JOIN THE IMPACT

So, in the past couple of days I have been busy scurrying around Twitter and checking out various post and links. I came across a Postcard Campaign which I think is a very easy way for anyone to let thier voice be heard. It only requires a postcard, a stamp and a moment of your time. It is one small way individuals can aid in the fight to ensure the civil rights of all people are upheld. Below you will find directions for involvement. If you personally do not wish to be involved, I urge you to pass along a link to my page to some of your friends who this may be of interest to. The following is a copy of the information for you---

President-elect Barack Obama has made some important promises to the LGBT community. We have to make sure he follows through. What better way to do it than to send him a friendly little reminder? Here's how... BUY A POSTCARD: It would be great if it had the name of your city or state on it, but feel free to get creative.

WRITE THIS MESSAGE:
Dear President-elect Obama, Please repeal D.O.M.A.! All Americans should have the right to marry. Thank you in advance for advocating for the civil rights of your LGBT citizens. Sincerely,

MAIL TO: President-elect Barack ObamaPresidential Transition Office Kluczynski Federal Building 230 S. Dearborn St., 38th Floor Chicago, IL 60604

NEXT STEPS:1. Help spread the word. Forward a link to this site to your friends, family, co-workers and neighbors2. Send a postcard to Obama every day until 11/28. Take a photo of you mailing your postcard and post it here.3. Stay active in the Join the Impact network. Add your opinions and ideas, and help plan upcoming events. JOIN THE IMPACT!
LET'S SEND AS MANY POSTCARDS AS WE CAN

Call for local/ international invovement in support of civil rights

Gays, lesbians, and straight allies plan to call in “gay” to volunteer within their local LGBT communities on December 10, 2008 to protest passage of anti-gay constitutional amendments in Arizona, Florida, and California. Wherever possible, gay Americans and allies plan to volunteer for local gay and civil rights organizations across the country through a brand new national database at www.daywithoutagay.wetpaint.org. Every day since Election Day, thousands have protested up and down streets in cities across California, including in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco and Sacramento. A national, grassroots coalition of LGBT activists have followed in their footsteps. Now gay citizens and their allies are teaming up to show America and the world the compassion, the love, and the posititve spirit of the gay community through service. On December 10, 2008 the gay community will take a historic stance against hatred by donating their time to a variety of different causes in order to raise public awareness of the need for LGBT equality in marriage and in other civil rights. To search or post a volunteer opportunity, visit http://daywithoutagay.org/ and join the more than 20,000 others who have already posted, joined, or visited the site to make a change in their community.

Quote for today:

The USA was founded in the name of democracy, equality and individual freedom, but is failing to deliver the fundamental promise of protecting rights for all.-- Amnesty International

I just don't get it...

I sit in amazement of this past election. Not so much because we did elect the first black President . Not because this election did, in fact,draw in people who have never voted or never cared about politics before. I guess what amazes me is that so many of the same people who professed to vote for a platform that called for "change" as well as Unity, reform and social justice for ALL..would on the other hand vote to legalize discrimination as voters did in states such as California and my home state of Florida.
In implementing state constitutional amendments banning the marriage of gay couples--these voters have willingly assimilated discrimination into state law. I guess many just do not care about the equal protection clause of the 14th amendment or due process, for that matter. I personally find such voters to be extreme hypocrites. In essence they have made a statement that is the equivalent of saying " I am not prejudice, but I support segregation." It's completely asinine.
The sacred institution of marriage..so sacred that the divorce rate in the USA hovers around 60 percent! yeah, really sounds like those male/female only marriages have a ton of room to lecture on what marriage should and should not be. They are so good at making them work, ya know. I also hear the religious bigots ( and no I am not anti christian or anti religion--faith , belief and worship are wonderful things), you know, the ones who prefer to pull out only those pieces of the bible that pertain to their cause to spread hate..while totally ignoring other parts. I wonder how many of these morons seek confession for the sinful fornication they indulge in..after all, fornication is purely to procreate..not for physical pleasure. Fornication for pleasure falls under "lust"--one of the 7 deadly sins.
So what is it with people? Gays/Lesbians are not taking anything away from any group or individual. Is it really to much to ask to be treated equally under the law? Ignorance, fear and prejudice are the only plausible reasons in my mind that anyone would vote for legal discrimination.Really, I just don't get it. I had really hoped, as a country we had come further. Instead, its now our own law that destroys us by defeating the unity that is necessary to ensure our freedoms.I just don't get it.

Quote for today:

"Boredom: the desire for desires."--Leo Tolstoy

Pumpkin Bars, easy and good!

" Nobody realizes that some people expend tremendous energy merely to be normal"--Albert Camus

Off to a good start today

Well, the weekend is here! woo hoo! It looks like tonight is going to be movie and munchies night. I received my confirmation email that the next disc of "Heroes" will be in today. I had never watched the series when it first aired. I actually rented the first disc of season one because Tom thought it might be interesting. After seeing the first disc, all I can say is , "interesting" only scratches the surface of adjectives that could be used to describe the series! I am really looking foreword to seeing the last disc of season one tonight.
After my "wake up" coffee, I figured it would be a good idea to get some things done around the house.You know--those dreaded, unfinished task that drive you crazy if you let them go to long. Like picking up the empty soda bottle and slim Jim wrapper that got left on the end table the night before, putting away that mountain of dishes that was left out to air dry after last nights dinner and vacuuming the carpet that is now matted with dog hair..because yesterday it "could wait another day." In all, not really a lot to do..but enough that it kept me busy this morning.
My afternoon is now free to get some things fixed for tonight. I think it is just going to be some basic "finger food." One thing I like to do is spread cream cheese on salami and roll it up. It seems to go pretty good with snack crackers or chips. Anyhow, it's nice to have a jump on things today. I may take some more time to surf around the web and explore.
I found some gadgets to add to my spot yesterday. Of course those are all subject to change! I did seem to run into many that could not be used because they needed fixed.No biggie..I still have tons to look through. I also got the banner and template changed yesterday. A work in progress I suppose! That said, I better get this posted and move on with the day.

Quote for today:

"Only those who ask for more can get more and only those who know there is more, ask." ---Alan Cohen

Asking for creative input/suggestions

Well, I had a totally different plan for today...but, it appears I am going to have to adjust. It has been a little crazy the last couple of days. I went from total relaxation to overload! I seem to let myself begin to research something and become totally engrossed in it. Today it has been figuring out Skype, a Fring app on my iPod Touch and this Blog format and layout. I've been searching through the various "gadgets" and templates. If you happen to notice my page changing several times today--you now know why!
When I first decided to create a blog, I actually had no idea what I was doing. For that matter, its all still very new and I am somewhat in the "trial and error" stage of molding my little corner of the blogosphere . I have looked through other blogs and searched through "YouTube" for some hints and help. To tie this all into my last post, I guess I would have to say one of my first goals then, is to get this Blog set up properly. I will be doing more research today and probably several changes to the format. I would sure appreciate any suggestions from those who have had some experience in setting up a successful blog. My main goal is simply to express some thoughts,views etc. through writing and photos. I do not profess to be an "expert" on any particular subject. My background has ranged from fast food to social services. My education background was in Psychology and my interest are numerous! pictures, Disney, fitness (exploring), social networking,movies, computers ( so much I'd love to learn), my family and my home life. Its a matter of organization and priorities I suppose! So, that said--I am off to research and explore just what all is available to do. Any suggestions or recommendations are greatly appreciated!!!

Quote for today:

"You can't teach people to be lazy - either they have it or they don't"--Dagwood Bumstead

Lazy Day

Well, I missed writing at coffee time today! Tom got up early, already had the coffee made and was headed out to the porch when I got up. It was a welcome change to the daily norm of spending 2 hours in the morning deep inside my own head. I enjoyed spending the morning making idle chit chat about the weather, how each of us slept and such. I guess it was Gods way of telling me I have been spending to much time in deep thought. I guess I am taking the Que and giving "deep thinking" a rest for today.

It was suggested that I may want to consider challenging myself; set some goals. Although I am going to let that rest for today.I think it was a suggestion I really needed to hear. Tomorrow I'll start to outline a couple of things I would like to do. For today..I am just going to enjoy the day for what it is and maybe read some other folks blogs, answer some emails..and ya know..just be a little lazy!

To our Veterans:

"And I’m proud to be an American,where at least I know I’m free.And I won’t forget the men who died,who gave that right to me."-- Lee Greenwood

Take a moment to remember

Remebering those who have given the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms. May we never forget or take for granted those who have served and those who have fallen for each and every one of us.

Quote for today:

"As you think, so you are. As you dream, so you become. As you create your wishes, so they create you." --Wendy Garrett

Morning coffee

It seems like once I reached that milestone of turning 40, I began putting a great deal more thought into "life." I have spent hour after hour focusing on the things I have (and have not) done in the past 40 years. Dealing with heartache, disappointment, fear; even joy, happiness and surprise...all the emotions that make us human. Naturally, I was eventually led to the question---"why am I here?" I started down that dead end road with empty answers that only leads to more "whys." Why did that happen to me? Why did I do this or that? What I began to realize is the "whys" were pretty irrelevant. WHY, after all, changes nothing. It only serves to justify a reason for. "Why did he/she treat me that way?" Maybe they just didn't like you, maybe they were jealous or maybe I was a jerk and deserved it! Maybe ,maybe maybe. It started to become clear that I needed to focus much less on "why" and much more on "HOW ." One can not change another, their past actions or choices.What one can do is change their self, their actions or responses to produce a much more desired result. One could continually ask why someone does not like them..but would it not make more sense to ask, how can I change this? "How" allows for us to change our current circumstances.It initiates action.

So just why am I here? it doesn't matter ( in my opinion anyway), what really matters is HOW I choose to live my life. How can I be a better person? how can I do all the things I want to do? I suppose it comes down to choices. How will taking road "A" affect me as opposed to alternate route "B." Choosing how to do something, which course to take, seems to me; a much more productive avenue than allowing all the whys to occupy space in my head. I believe the only thing in life that a person does not have a choice in..is the consequences for their choices. At this point, for me, I make the choice to strive to be the best person I am capable of being. The more I focus on how I am going to achieve this, the less I begin to care about all those "whys" from the past. The thoughts of a failed relationship or a lost job,missed opportunity...they just don't matter. I have an entire future to concentrate on. When I know how do things that better myself, like this blog ( for example), I know how to be a better friend, partner,brother and son. I no longer need to question, "why."

Quote for today:

"I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me they are the role model for being alive. " Gilda Radner

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Quote for today:

" All that we are is the result of what we have thought. The mind is everything. What we think, we become"--Buddha

Coffee Thoughts

I tend to do a lot of thinking in the mornings . I sit quietly on the porch consuming my daily quantity of coffee..and THINK. It's the best time for me;when my mind is free of the distractions..peaceful, calm. I got up early this morning as I always do..usually by 6 a.m. I sat alone flicking through the numerous songs on my iPod and selected a play list I have probably listened to 100 plus times. Music can set, enhance or even change a mood for me.Today I wanted something on the "mellow" side. A balled or easy listening. It set the stage for some thoughts on life and how we, as humans perceive things. How we are, in may respects, shaped by the meaning we give to words . In particular I thought of the word "forgive."
For much of my life I had assumed that to forgive just meant that whatever had happened was going to be forgotten and life would go on as it had in the past. It took me some years to discover that the word "forgive" did not imply forgetting anything. Forgiveness is really something we do for ourselves..so we can heal and go on with our lives. It really only implies that one will not allow a given situation to stifle their person growth. In short ..it means the event just does not matter anymore. Forgiveness is not condoning or validating ones actions or their behavior. It is not a "get out off jail free" card. Attaching a new perspective to how I was defining "forgive" changed the way I viewed both, other people and myself. It is much easier to hold onto anger and resentment when someone has done wrong by us. It is human nature for many. Only when one fully grasp the true meaning of forgiveness can pain subside and healing begin. To forgive is courageous..to be forgiven..is a gift.

Quote for today:

"Happiness is not a goal; it is a by-product"--Eleanor Roosevelt-

Disney Mania

I've been a huge Disney fanatic since I was a little boy. One of my earliest memories of anything Disney was when I was about 7 or 8...My dad had entered the demolition derby at the county fair. I guess maybe my mom thought I was to young to go and watch it..or maybe I just didn't want to go! I really do not recall..but I do remember that dad won! and I remember him coming home with small gifts for us. He gave me my first Disney watch! a circa 1970's pocket watch..I loved it! I remember he also purchased a strap so I would not lose it when I carried it..and carry it I did! I can recall pulling it out when it was time to watch re-runs of the original "Mickey Mouse Club" that aired every afternoon on the local TV station..how I loved that watch.To this day it is remembered as one of the most special gifts I ever received. So, I guess that's where it all started. My mom used to buy all those old Disney Albums and and storybooks with the 45's included...anyone else remember those? Every Sunday night was the "Wonderful World of Disney" on ABC..another one of my favorite memories! More than anything..I wanted to go see that castle! I wanted to make it to Disney World...little did I know then, that 30 some years later I would live close enough to Disney World to visit on a regular basis!

Today I am a Florida resident pass holder. Disney World has become a special place, not just for me--but for Tom as well.It is indeed "OUR" place. Where else can two middle aged guys go..dress up as pirates and become a kid all over again? As many times as we have gone, I still find something new that I missed the time before! We both have our favorite attractions. I think in future postings I will highlight what those are and give my own "review" of some of them.

One thing we both enjoy is pin trading. I got that bug a few years back! its a great way to interact with Disney cast members and add some memories by keeping track of where you obtained a particular pin. Disney cast members are always great at striking up a conversation with pin traders! Many will point out where to look for the many "hidden mickey's" throughout the parks. Most recently I was told there is one that can be found during the uphill climb in the Yeti temple portion of "Everest" at Animal Kingdom..I have yet to locate it!

Our last trip to Disney was this past October for "Mickeys not so scary Halloween Party." We have another trip coming up in December for "Mickeys very merry Christmas party"--I am looking foreword to seeing the castle all lit up and the candle light procession at Epcot. I will be sure to post about our trip.

I have found many Disney enthusiast across the web, all with their own wonderful stories and memories to share. I thought it was about time to share some of mine.

Morning coffee

-- Post From My iPhone

Mornings are probably my favorite part of the day. I usually get up pretty early; between 5 and 6 a.m. I am usually up first. I like that, it gives me some good "alone time" where I can sit, think, listen to music, check my email and ponder on exactly what it is I want to do with my day. Lately, I have been thinking on things I would like to start doing..like getting in shape! I recieved an email from an old friend the other day. He is a couple years older that I am. He is taking the time to do some things for himself..working out included. It reminded me that I am not to old to start myself! It also tells me that thinking I am to old is only myself trying to BS my way out of doing something I know full well would be in my best interest! So, maybe it is time bite the bullet,start small and go from there. I suppose while I am on this "doing things to better myself" kick, I should look into some healthier eating as well. I missed that whole "lets get physical" kick in the 80's..and somehow never really caught onto the craze. I am well overdo for and overhaul! Striving to reach your true potential is never a bad thing; that said, I should get off here and start researching some tips for "healthier living". I am glad I have the mornings to to quietly plan in my head the many things I want to do. I think all people need their own bit of time to themselves. BTW, Don't I look real lively and awake? ha ha

Quote for today:

"Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes"--Carl Jung

People and Places

Being new to the whole Blog scene, I thought I would show some of the people and places that have been important to me. You notice there are a lot of pictures from Disney..well, pretty self expanatory..I am a huge Disney fan! It has been a huge bonus being a Floridian! A short drive and I am at the happiest place on earth! My partner and I have decided that it is "our" place..where we can unwind, relax and just have fun escaping from the usual ho hum day to day grind. I moved to Florida from Illinois about 3 years ago. I included some pictures of my family in the collage..my family has always been important to me...more-so than they probably even realize. Sometimes I feel as if I am missing out on seeing my great neices grow up..I suppose thats what trips home for holidays, emails,phone calls and pictures are for! I'm happy knowing they are well and they are happy that I have found something and someone so wonderful here. I look foreword to checking in and putting into words and pictures my thoughts,views and feelings about this sometimes crazy world we all share! and for my mom ( who is somewhat technologically challenged-lol) click on the pic to see a larger version!