nice before..." Beneath the floor we find scraps of Hohokam life- pottery, an arrow, a piece from a grinding stone. On the actual floor and walls are the shredded embellishments of forgotten lives.
Layers of linoleum.
Fading wallpaper resembling Pompeiian frescoes.
Mike said, "Why don't you take some of that linoleum home and make some art out of it." It is going to be pulled up and tossed anyway, since it is so cruddy. So I brought back several pieces, bought some cheap blank canvases at Michael's and some dark upholstery tacks at True Value, and made some found art. I need to go back next week and get some more pieces, there is one with lovely red foliage and another with 1920s art deco designs. Looking at the two pieces hanging up in front of my computer makes me feel very happy.
Layers of linoleum.
Fading wallpaper resembling Pompeiian frescoes.
Mike said, "Why don't you take some of that linoleum home and make some art out of it." It is going to be pulled up and tossed anyway, since it is so cruddy. So I brought back several pieces, bought some cheap blank canvases at Michael's and some dark upholstery tacks at True Value, and made some found art. I need to go back next week and get some more pieces, there is one with lovely red foliage and another with 1920s art deco designs. Looking at the two pieces hanging up in front of my computer makes me feel very happy.
Wednesday, August 27, 2003
Yuck. Wanna barf- take a look at the George Bush air craft carrier Action Figure:
Cold Showers- my water heater pilot light has gone out and I can't relight it. The heater is old and unfortunately lives in a little flimsy metal shed in my backyard. I may have to replace it. Heaters are relatively cheap. Plumbers are not. Last time I had a plumber over he was easy on the eyes and somehow that makes writing that check a little better.
Mothra- Greg took this picture at work today.
Cold Showers- my water heater pilot light has gone out and I can't relight it. The heater is old and unfortunately lives in a little flimsy metal shed in my backyard. I may have to replace it. Heaters are relatively cheap. Plumbers are not. Last time I had a plumber over he was easy on the eyes and somehow that makes writing that check a little better.
Mothra- Greg took this picture at work today.
Tuesday, August 26, 2003
Geez, I've been so lazy. Normally I come home from work and work on my own stuff, but I'm in one of those periodic phases in which playing with the cats, cleaning house, and just doing nothing is much more interesting.
My mother comes and spends a couple of weeks in November every year since 1997. She is so easy to get along with and we have a good time. I take her out to have Ethiopian and Indian food, which aren't available back in rural Michigan. My friends come over and hang out- a couple of them think of my mom as a substitute for their late mothers. It is really nice.
We went to Mesquite Growers Nursery last November and I bought a packet of daisy seeds. I scratched up an area in my front "lawn" (I let the grass die and it is mostly dirt) and planted the seeds, not really believing that much would come of that. Instead in the spring this big patch came up and for a few weeks I had amazing flowers. See below.
Front yard daisies, Spring 2003.
My mother comes and spends a couple of weeks in November every year since 1997. She is so easy to get along with and we have a good time. I take her out to have Ethiopian and Indian food, which aren't available back in rural Michigan. My friends come over and hang out- a couple of them think of my mom as a substitute for their late mothers. It is really nice.
We went to Mesquite Growers Nursery last November and I bought a packet of daisy seeds. I scratched up an area in my front "lawn" (I let the grass die and it is mostly dirt) and planted the seeds, not really believing that much would come of that. Instead in the spring this big patch came up and for a few weeks I had amazing flowers. See below.
Front yard daisies, Spring 2003.
Monday, August 25, 2003
Flash flood. I went out yesterday afternoon to do domestic things- buy cat litter, a new broom, a little rug for the kitchen, and stopped at IBTs on the way home. The night before a bolt of lightning had struck a tree on its patio (a sign?). Sunday afternoon is karoake and it is pretty popular. Ran into Michael and Robbie and chatted with them. Michael got up and sang (I'm not a public singer) and was really quite good. Afterwards went to the Denture Inn and ran into Mark and Rene and Douglas and hung out with them. It started to rain. And rain. And rain.
Tucson streets don't drain particularly well and most areas don't have sewers since it doesn't rain that much. Suddenly there was 10 inches of water running to the west, downhill toward the river. It ran for several hours before going down enough for me to get into the car. Lots of hijinks going on in the bar- amusing but I didn't participate- not my style.
And then I woke up this morning with pinkeye. Blech.
Tucson streets don't drain particularly well and most areas don't have sewers since it doesn't rain that much. Suddenly there was 10 inches of water running to the west, downhill toward the river. It ran for several hours before going down enough for me to get into the car. Lots of hijinks going on in the bar- amusing but I didn't participate- not my style.
And then I woke up this morning with pinkeye. Blech.
Sunday, August 24, 2003
A trip with Yorgos, Thanksgiving 1994.
Saturday, August 23, 2003
Tonight I went to a birthday party for Dave thrown by his boyfriend Jeff. And on the long drive back I started thinking about what happened a year ago. I was sitting at this computer when He came into the room and said "I have something I need to talk to you about." I looked up and asked, "Is it something serious?" And he replied, "Well, it may be." We went into the bedroom and sitting on that expensive bed that I bought to make him happy he told me he was leaving.
To say that I was surprised would be stating the case mildly. There were no overt clues, no fights, nothing on the surface that I could have used to predict that this would happen. It was unbelievable. And a year later the horrible pain still sometimes makes my heart ache. My best friend, the person I wanted to spend the rest of my life with, didn't love me enough to sort through his problems and stay.
Although he would deny it, he had all of the power at that moment. He made the decision to go, to pack up the clothes I picked out for him, the artwork, the this and that collected over five years. I spent most of the time sobbing, my mind abnormal. I had to go see a psychologist, took wretched pills for a while that made me yawn and want to vomit. At work the receptionist couldn't figure out why I no longer smiled. The holidays were horrible. At times I wished I would never have to see him again. At other times all I wanted was to have him back.
A year later I still miss him. Miss the conversations about silly things, the feeling of trust and security that meant less to him that it did for me. As I sit in front of the computer tonight I wonder if I will ever have those feelings again.
Strange skies over Tucson.
To say that I was surprised would be stating the case mildly. There were no overt clues, no fights, nothing on the surface that I could have used to predict that this would happen. It was unbelievable. And a year later the horrible pain still sometimes makes my heart ache. My best friend, the person I wanted to spend the rest of my life with, didn't love me enough to sort through his problems and stay.
Although he would deny it, he had all of the power at that moment. He made the decision to go, to pack up the clothes I picked out for him, the artwork, the this and that collected over five years. I spent most of the time sobbing, my mind abnormal. I had to go see a psychologist, took wretched pills for a while that made me yawn and want to vomit. At work the receptionist couldn't figure out why I no longer smiled. The holidays were horrible. At times I wished I would never have to see him again. At other times all I wanted was to have him back.
A year later I still miss him. Miss the conversations about silly things, the feeling of trust and security that meant less to him that it did for me. As I sit in front of the computer tonight I wonder if I will ever have those feelings again.
Strange skies over Tucson.
Red flowers at San Rafael.
Friday, August 22, 2003
Yesterday's Arizona Daily Star carried a letter to the editor that I wrote:
"Procreation is only one reason for marriage
Arizona's Assistant Attorney General Kathleen Sweeney claims that homosexuals should not be allowed to marry because they are unable to procreate ("Goddard's office opposes gay marriage," Aug. 16).
If procreation is the standard that defines marriage, then why doesn't the state require fertility tests when people apply for a marriage license? And why are elderly people, specifically post-menopausal women, allowed to marry? What happens if scientists develop a technique that allows two women to make a baby related to both of them?
Marriage isn't always about procreation. In many cases it is also a business contract that allows assets to be shared between two unrelated people.
The state has better things to do with its money than hang on to discriminatory laws."
I have had over a dozen letters in the last year in the paper. This one struck a nerve and a number of my gay and straight friends called and emailed me to thank me for writing it. My hope is that someone, somewhere reads this letter and realizes that gay marriage is okay and the Religious Wrong are just filled with hate rather than the love they profess.
"Procreation is only one reason for marriage
Arizona's Assistant Attorney General Kathleen Sweeney claims that homosexuals should not be allowed to marry because they are unable to procreate ("Goddard's office opposes gay marriage," Aug. 16).
If procreation is the standard that defines marriage, then why doesn't the state require fertility tests when people apply for a marriage license? And why are elderly people, specifically post-menopausal women, allowed to marry? What happens if scientists develop a technique that allows two women to make a baby related to both of them?
Marriage isn't always about procreation. In many cases it is also a business contract that allows assets to be shared between two unrelated people.
The state has better things to do with its money than hang on to discriminatory laws."
I have had over a dozen letters in the last year in the paper. This one struck a nerve and a number of my gay and straight friends called and emailed me to thank me for writing it. My hope is that someone, somewhere reads this letter and realizes that gay marriage is okay and the Religious Wrong are just filled with hate rather than the love they profess.
Thursday, August 21, 2003
The Amazing Race was so exciting- Chip and Reichen, those lovely gay guys, WON! What was particularly fun was the last leg of the race was in Phoenix- and I have been to all of the places- the state capitol, Sun Devil Stadium, and Papago Park (which Reichen pronounced Pa-pago Park). Also amusing is that Papago Park is a huge gay cruising area. When I worked at the old Office of Cultural Resource Management office, located on the edge of the park, you would sometimes see men going off into the bushes in pursuit of their own Amazing Race.
Fraud update- I contacted the New England Historic Genealogical Society today and it turns out the faker is well known and they are collecting data on him. I hope he gets his ass thrown in the slammer.
Fraud update- I contacted the New England Historic Genealogical Society today and it turns out the faker is well known and they are collecting data on him. I hope he gets his ass thrown in the slammer.
Wednesday, August 20, 2003
Americans have a morbid interest in death row prisoner's last meals. Some one recently asked me what my last meal would be. It didn't take me long to make a list:
Lemonade
Eggplant parmesan
A little salad with honey mustard dressing
A side of mashed potatoes
Maybe some parsnips
Strawberry shortcake (with Bisquick biscuits)
A bar of really bitter chocolate and a glass of whole milk
By the way, capital punishment is wrong. It is just plain evil to kill people and the number of freed innocent people, released from death rows across the United States, makes it obvious that we have a crappy legal system.
Lemonade
Eggplant parmesan
A little salad with honey mustard dressing
A side of mashed potatoes
Maybe some parsnips
Strawberry shortcake (with Bisquick biscuits)
A bar of really bitter chocolate and a glass of whole milk
By the way, capital punishment is wrong. It is just plain evil to kill people and the number of freed innocent people, released from death rows across the United States, makes it obvious that we have a crappy legal system.
Tuesday, August 19, 2003
So the guy that was trying to sell me faked family tree data got himself screwed. He hadn't cashed the check by this morning so I went to my credit union and asked them whether they could stop payment. They could, which seems kinda amazing, and instead of $100 wasted I only lost $15 which was the charge for the process. The Faker sent me two emails after I questioned him and it rapidly became apparent that he is a pathological liar. He wrote:
"You will not find any [reliable] data on the Fagan family online because no one has posted anything on them. I am the only living individual who has ever done serious research on the New England branch of the family. The data that you found on Worldconnect.com was my data originally (which I shared with the submitter); however, I asked her specifically NOT to post the data because the software that she used to upload the GEDCOM [a geneaology database file] created a host of errors (including the one that you mentioned). [comments- it is impossible for a GEDCOM file to create those types of errors. Also the Fagan family appears to be imaginary]
Few members of this progeny appear in early census records for a variety or reasons: Primarily because they were "Torries" (British sympathizers) and did not make themselves particularly accessible to anyone associated with post-Revolutionary Yankee government (with census-takers on the top of that list). [comments- bullcrap- Tories didn't dodge the census, especially by the early 1800s, when the war was a distant memory]
Rest assured that the information that I have shared with you is accurate."
The $15 was almost worth the amusement this created, but I wonder how many other people have lost money to this kid.
"You will not find any [reliable] data on the Fagan family online because no one has posted anything on them. I am the only living individual who has ever done serious research on the New England branch of the family. The data that you found on Worldconnect.com was my data originally (which I shared with the submitter); however, I asked her specifically NOT to post the data because the software that she used to upload the GEDCOM [a geneaology database file] created a host of errors (including the one that you mentioned). [comments- it is impossible for a GEDCOM file to create those types of errors. Also the Fagan family appears to be imaginary]
Few members of this progeny appear in early census records for a variety or reasons: Primarily because they were "Torries" (British sympathizers) and did not make themselves particularly accessible to anyone associated with post-Revolutionary Yankee government (with census-takers on the top of that list). [comments- bullcrap- Tories didn't dodge the census, especially by the early 1800s, when the war was a distant memory]
Rest assured that the information that I have shared with you is accurate."
The $15 was almost worth the amusement this created, but I wonder how many other people have lost money to this kid.
Monday, August 18, 2003
I shook hands with Howard Dean at around 10 AM today.
The New York Times has an article on why humans lost most of their fur. I know some men who haven't.
I have exchanged an email with Jonno, sending him some info on one of his cute dead guys. Jonno, who must be overwhelmed with emails, is still a lovely, polite man.
I paid someone for some family history research and he sent me a pile of faked material- apparently he didn't think I was smart enough to discover that he had sent the same file, with a few small changes in the pertinent person, to someone else. Unfortunately for this stupid person, he included his parents names in the database and, despite sending me only a postoffice box number, it was relatively easy to find them in a reverse white pages directory. I wonder how they will feel when I contact them and explain how their son is ripping people off by charging money for bogus data. I talked with Pat about this before I sent the check, and we agreed that it might be a scam. And we were right. Unfortunately.
The New York Times has an article on why humans lost most of their fur. I know some men who haven't.
I have exchanged an email with Jonno, sending him some info on one of his cute dead guys. Jonno, who must be overwhelmed with emails, is still a lovely, polite man.
I paid someone for some family history research and he sent me a pile of faked material- apparently he didn't think I was smart enough to discover that he had sent the same file, with a few small changes in the pertinent person, to someone else. Unfortunately for this stupid person, he included his parents names in the database and, despite sending me only a postoffice box number, it was relatively easy to find them in a reverse white pages directory. I wonder how they will feel when I contact them and explain how their son is ripping people off by charging money for bogus data. I talked with Pat about this before I sent the check, and we agreed that it might be a scam. And we were right. Unfortunately.
Sunday, August 17, 2003
Books. I have been reading a lot lately. About halfway through Bangkok 8- a very trippy, informative crime novel. A heard about the book on NPR- which is where I also found out about Perdito Street Station by China Mieville. Mieville has a wicked imagination, I mean I don't know how he came up with some of his nightmarish ideas.
There are a few books that I read over again every couple of years. Malevil is the ultimate end-of-the-world story, set in fire-seared rural France. I have always loved the Borrowers series, at least the first three books. A Night to Remember by Walter Lord is a well-written account of the Titanic's last hours. Martin's Hundred by Ivor Noel Hume is the best archaeology book ever written.
My mother encouraged me to read when I was a kid. To this day I will pick up any magazine and manage to find something interesting to read. As a result I have a lot of useless and arcane information in my head and sometimes amaze friends by being able to discuss strange topics with some lucidity.
There are a few books that I read over again every couple of years. Malevil is the ultimate end-of-the-world story, set in fire-seared rural France. I have always loved the Borrowers series, at least the first three books. A Night to Remember by Walter Lord is a well-written account of the Titanic's last hours. Martin's Hundred by Ivor Noel Hume is the best archaeology book ever written.
My mother encouraged me to read when I was a kid. To this day I will pick up any magazine and manage to find something interesting to read. As a result I have a lot of useless and arcane information in my head and sometimes amaze friends by being able to discuss strange topics with some lucidity.
Friday, August 15, 2003
I hung out with Curtis today- had lunch at Time Market and then went with him over to an eyeglass shop so he could buy a pair of faux tortoise-shell frames. They make hi look like a librarian- very smart.
Joey cat just climbed onto my lap. This morning while I was sorting pottery she was being chased around by Princess. I was yelling 'Stop it! Can't you guys just get along." Unfortunately, the cats aren't bilingual.
Joey cat just climbed onto my lap. This morning while I was sorting pottery she was being chased around by Princess. I was yelling 'Stop it! Can't you guys just get along." Unfortunately, the cats aren't bilingual.
Thursday, August 14, 2003
I don't think I'm particularly artistic, although I like to take pretty pictures (and hope to put some on here when Blogspot gets their act together) and every Christmas I have a Holiday cookie decorating party that my friends all say is a lot of fun. I envy people who can draw well or paint or write music.
At last night's lecture a man told me he had come specifically to see who I was- he had been reading my letters to the editor to the Arizona Daily Star and agreed with me on everything. That was cool.
Only 32 days until I am 40.
At last night's lecture a man told me he had come specifically to see who I was- he had been reading my letters to the editor to the Arizona Daily Star and agreed with me on everything. That was cool.
Only 32 days until I am 40.
Wednesday, August 13, 2003
I'm giving a lecture tonight on the Presidio, the Spanish-Mexican period fort that once stood in the downtown area. I've been lucky over the last few years and have found several portions of the exterior wall and last winter the northeast tower. I've gotten good at public speaking, perhaps because I've given so many talks lately.
I was going to buy some plants this weekend but instead decided to pay bills. While I away in Michigan a few weeks ago most of my potted plants died, which kinda sucked since many of them were perennials. The two hibiscus bushes will be missed the most, since they bloomed most of the time.
Talked to my old friend Pat. I'm going to Washington DC to visit him and go to the National Archives to do research. I met Pat in 1987 and he is the best straight male friend I have. As he would say, "He's a wonderful kind of guy."
I was going to buy some plants this weekend but instead decided to pay bills. While I away in Michigan a few weeks ago most of my potted plants died, which kinda sucked since many of them were perennials. The two hibiscus bushes will be missed the most, since they bloomed most of the time.
Talked to my old friend Pat. I'm going to Washington DC to visit him and go to the National Archives to do research. I met Pat in 1987 and he is the best straight male friend I have. As he would say, "He's a wonderful kind of guy."
Tuesday, August 12, 2003
Had to drive down to the San Rafael Valley, southeast of Tucson, today to go look at the San Rafael Ranch. The ranch was purchased by the Arizona State Parks a few years ago and was the location for the movie "Oklahoma."
One of the reasons that Arizona can be so exciting is that there are so many different ecoystems. You arrive at San Rafael after driving through an oak forest near Patagonia. You go up a small rise and suddenly you are surrounded by a tall grass prairie with distant mountains in the background. It is really impressive, even though I'm not describing it particularly well. At the moment it is extremely green from the monsoon rains and in one spot the road is lined with native sunflowers that tower over your head. I had a good day hanging with Mark, my grad school roommate.
One of the reasons that Arizona can be so exciting is that there are so many different ecoystems. You arrive at San Rafael after driving through an oak forest near Patagonia. You go up a small rise and suddenly you are surrounded by a tall grass prairie with distant mountains in the background. It is really impressive, even though I'm not describing it particularly well. At the moment it is extremely green from the monsoon rains and in one spot the road is lined with native sunflowers that tower over your head. I had a good day hanging with Mark, my grad school roommate.
Monday, August 11, 2003
King George II was in town today. I can't stand to hear his nasal whine, perhaps because I know that everything he says is doublespeak. I wonder what would happen if he and his cronies were to actually speak the truth. Lies and secrecy, that is what Bush et al. know best.
I call the office of Senators Kyl and McCain fairly frequently. "Where are those weapons of mass destruction?" I ask. I was assured repeatedly before and during the war that they were there. The lack of credible evidence was clear enough to me at the time, especially after Colin Powell gave his speech at the UN. I guess I should feel vindicated but all I feel is sadness that so many people had to die because of Bush, Cheney, Powell, Rice, Rumsfield, Wolfowitz, etc.
The War in Iraq has bogged down and American soldiers die every couple of days. The economy is torpid and jobs are disappearing overseas. My prediction- the upcoming presidential election will be preceded by the start of another war (no president has lost during a war) and/or we will see gay marriage as one of the big campaign issues. Either way, Americans will not be winners- unless people wise up and vote a Democrat into office.
I call the office of Senators Kyl and McCain fairly frequently. "Where are those weapons of mass destruction?" I ask. I was assured repeatedly before and during the war that they were there. The lack of credible evidence was clear enough to me at the time, especially after Colin Powell gave his speech at the UN. I guess I should feel vindicated but all I feel is sadness that so many people had to die because of Bush, Cheney, Powell, Rice, Rumsfield, Wolfowitz, etc.
The War in Iraq has bogged down and American soldiers die every couple of days. The economy is torpid and jobs are disappearing overseas. My prediction- the upcoming presidential election will be preceded by the start of another war (no president has lost during a war) and/or we will see gay marriage as one of the big campaign issues. Either way, Americans will not be winners- unless people wise up and vote a Democrat into office.
Sunday, August 10, 2003
Went north to Phoenix yesterday to hang out with my friends B. and R. They live in a new apartment building. Very luxurious and comfortable. My favorite amenity- the polished granite kitchen counters. We went to a restaurant called My Flowers for a birthday dinner of a friend of theirs. I had peanut butter and blackberry jelly sandwiches. The birthday cake was really good- it had fudge in between the layers. Of course I had an unpleasant stomache ache afterwards.
We went to 'Pageant- The Musical" at the Herberger Theater. The play is about the Glamouresse Beauty Pageant and had six men dressed up as women- for instance "Miss Deep South" and "Miss Industrial Northeast." It was funny and at times the actors interacted with the audience in an amusing way. The pageant emcee was really good. While we were at the restaurant my short, cute buddy Bob showed up and he also sat in front of me at the theater. He is better looking every time I see him.
Gay guys in Phoenix tend to look alike- most of them have perfect haircuts and wear tight black shirts and slacks/designer jeans. When I am up in Phoenix I feel like a nerd. I mean, I give myself my own haircuts so they are never very good. And I am not interested in dress shirts, at least not enough to actually buy one. My friend Curtis gave me a cool vintage tuxedo shirt that only buttons halfway (your 'sposed to use studs for the rest). I wore it unbuttoned and felt I looked like a late 1970s stud.
We went to 'Pageant- The Musical" at the Herberger Theater. The play is about the Glamouresse Beauty Pageant and had six men dressed up as women- for instance "Miss Deep South" and "Miss Industrial Northeast." It was funny and at times the actors interacted with the audience in an amusing way. The pageant emcee was really good. While we were at the restaurant my short, cute buddy Bob showed up and he also sat in front of me at the theater. He is better looking every time I see him.
Gay guys in Phoenix tend to look alike- most of them have perfect haircuts and wear tight black shirts and slacks/designer jeans. When I am up in Phoenix I feel like a nerd. I mean, I give myself my own haircuts so they are never very good. And I am not interested in dress shirts, at least not enough to actually buy one. My friend Curtis gave me a cool vintage tuxedo shirt that only buttons halfway (your 'sposed to use studs for the rest). I wore it unbuttoned and felt I looked like a late 1970s stud.
Saturday, August 09, 2003
Bruce Kluger has a great editorial in the New York Times today on the interconnectedness of the internet. The 'Six Degrees of Separation" phenomena that was recently used in an attempt to discredit the gay bishop candidate from New Hampshire. A youth group he was involved with briefly had a website that, through websites it was linked to, eventually linked to a porn site. Since porn is the number one internet industry that is not the least bit surprising.
What if we targeted people based on their degrees of separation? Case in point:
George BUSH--->Dick RUMSFIELD--->Saddam HUSSEIN
Rummy actually shook hands with Sodomy Insane at a meeting during George I's reign.
Conspiracy theories- one of my favorites (?) is "Bill Clinton, murderer." According to a bunch of right wing fanatics, Clinton was responsible for the murders of a number of people who were connected to him in often tangential ways. Too much time on their hands. Now Terry Gross at NPR must be murdering a lot of people because lately her show has been re-running interviews with people who have mysteriously died. The last one I heard was Bob Hope. At least she waited until he was 100.
What if we targeted people based on their degrees of separation? Case in point:
George BUSH--->Dick RUMSFIELD--->Saddam HUSSEIN
Rummy actually shook hands with Sodomy Insane at a meeting during George I's reign.
Conspiracy theories- one of my favorites (?) is "Bill Clinton, murderer." According to a bunch of right wing fanatics, Clinton was responsible for the murders of a number of people who were connected to him in often tangential ways. Too much time on their hands. Now Terry Gross at NPR must be murdering a lot of people because lately her show has been re-running interviews with people who have mysteriously died. The last one I heard was Bob Hope. At least she waited until he was 100.
Friday, August 08, 2003
Family History I'm really into family history and local history- the small scale stuff. I am currently working on my portfolio to apply to become a certified genealogist and after a trip to the National Archives in October I am sending that application off. I like puzzles and mysteries. Where did someone come from? How long did they live? Who were their parents? Etc. Often you have scant clues to rely on and then maybe you make a cool discovery. It is nice that as part of my work I often end up researching the lives of the people that I dig up.
Totally changing topics. Tucson has a "men's bar," the Venture Inn, and I am not sure I want to spend my dollars there. They kicked drag queens out in December, called the police on them, since the owner wants the place to maintain its "maleness," whatever that is. It disturbs me that gays belittle each other or say things like I'm "straight acting" or "not into this or that ethnic/racial group." It seems to me that the last thing a minority group needs to do is tear apart each other rather than the oppressors who would rather that we hide in a hole in the ground. I also hate the fact that gay bars usually don't have windows and are so hidden away. I understand the reasoning behind this, I just can't wait for the day when gays are considered absolutely boring.
Totally changing topics. Tucson has a "men's bar," the Venture Inn, and I am not sure I want to spend my dollars there. They kicked drag queens out in December, called the police on them, since the owner wants the place to maintain its "maleness," whatever that is. It disturbs me that gays belittle each other or say things like I'm "straight acting" or "not into this or that ethnic/racial group." It seems to me that the last thing a minority group needs to do is tear apart each other rather than the oppressors who would rather that we hide in a hole in the ground. I also hate the fact that gay bars usually don't have windows and are so hidden away. I understand the reasoning behind this, I just can't wait for the day when gays are considered absolutely boring.
Thursday, August 07, 2003
I'm addicted to the Amazing Race show. I sit on the couch and yell at the television, "You are so stupid!" or "Run!" It probably relates to the horrible hurry-hurry dreams I have in which I am attempting to get people to leave burning buildings or the scene of an impending disaster. The gay guys, Chip and Reichen, are my favorites. Chip looks good in a swimsuit. I also like the clowns, Jon and Al, who make a nice straight couple.
I don't have extended cable so I'm missing out on Bravo's gay series. My sister Susan is a big fan of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy and when I was back in Michigan a couple of weeks ago we watched two episodes. The blonde style guy- personally I think he needs a few style tips. What awful hair. Of course, he actually has a full head. My hair is thinning dramatically on top and all of the lying of my friends "You aren't going bald!" will not make it grow back.
I don't have extended cable so I'm missing out on Bravo's gay series. My sister Susan is a big fan of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy and when I was back in Michigan a couple of weeks ago we watched two episodes. The blonde style guy- personally I think he needs a few style tips. What awful hair. Of course, he actually has a full head. My hair is thinning dramatically on top and all of the lying of my friends "You aren't going bald!" will not make it grow back.
Wednesday, August 06, 2003
Redheads Can someone explain why men with auburn or red hair are so attractive? Ever since I was in high school I have had this thing for them. I dunno why, I just like that look. Maybe I should move to Ireland or Scotland.
Actually, the thought of moving to another country has been going through my head a lot lately. If the Republicans manage to finagle their proposed constitutional amendment against gay marriage I don't think I will want to stay in the United States. It is very tiresome to be hated and loathed by a significant portion of the population because of unrational religious beliefs. Where to go? I'm terrible at language so the most likely place would be Canada. That would be a big change- moving north to the cold, the wet, the snowy. But maybe that would be okay. There is not a lot holding me here in Tucson besides my job. I have some really good friends and a house that I would never sell (housing is very cheap here and I could rent this for the mortgage payment). But in a year or two I may be ready for a big change.
Actually, the thought of moving to another country has been going through my head a lot lately. If the Republicans manage to finagle their proposed constitutional amendment against gay marriage I don't think I will want to stay in the United States. It is very tiresome to be hated and loathed by a significant portion of the population because of unrational religious beliefs. Where to go? I'm terrible at language so the most likely place would be Canada. That would be a big change- moving north to the cold, the wet, the snowy. But maybe that would be okay. There is not a lot holding me here in Tucson besides my job. I have some really good friends and a house that I would never sell (housing is very cheap here and I could rent this for the mortgage payment). But in a year or two I may be ready for a big change.
Tuesday, August 05, 2003
Current Events
I'm suffering from a reverse farmer's tan. I went skinny dipping at a friend's pool on Sunday and although I applied sunscreen, I forgot to do my upper arms. The rest of me is slightly brown and like everyone else, I think I look better with a little tan skin.
I took pity on the kitties this afternoon and allowed them into the kitchen/dining room- after I carefully covered the couches so Joey can't piss on them. They seem very happy, especially because they can sit in the backdoor and look out.
Chuck George is reading the weather on the telly. He was gone for a few years and came back to Tucson. Did he have plastic surgery? Or maybe its just the blinding whiteness of his teeth. I miss Tom Johnston, who was soooo cute.
I'm monitoring the restoration of an old adobe house in the oldest part of Tucson. I've been digging holes beneath the floor before scaffolding and jacks are installed to hold the upper portion of the house up as the damaged adobe bricks near the base of the wall are replaced. I've been finding prehistoric artifacts (pottery, a piece of a shell bracelet, flaked stone) and Presidio era items- including some majolica pottery and a really cool Spanish period nail. I've also been researching the history of the house and its first occupants. It's really fun and a relief from sitting at my desk writing.
I was the successful bidder on some divided Mallo Ware plates on Ebay. I cobbled together the "Official Mallo Ware Collector's Website" using dull Microsoft FrontPage last year. My ceramics dishes from Pier One were all chipped and looking ugly. I pulled out my mother's melamine dishes from the 50s and 60s and got on Ebay and found some more. My friends are always amazed when they see them and recently a co-worker went online and started her own collection. I'm still looking for a few colors and a cafeteria tray to complete my collection.
What else? I'm trying to upgrade on Blogger so I can put photos on here but it is being ornery.
I'm suffering from a reverse farmer's tan. I went skinny dipping at a friend's pool on Sunday and although I applied sunscreen, I forgot to do my upper arms. The rest of me is slightly brown and like everyone else, I think I look better with a little tan skin.
I took pity on the kitties this afternoon and allowed them into the kitchen/dining room- after I carefully covered the couches so Joey can't piss on them. They seem very happy, especially because they can sit in the backdoor and look out.
Chuck George is reading the weather on the telly. He was gone for a few years and came back to Tucson. Did he have plastic surgery? Or maybe its just the blinding whiteness of his teeth. I miss Tom Johnston, who was soooo cute.
I'm monitoring the restoration of an old adobe house in the oldest part of Tucson. I've been digging holes beneath the floor before scaffolding and jacks are installed to hold the upper portion of the house up as the damaged adobe bricks near the base of the wall are replaced. I've been finding prehistoric artifacts (pottery, a piece of a shell bracelet, flaked stone) and Presidio era items- including some majolica pottery and a really cool Spanish period nail. I've also been researching the history of the house and its first occupants. It's really fun and a relief from sitting at my desk writing.
I was the successful bidder on some divided Mallo Ware plates on Ebay. I cobbled together the "Official Mallo Ware Collector's Website" using dull Microsoft FrontPage last year. My ceramics dishes from Pier One were all chipped and looking ugly. I pulled out my mother's melamine dishes from the 50s and 60s and got on Ebay and found some more. My friends are always amazed when they see them and recently a co-worker went online and started her own collection. I'm still looking for a few colors and a cafeteria tray to complete my collection.
What else? I'm trying to upgrade on Blogger so I can put photos on here but it is being ornery.
Monday, August 04, 2003
Archaeology I've wanted to be an archaeologist ever since I was 8 or 9. In 1972 my mom showed me a National Geographic article about the island of Santorini, which had a volcano that erupted about 4,000 years ago, burying a Minoan city in ash. Lots of nifty things found there- the most exciting are beautiful frescoes of monkeys, boys boxing, women gathering fruit for a ritual, flowers, etc. When I visited Santorini in 1996 it was kind of a letdown, since there was no museum. Since that time they have opened one and you can actually see the artifacts and frescoes there instead of at the National Museum in Athens.
So I went away to U of Michigan, got an A.B. degree, specializing in human bone analysis. Went away for a 10 week long dig in Mountainair, New Mexico- got hooked on the craft of archaeology. It really does take a lot of skill to be able to read the soil. And then returned to Ann Arbor for the worst months of my life. I didn't know how to get an archaeology job and my professors were no help, they didn't realize that there was archaeology outside of academia. I ended up working at the U of Michigan Business School taking care of their journal collection.
Oh my, that was an evil job. I replaced a woman who was mildly retarded. What took her 8 hrs to do I could finish in 4 hrs. And then I would have to find something to do. My superiors nagged at me to buy more "business-like" attire. Finally I had to tell them that at $5.91 an hour (this is in 1986-1987) there was no way I could afford dressy clothes. They nagged at me about my handwriting. I had to write call numbers on the outside of the journals. Except the business students were soooo stupid that the journals were filed alphabetically, so it didn't matter what the call number was. They nagged because I would read Time and Newsweek on my break and because I didn't eat in the cafeteria with the students boasting about their $60k jobs they were going to be getting.
I started going to work 5 minutes late each day, and then started leaving 5 minutes early, knowing that in 48 days I would get a free day out of the stolen time. Luckily I didn't have to wait. On the day I had my introductory lunch with the head of the library the National Park Service called and hired me for a dig at Fort Union Trading Post in North Dakota. Off I went to start my exciting new life.
So I went away to U of Michigan, got an A.B. degree, specializing in human bone analysis. Went away for a 10 week long dig in Mountainair, New Mexico- got hooked on the craft of archaeology. It really does take a lot of skill to be able to read the soil. And then returned to Ann Arbor for the worst months of my life. I didn't know how to get an archaeology job and my professors were no help, they didn't realize that there was archaeology outside of academia. I ended up working at the U of Michigan Business School taking care of their journal collection.
Oh my, that was an evil job. I replaced a woman who was mildly retarded. What took her 8 hrs to do I could finish in 4 hrs. And then I would have to find something to do. My superiors nagged at me to buy more "business-like" attire. Finally I had to tell them that at $5.91 an hour (this is in 1986-1987) there was no way I could afford dressy clothes. They nagged at me about my handwriting. I had to write call numbers on the outside of the journals. Except the business students were soooo stupid that the journals were filed alphabetically, so it didn't matter what the call number was. They nagged because I would read Time and Newsweek on my break and because I didn't eat in the cafeteria with the students boasting about their $60k jobs they were going to be getting.
I started going to work 5 minutes late each day, and then started leaving 5 minutes early, knowing that in 48 days I would get a free day out of the stolen time. Luckily I didn't have to wait. On the day I had my introductory lunch with the head of the library the National Park Service called and hired me for a dig at Fort Union Trading Post in North Dakota. Off I went to start my exciting new life.
Sunday, August 03, 2003
Cats As I sit at my computer my cats surround me. Joey, a rare orange female tabby, sits to my right. Like all cats she is enamored by sitting on stray pieces of paper or cloth. Joey doesn't like Princess or Bear, who are playing on the floor, and meows angrily if they get to close. Unfortunately she decided last year to piss on the furniture as a way of expressing this anger. Very frustrating, since otherwise she is a really lovely beast. Mama Cat is sitting in the dining room. She is the only one allowed in my bedroom at night. She lies next to me, hoping I will reach out and pet her. Perhaps she is my favorite. She was the first cat, rescued from my backyard- knocked up and giving birth a week later to five kittens. Or maybe it is Puff, who is a lap baby. He is the sweetest to strangers, coming up to them and demanding to be handled. Puff is a big black pussy cat, and acts kinda girlish, my mother saying once to me 'That cat is confused." Bear is also black, and is a big wuss, letting Joey push him around. Bear's sister Princess is a gray lilac point Siamese with beautiful light blue eyes. She is the prettiest and I think she knows it.
And then there is Homer- who basically lets the cats rule his life. Is that a bad thing?
And then there is Homer- who basically lets the cats rule his life. Is that a bad thing?
Saturday, August 02, 2003
Monsoon season in Tucson seems to last forever. Hellish heat and high humidity make Homer an unhappy homo. My house has swamp coolers- basically boxes mounted on the roof through which water runs over sisal pads and a blower pushes air through the pads into the house. When the humidity is low they are very effective at cooling. When the humidity is high you get to enjoy a cooler, moist house. Paper curls, my sheets are damp, it isn't much fun. Last night was just plain disgusting. We need the rain, but I kinda wish the monsoon season was over.
Friday, August 01, 2003
Today's paper breathlessly discusses the issue of gay marriage. Our pretend president and the Vatican, both morally superior to the rest of us sinners, have nothing nice to say about the matter. Somehow gays and lesbians getting married is going to bring about the downfall of heterosexual marriages. Yeah, right. It is really about power and putting people in their place. Many people have this unacknowledged desire to be "better" than other people. Religious people seem to have this need a lot more than non-religious (you are going to hell if you don't believe X, Y, and Z!). Republicans want to stir up their loyal voters with the issue. It is also helpful for Pretend President to divert attention from the awful economy and those missing Iraqi WMDs. My opinion? Well, gays and lesbians pay a lot of taxes and they should have the same right to enter into a legal partnership (AKA marriage) as anyone else.
In other news, Joey cat is not happy. I have five cats- Mama cat, Puff, Joey, Princess, and Bear. Mama cat was first and she is the mother of Puff and Joey, born on 1 April 2000. Last May I found Princess and Bear in the backyard- they were tiny horribly sick kittens. I fed them and their two brothers (who were adopted by a lovely co-worker) and ended up getting attached to them. So five cats. And Miss Joey hates Princess and Bear and is mean to them and then decided to starting pissing on the furniture. So now the cats are forced to live in the study-their bathroom-dining room. Joey is especially mad because all of the lovely cushioned furniture is off limits so she has to use the litter box. It is rather inconvenient and something will have to eventually change. Maybe I'll send Joey off to piss on the Pope's cushy couch.
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In other news, Joey cat is not happy. I have five cats- Mama cat, Puff, Joey, Princess, and Bear. Mama cat was first and she is the mother of Puff and Joey, born on 1 April 2000. Last May I found Princess and Bear in the backyard- they were tiny horribly sick kittens. I fed them and their two brothers (who were adopted by a lovely co-worker) and ended up getting attached to them. So five cats. And Miss Joey hates Princess and Bear and is mean to them and then decided to starting pissing on the furniture. So now the cats are forced to live in the study-their bathroom-dining room. Joey is especially mad because all of the lovely cushioned furniture is off limits so she has to use the litter box. It is rather inconvenient and something will have to eventually change. Maybe I'll send Joey off to piss on the Pope's cushy couch.
